38 Cute Japanese Cat Names With Meanings

In Japan, cats are now so common that you see them everywhere. So, I have hand-picked 38 cute Japanese cat names with meanings included.

Miku

Miku is a gender-neutral name of Japanese origins, meaning beautiful sky.

Hana

In Japanese, Hana means ”gloom” or ”flower.” Hane is also present in Hebrew where it means grace. Hana also means to ”shine” in Maori.

Nami

The name Nami means wave in Japanese. Imado Jinja is a Shinto shrine in the Imado area of Asakusa, and there is a cat named Nami-chan that is reportedly bringing happiness to visitors.

Mochi

The name Mochi is of Japanese origin, and it means rice cake.

Fuji

Fuji means, depending on the used kenji, wisteria, wealth, immortal, or prosperity. Fuji is also related to Mount Fuji which is the tallest peak in Japan. Around 250,000 to 300,000 people climb Mt. Fuji every year.

Suki

Suki is a sweet cat’s name of Japanese origin that is interpreted as loved one or beloved.

Hiro

The name Hiro signifies generous or tolerant. In Soanish, Hiro means sacred name, and it is a variant of Hairo or Chairo. Hira is the feminine version, and from Sanskrit is translated as diamond.

Kiku

IKiku means ”chrysanthemum” that is a term from the Ancient Greek chrysos (which means ”gold”) and anthemon (meaning flower).

Kumo

Kumo is symbolizing ”spider” or ”cloud.”

Yuki

Yuki signifies good fortune or snow. Yuki is more common for females. Yuki Ebihara represented Japan at the 2007 Summer Universiade.

Shiro

Shiro generally means white, son, or castle. A variation, Shironeko, is meaning “white cat” in Japanese.

Nori

Ceremony or belief.

Facts about cats in Japan

There are over 9 million pet cats in Japan.

Japan is home to several “cat islands,” such as Tashirojima and Aoshima. On these islands the cat populations are larger than the human populations.

The demon cat bakeneko transforms into whatever it wishes. The origins of this legend go back to the 17th century.

The nekomata is a cat that has lived long enough to grow a second tail. Nekomata’s extra tail gives it supernatural powers.

Gotokuji is believed to be the original home of the ubiquitous Maneki Neko.

Tama

Tama is symbolizing ”precious stone” or ”jewel.” Tama also has Hebrew origins where it symbolizes perfection or integrity.

Chibi

The name Chibi is of Japanese origin, meaning short person or little.

Matsu

Matsu means pine. It is a short form of the name Matsuko (meaning “pine tree child”).

Hoshi

Hoshi has a meaning that I love, ”star.” According to online reports, a Scottish Fold cat named Hoshi became a samurai in ancient Japan.

Tobi

Tobi means soar in Japanese. Tobi is another Japanese name with Hebrew roots as well as a diminutive of the names Tobias and Tobiah. In Hebrew Tobi is meaning ”Yahweh is good” or ”God is good.”

READ MORE: 47 Hello Kitty Characters Names

Kiri

Kiri is a gender-neutral name that means ”mist.” Kiri also has origins in Māori (meaning skin) as well as in Khmer.

Koa

Brave one or warrior.

Sora

The name Sora means sky. Japanese voice actress Sora Amamiya made her voice acting debut in 2012.

Sakura

It means cherry blossom.

Riku

Depending on the used kanji, Riku means affectionate or clever.

Neko

Neko is ”cat” in Japanese.

Kaze

”Wind.” The pronunciation of Kaze is kah-zeh.

Zen

Zen comes from the Chinese character “Chan.” Chán is from the Sanskrit Dhyāna which means meditation. Zen has its origin in Buddhism itself. Zen has always made it a practice-oriented tradition. As such, Zen people have a “bigger picture” way of thinking.

How to choose a good name for your cat

Choosing a name for your new domestic feline friend is part of the fun! It’s all about choosing a name that feels natural for your cat.

Try calling a potential name out and see if your cat responds.

Try a name from another language.

Check the name meanings and origins.

Aki

Aki is a feminine name of Japanese origin that means clear, sparkle, bright, or autumn. Aki is also a diminutive form of Joakim (God will raise up).

Yori

It means peace or harmony.

Sota

In Japanese, the name Sota is interpreted as sudden sound or sound of the wind.

Yume

Yume literally means “dream.”

Momo

Peach child.

Izumi

Meaning source of water or spring, the name Izumi is a name with Japanese roots.

Kuro

Kuro means ”ninth son.”

Kohaku

The Japanese name Kohaku means “amber.”

Rini

Rini means little bunny in Japanese. Rini also has Sanskrit origins, where it means beloved.

Midori

Green.

Fuku

Fuku means blessing or good fortune, depending on the kanji.

Umi

Ocean or sea in Japanese.

Koi

Koi fish are freshwater fish that originate from Eastern Asia. There are over 20 different kinds of koi fish, and are usually kept as ornamental fish in outdoor ponds. Koi means love.