This blog post explores an enchanting collection of 201+ Japanese Names That Mean Fox or are inspired by the clever nature of foxes. Each name carries a unique meaning and origin, making it a perfect choice for anyone seeking a name with cultural significance.
Japanese culture holds a deep fascination with foxes, symbolizing intelligence, cunning, and mystique. In folklore, foxes (known as “kitsune”) are often depicted as magical beings with the ability to shape-shift, embodying both protective and trickster qualities.
Origin of Japanese Names That Mean Fox
The origin of Japanese names that mean fox is deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of Japanese folklore and mythology. Foxes, or “kitsune,” have long been associated with the Shinto deity Inari, the god of rice, agriculture, and prosperity.
Inari’s messengers, the foxes, are believed to possess mystical powers, often depicted as shape-shifters who can take on human form. The reverence for foxes in Japanese culture is reflected in the various names derived from their characteristics and associations.
Names that incorporate “kitsune” or are inspired by the fox’s cleverness and magical qualities serve as a connection to this cultural heritage, representing traits such as wisdom, agility, and adaptability.
Japanese names that mean fox (Kitsune)
- Kitsune
Meaning: Fox
Origin: Japanese - Kitsuki
Meaning: Fox tree
Origin: Japanese - Kitsuma
Meaning: Fox’s wife
Origin: Japanese - Kitsuna
Meaning: Fox spirit
Origin: Japanese - Kitsunae
Meaning: Fox fur
Origin: Japanese - Kitsumori
Meaning: Fox forest
Origin: Japanese - Kitsuyama
Meaning: Mountain of the fox
Origin: Japanese - Kitsunehime
Meaning: Princess of Foxes
Origin: Japanese - Kitsuneko
Meaning: Fox child
Origin: Japanese - Kitsunemori
Meaning: Fox Spirit forest
Origin: Japanese - Kitsuyuki
Meaning: Fox snow
Origin: Japanese - Kitsunetaka
Meaning: High fox
Origin: Japanese - Kitsuneyama
Meaning: Fox mountain
Origin: Japanese - Kitsunetsuki
Meaning: Possessed by a fox
Origin: Japanese - Kitsunemitsu
Meaning: Fox light
Origin: Japanese - Kitsunetsukiyo
Meaning: Night of the fox
Origin: Japanese - Kitsunehara
Meaning: Fox field
Origin: Japanese - Kitsunebito
Meaning: Fox person
Origin: Japanese - Kitsuneji
Meaning: Fox shrine
Origin: Japanese - Kitsunezato
Meaning: Fox village
Origin: Japanese
Names Reflecting Cleverness
- Tsubasa
Meaning: Wings; flying
Origin: Japanese - Haruki
Meaning: Spring child; radiance
Origin: Japanese - Hikaru
Meaning: Light; radiance
Origin: Japanese - Rei
Meaning: Spirit; wise
Origin: Japanese - Kaori
Meaning: Fragrance; aroma
Origin: Japanese - Yuki
Meaning: Snow; happiness
Origin: Japanese - Aoi
Meaning: Hollyhock; blue
Origin: Japanese - Taka
Meaning: Falcon; noble
Origin: Japanese - Sora
Meaning: Sky
Origin: Japanese - Kazuki
Meaning: Harmonic hope
Origin: Japanese - Akira
Meaning: Bright; clear
Origin: Japanese - Minato
Meaning: Harbor; port
Origin: Japanese - Kaito
Meaning: Ocean flying
Origin: Japanese - Riku
Meaning: Land; shore
Origin: Japanese - Shiori
Meaning: Bookmark; guide
Origin: Japanese - Yori
