Several aspects of Japanese culture have made it very popular across the globe.
The Japanese are known to pamper their pets and treat them with the same amount of respect a family member receives. Shiba Inu and Akita are the two most popular dog breeds in this country.
Whether you own a Japanese dog breed or any other breed, there are Japanese name inspirations that will help you pick an attractive name for your pooch.
If you go by the global standards in dog names, Bella is the most popular choice for female dogs, and Max is for male dogs. There are several such names that are very popular among pet parents.
But, if you are looking for something unique, then a Japanese dog name that sounds good and also has a beautiful meaning would be a great pick. In Japan, Akira meaning "bright" is the top choice for naming a canine member of the family.
Treating dogs like their own children, they often pick names that have a unique meaning. Nature-inspired, food-based, animal name inspired, and weather-related choices are all common.
Sometimes, the Japanese choose a name based on how they consider their dog, like Ichiro, which means the first son, is for families where the pooch is the first kid. The name might often be a reflection of the family's lifestyle.
Here are the most popular Japanese names; with "M" indicating a male dog and "F" indicating a female dog.
The rest are unisex names for pups. Read on for cute and cool Japanese dog names.
You might love your pet unconditionally, but for all the funny little things that your dog might do, here are some fun titles you could give them:
1. Bukiyo - Meaning "clumsy"; makes a lovely Japanese name for dog who is silly.
2. Nemui - Meaning "sleepy" suits a dog that loves napping.
3. Suzu - Meaning "bell" for noisy dogs.
Anime Names For Pets
For all the anime fans out there, here are some of the most popular Japanese dog names based on famous anime characters:
4. Akamaru (M) - Nin-dog with white fur in Naruto with aka meaning "Red" and Maru for "Perfection"
5. Gin (F) - From Ginga: Nagareboshi, Gin meaning "Silver."
6. Koromaru (M) - From Persona 3 derived from "Tiger" and "Wolf."
Food-Inspired Japanese Names For Dogs
Picking dog names from names of food items is a common practice around the world. There are many who call their dogs "brownie" or "muffin" or "cookie." So, here are some food-based Japanese dog names you can pick for your pet:
7. Momoka - A flower of the peach tree.
8. Ryokucha - A green tea variant.
9. Sushi (F) - From the rice and seafood-based dish.
10. Soba - Meaning "buckwheat."
Names Taken From Nature
Nature and natural elements are popular name inspirations for dog names not just in Japan but in many countries around the world. Here are some lovely sounding dog names that denote a natural element:
11. Aki - Meaning "autumn" or "brightness."
12. Ayaka (F) - meaning "flower" or "summer."
13. Hana (F) - means "flower" for the pretty dogs.
14. Haru -means "Spring" season.
15. Hoshi (F) - means "Star". It is another popular choice.
16. Kiku (F) - means "Chrysanthemum" flowers.
17. Rina (F) - means "Jasmine"
18. Sakura (F) - Denotes "Cherry Blossom".
19. Sora (F) - means "Sky"
20. Yoko (F) - From words "sunshine" and "child."
Animal Name-Based Inspirations
Calling your pet a word that indicates another animal is not uncommon. Here are some Japanese word translations of different animals. These are also popular choices for naming dogs:
21. Hotaru - Is the word for "firefly".
22. Inu -Is a "dog" in Japanese.
23. Kuma - Translates to "bear."
24. Neko - Meaning "cat".
25. Shishi - Is the word that means "lion".
26. Sika - Means "deer".
27. Suzume - Meaning "sparrow".
Happy Japanese Dog Names
Several of the chosen names for the pet depict how cheerful and bright life becomes once the dog enters your life. Akira is the perfect example. Here are some more happy Japanese dog names that never go out of style:
28. Aimi (F) - Meaning "beautiful love."
29. Eiji (M) - From the words "prosperity" and "peace".
30. Haruki (M) - Means the "shining sun".
31. Hikaru (F) - Means "radiance".
32. Hiroaki (M) - Meaning "abundant light".
33. Hiroshi (M) - Means "generous".
34. Keiko (F) - Meaning a "blessed child".
35. Taiki (M) - Means "shine".
36. Takara - For "treasure".
37. Toshi - "Wise" for the matured dogs.
38. Youta - Translates to "sunlight".
39. Yua - Meaning "bind" and "love."
40. Yuki - Meaning "happiness".
Kidadl has lots of great names articles to inspire you. If you liked our suggestions for Japanese Dog Names then why not take a look at Cartoon Dog Names, or for something different take a look at Punny Penguin Names.
We Want Your Photos!
Do you have a photo you are happy to share that would improve this article?
Bachelor of Arts specializing in French with Film Studies, Bachelor of Arts (Year Abroad) specializing in Literature, History, Language, Media, and Art
Georgia StoneBachelor of Arts specializing in French with Film Studies, Bachelor of Arts (Year Abroad) specializing in Literature, History, Language, Media, and Art
Georgia is an experienced Content Manager with a degree in French and Film Studies from King's College London and Bachelors degree from Université Paris-Sorbonne. Her passion for exploring the world and experiencing different cultures was sparked during her childhood in Switzerland and her year abroad in Paris. In her spare time, Georgia enjoys using London's excellent travel connections to explore further afield.
1) Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the Buy Now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published but we cannot guarantee that on the time of reading. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
2) At Kidadl, we strive to recommend the very best activities and events. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
3) Because we are an educational resource, we have quotes and facts about a range of historical and modern figures. We do not endorse the actions of or rhetoric of all the people included in these collections, but we think they are important for growing minds to learn about under the guidance of parents or guardians.