Many people are fascinated by names and their meanings. In Japanese culture, names often carry significant symbolism and can reflect traits or characteristics. Some names have powerful meanings related to beasts or monsters, which can be captivating for those who appreciate strength, courage, or wildness.
Today, we will look at several Japanese names that mean “beast.” Whether you are searching for a unique name for a character, a pet, or even considering names for a baby, these names will provide interesting options. Let’s explore what these names mean and the stories behind them!
Names That Mean Beast In Japanese
1. Kemono
Kemono directly means ‘beast’ in Japanese and is popular for its straightforwardness. This name embodies the raw nature and power associated with wild animals.
2. Shishi
Shishi translates to ‘lion’ but is often used to refer to beasts in a broader sense. This name symbolizes strength, bravery, and protection.
3. Yajuu
Yajuu means ‘beast’ in a primal sense, often signifying a creature of great strength and ferocity. It can be an intriguing name for a character or a pet.
4. Mononoke
Mononoke is known from the movie Princess Mononoke, meaning ‘spirit’ or ‘beast’. It represents a connection to nature and the wild spirit within us.
5. Inugami
Inugami combines ‘inu’ (dog) and ‘kami’ (spirit), meaning ‘dog spirit.’ It’s a name often linked to protective beasts and loyalty.
6. Yamikage
This name, meaning ‘shadow beast,’ evokes feelings of mystery and strength. It can be an excellent name for a character with a hidden depth.
7. Ryu
Ryu means ‘dragon’ in Japanese. Dragons are often seen as powerful beasts in mythology, representing strength and wisdom.
8. Kyuubi
Kyuubi translates to ‘nine-tails,’ referring to the mythical fox spirit. This name shows cleverness and magical qualities associated with beasts.
9. Bakemono
Bakemono refers to a ‘monster’ or ‘beast’ in folklore. This name carries a sense of wonder and the extraordinary.
10. Jorogumo
Jorogumo means ‘binding bride’ or ‘spider beast.’ It’s often associated with transformation and the wild side of beauty.
11. Ikichi
This name means ‘beast’ but can also refer to a wild animal. It’s a name full of character and strength.
12. Orochi
Orochi refers to a mythical eight-headed serpent. It embodies ferocity and power, making it great for characters in storytelling.
13. Takaon
Takaon means ‘hawk’ or ‘noble beast.’ This name signifies a connection to freedom and the wild spirit of birds.
14. Koumori
Koumori translates to ‘bat,’ often considered a beast of the night. This name has connotations of darkness and mystery.
15. Akuma
Akuma means ‘demon’ or ‘devil,’ often seen as a beastly figure in Japanese folklore that represents chaos and danger.
16. Kamaitachi
Kamaitachi, meaning ‘sickle weasel,’ is a mythical creature representing a swift beast that brings illness. It carries a blend of power and slyness.
17. Inoshishi
Inoshishi means ‘wild boar,’ a fierce animal that symbolizes honesty and courage in Japanese culture.
18. Youkai
Youkai translates to ‘monster’ or ‘ghostly beast.’ It’s a playful and mystical name for those who love folklore.
19. Kappa
Kappa refers to a water demon or beast often depicted as a turtle-like creature. It embodies an adventurous spirit while being somewhat mischief-prone.
20. Tanuki
Tanuki means ‘raccoon dog’ and symbolizes shapeshifting tricksters. This name captures the playful aspect of wild beasts.
21. Shishi-ō
This name means ‘lion king,’ signifying powerful and commanding presence like a true beast ruler.
22. Gyaruuma
Gyaruuma means ‘rock monster’ and signifies brute strength with an earthy connection.
23. Ushi
Ushi means ‘cow’ but is also associated with the beast of burden, representing reliability and strength.
24. Tatsu
Tatsu means ‘dragon’ in a poetic sense, often symbolizing power, protection, and ferocity.
25. Tora
Tora means ‘tiger,’ a majestic beast that represents strength, courage, and beauty.