Meaning: To rely on; trustworthy
Origin: Japanese - Kiyoshi
Meaning: Pure; clear
Origin: Japanese - Mitsu
Meaning: Honey; light
Origin: Japanese - Natsu
Meaning: Summer
Origin: Japanese - Toshi
Meaning: Year; wise
Origin: Japanese
Names Associated with Nature
- Haruna
Meaning: Spring flower
Origin: Japanese - Mizuki
Meaning: Beautiful moon
Origin: Japanese - Yoshino
Meaning: Cherry blossom
Origin: Japanese - Hana
Meaning: Flower
Origin: Japanese - Ren
Meaning: Lotus; love
Origin: Japanese - Rin
Meaning: Bell; companion
Origin: Japanese - Kona
Meaning: Lady; the woman
Origin: Japanese - Akane
Meaning: Deep red; beautiful
Origin: Japanese - Kiri
Meaning: Fog; mist
Origin: Japanese - Sakura
Meaning: Cherry blossom
Origin: Japanese - Ame
Meaning: Rain
Origin: Japanese - Yoshika
Meaning: Good fragrance
Origin: Japanese - Tsubaki
Meaning: Camellia flower
Origin: Japanese - Fuji
Meaning: Wisteria
Origin: Japanese - Mori
Meaning: Forest
Origin: Japanese - Tsukino
Meaning: Of the moon
Origin: Japanese - Umi
Meaning: Sea; Ocean
Origin: Japanese - Nami
Meaning: Wave
Origin: Japanese - Shika
Meaning: Deer
Origin: Japanese - Hoshi
Meaning: Star
Origin: Japanese
Names Inspired by Myths and Legends
- Inari
Meaning: Deity of rice and foxes
Origin: Japanese - Amaterasu
Meaning: Goddess of the sun
Origin: Japanese - Tsukuyomi
Meaning: Moon god
Origin: Japanese - Susanoo
Meaning: Storm god
Origin: Japanese - Hachiman
Meaning: God of war
Origin: Japanese - Yamato
Meaning: Great harmony
Origin: Japanese - Raijin
Meaning: God of thunder
Origin: Japanese - Fujin
Meaning: God of wind
Origin: Japanese - Benten
Meaning: Goddess of music and eloquence
Origin: Japanese - Kaguya
Meaning: Radiant; princess of the moon
Origin: Japanese - Kintaro
Meaning: Golden boy; child of strength
Origin: Japanese - Jizo
Origin: Japanese - Tengu
Meaning: Supernatural creature; part human, part bird
Origin: Japanese - Himiko
Meaning: Shaman queen
Origin: Japanese - Nioh
Meaning: Guardian deity
Origin: Japanese - Kappa
Meaning: River child; water imp
Origin: Japanese - Yuki-onna
Meaning: Snow woman
Origin: Japanese - Ame-no-Uzume
Meaning: Goddess of dawn
Origin: Japanese - Yamamba
Origin: Japanese - Kagu-tsuchi
Meaning:: God of fire
Origin: Japanese
Names Symbolizing Transformation
- Kaito
Meaning: Ocean flying; transformation
Origin: Japanese - Mitsuki
Meaning: Light of the moon; transformation
Origin: Japanese - Haru
Meaning: Spring; to bloom
Origin: Japanese - Reiko
Meaning: Child of the wise; transformation
Origin: Japanese - Akemi
Meaning: Bright beauty; transformation
Origin: Japanese - Sukuna
Meaning: Deity of transformation
Origin: Japanese - Emi
Origin: Japanese - Harumi
Meaning: Spring beauty; transformation
Origin: Japanese - Kiyomi
Meaning: Pure beauty; transformation
Origin: Japanese - Fumiko
Origin: Japanese - Masako
Meaning: Child of a generation; transformation
Origin: Japanese - Yoshimi
Meaning: Good beauty; transformation
Origin: Japanese - Yoko
Meaning: Child of the ocean; transformation
Origin: Japanese - Nozomi
Meaning: Hope; transformation
Origin: Japanese - Sana
