Kawaii Neko : 100 Cute Japanese Cat Names With Their Meanings

Kawaii Neko : Japanese Cat Names

Calling your pet fur ball with the usual names is now out of season. You should try new names that are apt, cute, stylish and unique. So here is an article that lists (Kawaii Neko) out super-adorable Japanese cat names for your felines.

Since 600 A.D., cats have been revered and respected in Japanese culture. They were given special attention even in the royal courts.

The most sacred form of cat found in Japan is the “Maneki Neko”, a depiction of the Japanese bobtail cat which is the symbol of good luck and fortune.

Cats guard the holy Buddhist shrines from mice and rats. They are even featured in Japanese artwork and plays. Below are some meaningful (Kawaii Neko ) and exotic Japanese cat names to choose from.

Did You Know about Japanese Cats?

In Japanese folklore, it is believed that a cat born with a black mark on its back that looks like a woman’s kimono carries the soul of a great ancestor. These cats are called “Kimono cats” and are often kept in temples for protection.

While there’s nothing wrong with taking the more traditional route when it comes to choosing a name for your cat, many owners like to inject a bit of creativity into the naming process.

I’ll forever be disappointed in my twelve-year-old self for naming our first family cat ‘Mittens.’ Sure, she has adorable white feet, but I could have tried to be at least a little bit original!

Japanese Cat Names : Kawaii Neko

~ Aiko: Love Child

~ Akina: Autumn Greens

~ Aimi: Lovely Beauty

~ Amaya: Night Rain

~ Asami: Morning Beauty

~ Aya: Colorful Design

~ Asa: Born at Dawn

~ Ayaka: Colorful Flower

~ Chie: Wisdom

~ Chika: Scattered Flowers

~ Cho: Butterfly

~ Eiko: An Eternal Child

~ Emi: Beautiful Blessing

~ Eri: Blessed Gift

~ Ginkgo: A Shady Tree

~ Haruki: Spring Time Tree

~ Haiku: Japanese Poetry

~ Hideko: Splendid Child

~ Hikari: Radiance

~ Hiromi: Abundant Beauty

~ Hoshi: Star

~ Hotaru: Firefly

~ Kabuki: Japanese Dance

~ Kameko: Longevity

~ Kei: Blessed

~ Kioko: Happy

~ Kiyoshi: Quiet

~ Kohana: Little Flower

~ Koko: Short

~ Mai: Brightness

~ Masako: Elegant

~ Midori: Green

~ Miki: Beautiful Princess

~ Nami: Wave

~ Naoko: Esteemed

~ Nori: Percept

~ Noriko: Thunder

~ Natsu: Summer Born

~ Oki: Middle of the Ocean

~ Rei: Spirit

~ Reiko: Courteous

~ Ryoko: Bright

~ Saki: Blossom

~ Sakura: Cherry Blossom

~ Sayuri: Lily

~ Suki: Beloved

~ Sora: Sky

~ Umeko: Plum Blossom

~ Yoko: Sunny

~ Yoshie: Beautiful River

Male Japanese Cat Names (Kawaii Neko)

~ Akihiko: Bright Prince

~ Akihiro: Big Glory

~ Ayami: Iris

~ Bento: Boxed Lunch

~ Dai: Great

~ Daiki: Great Glory

~ Daisuke: Great Helper

~ Hiro: Generous

~ Honcho: Leader

~ Hisoka: Reserved

~ Ichiro: First Son

~ Isamu: Courage

~ Isao: Honor/Merit

~ Jiro: Second Son

~ Jun: Obedient

~ Judo: Fighter

~ Katsura: Victorious

~ Ken: Strong

~ Kin: Gold

~ Kioshi: Pure

~ Hoshi: Star

~ Hotaru: Firefly

~ Kabuki: Japanese Dance

~ Kameko: Longevity

~ Kei: Blessed

~ Kioko: Happy

~ Kiyoshi: Quiet

~ Kohana: Little Flower

~ Koko: Short

~ Koto: Japanese Harp

~ Makoto: True

~ Masaaki: True Brightness

~ Maeko: Honest

~ Mitsuo: Shining Man

~ Matsui: Pine

~ Nao: Docile

~ Nobu: Faith

~ Ninja: Mercenary Agent

~ Nintendo: Luck to Heaven

~ Norio: Man of Love

~ Ryu: Dragon

~ Samurai: Military Nobility

~ Sumo: Wrestler

~ Sho: To Fly

~ Suzuki: Bell Tree

~ Taiki: Large

~ Taka: Tall

~ Toshi: Mirror Image

~ Yoshi: Respectful

~ Yukio: Gets what he wants

Cats are greatly admired creatures and giving them names that match their personality will add to their exquisite charm.