26. Ōkami
Ōkami means ‘wolf,’ a beast highly regarded for its loyalty, cooperation, and adaptability.
27. Umiushi
Umiushi means ‘ocean beast,’ relating to powerful creatures of the sea that can symbolize mystery and strength.
28. Kiryuu
Kiryuu means ‘dragon flow,’ capturing the majestic nature of dragons as beasts of beauty and power.
29. Daikaiju
Daikaiju means ‘large monster’ and refers to giant creatures in Japanese pop culture. It’s a fun name connected to imagination and adventurous spirits.
30. Yuki-onna
Yuki-onna means ‘snow woman,’ representing pure beauty with a chilling beastly nature in folklore.
31. Kamikaze
Kamikaze is often translated as ‘divine wind,’ referring to a rapid and powerful force like a beast in nature, evoking strong imagery.
32. Kuroi-ōkami
Kuroi-ōkami translates to ‘black wolf,’ symbolizing the fierce and powerful nature of a wild beast.
33. Jiji
Jiji means ‘monster,’ often used in a playful way to refer to beasts in Japanese stories.
34. Fukurou
Fukurou means ‘owl,’ representing wisdom and the mystical nature associated with nocturnal beasts.
35. Fudō
Fudō translates to ‘immovable,’ a name that connects with beasts known for their tenacity and strength.
36. Okuchi
Okuchi means ‘great mouth,’ often used to describe mighty beasts known for their powerful bites.
37. Tatsu-kamen
Tatsu-kamen combines ‘dragon’ and ‘mask,’ showcasing mythical beast characteristics infused with artistry.
38. Uruhitsubo
Uruhitsubo means ‘beast that causes destruction.’ This name suggests a powerful and formidable presence.
39. Henge
Henge means ‘transform’ and can refer to mythical beasts known for their shapeshifting abilities.
40. Obake
Obake translates to ‘ghost’ but is often used in a beastly context in folklore, emphasizing transformation.
41. Ikumori
Ikumori means ‘beast of life,’ representing the life force and wild spirit of nature.
42. Azuki
Azuki means ‘red bean,’ but can refer to edible beasts in folklore, showcasing a connection with nature.
43. Kanetsune
Kanetsune translates to ‘beast of flames,’ suggesting a fierce nature associated with fire-breathing beasts.
44. Kurogitsune
Kurogitsune means ‘black fox,’ a mythical beast with connection to cunning and intelligence.
45. Yurei
Yurei means ‘faint spirit,’ often tied to the concept of ghostly beasts in haunting stories.
46. Zekkei
Zekkei means ‘unparalleled,’ suggesting unmatched strength like that of a majestic beast.
47. Tatsunoko
Tatsunoko translates to ‘dragon child,’ embodying the magical qualities of legendary beasts.
48. Natsukage
Natsukage means ‘summer shadow,’ connecting to the mysterious and elusive nature of beasts.
49. Suyama
Suyama means ‘mountain,’ often symbolizing the might and majesty associated with mountain beasts.
50. Umikawa
Umikawa translates to ‘ocean river,’ suggesting powerful creatures residing in the depths of nature.
51. Hinotori
Hinotori means ‘firebird,’ representing a mythical beast associated with passion and rebirth.
52. Ryujin
Ryujin translates to ‘dragon god,’ evoking thoughts of powerful mythical beasts revered in stories.
53. Sengokushi
Sengokushi means ‘war beast,’ suggesting a fierce warrior spirit connected with bravery.
54. Ookami
Ookami means ‘wolf,’ representing loyalty and the untamed side of nature.
55. Shishi-gami
Shishi-gami translates to ‘lion god,’ symbolizing divine protection and the strength of a beast.
56. Seiryu
Seiryu refers to the ‘azure dragon,’ a symbol of power and protection in Japanese mythology.
57. Kodama
Kodama means ‘tree spirit,’ often shown as wild entities connected to nature and beasts.
58. Koshin
Koshin translates to ‘guardian of beasts,’ emphasizing the fierce and loyal protective aspects of wild creatures.
