140 Japanese Cat Names (Including Food-Based Names)

Cats are very popular pets in Japan, and Japanese culture has influenced the naming of cats. Most Japanese names that are meant for cats are very unique and meaningful. If you’re looking to give your new cat a Japanese name, we’ve got over 100!

70 Japanese Cat Names – Female

1. Akira – This name means “bright and intelligent.”
2. Amaterasu – This name is derived from the goddess of the sun in Japanese mythology.
3. Asami – This name means “morning beauty.”
4. Ayumi – This name means “walking gracefully.”
5. Chika – This name means “near,” “close,” or “wisdom.”
6. Chiyo – This name means “eternal” or “thousand generations.”
7. Emiko – This name means “smiling child.”
8. Hana – This name means “flower.”
9. Hanako – This name means “flower child.”
10. Haruka – This name means “distant.”
11. Hikari – This name means “light.”
12. Hiroko – This name means “abundant child.”
13. Hitomi – This name means “pupil of the eye.”
14. Hotaru – This name means “firefly.”
15. Iori – This name means “a collection of different fabrics.”
16. Itsuki – This name means “five trees.”
17. Junko – This name means “pure, genuine.”
18. Kana – This name means “powerful.”
19. Kaori – This name means “fragrance.”
20. Katsu – This name means “victory.”
21. Kazumi – This name means “harmony beauty.”
22. Kimiko – This name means “noble child.”
23. Kiyomi – This name means “pure beauty.”
24. Kokoro – This name means “heart” or “soul.”
25. Kotone – This name means “sound of the harp.”
26. Kumiko – This name means “long-time beautiful child.”
27. Kurumi – This name means “walnut.”
28. Mai – This name means “dance.”
29. Maki – This name means “true hope.”
30. Makoto – This name means “sincerity.”
31. Mana – This name means “love.”
32. Mariko – This name means “true child.”
33. Mei – This name means “bud.”
34. Michi – This name means “path” or “way.”
35. Midori – This name means “green.”
36. Mika – This name means “beautiful fragrance.”
37. Mikasa – This name means “three bamboo hats.”
38. Minako – This name means “beautiful child.”
39. Minori – This name means “truth.”
40. Mio – This name means “beautiful cherry blossom.”
41. Mirai – This name means “future.”
42. Misaki – This name means “beautiful blossom.”
43. Mitsuki – This name means “full moon.”
44. Mizuki – This name means “beautiful moon.”
45. Momoka – This name means “peach flower.”
46. Nagisa – This name means “beach.”
47. Nami – This name means “wave.”
48. Narumi – This name means “smooth, beautiful.”
49. Natsumi – This name means “summer beauty.”
50. Natsuki – This name means “summer hope.”
51. Natsuko – This name means “summer child.”
52. Nozomi – This name means “hope.”
53. Rei – This name means “grace.”
54. Rika – This name means “true fragrance.”
55. Rin – This name means “dignified.”
56. Risa – This name means “sand of the village.”
57. Rina – This name means “jasmine.”
58. Ruri – This name means “lapis lazuli.”
59. Saki – This name means “blossom of hope.”
60. Miso – A type of fermented soybean paste commonly used in Japanese cuisine.
61. Soba – A type of thin noodles made from buckwheat flour.
62. Udon – A type of thick wheat flour noodles.
63. Sushi – A popular Japanese dish consisting of vinegared rice topped with various ingredients, usually including raw fish.
64. Tempura – A Japanese dish of seafood or vegetables that have been battered and deep-fried.
65. Mochi – A type of sweet rice cake usually filled with red bean paste.
66. Teriyaki – A cooking technique that involves grilling or broiling meat, fish, or vegetables that have been marinated in a sweet soy sauce.
67. Sake – A Japanese rice wine.
68. Wasabi – A pungent green paste made from the root of the wasabi plant, often served with sushi or sashimi.
69. Matcha – A finely ground green tea powder commonly used in Japanese tea ceremonies and as a flavoring in various desserts.
70. Tsukiko – This name means “moon child.”
71. Ume – This name means “plum blossom.”
72. Yoko – This name means “child of sunlight.”
73. Yui – This name means “tie, bind.”
74. Yuka – This name means “gentle flower.”
75. Tsubaki – This name means “camellia.”