Japan is a country that’s worshipped cats since ancient times.

It’s the birthplace of cat cafes and the traditional ‘lucky cat’ ornament and there are even islands off the coast that are inhabited entirely by cats!

Basically, it’s a cat lover’s paradise, and it has no shortage of potential cat names to offer.

Whether you have Japanese ancestry, adore Japanese culture, are an anime buff, or just want an interesting name, I promise you that a Japanese cat name is purr-fect for your new feline friend!

Popular Cat Names in Japan (Kawaii Neko)

Just like English speaking countries, Japan has its stereotypical, popular, and traditional cat names. The following are the top ten most commonly used feline names:

1. Momo– “Peach.”
2. Kuro – “Black.”
3. Hana– “Flower.”
4. Koko– “Short.”
5. Shiro– “White.”
6. Sora– “Sky.”
7. Fuku– “Lucky.”
8. Mei– “Beautiful.”
9. Kai– “Ocean or shell.”
10. Chibi– “Tiny.”

Looking through these names, it’s easy to see why each of them made the top ten list. If you’re looking for a non-specific but still unique and interesting cat name, these are your best bet!

Japanese Male Cat Names (Kawaii Neko)

The Japanese language has no shortage of perfect names for your new male cat or kitten. From the ultra-masculine “Katsuro” to gentler names like “Hoshi,” this list encapsulates the best male names that the language has to offer:

• Akemi – “Beautiful dawn.”
• Akio – “Glorious man.”
• Daiki – “Great nobility.”
• Hibiki – “Echo.”
• Hikaru – “Radiance.”
• Hiroshi – “Generous.”
• Hitoshi – “Even -tempered.”
• Isamu – “Courage.”
• Kaito – “Supportive.”
• Katashi – “Firm.”
• Katsuro – “Victorious son.”
• Kazuto – “Harmonious person.”
• Kenta – “Big and strong.”
• Kiyoshi – “Purity.”
• Kouki – “Light or hope.”
• Kunio – “Country man.”
• Michio – “Man on a journey.”
• Minoru – “Truth.”
• Mitsuo – “Shining hero.”
• Ninja – “Ninjutsu master.”
• Nobu – “Faith.”
• Norio – “Man of law.”
• Raiden – “Thunder and lightning.”
• Ren – “Love.”
• Riku – “Wise sky.”
• Ryu – “Dragon.”
• Samurai – “Japanese Warrior.”
• Satoru – “Daybreak.”
• Takeo – “Warrior Hero.”
• Tomi – “Prosperous.”
• Toshi – “Wise.”
• Yasushi – “Peace.”
• Yoshio – “Joyful life.”
• Yori – “Trust.”
• Yuzuki – “Gentle moon.”

Any of these names would be perfect for your new male cat or kitten. Browsing through the meanings and trying to find the ones that best suit your cat’s personality is a sure -fire way to come up with a name that fits your new pet.

Japanese Female Cat Names (Kawaii Neko)

Female cats can have a variety of personalities, ranging from sweet and princess -like to playful and boisterous. In Japanese, there are female names that suit all kinds of kitten personalities:

• Aia – “Ruler.”
• Arisu – “Noble.”
• Ayame – “Iris.”
• Chieko – “Child of wisdom.”
• Emi – “Beautiful blessing.”
• Haru – “Spring.”
• Hime – “Princess.”
• Hina – “Sun.”
• Hoshi – “Star.”
• Ichika – “Gift.”
• Izumi – “Fountain.”
• Jin – “Tender.”
• Junko – “Pure.”
• Kayda – “Little dragon.”
• Kichi – “Fortunate.”
• Kimiko – “Empress child.”
• Kyoko – “Respectful child.”
• Mai – “Dance.”
• Maiko – “Child of dance.”
• Midori – “Green.”
• Miku – “Beautiful sky.”
• Mitsu – “Light.”
• Moriko – “Child of the forest.”
• Nakano – “Female warrior.”
• Nanami – “Seven Seas.”
• Riko – “Child of truth.”
• Rin – “Dignified.”
• Sakura – “Cherry blossom.”
• Satoko – “Wise child.”
• Setsuko – “Melody child.”
• Shinju – “Pearl.”
• Suzu – “Bell.”
• Takara – “Treasure.”
• Tomoko – “Intellect.”
• Tomomi – “Beautiful friend.”
• Yasuko – “Child of peace.”
• Yoko – “Sunlight.”
• Yua – “Binding love.”
• Yuka – “Gentle flower.”