59. Yatagarasu
Yatagarasu is a ‘three-legged bird’ symbolizing guidance and connection with divine spirits within nature.
60. Suijin
Suijin means ‘water god’ and is often depicted in tales with aquatic beasts and mythical creatures.
61. Chitei
Chitei means ‘earth beast,’ highlighting the earthy and grounded nature of powerful creatures.
62. Kozo
Kozo means ‘young beast,’ symbolizing the youthful spirit and energy of wild animals.
63. Kuroko
Kuroko translates to ‘black child’ or ‘little beast,’ emphasizing an endearing and playful nature.
64. Gashadokuro
Gashadokuro means ‘great skeleton,’ referring to a fearsome creature in folklore that represents strength and fear.
65. Shikigami
Shikigami refers to ‘spirit beast’ used in traditional rituals, symbolizing the protective nature of mythical beings.
66. Shakuhachi
Shakuhachi translates to ‘bamboo flute,’ often played by wandering beasts in ancient stories, linking music with nature.
67. Inazuma
Inazuma means ‘lightning,’ associated with powerful beasts of nature that embody ferocity and speed.
68. Kanon
Kanon means ‘sound of a beast,’ symbolizing the connection to nature through auditory experiences.
69. ago
Ago means ‘jaw’ and can symbolize the fierce strength and power of carnivorous beasts.
70. Takeminakata
Takeminakata means ‘god of warriors,’ often depicted as a powerful beast in Shinto mythology, representing courage.
71. Tsubasa
Tsubasa translates to ‘wing’ and can refer to the majestic beasts that soar through the skies.
72. Yakuza
Yakuza refers to a ‘gangster’ but can imply a warrior-like beast when exploring deeper meanings in culture.
73. Himiko
Himiko means ‘sun princess’ and can symbolize the wild, untamed nature of beasts within lush landscapes.
74. Nekomata
Nekomata translates to ‘forked cat’ and represents mythical feline entities that exhibit wild behaviors. This connects to the unpredictable nature of beasts.
75. Ayakashi
Ayakashi means ‘strange being,’ often referring to spirits that can be seen as beasts in their own right, embodying mystery.
76. Raijin
Raijin refers to the god of thunder, often depicted alongside fierce beasts in Japanese mythology.
77. Kinkaku
Kinkaku means ‘golden pavilion’ but can refer to beasts related to royalty and grandeur in legends.
78. Tsuji
Tsuji means ‘crossroads,’ often representing the meeting of various beastly paths in life’s journey.
79. Heikegani
Heikegani means ‘Heike crabs,’ which are believed to have faces resembling warriors, linking nature with the fierce spirit of beasts.
80. kyōjin
Kyōjin translates to ‘giant’ or ‘beast,’ portraying the power and overwhelming presence of large creatures.
81. Taira
Taira means ‘peace’ but often refers to a fierce warrior lineage, emphasizing the dual nature of gentleness and ferocity.
82. Amano-jaku
Amano-jaku is a spirit that goes against the grain of nature and can be seen as a wild beastish figure in folklore.
83. Katsu
Katsu means ‘to win’ and can be associated with powerful beasts that overcome challenges and obstacles.
84. Kuroyōkai
Kuroyōkai translates to ‘black monster,’ highlighting the darker aspects of the beastly world in myth.
85. Akuma-no-kami
Akuma-no-kami means ‘devil god,’ encapsulating the fierce and chaotic aspects of beastly nature.
86. Funamushi
Funamushi translates to ‘boat bug’ and often symbolizes creatures dwelling in water, with a wild aspect associated with transportation.
87. Shourinji
Shourinji means ‘temple of the beast,’ referencing the spiritual connection that often links humanity with nature’s wild creatures.
88. Shishi-ō
Shishi-ō translates to ‘lion king,’ symbolizing majesty in power and authority found in mythical beasts.
89. Yababa
Yababa means ‘old hag’ but can refer to a monstrous figure that embodies the wildness of folklore storytelling.
90. Yuki
Yuki means ‘snow,’ but it can symbolize ethereal beasts that roam the winter wilderness.
