Most Japanese pet names are based on certain things that are rich in their culture, such as special meanings, special words, and exotic parts of the earth, exotic flowers, and famous people from Japanese history. Whichever name you prefer, you can always research it to find out the true meaning and origin.
If you’re looking for ideas to base your Japanese pet names on, here are some common pet names for cats, dogs, or any other pet that are derived from Japanese words:
o Aiko – little love
o Aki – born in autumn
o Akiko – autumn girl
o Anda – meet in the field
o Akina – spring flower
Ayame – Iris
o Aneko – older sister
o Chiko – arrow
o Chika – close
o Chiyo – eternal
or Cho – butterfly
or Dai – great
o Eriko – boy with necklace
or Gin-silver
o Haruko – spring child
or Hoshi-star
o Haru – born in the spring
or Hana – flower
o Hoshiko- star child
o Hisa – long lasting
or Jun’ko – unknown
o Kameko – son of the turtle, long life
or Kami – Lord
o Kaede – maple leaf
o Kaya – add a resting place
o Kei – ecstasy, reverence
o Keiko-adored
o Kimi – the one without equal
o Kumi – braid, drawing together
or Kuri – chestnut
or Kita – north
o Kumiko – companion child
o Kohana – small flower
o Koto – harp
o Leiko – arrogant
or Kuni – meaning unknown
o Kyoko – mirror
o Toya – door of the house
o Tsuyu – morning dew
o Yoshiko – good boy
or Yone – unknown meaning
o Nariko – gentle girl
or Nami – wave
o Natsuko – summer girl
o Nori – two trees
or Nyoko-gem
o Oki – middle of the ocean
o Ran – water lily
o Rei – gratitude
o Sachiko – son of bliss
o Suki – beloved
or Sakura – cherry blossoms
o Shika – gate
o Suzu – long-lived
o Shina – virtue, good
o Sumi – clear, refined
o Taka – tall, honorable
o Takara – treasure, precious object
These are just a few of the most popular Japanese pet names, and there are also variations of many of the names that can be personalized for your pet. Whichever you decide among these beautiful names, you are sure to give your special pet a name as unique as they are. Japanese culture strongly believes in the meaning and virtue of names, and by choosing to adorn your pet with a name, you are demonstrating that it is not just any pet, but one that has special meaning for you and also in your life.
You can always incorporate other aspects into your pet’s name, for example if you want to create a name based on Japanese pet names and then add another component for something personal in your life, the possibilities are endless. If you want to name your pets after certain themes, you can choose a name that is Japanese-inspired, and perhaps one from where you live or where your pet originated from. The options are up to you, and you may want to select a name that is meaningful to you and also describes your new pet’s personality.
