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Dog name lists / By Language & Origin

Japanese Dog Names

Japanese names are everywhere in American license data — some carried by shibas and akitas, plenty more by dogs whose owners just love the sound. Food names (Mochi, Sushi, Miso) lead, with nature words and classic given names close behind.

NameGenderTrend
1Mochi

The chewy rice sweet — nearly 700 licensed dogs carry it.

Either
2Momo

Peach — soft, round, sweet.

Either
3Yuki

Snow — or happiness, depending on the kanji.

Either
4Mika

Beautiful fragrance.

Girl
5Yoshi

Good luck — and Mario's dinosaur.

Boy
6Suki

Beloved.

Girl
7Miso

Salty, warming, comforting.

Either
8Kuma

Bear — the go-to for fluffy, bear-ish dogs.

Either
9Sushi

The most famous Japanese food, on over 100 license rolls.

Either
10Hachi

For Hachikō, the akita who waited nine years — loyalty itself.

Boy
11Nori

The seaweed wrap holding everything together.

Girl
12Akira

Bright, clear — and an anime landmark.

Girl
13Hiro

Generous; also Big Hero 6's boy genius.

Boy
14Hana

Flower.

Girl
15Haru

Spring — the season of new puppies.

Either
16Kenji

A classic given name — intelligent second son.

Boy
17Sora

Sky.

Either
18Taro

The traditional firstborn-son name.

Boy
19Zen

The calm your puppy does not have yet.

Boy
20Wasabi

For small dogs with unexpected kick.

Either
21Koji

Little one; also the mold that makes miso and sake.

Either
22Kitsune

Fox — the shiba comparison made official; 29× over-indexed for shibas.

Girl
23Sakura

Cherry blossom.

Girl
24Bento

A lunchbox of a dog: small, neat, full of good things.

Boy
25Ramen

Noodle-shaped dogs deserve noodle names.

Boy
26Tsuki

Moon.

Girl
27Azuki

The little red bean.

Boy
28Hoshi

Star.

Girl

More by language & origin