Pet names › Shiba Inu names
Shiba Inu names: Japanese ideas with meanings
The Shiba Inu is Japan's smallest native spitz breed, known for its fox-like face, curled tail and independent spirit. Japanese names — especially ones for colours, nature and food — are the top choice.
40 shiba inu names with meanings
- Tofusoybean curd; soft and white
- KohakuJapanese "amber"
- HanaJapanese "flower"
- SakuraJapanese "cherry blossom"
- UmeJapanese "plum blossom"
- KaiJapanese "sea" (one reading); Hawaiian "sea"
- SushiJapanese dish
- MochiJapanese rice cake
- Maplethe maple tree / syrup
- HaruJapanese "spring/sun"
- KikuJapanese "chrysanthemum"
- SoraJapanese "sky"
- ToraJapanese "tiger"
- MomoJapanese "peach"
- Paprikared spice
- Cheetothe orange snack
- RikuJapanese "land"
- Saffrongolden spice
- ShiroJapanese "white"
- KuroJapanese "black"
- Pumpkinthe autumn squash
- KumaJapanese "bear"
- AikoJapanese "love child"
- Cinnamonthe warm spice
- YukiJapanese "snow"
- Mangothe tropical fruit
- Marigoldthe golden flower
- Nachothe snack; also a Spanish nickname for Ignacio
- Tangerinethe citrus
- KinJapanese "gold"
- HoshiJapanese "star"
- Sunsetorange evening sky
- Marmaladeorange preserve
- KikoJapanese girls' name, often written 希子 ("hope child")
- Olivethe olive tree, a symbol of peace
- Thymethe herb
- Gingerthe spice; reddish fur
- Basilthe herb; Greek "royal"
- Clementinethe small orange citrus
- Autumnthe season of orange leaves
Tips for choosing
- Colour: Kohaku (amber), Kuro (black), Shiro (white).
- Food: Mochi, Momo, Tofu.
- Pick a name with one or two syllables — dogs and cats pick those up fastest.
- Avoid names that sound like commands ("Kit" vs "sit", "Bo" vs "no").
Picked a name?
Celebrate your puppy with it — make a free preview of a birthday or "gotcha day" card, or a set of profile pictures.
Want more ideas?
Try the free name generator — filter by colour, personality, size and style.
Related: Golden retriever names · Labrador names · French bulldog names · Dachshund names · Beagle names · Corgi names
FAQ
What is a good shiba inu name?
Popular picks from this list include Tofu, Kohaku, Hana, Sakura, Ume. The best name is short, easy to call and doesn't sound like a command.
How do I teach my pet its new name?
Say the name in a happy voice and reward with a treat or praise the moment your pet looks at you. Short sessions a few times a day work best; most pets respond within one to two weeks.