Many of these names have traditionally feminine meanings, like gentle flower and princess. However, I like that Japanese encompasses a broader range of female personalities with names meaning things like little dragon and female warrior.

If your new cat is more rough -and -tumble than dainty and delicate, there are still plenty of names to accommodate her!

Anime Cat Names (Kawaii Neko)

Japan is known for anime, the distinctive style of cartoon that fans around the world flock to. Below I’ve listed names from some of the most popular animes:

• Goku – From ‘Dragon Ball -Z.’
• Vegeta – From ‘Dragon Ball -Z.’
• Gohan – From ‘Dragon Ball -Z.’
• Naruto – From ‘Naruto.’
• Sasuke – From ‘Naruto.’
• Hinata – From ‘Naruto.’
• Aang – From ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender.’
• Sokka – From ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender.’
• Katara – From ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender.’
• Toph – From ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender.’
• Kora – From ‘Avatar: The Legend of Korra.’
• Asami – From ‘Avatar: The Legend of Korra.’
• Mako – From ‘Avatar: The Legend of Korra.’
• Bolin – From ‘Avatar: The Legend of Korra.’
• Milo – From ‘Avatar: The Legend of Korra.’
• Totoro – From ‘My Neighbour Totoro.’
• Doraemon – From ‘Doraemon.’
• Nyan – From the game ‘Nyan Cat.’
• Ichigo – From ‘Bleach.’
• Rukia – From ‘Bleach.’
• Orihime – From ‘Bleach.’
• Misa – From ‘Death Note.’
• Ryuk – From ‘Death Note.’
• Shinji – From ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion.’
• Rei – From ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion.’
• Asuka – From ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion.’
• Misato – From ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion.’
• Kirito – From ‘Sword Art Online.’
• Asuna – From ‘Sword Art Online.’
• Suguha – From ‘Sword Art Online.’
• Yuzuru – From ‘Angel Beats.’
• Kanade – From ‘Angel Beats.’
• Hideki – From ‘Angel Beats.’
• Takamatsu – From ‘Angel Beats.’

While these names are slightly less unique than some of the others listed in this article, their recognizability could certainly be a positive for some new pet owners.

Cute / Kawaii Cat Names

Japanese culture is known for being cute or “kawaii.” It makes sense, then, that many Japanese people like to name their cats after things that are equally as cute. Some of these are so adorable that it makes me want to rename my own cats!

• Ai – “Love.”
• Aiko – “Little Love.”
• Akachan – “Baby.”
• Akina – “Spring flower.”
• Chika – “Scattered Flowers.”
• Cho – “Butterfly”
• Chotto – “Small.”
• Etsu – “Delight.”
• Hanako – “Flower child.”
• Hare – “Sunny.”
• Hashi – “Chopsticks.”
• Himari – “Sunflower.”
• Ichigo – “Strawberry.”
• Kamu – “Chewy.”
• Kanmi – “Sweetness.”
• Karikari – “Crunchy.”
• Kei – “Blessing.”
• Keiko – “Adored One.”
• Kegawa – “Fur.”
• Kioko – “Happy.”
• Kin – “Golden.”
• Koneko – “Kitten.”
• Maru – “Plump.”
• Mausu – “Mouse.”
• Minako – “Apple tree.”
• Mochi – “Rice cake.”
• Oishi – “Tasty.”
• Pinku – “Pink.”
• Rini – “Little bunny.”
• Rozu – “Rose.”
• Saki – “Blossom.”
• Satu – “Sugar.”
• Sayuri – “Little lilly.”
• Shai – “Shy.”
• Shizuka – “Quiet.’
• Suki – “Beloved.”
• Sushi – “… Sushi.”
• Suzume – “Sparrow.”
• Udon – “Thick wheat noodle.”
• Ume – “Plum blossom.”
• Watage – Fluff.”
• Yamu – “Yummy.’
• Yosei – “Fairy or sprite.”

Even if your new cat is a little devil some of these warm and squishy names could still apply in a sarcastic kind of way. There’s nothing cuter than a vicious beast of a kitten whose name means little lilly!

Japanese Black Cat Names

While black cats, or ‘Kuro Neko,’ are considered unlucky in many western cultures, in Japan they’re one of the most popular breeds.

