53 Incredible Japanese Dog Names and Their Meanings

More than 130 million people speak Japanese worldwide. The Japanese language is unique, different, and fascinating – it is, in fact, the only recognized official language in Japan. Similarly, there are only six indigenous Japanese inu (meaning ‘dog’ in Japanese) specified as national monuments in Japan. They include; Shiba Inu, Akita, Kai Ken, Kishu Ken, Shikoku Ken, and Hokkaido breeds. Nonetheless, whether you own one of these legendary dog breeds or other Japanese breeds (such as the Japanese Terrier), it can’t be easy to find the perfect Japanese name for your beautiful dog (because there’s an absolutely wide range of options to choose from!). 

It’s also not uncommon to see other dog owners who desire a Japanese dog name for their non-Japanese dogs. Not for any other reason than it allows them to choose a unique, authentic name that’ll make their dog stand out in the park. Or, perhaps they find interest in Japanese culture and heritage. Want to know the best part? You don’t even need to master the Japanese language to choose one —because most of these dog names are very easy to pronounce. However, if you or any member of your household has any difficulty pronouncing any of these names, you should seek the help of a language app such as Duolingo. 

We’ve compiled a list of the most incredible Japanese dog names and their meanings, to help in your enthusiastic search for the perfect name for your new bundle of joy. This list consists of names inspired by your dog’s personality/appearance to names inspired by Japanese food, pop culture, or the natural world. So we’ve made it easier to choose one that’ll suit you and everyone in your family. 

Male Japanese Dog Names and Their Meanings 

Here’s our carefully selected list of the most popular Japanese dog names for your male dog, and their meanings.

1. Aiko – meaning child of love.

2. Aki – meaning bright, autumn. 

3. Arata – meaning fresh, new. 

4. Oshi – meaning  beautiful stream, good luck, good, righteous. 

5. Shinju – meaning  pearl.

6. Umi – meaning  ocean.

7. Daitan – meaning daring, bold.

8. Daiki – meaning  big, great glory / great nobility. 

9. Haruto – meaning sun flying.

10. Katashi – meaning  firm. 

11. Akio – meaning  bright man, hero.  

12. Hiro – meaning  generous. 

13. Isamu – meaning  brave, courageous. 

14. Kaito – meaning  ocean flying. 

15. Jiro – meaning the second son.

16. Taiki – meaning great radiance, shine. 

17. Yoshi – meaning  lucky/righteous. 

18. Tadao – meaning  loyal, faithful man.

19. Maron – meaning chestnut.

20. Hideo – meaning excellent man. 

21. Taki-  meaning waterfall. 

22. Kumo- meaning cloud. 

23. Kento – meaning happiness. 

24. Yuzu – meaning a type of citrus fruit.

25. Kenta – meaning large, strong, healthy. 

26. Katsu – meaning victory. 

27. Ren – meaning lotus/love.

Female Japanese Dog Names and their Meanings

Here’s our carefully selected list of the most popular Japanese dog names for your female dog, and their meanings.

1. Eri –meaning blessed prize

2. Akira – meaning intelligent, bright, clear 

3. Amaya – meaning night rain

4. Emi – meaning beautiful blessing

5. Hana – meaning flower

6. Haru – meaning sunlight, spring

7. Rina – meaning jasmine

8. Sachiko – meaning joyful, happy child  

9. Eiji – meaning prosperity, peace, great 

10. Hime- meaning princess

11. Tsuki – meaning moon 

12. Yuki – meaning snow, happiness 

13. Amai – meaning sweet

14. Yumi – meaning beautiful 

15. Chieko- meaning child of intelligence, wisdom

16. Ryoko – meaning refreshing child 

17. Maiko – meaning child of dance 

18. Kimi – meaning noble 

19. Chika – meaning scatter flowers 

20. Miyako – meaning beautiful night child 

21. Miwa – meaning beautiful harmony, peace 

22. Yua- meaning  binding love 

23. Sora – meaning sky 

24. Yasu – meaning peace

25. Ki –meaning brightness, radiance 

26. Mori –meaning forest