220+ Amazing Names for Akitas: Ideas for Brave & Strong Dogs
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The muscular and powerful Akita is a breed that will turn heads wherever you go. This dog has a reputation for being courageous and loyal. Originating in Japan, the breed is built for the cold and was created for hunting large game, herding livestock, and guard dog duty.
If you are the proud new owner or a soon-to-be owner of the breathtaking Akita, we’ve gathered up some name ideas that are worthy of this fearless and willful breed.
Japanese-Inspired Names for Male Akitas
- Aki: Bright and clear
- Fuji: Beautiful
- Goro: Fifth son
- Haru: Born in spring
- Hiro: Generous
- Hiroshi: Generous
- Jiro: Second son
- Juro: Tenth son
- Kai: Ocean
- Kane: Warrior
- Katashi: Disciplined one
- Katsu: Victorious
- Kenji: Strong
- Kin: Gold
- Kioshi: Purity
- Koji: Peace, healing
- Kuro: Ninth son
- Meiko: Blessed child
- Michi: The pathway
- Nobu: To have faith
- Raiden: Japanese God of Thunder
- Ryuu: Invoker of the Dragon Spirit
- Seiji: Just and lawful
- Shinjiro: True and pure
- Shiro: Fourth son
- Takashi: Noble
- Takumi: Skillful
- Taro: Oldest son
- Toshi: Alert and intelligent
- Yoshi: Good, respectful
- Yuji: Brave son
- Yukio: Snow boy
Japanese-Inspired Names for Female Akitas
- Aimi: Love, affection, beauty
- Aki: Love
- Akira: Clear
- Akito: Autumn season
- Anzu: A sweet child
- Ayaka: Colored flower
- Ayumi: One that walks their own path
- Chika: Good wisdom
- Ema: Favor, benefit
- Emi: Beautiful painting
- Emica: Beautiful
- Hachi: Flowerpot
- Hana: Flower
- Haruka: Spring flower
- Hina: Light, sun
- Hoshi: Star
- Jun: Pure
- Kana: Powerful
- Kei: Blessing
- Keiko: Blessed child
- Koharu: Late summer
- Mai: Dance
- Mio: Cherry blossom
- Nozomi: Reliable
- Ren: Love of the lotus
- Sachie: Happiness, good fortune
- Sakura: Cherry blossom
- Sana: Brilliance
- Shinju: Pearl
- Sora: Like the sky
- Takara: Jewel, treasure
- Tamiko: Child of many beauties
- Ume: Japanese Apricot
- Yasu: Peaceful
- Yui: Superiority
Male Names Suitable for Akitas
- Ace
- Apollo
- Axel
- Balboa
- Bear
- Beau
- Boaz
- Boone
- Brock
- Bruno
- Cash
- Chief
- Clyde
- Cole
- Cyrus
- Damon
- Dex
- Drake
- Henry
- Huck
- Hunter
- Ivan
- Jack
- Justice
- Kage
- Kal
- King
- Kylo
- Luca
- Luther
- Maximus (Max)
- Murphy
- Nash
- Neo
- Niko
- Nitro
- Ransom
- Ripley
- Rocco
- Rocky
- Samson
- Silas
- Sylvester
- Teddy
- Titus
- Tyson
- Vince
- Zane
- Zeke
- Zeus
Female Names Suitable for Akitas
- Abby
- Addie
- Alsie
- Aris
- Ava
- Bailey
- Bella
- Blanche
- Ciri
- Cleo
- Echo
- Eden
- Elle
- Evie
- Gia
- Gracie
- Harlow
- Harper
- Holly
- Issa
- Jade
- Jade
- Juneau
- Kira
- Lila
- Lucy
- Macy
- Mia
- Millie
- Missy
- Molly
- Nora
- Nova
- Nyla
- Quinn
- Reina
- Remmi
- Ruby
- Rue
- Sadie
- Sage
- Sasha
- Scarlett
- Skye
- Sophie
- Talia
- Terra
- Uma
- Veda
- Willow
- Zara
- Zoey
Akita Names Inspired by Pop-Culture
If you’re a pop-culture fan and you’d like to give a pop-culture-related name to your beloved new Labrador, here’s a list of some names inspired by famous dogs and top-notch characters from movies and TV:
- Hachiko (Famous Japanese Akita)
- Marley (Marley & Me)
- Milo (The Mask)
- Chance (Homeward Bound)
- Benji (Benji)
- Buddy (Air Bud)
- Reno (Top Dog)
- Anabelle (All Dogs Go to Heaven)
- Bandit (The Bandit Hound)
- Charlie (All Dog Go to Heaven)
- Daphne (Look Who’s Talking Now)
- Frank (Men in Black)
- Goddard (Jimmy Neutron)
- Barney (Gremlins)
- Shiloh (Shiloh)
- Belladonna (All Dogs Go to Heaven)
- Bingo (Bingo)
- Rubble (Paw Patrol)
- Zuma (Paw Patrol)
- Dug (Up)
- Comet (Full House)
- Cosmo (Fuller House)
- Brinkley (You’ve Got Mail)
- Bruiser (Legally Blonde)
- Sylvie (Balto)
- Dino (The Flintstones)
- Einstein (Back to the Future)
- Chopper (Stand By Me)
- Samantha (I Am Legend)
- Wilby (The Shaggy Dog)
- Eddie (Fraser)
- Spike (The Rugrats)
- Boomer (Independence Day)
- Nanook (The Lost Boys)
- Beatrice (Best in Show)
- Toto (The Wizard of Oz)
- Puffy (There’s Something About Mary)
- Sandy (Annie)
- Miss Agnes (Best in Show)
- Nana (Peter Pan)
- Quark (Honey I Shrunk the Kids)
- Cujo (Cujo)
- Percy (Pocahontas)
- Lady (Lady and the Tramp)
- Scraps (A Dog’s Life)
- Zero (The Nightmare Before Christmas)
- Sparky (Frankenweenie)
- Fred (Smokey and the Bandit)
- Baxter (Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy)
- Shadow (Homeward Bound)
- Pippin (Jaws)
- Brian (The Family Guy)
- Sirius Black (Harry Potter)
The 5 Tips for Finding the Right Name for Your Akita
If you need some extra tips on coming up with the right name, check out these ideas below to help you narrow down your choices:
- Use One to Two-Syllable Names: Akitas are an intelligent breed that will learn quickly, but it’s much easier for a dog to learn their name if the syllables are limited. If you have super-lengthy names, it is not going to register as easily. Try to keep it one to two syllables if you can. That’s not saying certain three-syllable names won’t work. If you are dead set on a longer name, try and think up nicknames that can go with it.