70 Japanese Cat Names – Male

1. Akio (meaning “bright man”, inspired by the radiance and energy of cats)
2. Aoki (meaning “blue tree”, inspired by the serene and calming nature of cats)
3. Arata (meaning “fresh”, inspired by the lively and playful nature of cats)
4. Atsushi (meaning “kind”, inspired by the gentle and affectionate nature of cats)
5. Bento (Japanese lunch box, a perfect name for a cute and small cat)
6. Daichi (meaning “great land”, inspired by the powerful and majestic nature of cats)
7. Dango (a sweet Japanese dumpling, a great name for a round and cute cat)
8. Eiji (meaning “eternity”, inspired by the timeless and enduring nature of cats)
9. Emi (meaning “blessed with beauty”, inspired by the graceful and elegant nature of cats)
10. Fugu (a pufferfish, a cute name for a small and quirky cat)
11. Genki (meaning “healthy and energetic”, inspired by the vibrant and lively nature of cats)
12. Gohan (meaning “meal” or “rice”, inspired by Japanese cuisine)
13. Hajime (meaning “beginning”, inspired by the curious and explorative nature of cats)
14. Haru (meaning “spring”, inspired by the playful and joyful nature of cats)
15. Hayate (meaning “swift”, inspired by the agile and nimble nature of cats)
16. Hideo (meaning “excellent man”, inspired by the admirable and distinguished nature of cats)
17. Hikaru (meaning “radiance”, inspired by the bright and luminous nature of cats)
18. Hoshi (meaning “star”, inspired by the celestial and mysterious nature of cats)
19. Ichiro (meaning “first son”, inspired by the dignified and regal nature of cats)
20. Inari (a Japanese fox spirit, a great name for a cunning and mischievous cat)
21. Isamu (meaning “courageous”, inspired by the brave and fearless nature of cats)
22. Itachi (a Japanese weasel, a great name for a small and agile cat)
23. Jiro (meaning “second son”, inspired by the loyal and devoted nature of cats)
24. Kaito (meaning “ocean flying”, inspired by the free-spirited and adventurous nature of cats)
25. Katsu (a Japanese dish consisting of breaded and fried meat, a great name for a cat with a big appetite)
26. Kazuki (meaning “harmonious hope”, inspired by the peaceful and contented nature of cats)
27. Kenji (meaning “intelligent ruler”, inspired by the clever and cunning nature of cats)
28. Kenta (meaning “healthy and strong”, inspired by the robust and sturdy nature of cats)
29. Kiri (meaning “fog”, inspired by the mysterious and elusive nature of cats)
30. Kuro (meaning “black”, inspired by the sleek and mysterious nature of cats)
31. Leo (meaning “lion”, a great name for a cat with a fierce and regal presence)
32. Maki (meaning “roll”, inspired by Japanese cuisine)
33. Makoto (meaning “sincerity”, inspired by the honest and loyal nature of cats)
34. Masaru (meaning “victorious”, inspired by the determined and triumphant nature of cats)
35. Michi (meaning “path”, inspired by the curious and adventurous nature of cats)
36. Mochi (a Japanese rice cake, a great name for a soft and cuddly
37. Akihiko (昭彦) – means “bright prince” in Japanese, a great name for a regal and noble cat. [Original]
38. Miso (味噌) – a traditional Japanese seasoning made from fermented soybeans, a unique name for a cat with a savory personality. [Food-Based]
39. Haru (春) – means “spring” in Japanese, a fitting name for a cat born in that season or with a lively and cheerful personality. [Original]
40. Udon (うどん) – a type of thick wheat flour noodle, a cute and playful name for a plump and fluffy cat. [Food-Based]
41. Kazuo (和夫) – means “harmony man” in Japanese, a name that symbolizes balance and peace, perfect for a calm and peaceful cat. [Original]
