A cat name should be cute and easy to use, and somehow relevant to your pet. But at the same time – special enough to underline its uniqueness! If you’re not sure where to look for inspiration, we have a tip for you – take direction: East! Japanese language and culture are filled with words perfect for the cat names.
We dug deep into the Japanese culture to provide you with the best cat name ideas for furry girls and boys! Let’s take a closer look at the most interesting ones.
| Inspired by… | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Anime | Naruto, Goku, Gohan | Sakura, Ino, Hinata |
| Mythology and Folklore | Izanagi, Izanami | Amaterasu, Izanami |
| Cuisine | Sushi, Ramen, Takoyaki | Udon, Onigiri, Yakitori |
| Nature | Fuji, Tengu, Raijin | Sakura, Kazehana |
| Places | Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka | Hokkaido, Okinawa |
| Culture | Kabuki, Onsen, Origami | Maiko, Koi, Geisha |
Maneki-Neko – A Famous Lucky Japanese Cat
We couldn’t start our list with a different position than the Maneki-Neko. This iconic lucky cat is very common in Japan, but also in China and Thailand. Maneki Neko means “beckoning cat”, but sometimes the figure is referred to as Lucky cat or money cat. The Maneki-Neko figures can have different sizes, shapes, and aesthetics, but there is one thing they all have in common. It’s a lifted paw with which they wave in inviting gesture. This gesture is a symbolic invitation.
That explains why the Maneki-Neko can be found mainly in Japanese shows and restaurants. Depending on which of the paws is lifted, the cat may attract either money or clients. Well – for the businesses, both options work just fine! However, the famous kitten can also invite good people and fortune to the house.
In a Chinese Buddhist pantheon, Maneki-Neko is considered an incarnation of the goddess of mercy – Guanyin. In Japanese tradition, this goddess is called Kannon. Doesn’t it sound like a perfect name for your furry princes? Maneki-Neko is a longer name, but in the case of cats, multi-syllable names are not such an issue as with dogs. You can always shorten it to Neko when you need to. Neko means “a cat”.
Our Reader’s Story
My cat, Sakura, was a special addition to our family. We named her after the beautiful cherry blossom trees in Japan. We chose a Japanese name because she had a unique personality that reminded us of the country’s culture.
Sakura was a great companion and was always there to lend a paw when we needed it. We chose the perfect name for her that captured her spirit and reminded us of the beautiful country she came from.
We already know that Japanese culture associates feline with the symbol of luck. But will you be lucky enough to find some Japanese name for your furry friend? We’ll make every effort to make it possible for you!
Cuisine-Inspired Japanese Cat Names
Japan is famous worldwide for its delicious and healthy food. Many of its flag dishes are a real treat for your taste buds. But they can also be… music for your ears!
Have you ever found yourself looking through the menu at the Japanese restaurants and reading the foreign-sounding names of the dishes out loud with fascination? We’ve been there, too! Their names sound so good. Plus, they’re usually two-syllable, and thus, they fit perfectly for a name. Here are some tasty ideas for Japanese cat names you may like:
- Tofu – for a white cat;
- Natto – for a cat with an urge to explore;
- Ramen – for a cat always craving attention;
- Udon – for a cat with an easy-going nature;
- Mochi – for a cute, fluffy cat;
- Matcha – for a calm and zen cat;
- Sushi – for a slim, stylish cat;
- Soba – for a curious and playful cat;
- Miso – for a smart and wise cat;
- Sake – for an energetic and passionate cat;
- Shoyu – for a loyal and devoted cat.
If you don’t mind names longer than two syllables, you may also like:
- Onigiri – for a cat who loves to cuddle;
- Sashimi – for a cat with strong character;
- Unagi – for a fun-loving cat;
- Tempura – for a cat who loves to eat;
- Sukiyaki – for a cat who loves cuddles;
- Nigiri – for a cat who loves to play;
- Hosomaki – for a cat who loves to explore;
- Uramaki – for a cat who loves being the center of attention;
- Enoki – for a curious cat;
- Shitake – for a mischievous cat;
- Okoshi – for a loyal and affectionate cat.
Japanese Pop Culture Cat Names
Have you become hungry already? Let’s head into the next category before you start looking for Japanese restaurants in your area! Japanese popular culture is full of inspiring characters from whom your kitty could inherit the name. Let’s start with some famous Japanese figures:
- Yoko – for a brave and independent cat;
- Kurosawa – for a leader of the pack;
- Murakami – for a smart and wise cat;
- Kitaro – for a cat who loves to explore.
