Japanese Cat Names (and What They Actually Mean)

We had the hardest time naming Thelma and Louis. As music buffs we started thinking about music or music-adjacent duos, like Louis and Ella, Sid and Nancy, Sonny and Cher. I think we also had Louis (for Louis Armstrong) and Nina (for Nina Simone) for a while, but nothing really stuck. Every time we went to the vet’s it was a bit embarrassing because their names kept changing LOL.

Finally we were sitting down one night and Thelma & Louise was on TV, and it hit us. Thelma really seemed like a Thelma, and we had already been drawn to Louis for Louis Armstrong. Plus the cats were found in a car when they were rescued, so it all just fit together for us!

We had recently come back from a trip to Japan and fell in love with Tokyo and Kyoto while we were there. We also love sushi and sake! Because of that we thought about doing Japanese names for Thelma and Louis, something like Uni or Ginger (probably for Thelma because she’s orange) and Sake (the drink or salmon) or Unagi (eel) for Louis with his long black tail. I think the names we ended up with are perfect for them, but these were high on our list! If you’re also contemplating Japanese cat names (or just like scrolling through ideas), read on for more!

What cats in Japan are named right now

Japanese pet insurer Anicom publishes an annual ranking of the most popular cat names in Japan (how fun is that?). Its 2025 top ten were a bit of an assortment, with Mugi, Leo (is that for the sign or DiCaprio?), Luna, Sora, Latte, Coco, Kinako, Mocha, Bell, and Lulu leading the way.

Here is the list, along with the meaning for each.

While that is the list of the most popular cat names in Japan right now, there are so many other possibilities if none of those strike your fancy! Here are a few fun categories to consider.

Japanese food and drink names

I think food names are adorable. I also think the biggest thing that matters is that YOU love a name. When we were cycling through names and we had different ones for Thelma and Louis on each vet visit, someone would inevitably give their opinion. “Oh, we liked Ella so much better!” Um excuse me. She’s our cat and we like Thelma better, thank you! LOL.

Some of the best Japanese food names that could work for cats are below. Uni is sea urchin (and my favorite type of sushi!). Sake can mean the drink or salmon (the salmon word is pronounced closer to SHA-keh). Ginger isn’t Japanese, but it still works for an orange cat. You also get it on the side of your sushi platter!

Mikan is a really cute choice for an orange cat (like Thelma) that I haven’t heard often. And Tofu is always a popular choice for a reason. Same with Miso!

Names for black, white, tabby, and calico cats

If you have a black, white, or calico cat, there are some really great Japanese-inspired names you can choose from. Unlike in the United States, black cats are considered symbols of good luck in Japan, so you could also consider the name Fuku, which means good luck or good fortune.

If you have a calico (also good luck in Japan) and like the name Mike, one pronunciation note: Mike looks like the English name Mike, but the Japanese word for a calico is pronounced MEE-keh.

Japanese nature names

Classic cat names and Japanese pop culture

When choosing your cat’s name there are so many different directions you can go in, of course the classic route, or you can get inspired by pop culture. Here are some name options for both of those lists.

What does “-chan” mean?

When you’re in Japan you’ll often hear the world “-chan” at the end of a name. This is not to be confused with “-san,” which is a gender neutral suffix you attach to a first or last name, very much like a Mr. or Mrs./Ms.

The -chan in Momo-chan or Tora-chan on the other hand is an affectionate honorific often used for children and pets. It isn’t part of the name or its meaning; it just makes it sound more affectionate.

Before you pick a name, try the true test first

You are likely going to be saying ANY cat name you pick out loud A LOT. So it has to sound good to you and be easy to say. Also, my personal test is how it sounds when I a) sing it in a song or b) say it in a high-pitched baby/cat voice. I think Japanese cat names are made for your cat voice. I can personally totally hear myself saying most of the names on this list, so much so that maybe the next pet we get might be named Momo-chan!