The process of naming a new pet can be challenging. The process of naming a new pet can be challenging. But if you want something unique that you won’t hear every day, consider a Japanese cat name. There are many beautiful meanings associated with Japanese cat names. Japanese people revere cats because they are believed to bring good fortune and luck.
The following list of 76 Japanese cat names is organized by gender, so you can easily find Japanese cat names for males and females. See if one of these Japanese cat names fits your new pet:
Contents
Male Japanese Cat Names
Many of these male Japanese cat names pay tribute to warriors, intelligence, and goodness. Choose a name inspired by the shining price or a sweet nickname meaning happy boy.
- Akihiko (shining prince) – Sparkle
- Arakan (worthy one; hero) – Valor
- Daichi (great first son) – Titan
- Eichi (wisdom) – Sage
- Hiroki (abundant joy and strength) – Bliss
- Hiroyuki (widespread happiness) – Sunny
- Isao (honor; merit) – Noble
- Kenji (intelligent ruler) – Merlin
- Kitaro (happy boy) – Felix
- Naoko (straight; honest) – Luna
- Ryuji (dragon man) – Draco
- Shin’ichi (faithful first-born son) – Buddy
- Taishiro (ambitious boy) – Leo
- Takeo (warrior) – Warrior
- Toshiko (alert and valued child) – Scout
Female Japanese Cat Names
If you have a female cat, these Japanese cat names are perfect for your lovely girl kitty. Choose a name that means smiling baby or something a little more whimsical, such as a name that means butterfly.
- Aiko (beloved one, little love) – Cherish
- Akira (bright and clear dawn) – Sunny
- Cho (butterfly) – Flutter
- Emiko (smiling child) – Joy
- Hayami (rare and unusual beauty) – Rarity
- Kaiya (forgiveness) – Mercy
- Kameko (tortoise-child, symbol for long-life) – Shell
- Katsumi (victorious beauty) – Victory
- Mieko (beautiful blessing child) – Grace
- Mizuki (beautiful moon) – Luna
- Nyoko (gem; treasure) – Jewel
- Sayuri (little lily) – Lily
- Shiori (bookmark; guide) – Guide
- Suki (beloved) – Darling
- Yasuko (peaceful child) – Peace
Popular Japanese Cat Names
In the USA, some cat names are very popular. You will find several kittens named Max, Tiger, Kitty, and Lucy. The same phenomenon is true in Japan as well. Here are the most common Japanese cat names based on a survey conducted by the Japanese website Iris Pet:
- Azuki (sweet red beans) – Bean
- Chibi (tiny) – Mini
- Chobi (small) – Petite
- Fuku (lucky) – Fortune
- Hana (flower) – Blossom
- Haru (spring) – Bloom
- Hime (princess) – Duchess
- Kai (ocean) – Wave
- Koko (cocoa) – Mocha
- Maru (circle) – Round
- Mei (beautiful) – Beauty
- Mikan (mandarin orange) – Citrus
- Mike (tortoiseshell) – Tortie
- Miruku (milk) – Milky
- Moka (mocha) – Java
- Momo (peach) – Peachy
- Sakura (cherry blossom) – Cherry
- Sora (sky) – Sky
- Tora (tiger) – Stripes
- Yuki (snow) – Frost
Japanese Cat Names Based on Color
Pay homage to your cat’s beautiful shade by choosing a Japanese word for the color of his coat. The options range from red to gold to white.
- Aka (red) – Ruby
- Akaganeiro (copper) – Penny
- Akane (brilliant red) – Blaze
- Ao (blue) – Sapphire
- Chairo (brown) – Cocoa
- Giniro (silver) – Silver
- Haiiro (gray) – Misty
- Kiiro (yellow) – Sunny
- Kiniro (gold) – Goldie
- Kuro (black) – Shadow
- Orenjiiro (orange) – Rusty
- Shiro (white) – Snowy
Japanese Cat Names Inspired by Foods
Do you have any favorite Japanese foods or ingredients? This could be the perfect name for your next cat. Consider some of these alternatives, including culinary favorites like matcha and sushi.
