Hello there! Junko here, coming to you from Japan. When it comes to your new canine companion, you’d naturally want to give them a name that’s as unique and delightful as they are. If cool Japanese names are what you’re looking for, you’ve landed in the right place!
As a native Japanese, I’ve compiled a list of pet names that are not just any names, but ones that are authentic, meaningful, and specifically used for dogs in Japanese culture.
While you can find similar lists on other sites, many of those names, although Japanese, are NOT typically used for dogs. Most are actually names meant for baby boys and girls, or even don’t make sense as Japanese words.
In Japanese culture, we generally avoid sharing the same names between humans and pet dogs.
For instance, the most common name for dogs in Japan is “POCHI”, and when Japanese people hear this name, we immediately know it’s a dog, not a human or another animal.
The pet names I introduce here are all common and popular, especially for dogs. So, without further ado, let’s dive in and find an ideal name for your new dog!
12 Popular Unisex Dog Names with Two Japanese Letters
Names that consist of two Japanese letters are quite common for dog names. They’re short, easy to call, and easy to hear for dogs.
These names are all gender-neutral, making them perfect for both male and female dogs.
Here are some examples:
- CHIBI (チビ): This is a casual way to say “small” in Japanese. While it might sound a bit rough when used for humans, it’s often used affectionately for animals.
- FUKU (フク): This is a very positive word in Japanese that signifies good luck or happiness. It carries the nuance of being blessed with happiness from heaven.
- KAI (カイ): In Japanese, this word means “sea”, giving a wide and generous impression.
- KORO (コロ): This name is derived from the Japanese expression “korokoro”, which describes the action of something small and round rolling. It gives a cute impression.
- KURO (クロ): This word means “black” in Japanese, providing a strong and cool image.
- MARU (マル): Meaning “circle” in Japanese, this name gives a soft and warm impression.
- MUGI (ムギ): This word means “wheat” in Japanese. It has also gained popularity as a name for girls in recent years.
- POCHI (ポチ): The most classic dog name in Japan. “Pochi” is used exclusively for dogs, so when Japanese people hear this name, they instantly know it’s a dog.
- RIKU (リク):In contrast to “Kai”, which means sea, “Riku” signifies land. It has a cool sound and is more recommended for male dogs.
- SHIRO (シロ): This word means “white” in Japanese. It’s a very common name for white-haired dogs.
- SORA (ソラ): This word means “sky” in Japanese. It gives a refreshing and modern impression.
- TEN (テン): This word signifies “heaven”. It can also mean the number ten.
10 Cute Japanese Dog Names
This section includes the names of female dogs that have lovely and beautiful meanings! Most names are related to spring, making them great choices for dogs born during the spring season. They also harmonize well with small breeds due to their adorable impressions.
Here are some of them:
- HANA (ハナ): This word means “flower” in Japanese. It’s a name that has been used for girls since ancient times.
- HARU (ハル): This bright-sounding word signifies “spring”.
- HIME (ヒメ): This word means “princess” in Japanese, giving it a very girly vibe.
- KOHAKU (コハク): This is a Japanese word that means “amber” from gemstones. While it’s not used as a girl’s name, it has an ancient and beautiful sound.
- KOHARU (コハル): This is a combination of “KO”, which means little, and “HARU”, which means spring. It’s a cute name that brings to mind the warm and sunny scenery of spring.
- KOMUGI (コムギ): Just like “MUGI”, this word means wheat. But with the addition of “KO”, “KOMUGI” gives a more adorable impression.
- KOUME (コウメ): One of the traditional names for women in Japan, it means plum and gives a cute and modest image.
- MOMO (モモ): This word means peach or pink color in Japanese. It’s also used as a girl’s name and is very cute.
- SAKURA (サクラ): Meaning cherry blossom, it’s Japan’s national flower. With its beautiful sound, it’s an extremely popular name for girls.
- YUZU (ユズ): This name comes from the citrus fruit “YUZU”, which has a unique bitterness and fantastic aroma. It’s an essential ingredient that elevates the elegance of Japanese cuisine and sweets.
13 Cool Japanese Names for Male Dogs
These are traditional Japanese names for male dogs. Some come from old names of Japanese boys and carry a classic and robust impression. Don’t miss this list if you’re looking for a cool and unique dog name!
Here are some examples:
- CHACHAMARU (チャチャマル): This is the name of a real samurai from the Japanese Sengoku period. The “CHA” part of the name can mean tea or brown. Although it’s a boy’s name, it’s often used for pets or mascots due to its adorable sound.
- GON (ゴン): This is a common pet name that carries a lively and active impression. It also means a naughty boy in Japanese.
- HACHI (ハチ): This is the same name as the famous loyal dog, Hachi, who waited for his deceased owner for 10 years in front of Shibuya station in Tokyo. In Japanese, “Hachi” can also mean the number eight or a bee.
- HAYATE (ハヤテ): This cool name means “gale” in Japanese. It has been used as the name for fighter planes and warships.
- KIBA (キバ): This is a brave name that means “fang” in Japanese. It gives the impression of a hunting dog.
- KOTARO (コタロウ): This is one of the traditional names for boys in Japan. It has an old-fashioned and serious sound, but also a charming one.
- KOTETSU (コテツ): This name comes from the name of a famous swordsmith and his swords from the Japanese Edo period. When written in kanji, “KO” means tiger and “TETSU” means to adhere to one’s beliefs.
- RIKI (リキ): This word means “strength” in Japanese. While it’s simple, it’s a powerful and masculine name.
- RYU (リュウ): This is one of the common names for boys in Japan. It means dragon, solid, and prospering.
- TARO (タロウ): This is the most typical name for boys in Japan.
- TETSU (テツ): This is a simple but gallant and cool name. “TETSU” can mean iron, philosophy, and adhering to one’s beliefs in Japanese.
- YAMA (ヤマ): This word means “mountain” in Japanese.
- YAMATO (ヤマト): This is the name of ancient Japan. Even now, unique Japanese culture and characteristics are often described with the word “YAMATO”. The old anime, “Space Battleship YAMATO”, is also famous.
6 Brave Japanese Dog Names from Breeds
Name your dogs from the dog breeds are a common way of naming. These are the names that come from Japanese breeds. They’re recommended for male dogs since most of them are hunting dogs!
- AKITA (アキタ): Akita Inu, a big and sturdy dog breed from Akita prefecture.
- KAI (カイ): Kai Ken, wild and strong hunter dogs with black coat color from Yamanashi prefecture.
- KISHU (キシュウ): Kishu Ken, excellent hunter dogs with white coat color from Wakayama prefecture.
- SHIBA (シバ): Shiba Inu, the most popular and common Japanese dog breed.
- TOSA (トサ): Tosa Inu, Japanese Mastiff, fierce dog breed crossbred for dog fights.
- YAKURO (ヤクロウ): Yakuro Inu, a legendary dog that was believed to inherit wolf’s blood.
Did you find your favorite names? Take your time, say the names out loud, and see which one your new companion responds to the most. Happy naming!
Related Posts about Japanese Names
10 Meaningful Japanese Akita Names from Legendary Dogs
8 Beautiful Japanese Names That Mean FIRE
25 Beautiful Japanese Names That Mean Flowers for Girls
32 Cool Japanese Names That Mean SHADOW
Read More: Japanese Names: Authentic and Meaningful Guide by a Native Speaker
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