66 Katana Names From Mythology, Pop Culture, And Folklore

The katana is just one of the many kinds of Japanese swords.

There are different types of Japanese swords, and they are classified based on their size, shape, use, and method of production. Some of the major types of katanas are the odachi, katana, wakizashi (this sword forms a partner set with the katana), tachi, and the tsurugi.

The katana is known by a few other names, and there is no singular or plural form of the word. Katana means 'knife', and these legendary swords played an important role in Japanese history.

It is a weapon used by the Samurai in the feudal era, characterized by its length and shape.

The katana is a single curved-edged sword with a sharp tip and can also be identified by its square guard and long grip. The blade length, also known as the nagasa, is approximately 24 inches or 60cm (two shaku).

The katana belongs to a family of long-bladed Japanese weapons, yet the katana sword is different from other swords even though they are all long blades.

Here you will learn about the famous Japanese swords that have been fascinating to many for years.

If you want to dig deeper, there more articles for you that are related to Samurai swords and Japanese cultures, such as this list of the most famous Samurai names and what they did and this list of the Samurai sword names and types.

But for now, let us find out some epic katana names!

Mythical Katana Names

Japanese mythology and folklore are filled with stories of Samurai warriors going to battle and slaying their enemies with their deadly weapons. A katana was a straight, double-edged iron blade inspired by Chinese swords.

This list has some legendary katana names that have been found in some really exciting tales. These are the famous katana names that hold a place in history and mythology. In this list, you can learn about some famous Japanese sword names and their owners as well.

1. Ama-no-Habakiri, this is the Sword of Shinto God.

2. Balisarda, referred to as the Sword of Rogero.

3. Blutgang, a mythical sword from the Heime in Anglo-Saxon poems.

4. Caladgolg, this is the sword of Fergus Mac.

5. Caliburn, the sword from King Arthur's Lineage.

6. Cheng Ying, a mythical sword from the Zhou Dynasty in China.

7. Chi Xia, is known as the Sword of Liu Bang.

8. Chun Jun, the sword believed to be forged by Ou Yezi.

9. Chrysaor, the golden sword that belonged to Sir Artegal.

10. Futsunomitama-no-Tsurugi, the sword of Shinto, the thunder God.

11. Galatine, referred to as the sword of the Lady from the lake.

12. Gan Jiang/Mo Ye, is the most respected sword in China.

13. Gong Bu, another sword forged by Ou Yezi.

14. Izanagi Asi, this is the sword of Brahma used to defeat evil forces.

15. Shinto God Ohabari, this is the sword name of a Shinto God.

Katana Names From Popular Culture

Due to the popularity of Japanese swords, films, TV series, and animes are often based around or feature these swords.

These are therefore some famous katana names that have appeared either on the big screen or in books.

Such is the fame of these Japanese katana names that some people who actually acquire real katanas and need names for them are tempted to use some of these as inspiration for their real new sword names.

If you want to be a real-life Japanese Samurai, compete with a toy katana(of course, keeping in mind that a katana is a real weapon along with other swords, and can be dangerous), then your toy sword will need a new name.

You can select from any of these legendary katana names that will surely suit your new toy Samurai sword.

16. Aimi, means "beautiful love", is a sword wielded by Mano Fluffy, and is a cursed sword because its wielder is always considered a person filled with rage, and interestingly, the only way to break the curse is to get to know the wielder better.

17. Ashisogi Jizo, means "leg cutting" used by a mad scientist in the anime 'Bleach'.

18. Benihime, meaning the "crimson princess" is the weapon used by Kisike Uruahara in the anime 'Bleach'.

19. Katen Kyokotsu, means "bones of heavenly blooming madness", a unique zanpakuto which is a paired weapon used in 'Bleach'.

20. Kazeshini, means "wind of death" and is truly an iconic tool that transforms into a tool of death, used by Shuhei Hisagi in 'Bleach'.

21. Kubikiri Orochi, meaning "beheading serpent", is used by the character Hiyori. The name is derived from a mythical dragon found in various Japanese myths.

22. Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, meaning "grass cutter", this Samurai sword has a unique story attached to it. It is said to have been used by a warrior fighting with a corrupt Samurai. The sword helped him to escape encroaching flames in an open field as he directed the sword against the flames.

23. Kyoka Suigetsu, which means "mirror flower, water moon", a mythical sword with the abilities of deception, hypnosis, and illusion. From the anime 'Bleach'.

24. Mugenjin, meaning "hailing from the abyss", was used in the manga and anime series 'Rurouni Kenshin' by Shishio.

25. Nozarashi, means "weather-beaten one", and belongs to the character Kenpachi Zaraki in 'Bleach'. In the anime, this sword needs some maintenance.

26. Suzaku is a sword that appears in various franchises of the 'Showdown' fighting game. It is depicted as a bird on fire in the game.

27. Shichishito, meaning "seven-branched sword", is a sword that is used during ceremonial rituals. It branches off into six alternating prongs. It is a unique katana name.

28. ShinkenHakkyoken, meaning "eight mirror sword", is used by the character Nanao Ise by virtue of her family lineage.

29. Shisui, meaning "water stopper", the name comes from the legendary sword's ability to cut through a waterfall. It was used in the movie 'Motoko Aoyama'.

30. Tenken, meaning "heavenly punishment", is an impressive katana that is used by the character Sajin Komamura in 'Bleach'.

31. Wabisuke, meaning "the wretched one," is used by the character Izuru Kira. This sword can also transform into a rigid 90-degree hook weapon just by the phrase "raise your head".

32. Zabimaru, meaning "snake tail", is used by Renji Abarai from the anime 'Bleach'.

33. Zangetsu, means "slaying moon" and is used by the very popular protagonist Ichigo Kurosaki in 'Bleach'.

34. Zantetsuken, meaning "iron cutting blade", is a weapon used by gaming characters to remove things from their path. The sword appears in some 'Final Fantasy' games.

Ideas For Katana Names

If you need creative names for your katana toy or are looking for names for your own fictional character's katanas, then this is the list you need to be looking at. These are cool Japanese sword names, most of them derived from Japanese words.

Each Japanese sword featured in your creative work should be given a unique and special name.

A katana is not just a weapon; it is also a work of art and will be significantly used in ceremonial rituals and celebrations, so getting its name right is important!

These names might represent what your character stands for and will certainly add more depth and definition to your story. Why not get inspired by the great array of Japanese sword names, names of legendary swords, and other names for a katana below?

35. Akaiittou, means "red blade".

36. Amagumo, means "raincloud".

37. Bushikatagi, means "Samurai spirit".

38. Eien no ikari, means "eternal wrath".

39. Hebi Doku, means "snake venom".

40. Ikazuchi, means "thunder".

41. Inazuma, means "lightning strike".

42. Kage Kaizoku, means "shadow pirate".

43. Kimi, means "righteous, upright".

44. Kin no tora, means "golden tiger".

45. Kumorigachi, means "broken cloud".

46. Kurou no Tatsu, means "dark dragon".

47. Makaze, means"evil wind".

48. Mihai, means "who is like God".

49. Ninja no Kage, means "shadow ninja".

50. Nozarashi, means "weather beaten one".

51. Ryuusei no Ikari, means "wrath of the meteor".

52. Sarolta, means "princess".

53. Sen no Taiyou no Tsurugi, means "sword of a thousand suns".

54. Shichishito means "sword with seven branches".

55. Shingi to Giri, means "loyalty and honor". 

56. Shino Kage, means "shadow of death".

57. Shino Tsume, means "death claw".

58. Shisui, means "one who stops water".

59. Sokushi, means "instant death".

60. Suzaku, means "it is a mythical weapon".

61. Takame, means "hawk eye".

62. Tetsuyama, means "iron mountain". 

63. Tora Kiba, means "tiger fang".

64. Usumidori, the katana used by the legendary General of Japan, Minamoto no Yoshitsune.

65. Yameri Renai Chikara, means "unstoppable force".

66. Yorukaze, means "night wind".