Japanese Cat Names: 405 Awesome Japan Inspired Fur Baby Ideas
Regardless of whether you are Japanese or just love their culture, you can give them an exotic and unique Japanese name. Cats are revered in Japan because people believe that they bring fortune and good luck. In fact, the Maneki Neko (beckoning cat), a popular Japanese figurine, is used as a talisman for bringing good luck.
If you ever visit Japan, you will find no shortage of cat statues to take home as a souvenir. So, if you have brought a cat home and are still pondering over their name, here is a list of Japanese cat names that will make your job easier.
Let's dive in.

Popular Japanese Cat Names
In every culture, there are certain names that are very popular. Whether they are from pop culture or just have been used for a long time, it is common to find these names everywhere. The same goes for Japanese cat names as well.
Here are some of the most popular Japanese cat names.
- Ai
- Ame
- Aniyaku
- Aogaeru
- Azuki
- Bara
- Chibi
- Chihiro Ogino/Sen
- Chobi
- Dosei
- Dou
- Ginga
- Haku/Nigihayami Kohaku Nushi
- Hana
- Haru
- Hime
- Kai
- Kaonashi
- Kasei
- Kawa
- Kiku
- Kin
- Kinsei
- Koko
- Makkuro-Kurosuke
- Maru
- Mei
- Mikan
- Mike
- Mine
- Miruku
- Moka
- Momo
- Mori
- Niji
- Oshira-sama
- Sakura
- Shima
- Suisei
- Taiyou
- Tanpopo
- Tetsu
- Tora
- Uchuu
- Umi
- Umibe
- Yama
- Yoko
- Yubaba
- Yuki
Japanese Female Cat Names And Meanings
Female cats are known for their personalities; some can be sweet while others are boisterous. In Japanese, you can find several female cat names that suit all types of kitten personalities. From traditional feminine names to more rough and tough names, you will find it all.
Check out this list of female Japanese cat names that will surely accommodate your cat’s personality.
- Aia - ruler
- Aiko - little love or beloved one
- Akiko - bright child
- Arisu - noble
- Asami - morning beauty
- Asuka - fragrance
- Ayame - iris
- Ayano - my color
- Ceiko - child of splendor
- Chieko - child of wisdom
- Chika - scatter flowers
- Chiyo - one thousand generations
- Cho - butterfly
- Emi - beautiful blessing
- Emiko - smiling child
- Eri - blessed prize
- Fumiko - child of abundant beauty
- Haru - spring
- Hayami - unusual and rare beauty
- Hina - star
- Hiro - generous
- Hitomi - pupil of the eye
- Honoka - harmony flower
- Hoshiko - star child
- Hoshi - star
- Hotary - firefly
- Ichika - gift
- Izumi - fountain or spring
- Jin - tender
- Junko - pure
- Kaika - forgiveness
- Kameko - symbol for long life or tortoise-child
- Katsumi - victorious beauty
- Kayda - little dragon
- Kazumi - harmonious beauty
- Kiko - chronicle child
- Kimiko - empress child
- Kyoko - respectful child
- Madoka - circle, round
- Mai - dance
- Maiko - child of dance
- Maki - true hope
- Makoto - sincere
- Mana - love
- Masa - true
- Meiko - beautiful blessing child
- Mi - beautiful
- Michi - pathway
- Midori - green
- Miho - protected baby
- Miki - beautiful princess
- Miku - beautiful sky
- Mitsu - light
- Miyu - beautiful and gentle
- Mizuki - beautiful moon
- Moriko - child of the forest
- Nakano - female warrior
- Nanami - seven seas
- Nana - seven
- Naomi – honest beautiful
- Natsuki – summer hope
- Natsumi - beautiful summer
- Noriko – lawful child
- Nyoko - gem or treasure
- Ren - lotus or love
- Rika – true fragrance
- Riko - child of truth
- Rina - jasmine
- Rin - dignified
- Rio - village cherry blossom
- Ryoko – refreshing child
- Satoko - wise child
- Sayuri - little lily
- Setsuko - melody child
- Shigeko - growing child
- Shika - deer
- Shinju - pearl
- Shiori - poem
- Sora - sky
- Suki - beloved
- Suzu - bell
- Suzume - sparrow
- Takara - treasure
- Teruko - singing child
- Tomoko - intellect
- Tomomi - beautiful friend
- Umeko - plum child
- Yasuko - child of peace
- Yoshie - beautiful stream
- Yoshiko – child of goodness
- Yua - binding love
- Yui - bind clothing
- Yuina - bind together
- Yuka - gentle flower
- Yukari - beautiful pear tree
- Yuko – gentle child
- Yumi – reason beautiful
- Yumiko – reason beautiful child
- Yuriko – lily child
- Yuuna – gentle
Japanese Male Cat Names And Meanings
There is no shortage of names for male cats in the Japanese language. From ultra-masculine names to gentler names, the language has everything to offer.
Here are a few such names with meanings that will be perfect for your cat or kitten.