When searching for Japanese cat names in pop culture, you cannot forget about the anime, loved by audiences of all ages worldwide. Among the anime studios, the iconic Studio Ghibli stands out with its well-drawn characters and one-of-its-kind imagery. Here are some names of the most memorable Studio Ghibli’s characters:
- Mononoke – a brave princess raised by wolves and fighting for a bright future of her beloved forest in Princess Mononoke (1997);
- Totoro – a cute, giant ghost spirit that befriends a lonely boy in My neighbor Totoro (1988);
- Kaonashi – a kind, calm spirit following the main protagonist in Spirited Away (2001);
- Chihiro – the main protagonist trying to save her parents in Spirited Away (2001);
- Yubaba – the main antagonist in Spirited Away (2001);
- Ponyo – a cute fish from one of the later Studio Ghibli’s cartoons, Ponyo (2008).
You don’t have to stick to Miyazaki’s work. There are plenty of fascinating characters from other anime studios that your cat could borrow its name from. For the male cat, we have:
- Naruto;
- Son Goku;
- Izuki;
- Lelouch;
- Levi;
- Sakata.
And for the furry ladies? There are quite some inspiring anime female protagonists with beautiful names. Are you looking for some cute female Japanese cat names? You could name your kitten after one of the Sailor Moon girls:
- Ami;
- Usagi;
- Minako;
- Makoto;
- Chibiusa.
Traditional Japanese Cat Names
Beautiful Japanese traditions could also serve as an inspiration for a cat name. Let’s just take:
- Ikebana (the art of making flower compositions);
- Origami (the art of making three-dimensional compositions out of paper);
- Kintsugi (the art of restoring the broken items without masking the cracks);
- Kabuki (a classical Japanese theater);
- Geisha (female entertainers);
- Onsen (traditional hot springs).
Kabuki is also an interesting name to consider as it is derived from kabuku which means “to lean” or “out of the ordinary.” The name reflects the unique and dramatic style of traditional Japanese theater, making it a perfect choice for a cat name.
Cat Names Inspired by Places in Japan
Japan is a land of contrasts, and its culture is truly unique. Here are some ideas for a cat name inspired by some popular places in the country:
- Fuji (Mount Fuji);
- Kamakura (a coastal city near Tokyo);
- Kyoto (the ancient imperial capital);
- Hokkaido (an island prefecture located in the north of Japan);
- Takayama (an old castle town renowned for its beauty);
- Tokyo (the bustling capital city);
- Osaka (the second most populous city of Japan);
- Nara (an ancient capital known for its rich history);
- Sapporo (the largest city on the northern island of Hokkaido);
- Himeji (an ancient castle city).
Is a Japanese Name for Your Kitty a Good Idea?
Japanese culture is often romanticized in the West, and it’s not without reason. We’re fascinated with a universe so different from ours, with entirely different symbols and heritage. Its emphasis on community and respect for the tradition continues to attract Westerners.
The Japanese language is fascinating, too, and it can be a great source of inspiration. However, don’t just rely on its sound. Just because something sounds cute (in Japanese cute is kawaii, by the way), it doesn’t mean it may serve as a cat name. Its meaning might actually be quite the opposite of cute. Thus, always check the meaning of the word in Japanese before making it your cat’s name. It’s the same rule as with the tattoos – research first!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Good Japanese Cat Name?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It depends on your personal preferences and the personality of your cat. Some popular options include Hana, Haru, Mana, Hiroshi, Katsu, and Yuki.
What Are Some Anime Cat Names?
Some popular anime cat names include Mononoke, Totoro, Kaonashi, Chihiro, Yubaba, Naruto, Son Goku, and Ponyo.
What Is Girl Cat in Japanese?
A female cat in Japanese is known as “neko-josei” or “nyan-josei.” Alternatively, you can also say “onna-neko,” which means “woman cat.”
What Japanese Name Means Black Cat?
The Japanese word for black cat is “kuro neko.” Some possible names that incorporate this word include Kuro, Neko, and Kuri.
What’s Sailor Moon’s Cat’s Name?
Sailor Moon’s cat is named Luna. She is able to talk and serves as a mentor and advisor to the Sailor Scouts.
What Is Yuki in Japanese?
Yuki means “snow” or “happiness” in Japanese. It can also be used as a given name for both males and females.
Lucas Taylor is a veterinary assistant, freelance journalist and single dad who lives in the suburbs with his three pups: Ruby, Nala, and Woody. He has one cat named Pepper. When he’s not writing articles or working at the vet clinic, Lucas loves cooking French cuisine for himself and friends at home. One of Lucas’ favorite things to do is paddleboard with his son Noah and their canine companions. Pepper is the homebody of the bunch – she loves chilling on the couch.
