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Japanese Dog Names and Their Meanings

Whether you are a fan of Japanese culture or have a Japanese dog breed like Shiba Inu, a Japanese dog name can be a great way to express your interest! Although some trends come and go, you can’t really go wrong by choosing a Japanese pet name for your new pooch.

With so many different dog names to choose from, finding the perfect one may seem like an impossible feat! But worry not, because we are here to help!

We handpicked the best Japanese dog names for both male and female dogs, and you’ll also find cute, popular, and nature-inspired name ideas. Keep on reading to find the perfect name for your dog! 

Japanese Dog Names and Their Meanings

Japanese Dog Names and Their Meanings

Whether your dog is a native of Japan or not, a Japanese dog name will help your pooch stand out from the crowd in the doggy park! We compiled a list of Japanese dog names and their meanings and the only thing you need to do is pick one!

To help you find a perfect name for your pooch, we divided this list into male and female dog names! 

Japanese Dog Names Male

Some of these Japanese names are used for children, but they can also be great names for male dogs!

  • Aki – Bright
  • Akio – Bright man 
  • Haru – Spring
  • Haruto – Flying sun
  • Hiro – Generous
  • Hibiki – Sound
  • Kaoru – Fragrance
  • Katashi – Firm
  • Takahiro – Of great value
  • Taiki – Great radiance
  • Takashi – Noble, prosperous
  • Kaede – Maple
  • Kaito – Flying ocean
  • Itsuki –Timber trees
  • Ichiro – First son
  • Hideki – Excellent timber trees
  • Hiroaki – Spacious light
  • Naoki – Honest timber tree
  • Hinata – Sunflower
  • Jiro – Second son
  • Sora – Sky
  • Katsu – Victory
  • Kyo – Cooperation
  • Makoto – Sincere
  • Masaru – Victory
  • Masaki – Great timber tree
  • Rikuto – Person of land
  • Daiki – Great glory 
  • Kenshin – Modest, truthful
  • Kenta – Large, strong
  • Ryo – Refreshing, cool
  • Ryota – Great refreshment
  • Mitsuo – Shining hero 
  • Nao – Honest
  • Norio – Lawful man
  • Ren – Lotus
  • Riku – Land
  • Satoshi – Wise, fast learner
  • Shouta – Flying big
  • Suzu – Bell
  • Tadashi – Large first son 
  • Takahiro – Nobility
  • Takeo – Warrior hero
  • Yamato – Great harmony
  • Yoshi – Lucky 

Female Japanese Dog Names

These are popular Japanese names for baby girls, but they can also be awesome names for female dogs!

  • Akira – Bright, clear
  • Airi – Jasmine
  • Akiko – Bright child
  • Asami – Morning beauty
  • Chieko – Wisdom
  • Chika – Scattered flowers
  • Emi – Beautiful blessing
  • Eri – Blessed prize
  • Yuina – Bind together
  • Yuka – Gentle flower
  • Tomiko – Child of wealth, fortune 
  • Tomomi – Beautiful friend
  • Ceiko – Child of splendor
  • Hanako – Flower child
  • Haru – Spring
  • Hana – Flower
  • Fumiko – Child of abundant beauty
  • Hikari – Radiance, light
  • Hina – Sun vegetables
  • Hoshi – Star
  • Hiro – Generous
  • Hisako – Child of long life
  • Mana – Love
  • Masa – Just
  • Manami – Lovingly beautiful
  • Mao – Cherry blossom dance
  • Mai – Dance
  • Maki – True hope
  • Mi – Beautiful 
  • Minori –Truth
  • Nanami – Seven seas
  • Nao – Honest
  • Rina – Jasmine
  • Saki – Blossom of hope
  • Sakura – Cherry blossom 
  • Natsuki – Summer hope
  • Shika – Deer
  • Takara – Treasure
  • Yasu – Peace
  • Yuki – Happiness
  • Yuri – Lily
  • Yuka – Gentle flower 
  • Izumi – Spring, fountain
  • Satomi – Beautiful and wise
  • Umeko – Plum child
  • Yasu – Peace
  • Wakana – Harmonious music

Best Japanese Dog Names

While some names may fade with time, these best Japanese pet names will always stay in style! Read on to discover the best name ideas for male and female dogs. 

  • Adzuki – Bright red
  • Amaya – Night rain
  • Asami – Morning beauty
  • Emi – Blessing
  • Kimi – Noble
  • Kurumi – Walnut
  • Masumi – Clarity
  • Megumi – Blessing
  • Miyu – Gentle
  • Nori – Seaweed
  • Pochi – Classic dog name
  • Ryuu – Dragon
  • Shinju – Pearl
  • Tadao – Loyal
  • Toshiko – Clever
  • Yumi – Beautiful 
  • Kyoko – Respectful child
  • Kiyomi – Pure beauty
  • Michio – Man on a journey 
  • Toshio – Genius leader

Popular Japanese Dog Names in Japan

Looking for a cute dog name for your new pooch? Check out the most popular and common Japanese names for inspiration.

  • Haruto – Sunshine soar
  • Minato – Port, harbor
  • Souta – Big blue
  • Maron – Chestnut 
  • Haruki – Long life 
  • Yuuto – Soar to the outcome
  • Hinata – Positive
  • Yuito – Achiever
  • Aoto – Blue sky
  • Itsuki – Woods 
  • Yui –Results
  • Mei – Sprouting
  • Emi – Jasmine blossom
  • Aoi – Hollyhock
  • Tsumugi – Thread
  • Himari – Sunshine sunflower
  • Mio – Water route
  • Honoka – Bountiful growth
  • Ichika – Best flower
  • Akari – Red jasmine

Cute Japanese Names for Dogs

Whether your new dog is a boy or a girl, these cute Japanese are worth considering! Who knows, maybe here you’ll find an ideal Japanese name for your pooch. 

  • Kirei – Pretty
  • Bigako – Love for beautiful things
  • Ai – Love 
  • Ko – Child
  • Akachan – Baby
  • Chibi – Small child
  • Koro – Plump baby
  • Chaisaii – Small
  • Chisana – Pocket-sized 
  • Pinku – Pink color
  • Kichona – Precious
  • Shuga – Sugar
  • Aoi – Blue color

Things to Consider When Naming Your Dog in Japanese

Naming your new dog should be a fun and entertaining experience for the whole family. However, this process can be challenging at times, especially if you have a hard time picking out a name, or your family can’t agree on a name everyone likes.

Having said that, here are some useful tips that can help you find the perfect Japanese name for your dog:

  • The best names often reflect the character of your dog. Keep a close eye on your pooch and their actions for a few days and see if their personality suggests a name. Is your dog friendly, or kind? If so, Yuno (friend) or Mimi (kindness) are good names. 
  • Short, two or three-syllable names that are easily pronounced are best for getting your dog’s attention (source). Luckily, most Japanese names are short and sweet so you don’t have to worry whether or not your dog will be responsive when called.
  • Never choose a name that is too long or difficult to say. When it comes to a Japanese dog name, make sure that the rest of your family can also pronounce it correctly before naming your dog.
  • Test the Japanese name you would like to give your pooch for a day or two. Any name you decide to give your dog is there to stay for the rest of your pup’s life! 

Conclusion

If you have a Japanese dog breed or are a fan of anime, or love Japanese food and culture you should definitely consider Japanese dog names. And even if none of that is the case, there are so many wonderful Japanese names that can be a beautiful choice for your dog.

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