- Akemi - beautiful dawn
- Aki - autumn
- Akihiko - shining prince
- Akio - glorious man
- Arakan - worthy one or hero
- Arata - new and fresh
- Atsushi - industrious director
- Ayumu - vision
- Dai - great or large
- Daiki - great nobility
- Daisuke - great help
- Diachi - great first son
- Eichi - wisdom
- Eiji - eternity order
- Fumio - scholarly hero
- Haruki - shining sun
- Hayate - smooth
- Hibiki - echo
- Hideo - excellent man
- Hikaru - radiance
- Hiroki - abundant strength and joy
- Hiroshi - generous
- Hiroyuki - widespread happiness
- Hitorshi - even-tempered
- Ichiro - first son
- Isamu - courage
- Isao - honor or merit
- Itsuki - timber trees
- Jiro - second son
- Junichi - obedient first son
- Kaede - maple
- Kaito - supportive
- Kaitu - ocean flying
- Katashi - firm
- Katsuro - victorious son
- Katsu - victory
- Kazuto - harmonious person
- Kenji - intelligent ruler
- Kenta - strong and healthy
- Kichiro - lucky son
- Kitaro - happy boy
- Kiyoshi - purity
- Kouki - country man
- Kouta - great peace
- Kunio - country man
- Masaki - great timber tree
- Masumi – true clarity
- Michio - man on a journey
- Minoru - truth
- Mitsou - shining hero
- Mitsuru - full
- Nao - honest
- Naoko - straight or honest
- Ninja - ninjutsu master
- Nobu - faith
- Noburu - rise
- Norio - lawful man
- Nori - to rule
- Osamu - disciplined
- Raiden - lightning and thunder
- Riku - land
- Rikuto - person of land
- Ryoichi - good first son
- Ryo - refreshing or cool
- Ryoti - great refreshment
- Ryu - dragon
- Ryuji - dragon man
- Samurai - Japanese warrior
- Satoru - daybreak
- Satoshi - wise
- Shinobu - endurance
- Sho - to fly
- Sin’ichi - faithful first-born son
- Susumo - proceed
- Tadao - loyal and faithful man
- Taichi - large first son
- Taiki - shine
- Taishiro - ambitious boy
- Takayuki - noble journey
- Takeo - warrior hero
- Takumi - artisan
- Tomi - prosperous
- Toshiaki - advantageous light
- Toshiko - valued child
- Toshi - wise
- Toshio – genius leader
- Tsuyoshi – strong
- Yamato - great harmony
- Yasu - peace
- Yasushi - peaceful
- Yori - trust
- Yoshi – lucky or righteous
- Yoshio - joyful life
- Yoshiro – righteous son
- Yoshito – ceremonial, correct person
- Youta - great sunlight
- Yuichi - heroic first son
- Yuji – heroic second son
- Yukio - blessed hero
- Yuzuki - gentle moon
Cool Japanese Cat Names
Selecting a name for your dear cat can be a hard decision. You want a name that suits the personality of your cat and is unique.
If you are unable to come up with a name, here is a cheat sheet of cool Japanese cat names that you can give a try:
- Aoki
- Chaiki
- Chiharu
- Danuja
- Hachi
- Harue
- Ichigo
- Jun
- Kuma
- Sanyu
Lucky Japanese Cat Names
In Japan, cats are known to be the bringers of good fortune and luck. So, if you have brought home a cat and are still not sure about the name, you can check out these lucky Japanese cat names.
- Ebisu
- Fuku
- Kichi
- Kichiro
- Kounna
- Neko
- Nintendo
- Saya
- Tomiko
- Yoshi
Japanese Anime Cat Names
If you haven’t heard about anime, you must be living under a rock. It is a distinctive cartoon style from Japan that has fans from all over the world. Even though they might be less unique than other names from the list, their recognizability might be positive for new pet owners.
Here are some Japanese cat names inspired from anime.
- Alita - Angel Alita
- Amande - Death Note
- Anpu - The Disastrous Life of Saiki
- Aria - Aria The Animation
- Artemis - Sailor Moon
- Arthur – Code Geass
- Asuna - Sword Art Online
- Baron - The Cat Returns
- Blair - Soul Eater
- Buyo - Inuyasha
- Carla - Fairy Tail
- Chi – Chi’s Sweet Home
- Chococat - The Adventures of Hello Kitty and Friends
- Chomusuke - Konosuba
- Diana - Sailor Moon
- Doraemon - Doraemon
- Happy - Fairy Tail
- Hello Kitty - The Adventures of Hello Kitty and Friends
- Jibanyan - YouKai Watch
- Jiji - Kiki’s Delivery Service
- Kamineko – Azumanga Daioh
- Karupin - The Prince Of Tennis
- Kaya - Ghost Stories
- Kirara - Inuyasha
- Kiyomi - Death Note
- Konata - Lucky Star
- Korin - Dragon Ball
- Kuro – Blue Exorcist
- Kuroneko–sama – Trigun
- Kyo – Fruits Basket
- Luna - Sailor Moon
- Madara – Natsume's Book Of Friends
- Mao – Darker than Black
- Maya - Azumanga Daioh
- Meowth – Pokémon
- Molly – The Ancient Magus Bride
- Nekobasu - My Neighbor Totoro
- Neko-sensei – Princess Tutu
- Nekotalia - Hentalia
- Nyanko Big – Tada Never Falls In Love
- Nyanko-sensei – Natsume’s Book Of Friends
- Potya – Yuri!!! on ICE
- Poyo – Poyopoyo Kansatsu Nikki
- Puck - Zero
- Sakamoto – Nichijoum
- Shamisen - The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
- Sorata - Sekai-ichi Hatsukoi
- Takkun – FLCL
- Tama - Sazae San
- Tibbs – Mary and the Witch's Flower
Japanese Food Cat Names
From tasty treats from Land of the Rising Sun to sushi-inspired ideas, get ready for cat names inspired by Japanese foods that will suit your cutest kitten perfectly.