- Dashi – Meaning “flavor,” Dashi is a fundamental broth in Japanese cuisine, often made from fish and kelp.
- Origin: Japanese
- Country: Japan
- Description: Dashi is perfect for a cat known for its rich and flavorful personality.
- Matcha – Derived from “green tea,” Matcha is a finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea leaves.
- Origin: Japanese
- Country: Japan
- Description: Matcha is ideal for a cat with a vibrant and energetic demeanor, just like the bright green color of matcha tea.
- Mirin – Mirin is a type of sweet rice wine used in Japanese cooking to add a subtle sweetness and shine to dishes.
- Origin: Japanese
- Country: Japan
- Description: Mirin suits a cat with a sweet and glossy personality, reflecting the qualities of the rice wine.
- Miso – Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning produced by fermenting soybeans with salt and koji (a type of fungus).
- Origin: Japanese
- Country: Japan
- Description: Miso is fitting for a cat with a complex and savory character, akin to the rich and umami flavor of miso paste.
- Mochi – Mochi is a Japanese rice cake made of glutinous rice pounded into paste and molded into shape.
- Origin: Japanese
- Country: Japan
- Description: Mochi is suitable for a cat with a soft and squishy personality, resembling the texture of the traditional rice cake.
- Oden – Oden is a Japanese one-pot dish consisting of various ingredients such as boiled eggs, daikon radish, and fish cakes simmered in a soy-flavored broth.
- Origin: Japanese
- Country: Japan
- Description: Oden is apt for a cat with a warm and comforting presence, just like the hearty stew.
- Sashimi – Sashimi refers to thinly sliced raw fish or seafood served without rice.
- Origin: Japanese
- Country: Japan
- Description: Sashimi suits a cat with a sleek and elegant demeanor, reminiscent of the delicate slices of raw fish.
- Shoyu – Shoyu is the Japanese term for soy sauce, a popular condiment made from fermented soybeans, wheat, and salt.
- Origin: Japanese
- Country: Japan
- Description: Shoyu is fitting for a cat with a bold and savory personality, similar to the robust flavor of soy sauce.
- Soba – Soba refers to thin noodles made from buckwheat flour, often served chilled with a dipping sauce or in a hot broth.
- Origin: Japanese
- Country: Japan
- Description: Soba is suitable for a cat with a cool and refreshing demeanor, akin to the chilled noodles served in Japanese cuisine.
- Sukiyaki – Sukiyaki is a Japanese hot pot dish consisting of thinly sliced beef, vegetables, and other ingredients cooked in a sweet and savory broth at the table.
- Origin: Japanese
- Country: Japan
- Description: Sukiyaki is ideal for a cat with a sociable and communal nature, much like the shared dining experience of sukiyaki.
- Sushi – Sushi is a Japanese dish consisting of vinegared rice combined with various ingredients such as seafood, vegetables, and sometimes tropical fruits.
- Origin: Japanese
- Country: Japan
- Description: Sushi is perfect for a cat with a diverse and adventurous palate, reflecting the variety of flavors and textures found in sushi.
- Udon – Udon refers to thick wheat noodles commonly used in Japanese cuisine, often served in a hot broth or chilled with dipping sauce.
- Origin: Japanese
- Country: Japan
- Description: Udon suits a cat with a hearty and substantial presence, reminiscent of the satisfying texture of the thick wheat noodles.
- Unagi – Unagi is the Japanese term for freshwater eel, often grilled and glazed with a sweet soy-based sauce.
- Origin: Japanese
- Country: Japan
- Description: Unagi is fitting for a cat with a sleek and agile demeanor, similar to the graceful movements of the eel in the water.
- Tofu – Tofu is a versatile soy-based food made by coagulating soy milk and pressing the resulting curds into soft white blocks.
- Origin: Japanese
- Country: Japan
- Description: Tofu is suitable for a cat with a gentle and adaptable nature, much like the soft and versatile texture of tofu.