Picking the perfect name for your Shiba Inu can be as fun as bringing home your fox-like friend! These spirited dogs from Japan deserve names that match their unique personality and heritage. Whether you choose traditional Japanese names like Hachi and Mochi or playful nicknames like Tsuki-buki, finding the right name for your Shiba Inu helps strengthen your bond from day one.
Many Shiba owners find inspiration in Japanese culture or the distinctive traits of this ancient breed. You might notice that popular names often reflect their fox-like appearance, spirited nature, or adorable behaviors. Some Shiba parents even give their pups formal names but end up calling them by cute nicknames like “Princess” when they’re being dramatic or “baby girl” during cuddle time.
- Kuma
- Yuki
- Mochi
- Hachi
- Roku
- Kiko
- Suki
- Yoshi
- Luna
- Nala
- Bella
- Max
- Roxy
- Loki
- Milo
- Leo
- Simba
- Kobe
- Buddy
- Zoe
- Kai
- Lily
- Coco
- Kira
- Penny
- Nippon
- Shebie
- Jojo
- Pip
- Kona
Best Shiba Inu Names
Finding the perfect name for your Shiba Inu can be exciting and fun. Many owners choose Japanese names to honor the breed’s heritage, while others pick names that reflect their dog’s unique personality or appearance.
Male Shiba Inu Names
Male Shiba Inus often have names that reflect their bold and confident personalities. Japanese names are especially popular for these fox-like dogs.
- Akira – meaning “bright” or “clear” in Japanese
- Hachiko – after the famous loyal Akita dog
- Kai – meaning “ocean” in Japanese
- Kuma – meaning “bear” in Japanese
- Shiro – meaning “white,” perfect for a cream or white Shiba
- Goro – meaning “fifth son”
- Kenji – meaning “strong and vigorous”
- Koji – meaning “little one”
- Maru – meaning “circle” or “perfection”
- Taka – meaning “hawk” or “high, noble”
Many Shiba owners also call their dogs by nicknames based on their personality traits. You might start with a formal name but end up with something completely different!
Female Shiba Inu Names
Female Shiba Inus often receive elegant and beautiful Japanese names. These names can reflect their spirited yet feminine nature.
- Emi – meaning “beautiful smile”
- Hana – meaning “flower”
- Momo – meaning “peach”
- Saki – meaning “blossom”
- Yuki – meaning “snow”
- Akiko – meaning “autumn child”
- Eri – meaning “blessed prize”
- Fumiko – meaning “child of abundant beauty”
- Hikari – meaning “light”
- Rin – meaning “dignified, severe, cold”
Some owners choose names that reflect their Shiba’s fox-like appearance. Names like Kitsune (meaning “fox”) aren’t on our main list but are popular choices too.
Unisex Shiba Inu Names
Unisex names work well for Shiba Inus regardless of gender. These versatile options offer flexibility and often relate to Japanese culture or nature.
- Aki – meaning “autumn”
- Haru – meaning “spring”
- Hoshi – meaning “star”
- Mika – meaning “new moon”
- Sora – meaning “sky”
- Asa – meaning “morning”
- Chibi – meaning “small”
- Mochi – a sweet Japanese rice cake
- Ringo – meaning “apple”
- Umi – meaning “sea”
Japanese nature-inspired names are especially popular for Shibas. Names like Yama (mountain) and Mori (forest) connect your dog to their heritage and the natural world.
Cool Shiba Inu Names
Cool names for your Shiba Inu can reflect their independent, sometimes aloof personality. These names often have strong meanings or cultural significance.
- Amaya – meaning “night rain”
- Fuji – after Mount Fuji
- Ken – meaning “strong and healthy”
- Leo – meaning “lion,” reflecting their brave nature
- Roy – meaning “king”
- Jun – meaning “genuine” or “pure”
- Noriko – meaning “law, rule and child”
- Tori – meaning “bird”
- Mitsu – meaning “light, radiance”
- Shohei – meaning “prosperous peace”
Many popular Shiba names have connections to Japanese culture, history, or mythology. These names give your dog an air of sophistication and uniqueness.
Cute Shiba Inu Names
Cute names capture the adorable side of your Shiba Inu’s personality. Despite their independent nature, Shibas can be quite charming and sweet.
- Moka – reminiscent of mocha coffee
- Miki – meaning “beautiful princess”
- Tama – meaning “jewel”
- Yuri – meaning “lily”
- Hiromi – meaning “widespread beauty”
- Kyoko – meaning “mirror”
- Mariko – meaning “true village child”
- Masumi – meaning “true clarity”
- Wakana – meaning “young greens”
- Yoko – meaning “positive child”
Some owners choose cute food-based names like Mochi or Dango (Japanese dumplings). These sweet-sounding names match your pup’s adorable appearance.
Unique Shiba Inu Names
For a truly standout Shiba, consider these unique names that aren’t commonly heard at the dog park.
- Izumi – meaning “fountain, spring”
- Keiko – meaning “blessed child”
- Mako – meaning “sincere child”
- Naomi – meaning “beautiful, pleasant, delightful”
- Momotaro – a folk hero born from a peach
- Asa – meaning “hemp, linen”
- Eri – meaning “collar, blessing”
- Hoshi – meaning “star”
- Koda – a popular animal-inspired name
- Maru – meaning “round, circle”
Using a name with cultural significance gives your dog a name with a story behind it. Names like Hachiko, after the famously loyal Japanese dog, connect your Shiba to their heritage.