Check out these mouthwatering ideas that can be used as cat names:
- Anmitsu
- Anzu
- Bento
- Chawanmushi
- Daidai
- Daifuku
- Fuji
- Higashi
- Kaieseki
- Kombu
- Kyou
- Manju
- Matcha
- Menma
- Mirin
- Miso
- Mochi
- Negi
- Shincha
- Sukiyaki
- Sushi
- Tsukemono
- Tsukume
- Udon
- Unagi
Cat Names Inspired By Japanese Cities
If you are from Japan, you can use your hometown as a name for your cat as a reminder of your culture.
Check out these city or town names from Japan that can be used as a cat name.
- Akita
- Joetsu
- Kochi
- Kyoto
- Mito
- Nagoya
- Osaka
- Sapporo
- Tokyo
- Toyama
Japanese White Cat Names
Are you wondering that selecting a classic white cat name will make your cat seem less unique and interesting? If yes, then we have the perfect solution. You can simply translate them into Japanese.
Here are some Japanese names that can be used for your white cat:
- Akira
- Awai
- Deiji
- Fuyu
- Fuyuko
- Gin
- Iguru
- Kitsune
- Kori
- Mashiro
- Miyuki
- Reiki
- Shimo
- Sunoboru
- Tenshi
- Tsurana
- Yukiko
- Yurei
- Yuri
- Zoge
Japanese Black Cat Names
In many Western cultures, black cats are considered to be unlucky. However, they are among the most popular breeds in Japan. The reason behind this is that in ancient Japan, they were thought to be able to get rid of bad luck better than any other cat. That is why you will find many black cat names in Japanese.
Here are a few of them:
- Akumi
- Amaya
- An
- Anri
- Hai
- Hatsuki
- Kage
- Kaguya
- Kuroguro
- Makkuro
- Mayonaka
- Mika
- Mokutan
- Sumi
- Sekitan
- Susu
- Tsuki
- Tsukiko
- Yamiyo
- Yoru
Japanese Grey Cat Names
Anyone who owns a grey cat knows that they are beautiful and have an amazing personality. However, more often than not, they are stuck with stereotypical names. Your cat deserves more. Thankfully, Japan offers several unique names for your grey cat that will match its quirks perfectly.
Here are a few of them:
- Ash
- Giniro
- Chrome
- Haiiro
- Kumo
- Miku
- Misty
- Pearl
- Rowan
- Skye
Cat Name Inspiration
There is nothing wrong with following a traditional route to select a name for your kitten. However, many pet owners like to put some creativity into the name of their cat. After all, you don’t want to give a generic name to your cat. However, selecting a name for your pet friend is not an easy task. You can’t just use a random name generator. It will take time, creativity, and patience to come up with a good name.
While choosing a name, it is important to ensure that it is interesting and unique. However, selecting a name that is specific to your cat is crucial as well. That is why people often turn to foreign languages like Japanese to find the best name for their cat.
In Japan, cats have been worshipped since ancient times. The country is also the birthplace of the ‘lucky cat’ ornament and cat cafes. In fact, there are islands of the coast inhabited only by cats. It is a paradise for a cat lover.
The Japanese language has no shortage of fun cat names. So, whether you are from Japan, are an anime buff, love Japanese culture, or simply want a unique name, a cat name in Japanese will be perfect for your feline friend. The name will be exotic and beautiful with a unique meaning.
Help Choosing The Right Name
If you have decided that you want to give your cat a cute Japanese name, your choices will be almost endless. You can select a name on the basis of its meaning or how it sounds.
There are so many options that you will be overwhelmed by the available choices. You can start by considering the gender, color, and personality of your cat. Then, choose one that you can pronounce easily and correctly.
Conclusion
Japanese names are known to be beautiful, unique, and exotic. We hope that the above list was able to provide you a name you and your cat are happy with.
Selecting one of these unique names will ensure that no cat near you will have the same name. Also, it is a great way to show your love for the country and an admiration for its culture and customs.
Need more inspiration? Check our list of cat name posts here or take a look at the related section below.
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