100+ Shiba Inu Dog Names: Fun, Meaningful & Japanese Ideas

Updated on Jan 18, 2023

The Shiba Inu is one of the oldest Japanese dog breeds native to the island nation. Highly suspicious of strangers and highly affectionate with family members, the Shiba Inu is one of a kind dog breed.

Because of their strong-headed and independent natures, naming this breed can be a little bit tricky, but also extremely fun. You may decide you want something that pays tribute to their heritage with a Japanese name, or just a cute name for a male or female Shiba Inu. Whichever way, we’ve got you covered.

Below is a collection of our favorite Shiba Inu dog names. We hope that you find the perfect one you’ve been waiting for, just like your new little pup.

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Female Shiba Inu Dog Names

Ruby
Juliet
Ellie
Scarlett
Katie
Stella
Rosie
Violet
Pixie
Katana
Sushi
Penny
Cleopatra
Sunny
Vicky
Queenie
Maya
Lady
Sheba
Jinx
Zoe
Charlotte
Sora
Arya
Pepper

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Male Shiba Inu Dog Names

Ezra
Desi
Apollo
Harley
Milo
Red
Chico
Bear
Koda
Kuma
Shorty
Leo
Rocky
Cupid
Hunter
Jax
Mika
Gus
Benji
Junior
Jack
Kai
Dash
Kobe
Louis
Kato
Barkley
Bentley
Dakota

shiba inu in the brush — Image Credit: Grisha Bruev, Shutterstock

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Cute Shiba Inu Dog Names

Your Shiba Inu is going to be cute whether you like it or not! Why not add to the cuteness and give him a cute name? Below are our favorite cute and adorable names for Shiba Inus.

Rascal
Foxy
Pip
Gizmo
Bella
Poppy
Petunia
Ichi
Cutie
Momo
Bunny
Cupcake
Stark
Munchkin
Charlie

shiba inu outside japan — Image Credit: Marcel Heidemann, Pixabay

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Japanese Shiba Inu Dog Names

Since the breed hails from The Land of the Rising Sun, a Japanese dog name just makes sense. Below are our favorite Japanese names for Shiba Inus with their English meanings beside them.

Hoshi (Star)
Jiro (Second son)
Kichiro (Lucky son)
Kamiko (Superior child)
Yuki (Happiness, snow)
Yuri (Lily)
Masaki (Great timber tree)
Kouta (Great peace)
Chika (Scatter flowers)
Shinju (Pearl)
Ichiro (First son)
Hideko (Child of excellence)
Haruki (Shining sun)
Satoko (Wise child)
Hiroshi (Generous)
Hiromi (Generous beauty)
Shinobu (Endurance)
Takara (Treasure)
Akemi (Bright, beautiful)
Maki (True hope)
Akira (Bright/clear)
Keiko (Blessed/respected child)
Yukari (Beautiful pear tree)
Taiki (Great radiance, shine)
Sakura (Cherry blossom)
Yamato (Great harmony)
Kenichi (Strong, healthy first son)
Hinata (Sunflower)
Hotaru (Firefly)
Mai (Dance)
Sora (Sky)
Kimi (Noble)
Yoshi (Lucky/righteous)
Mio (Beautiful cherry blossom)
Sora (Sky)

Finding the Right Name for Your Shiba Inu Dog

The Shiba Inu is an amazing dog breed that deserves a name that’s equally amazing. Hopefully, you’ve been able to create a shortlist after reading our top Shiba Inu names, or maybe you’ve even selected “the one.”

Before you do make the final decision on your Shiba Inu dog name, make sure to repeat it out loud, over and over again. If you get tired of it quickly, it’s not the right one. Make sure that the name rolls off your tongue fairly easily so that it doesn’t give you any trouble when you want to call your dog to you quickly. And ultimately, trust your instinct on it, just like you did when you selected the latest addition to your family. You won’t be able to go wrong if you do it that way.

If you are still a bit overwhelmed with choices, that’s okay. It just means the right name hasn’t come along yet. So, we recommend taking a peek at one of our other extensive dog name lists below:

Featured Image Credit: Shiba Inu, Piqsels