91. Gyonin
Gyonin means ‘savage’ or ‘daredevil’, often referring to wild beasts in adventurous tales.
92. Renge
Renge means ‘lotus’ but can refer to beasts associated with purity and beauty intertwined with the wild.
93. Mimizuku
Mimizuku translates to ‘owl’ and signifies nocturnal beasts with wisdom and secrets.
94. Nosenko
Nosenko means ‘field bird,’ connecting wild creatures with open landscapes and the rawness of nature.
95. Ryoshin
Ryoshin translates to ‘dragon spirit,’ highlighting the mythical aspects of beasts and their relationships with people.
96. Yatai
Yatai means ‘food stall’ but can refer to beasts linked to the culinary traditions within wild cultures.
97. Kamikiri
Kamikiri means ‘hair cutter,’ often referring to a beast that embodies the influence and power of nature.
98. Inochi
Inochi translates to ‘life,’ suggesting the essential wildness that gives strength and spirit to mythical beasts.
99. Tokage
Tokage means ‘lizard,’ often representing small, quick beasts that symbolize adaptability in nature.
100. Hōrō
Hōrō means ‘wild dog,’ symbolizing cunning, survival, and the fierce nature of beasts that adapt to their environment.
101. Jiai
Jiai means ‘self-interest,’ often referring to beasts’ more primal instincts in folklore and nature.
102. Tsukigami
Tsukigami translates to ‘moon god,’ relating to the mystique and beauty of mythical beasts that walk the night.
103. Kōrei
Kōrei means ‘guardian spirit,’ indicating the protective nature often associated with powerful beasts in mythology.
104. Tsukumo
Tsukumo means ‘spirited,’ representing the wild characteristics that embody mystical beasts.
105. Kame-dono
Kame-dono translates to ‘lord turtle,’ symbolizing wisdom and longevity represented by a revered beast in culture.
106. Kaba
Kaba means ‘hippo,’ often depicted in tales as a powerful force of nature and ferocity.
107. Miura
Miura translates to ‘the sea,’ suggesting the connection between aquatic beasts and wild adventures.
108. Umeboshi
Umeboshi means ‘pickled plum,’ reflecting how animals interact with nature’s bounty, symbolizing beasts intertwined with their environment.
109. Wataru
Wataru means ‘to traverse,’ indicating how beasts move through their territories with strength and purpose.
110. Hayabusa
Hayabusa translates to ‘falcon,’ symbolizing speed, agility, and the wild nature of aerial beasts.
111. Yuki-no-shita
Yuki-no-shita means ‘under the snow,’ representing the wild and mystical aspects of winter beasts.
112. Sekirei
Sekirei means ‘ wagtail,’ which can symbolize the charming and wild aspects of birds seen as beasts.
113. Oborozuki
Oborozuki means ‘misty moon,’ relating to the mystical and elusive nature of wild creatures seen under the glow of the moon.
114. Jinrui
Jinrui translates to ‘humanity’ but can refer to the wild characteristics shared between humanity and beasts in folklore.
115. Taiyō
Taiyō means ‘sun,’ linking powerful beasts with the life-giving energy found in nature.
116. Ibara
Ibara translates to ‘thorn,’ often associated with wild beasts that thrive in tough environments.
117. Asahi
Asahi means ‘morning sun,’ symbolizing fresh starts and the wild energy of beasts during dawn.
118. Sawa
Sawa means ‘swamp,’ often representing the habitats of notable wild beasts.
119. Kurama
Kurama means ‘spiritual mountain,’ relating to the wild essence of mystical creatures in natural settings.
120. Tatsu-uma
Tatsu-uma translates to ‘dragon horse,’ illustrating the powerful beastly qualities associated with mythological creatures.
121. Korokke
Korokke means ‘croquette’ but can refer to the joy and wildness associated with delightful mythical beasts.
122. Oomura
Oomura means ‘big village,’ suggesting the creatures and beasts that dwell within communal environments.