- Keep it Appropriate:Â Make sure to name your dog something appropriate to say and share. Inappropriate names may seem funny at first, but when it comes time to introduce your dog to family members, children, and even veterinary staff, you may think twice. You also need to consider that you will be yelling out their name at some point.
- Give Them a Name That Fits:Â The Akita is a very strong and powerful dog breed with certain personality traits that may not be reflected in certain names. Try and find a name that not only suits their personality but also their look.
- Think of Your Favorite Characters in Books, TV, and Movies: We always recommend turning to favorite characters for some added name inspiration. Whether you are into TV, movies, books, or music artists, you are sure to come across a name that not only holds significance but fits your dog’s style.
- Involve the Household: Akitas make loyal family pets, so why not get the whole family involved? Gather everyone up and see what kind of ideas you can come up with together. This can make for a fun and memorable family night that could result in a name that will live on in your hearts for the rest of your lives.
Top 10 Fun Facts About Akitas
Knowing more information about your breed may give you a bit of inspiration in the naming process. Here are some fun facts about this unique and beautiful dog breed:
1. Helen Keller Brought the First Akitas to the United States
Helen Keller is credited for bringing the first Akitas back to the United States after she visited Japan and learned the story of the faithful Akita, Hachiko. Keller was inspired by the story of this now-memorialized faithful dog that accompanied his owner to the train station every day and still returned daily for 10 years after his owner’s death, waiting for him to return. She was given an Akita puppy during this time, and she brought it back to the states with her.
2. Akitas Love the Snow
If you were to look at an Akita you would likely guess that they are built for cold weather, and you’d be correct. These dogs were bred in the harsh mountain regions of Japan and are naturally built to withstand rough winters. They even have webbed toes to help them get around more easily in the snow.
3. Japan Has an Akita Museum
The Akita Dog Museum is in Odate, Akita, Japan, and was founded by the Akita Dog Preservation Society. The museum features all you need to know about the breed that was deemed Japan’s National Treasure. It also pays tribute to Hachiko, the famous Akita that inspired Helen Keller’s love for the breed.
4. Akitas Are Very Clean
When it comes to grooming, Akitas are much more like cats than dogs. They may be heavy shedders, but they like to maintain their coats by regularly grooming themselves. They are also quite easy to potty train, which also may be attributed to their cleanliness.
5. The Breed Has a History of Dog Fighting
Unfortunately, the Akita is one of the many dog breeds that has been shoved into the cruel act of dog fighting. They have been involved in this since the 1600s, when it was a popular sport in Japan. This practice is now illegal in the larger cities but still takes place in more rural environments.
6. The AKC Established Two Akita Breeds in 2020
Many people don’t realize that the AKC now classifies two different breeds of Akita, the American Akita, and the Japanese Akita. The American Akitas are typically larger and a bit heavier with more coat varieties while the Japanese Akitas have the more classic Akita look.
7. They Are a Spiritual Symbol in Japan
The Akita is truly loved and revered in Japan. When a family welcomes a new baby, they are typically gifted a statue of an Akita because it signifies happiness, health, and longevity.
8. Akitas Belong to the Working Group
The American Kennel Club groups the Akita in the Working Group. These dogs were originally bred to hunt, guard, and herd, but nowadays, they excel at a variety of tasks, including obedience, agility, and other dog sports, and have even been used as therapy dogs.
9. They Bond Closely With Their Family
Akitas are known for being hard-headed, independent, and aloof toward strangers, but they are incredibly intelligent dogs that will form close, loving bonds with their owners. Proper training and socialization are a must for the breed and under the right ownership, they can make excellent family pets.
10. Akita Ownership Used to be Restricted in Japan
Owning and Akita in Japan used to be limited to the Imperial Family and the wealthy aristocrats. The breed was so revered that they were hardly ever allowed out of the country.
Final Thoughts
Akitas are an incredible breed with a strong will and a body built for harsh weather conditions. The breed may not be for everyone, but those that find the Akita as a compatible breed are sure to have wonderful, loving companions that will form a close bond with the family. Naming a new dog may be a challenge, but hopefully, these name ideas will help you in finding the perfect name for your Akita.
See also:Â
- 100+ Rottweiler Names: Ideas for Unique & Strong Dogs
- 100+ Pug Names: Ideas for Mischievous & Lovable Dogs
Featured Image Credit: TatyanaPanova, Shutterstock
