400+ Japanese Dog Names

A name of both Japanese and Hindi origin, Saya has a bright, sharp sound, reminiscent of Maia and Kaia. Borne by Olympian BMX racer, Saya Sakakibara, wrestler Saya Kamitani, and by weather presenter, Saya Hiyama who went viral after a clip of her switching from light-hearted banter to an earthquake warning became an internet phenomenon, Saya has also been used for characters in a variety of Japanese media.

A modern Greek form of the mythological name Hero, or a Japanese name meaning "color." Iro is also a name in Finnish mythology, derived from Irina and Irene. Iro was the mother of the three main gods of Finnish legend.

Popular name in Japan in its own right, but also as a nickname for Miyako or Makiko.

Similarity to the English name Jean could be a plus in a Japanese-American or Chinese-American family.

Now that Kenji is rising up the ranks, it's only a matter of time before parents discover Renji. Renji Abarai is a character in the anime series Bleach, in which the kanji used for his name mean "second love" or "second romance."

Frequently cited as an example of cruel baby naming, à la Ima Hogg.

Kyōka Izumi was a 19th-century surrealist author. He was a man, but a female character in the anime series Bungo Stray Dogs was named after him in full.

Akari is a gender-neutral Japanese name used fairly evenly between the sexes in the US.

Soma makes an unusual (outside Hungary) choice of nature name. It is rare that a beautiful flowering tree is used for a boy, so if you're looking for something floral for a boy, make sure you consider this choice.

Japanese writer Haruki Murakami, well known in the U. S. , might inspire some namesakes.

In the 1940s, Toni began to surpass its progenitor, Antonia, but it peaked in 1960 and has since dropped back below the US Top 1000.

In the Japanese culture, this name suggests a sense of independence and is one of the popular names for December babies.

One of the most familiar and attractive Japanese names, though rarely heard outside that culture.

Very popular girls' name in Japan not quite as easy to transport westward as the also-popular Rin.

Attractive but slight Asian alternative, with a 1970s nickname feel.

Rira is a truly multicultural name with roots in four different languages. It's most common as a Japanese name, where it can be made up of various kanji combinations with meanings such as "good plum" and "easy pear." In French, it means "laugh."

In Hindi, Hara is one of the 1,008 names for the god Siva and, to English speakers, a possible feminine spin on Harry. In Greek the name is pronounced with emphasis on the last syllable, where it has the uplifting meaning "joy" (also seen as Chara).

Unisex Japanese name used more often for girls these days. Potential successor to Kai.

Traditionally given to the ninth-born son, which is a rarity nowadays.