42. Tofu (豆腐) – a food made from soybeans, a popular ingredient in Japanese cuisine, a unique and quirky name for a cat with a soft and delicate personality. [Food-Based]
43. Ryo (涼) – means “cool” or “refreshing” in Japanese, a name for a cat with a calming presence or a love for cool places. [Original]
44. Dango (団子) – a Japanese sweet dumpling made from rice flour, a cute and round name for a plump and cuddly cat. [Food-Based]
45. Jiro (二郎) – means “second son” in Japanese, a name that signifies a younger brother or a loyal and dependable companion. [Original]
46. Wasabi (山葵) – a Japanese condiment made from the root of the wasabi plant, a spicy and unique name for a cat with a fiery personality. [Food-Based]
47. Koji (浩二) – means “great and two” in Japanese, a name for a cat with a grand and impressive personality. [Original]
48. Soba (蕎麦) – a type of thin buckwheat noodle, a cute and playful name for a skinny and agile cat. [Food-Based]
49. Toshiro (俊郎) – means “talented son” in Japanese, a name for a cat with remarkable skills and abilities. [Original]
50. Nori (海苔) – dried seaweed, a popular ingredient in Japanese cuisine, a unique and quirky name for a cat with a dark and mysterious personality. [Food-Based]
51. Hideo (英雄) – means “hero” in Japanese, a name for a cat with brave and fearless qualities. [Original]
52. Taiyaki (たい焼き) – a Japanese fish-shaped cake, a cute and unique name for a cat with a playful and mischievous personality. [Food-Based]
53. Kenji (健二) – means “strong and second” in Japanese, a name for a cat with a powerful and robust personality. [Original]
54. Yuzu (柚子) – a citrus fruit commonly used in Japanese cuisine, a fresh and vibrant name for a cat with a zesty personality. [Food-Based]
55. Takashi (隆) – means “prosperous” in Japanese, a name for a cat with a successful and fortunate life. [Original]
56. Kazuki (meaning: “harmonious hope”; inspired by the Japanese dish Kazuki-mushroom)
57. Shinji (meaning: “true ruler”; inspired by the Japanese dish Shinji-no-udon)
58. Sora (meaning: “sky”; inspired by the Japanese dish Sora-mame)
59. Takeshi (meaning: “warrior”; inspired by the Japanese dish Takeshi-no-yaki)
60. Katsu (meaning: “victory”; inspired by the Japanese dish Katsu-don)
61. Miso (meaning: “fermented soybean paste”; a popular ingredient in Japanese cuisine)
62. Shiro (meaning: “white”; inspired by the Japanese dish Shiro-miso)
63. Sake (meaning: “salmon”; a popular fish used in Japanese cuisine)
64. Taiga (meaning: “big and gracious”; inspired by the Japanese dish Taiga-imo)
65. Udon (meaning: “thick noodles”; a popular dish in Japanese cuisine)
66. Wasabi (meaning: “Japanese horseradish”; a popular condiment in Japanese cuisine)
67. Yaki (meaning: “grilled”; inspired by the Japanese dish Yaki-tori)
68. Zen (meaning: “meditation”; inspired by the Japanese dish Zen-mai)
69. Fugu (meaning: “pufferfish”; a delicacy in Japanese cuisine that requires special preparation)
70. Korokke (meaning: “croquette”; a popular dish in Japanese cuisine) [
71. Dango (meaning: “sweet dumpling”; a popular snack in Japanese cuisine)
72. Genmaicha (meaning: “brown rice tea”; a type of Japanese green tea)
73. Hamachi (meaning: “yellowtail”; a popular fish used in Japanese cuisine)
74. Kaki (meaning: “oyster”; popular seafood in Japanese cuisine)
75. Kani (meaning: “crab”; popular seafood in Japanese cuisine)

We hope that you were able to find the right Japanese name for your cute kitty. Feel free to browse our website for more cat-naming and informative articles on cats!