This is because in Ancient Japan black cats were thought to be able to ward off bad luck more effectively than any other colour of cat. Because of this, there is no shortage of Japanese names for black cats:

• Akumi – “The dark.”
• Amaya – “Night rain.”
• An – “Dark.”
• Anri – “Dark jasmine.”
• Hai – “Ash.”
• Hatsuki – “Moon flower.”
• Hotaru – “Firefly.”
• Kage – “Shadow.”
• Kaguya – “Shining night.”
• Kuroguro – “Deep black”
• Makkuro – “Pitch black”
• Mayonaka – “Midnight.”
• Mika – “New Moon.”
• Mokutan – “Charcoal.”
• Sumi – “Black ink.”
• Sekitan – “Coal.”
• Susu – “Soot.”
• Tsuki – “Moon.”
• Tsukiko – “Moon child.”
• Yami – “Darkness.”
• Yamiyo – “Dark night.”
• Yasha – “Night devil.”
• Yoru – “Night.”

I particularly like the beautiful meanings behind some of these names. Night rain? Dark Jasmine? Shining night? Your new cat will end up being a feline poet!

Japanese White Cat Names

As it turns out, there’s a way to keep the charm of classic white -cat names while still making them seem unique and interesting – by translating them into Japanese! ‘Snowy’ becomes ‘Yuki,’ ‘Lily’ becomes ‘Yuri’ and ‘Daisy’ becomes ‘Deiji:’

• Akari – “Light.”
• Akira – “Bright.”
• Awai – “Pale.”
• Deiji – “Daisy.”
• Fuyu – “Winter.”
• Fuyuko – “Winter child.”
• Gin – “Silvery.”
• Iguru – “Igloo.”
• Kiri – “Fog.”
• Kitsune – “White fox.”
• Kori – “Ice.”
• Kumo – “Cloud.”
• Mashiro – “Pure White.”
• Miruku – “Milk”
• Misuto – “Mist.”
• Miyuki – “Beautiful snow.”
• Reiki – “Chill or cold.”
• Shimo – “Frost.”
• Sunoboru – “Snowball.”
• Tenshi – “Angel.”
• Tsurana – “Icicle.”
• Yuki – “Snow.”
• Yukiko – “Snow child.”
• Yurei – “Ghost or Spirit.”
• Yuri – “Lily.”
• Zoge – “Ivory.”

As with the black cats category, some of the meanings of these names sound like they’ve been plucked straight from poetry. Snow child? White fox? Beautiful!

Japanese Ginger Cat Names

Anyone who owns a ginger cat knows that they’re gorgeous and have big, beautiful personalities. Japan provides lots of unique names for your ginger cat that’ll match his or her quirks perfectly:

• Aka – “Red.”
• Akahana – “Red flower.”
• Akane – “Brilliant red.”
• Aki – “Autumn.”
• Anko – “Red bean paste.”
• Azuki – “Sweet Red Beans.”
• Cheda – “Cheddar cheese.”
• Do – “Copper.”
• Gorudo – “Gold.”
• Kabocha – “Pumpkin.”
• Kaede – “Maple.”
• Kasai – “Fire.”
• Kohaku – “Amber.”
• Kōkai – “Red Sea.”
• Koraru – “Coral.”
• Kyou – “Apricot.”
• Mikan – “Orange (fruit).”
• Moeru – “Blaze.”
• Orenji – “Orange (colour).”
• Sabita – “Rusty.”
• Shinku – “Crimson.”
• Shoga – “Ginger.”

Ginger cats often get saddled with stereotypical names, but they deserve so much more than that! Any of these names would be a perfect substitute for the ordinary “Ginger” or “Rusty.”

Japanese Tabby / Brown Cat Names

When it comes to naming based on colour, tabby cats can be tricky. There’s only so many names that you can come up with based on the colour brown, but thankfully there’s no shortage of tabby -themed names in Japanese:

• Amondo – “Almond.”
• Beju – “Beige.”
• Buchi – “Tabby.”
• Choco – “Chocolate.”
• Kasshoku – “Brown.”
• Kokoa – “Cocoa.”
• Komugi – “Wheat.”
• Kosho – “Pepper.”
• Kuri – “Chestnut.”
• Kurumi – “Walnut.”
• Natsumegu – “Nutmeg.”
• Reo – “Leo.”
• Shima – “Stripes.”
• Shinrin – “Woodland or forest.”
• Tafi – “Toffee.”
• Tanuki – “Badger.”
• Tora – “Tiger”
• Toro Chan – “Little Tiger.”

While there are less tabby -themed names in Japanese than there are of the other colours, there are still certainly some gems on this list that would suit your new cat perfectly!