Japanese Names That Mean Cat

The Japanese word for cat is neko (猫), and the most direct cat names are Neko, Koneko (kitten), Tama (a classic cat name), Mike (calico), Tora (tiger) and Nyanko (a playful word for kitty). Real baby names that mean cat are very rare in Japan, so these names fit pets, characters, nicknames and creative projects best.

What Does Cat Mean in Japan?

In Japan, cats stand for luck, charm and independence. The beckoning cat, Maneki Neko, is believed to bring good fortune and money.

Cats also appear widely in folklore, art, anime and everyday life.

Neko: The Core Word

Neko (猫) means cat. It is used as a nickname or pet name, but it is not commonly given to children.

The kanji 猫 is generally not approved for registered given names in Japan. That is why most people use sound-alike or related names instead.

Direct Cat Names

• Neko (猫): cat
• Koneko (子猫): kitten
• Nyanko: kitty, a cute and playful form
• Nyan: the Japanese sound a cat makes
• Nekochan: dear cat
• Mikeneko (三毛猫): calico cat
• Kuroneko (黒猫): black cat
• Shironeko (白猫): white cat
• Toraneko (虎猫): tabby, literally tiger cat

Classic Japanese Cat Names

• Tama (タマ): the most traditional cat name, from a word for ball or jewel
• Mike (ミケ): calico
• Tora (トラ): tiger
• Kuro (クロ): black
• Shiro (シロ): white
• Buchi (ブチ): spotted
• Chibi (チビ): little one

Cat Colors in Japanese

Japan has special words for coat patterns, and they make charming names.

• Mike: calico
• Kijitora: brown tabby
• Sabatora: mackerel tabby
• Hachiware: white face with black cap
• Sabi: rust and dark tortoiseshell
• Ginji: silver

Girl Names Linked to Cats

These real names do not mean cat, but they sound cat-like or feel feline.

• Mio (美桜, 澪): beautiful cherry blossom, waterway
• Miyu (美優): beautiful and gentle
• Mimi (美々): beauty
• Mii: pet-like and soft
• Nene: peaceful sound
• Nyaa: cat sound, used in nicknames

Boy Names Linked to Cats

• Tora (寅): tiger, a real Japanese name tied to the zodiac sign
• Tora-ichi: tiger first son
• Rai (雷): thunder
• Kuro: black, used for pets and nicknames
• Mikeru: a modern spelling

Boy names tied to cats are more playful than formal.

Cute Pet Names for Cats

• Mochi: sticky rice cake
• Kinako: roasted soybean flour
• Azuki: sweet red bean
• Daifuku: soft rice dessert
• Momo: peach
• Sora: sky
• Yuzu: citrus fruit
• Kuri: chestnut

Cats in Anime and Pop Culture

• Luna: guide cat in Sailor Moon
• Jiji: black cat in Kiki’s Delivery Service
• Nyanko Sensei: spirit cat in Natsume’s Book of Friends
• Doraemon: robot cat whose name comes from dora, meaning stray
• Maneki Neko: the lucky beckoning cat
• Hello Kitty: a global icon born in Japan

Cat Spirits in Folklore

• Nekomata: a cat with two tails and magical power
• Bakeneko: a shape-shifting cat
• Maneki Neko: a lucky charm cat
• Neko Jorō: a cat woman spirit

These make excellent names for characters, games and stories.

Japanese Surnames Related to Cats

• Nekoma (猫間): cat space, a rare surname
• Nekozawa (猫沢): cat marsh
• Nekoyama (猫山): cat mountain

These are uncommon, and some are better known from fiction than real life.

How to Choose a Cat Name

• Decide if the name is for a pet, character or person
• Pick a name that is short and easy to call
• Check that it sounds good when repeated
• Match the name to your cat’s color or personality
• Avoid kanji you cannot read or confirm

FAQs

What Japanese name means cat?

Neko means cat in Japanese. Koneko means kitten, Tama is a classic cat name and Nyanko is a cute word for kitty.

What is the Japanese word for cat?

The word is neko, written 猫. Kitten is koneko, and a cat’s meow is written nyan.

Is Neko a real Japanese name?

Neko is mainly a nickname or pet name. The kanji 猫 is generally not approved for registered baby names in Japan.

What is the most popular Japanese cat name?

Tama is the most traditional, along with Mike, Tora, Kuro and Shiro. Food names like Mochi are also very popular now.

What does Tama mean?

Tama means ball or jewel. It became the classic cat name in Japan and is used for many pets.

What does Mike mean in Japanese cat names?

Mike (ミケ) means calico. It is pronounced mee-keh and is used for calico or multicolored cats.

What Japanese girl name sounds like cat?

Mio and Miyu sound like a soft meow, though they do not mean cat. Mimi and Mii also have a gentle cat-like sound.

What does Maneki Neko mean?

Maneki Neko means beckoning cat. It is a lucky charm believed to bring wealth and good fortune.

What does Doraemon mean?

Dora comes from dora neko, meaning stray cat, and emon is a traditional name ending. The name gives the robot cat a classic Japanese feel.

What are cute Japanese cat names?

Mochi, Kinako, Azuki, Momo, Yuzu and Daifuku are all cute food-inspired names loved by cat owners.