123. Shirokuma
Shirokuma means ‘polar bear,’ symbolizing the strength and fierceness of one of nature’s wild beasts.
124. Shiranui
Shiranui translates to ‘mysterious fire,’ reflecting the wild aspect of enigmatic beasts and spirits.
125. Binbougami
Binbougami means ‘god of poverty,’ often depicted in folklore as a mischievous creature embodying the chaotic essence of wild beasts.
126. Atasa
Atasa means ‘hotness,’ symbolizing the fierce nature often associated with wild fire-breathing beasts.
127. Souma
Souma translates to ‘herd of beasts,’ reflecting the wild and unoriginal symbiotic nature of beasts in groups.
128. Yuki-onna
Yuki-onna means ‘snow woman,’ whose ties to winter create a mythical beast bridge between beauty and wildness.
129. Kamenoko
Kamenoko translates to ‘turtle baby,’ linking the protective nature of beasts in nurturing roles.
130. Arakawa
Arakawa means ‘wild river,’ often adding to the power and unrivaled force of famed beasts.
131. Hitomi
Hitomi means ‘pupil,’ often relating to the perspective of wild beasts in nature.
132. Shinrin
Shinrin means ‘forest,’ describing the habitats of beasts that encapsulate the wild beauty of a dense woodland.
133. Masakatsu
Masakatsu means ‘true victory,’ often linked to fearless beasts representing bravery in mythology.
134. Suguru
Suguru translates to ‘exceed,’ symbolizing the boundaries that beasts often surpass.
135. Matsumoto
Matsumoto means ‘base of the pine tree,’ often representing a foundation of strength where wild beasts roam.
136. Heiwa
Heiwa translates to ‘peace,’ though often highlighting the balance of wildness in the world of beasts.
137. Nichirin
Nichirin means ‘sun and moon,’ often embodying the dual aspects of light and darkness relating to wild beasts.
138. Tsukimi
Tsukimi means ‘moon viewing,’ connecting to the beauty of wild beasts observed at night.
139. Tokitsukaze
Tokitsukaze translates to ‘seasonal wind,’ showcasing the dynamic nature of wild beasts and their environments.
140. Daifuku
Daifuku means ‘great luck,’ and references the joy brought about by the presence of lively mythical beasts.
141. Tokonoma
Tokonoma means ‘alcove’ and symbolizes the wild aspects of inner strengths residing in every beast.
142. Aoshima
Aoshima translates to ‘blue island,’ embodying the wild spirit of aquatic creatures and their habitats.
143. Takamaru
Takamaru means ‘elevated field,’ suggesting the vast landscapes that wild beasts often thrive in.
144. Yasuhara
Yasuhara means ‘peaceful field,’ offering a contrast to the fierce nature often represented by wild beasts.
145. Shinrai
Shinrai means ‘trust,’ often seen in the bonds formed within beastly herds.
146. Hasu
Hasu means ‘lotus,’ symbolizing the purity associated with wild beasts that roam freely in nature.
147. Koisui
Koisui translates to ‘love water,’ connecting to the aquatic beasts found in serene lakes and rivers.
148. Mitsu
Mitsu means ‘honey,’ representing the sweetness of nature that coexists with the wild side of beastly creatures.
149. Nyūbō
Nyūbō means ‘bride’ but can also be associated with the beauty of wild beasts in their natural habitats.
150. Tanegashima
Tanegashima means ‘island of seeds,’ often referring to natural environments thriving with wild creatures.
Final Thoughts
Exploring Japanese names that mean “beast” provides an intriguing insight into the rich symbolism within the culture. These names often carry powerful meanings related to wildness, strength, and the deep connection to nature. Each name has its unique story and significance, making it a potential source of inspiration for naming characters, pets, or even children.
If you find the topic of names, especially those steeped in deep meanings, fascinating, you might also enjoy reading about names that mean beast or delve into the Japanese names that mean demon for further exploration of symbolism in names.
Whether for creative projects, personal names, or just out of curiosity, the world of names offers endless possibilities waiting to be explored!