Meaning: Blossom; transformation
Origin: Japanese - Akira
Meaning: Bright; transformation
Origin: Japanese - Sayaka
Meaning: Clear; transformation
Origin: Japanese - Taka
Meaning: Hawk; transformation
Origin: Japanese - Kazumi
Meaning: Harmony beauty; transformation
Origin: Japanese - Sora
Meaning: Sky; transformation
Origin: Japanese
Names Denoting Agility and Speed
- Hayate
Meaning: Swift; gale
Origin: Japanese - Kōki
Meaning: Radiant light; fast
Origin: Japanese - Shun
Meaning: Fast; talented
Origin: Japanese - Isamu
Meaning: Courage; fast
Origin: Japanese - Riku
Meaning: Land; fast
Origin: Japanese - Kenta
Meaning: Strong and healthy; quick
Origin: Japanese - Ren
Meaning: Lotus; quick
Origin: Japanese - Raito
Meaning: Lightning; fast
Origin: Japanese - Yoshio
Meaning: Goodman; quick
Origin: Japanese - Katsu
Meaning: Victory; quick
Origin: Japanese - Hiroto
Meaning: Large flight; speed
Origin: Japanese - Taiga
Meaning: Great river; swift
Origin: Japanese - Kōsuke
Meaning: Fast help; swift
Origin: Japanese - Asahi
Meaning: Rising sun; quick
Origin: Japanese - Kei
Meaning: Blessing; quick
Origin: Japanese - Nori
Meaning: Law; quick
Origin: Japanese - Shizuku
Meaning: Drop; swift
Origin: Japanese - Akito
Meaning: Bright person; fast
Origin: Japanese - Rina
Meaning: Jasmine; quick
Origin: Japanese - Yuki
Meaning: Snow; quick
Origin: Japanese
Names Associated with the Moon
- Tsukiko
Meaning: Moonchild
Origin: Japanese - Mitsuki
Meaning: Beautiful moon
Origin: Japanese - Akatsuki
Meaning: Moon
Origin: Japanese - Yue
Meaning: Moon
Origin: Japanese - Tsuki
Meaning: Moon
Origin: Japanese - Suki
Meaning: Love; moon
Origin: Japanese - Riku
Meaning: Origin: Japanese - Kaito
Meaning: Ocean flying; moonlight
Origin: Japanese - Yuna
Meaning: Evening; moon
Origin: Japanese - Tsukihiko
Meaning: Moon prince
Origin: Japanese - Amo
Meaning: Love; moonlight
Origin: Japanese - Fumiki
Meaning: Pure moon
Origin: Japanese - Kagami
Meaning: Mirror; moon
Origin: Japanese - Miyuki
Meaning: Beautiful snow; moon
Origin: Japanese - Sorano
Meaning: Of the sky; moon
Origin: Japanese - Tsubaki
Meaning: Camellia; moonflower
Origin: Japanese - Akira
Meaning: Bright; moonlight
Origin: Japanese - Ayu
Meaning: Sweetfish; moonlight
Origin: Japanese - Mitsu
Meaning: Honey; moon
Origin: Japanese - Tsukiyo
Meaning: Moonlit night
Origin: Japanese
Names Reflecting Wisdom
- Chie
Meaning: Wisdom
Origin: Japanese - Kiyoshi
Meaning: Pure; wise
Origin: Japanese - Reiko
Meaning: Child of the wise
Origin: Japanese - Takashi
Meaning: Noble; wise
Origin: Japanese - Masaki
Meaning: Elegant tree; wise
Origin: Japanese - Akira
Meaning: Bright; clear; wise
Origin: Japanese - Yoshiko
Meaning: Good child; wise
Origin: Japanese - Kazuo
Meaning: Harmonious man; wise
Origin: Japanese - Shizuko
Meaning: Quiet child; wise
Origin: Japanese - Noboru
Meaning: To ascend; wise
Origin: Japanese - Yukiko
Meaning: Snow child; wise
Origin: Japanese - Hiroshi
Meaning: Generous; wise
Origin: Japanese - Mitsuko
Meaning: Light child; wise
Origin: Japanese - Keiko
Meaning: Blessed child; wise
Origin: Japanese - Riku
Meaning: Land; wise
Origin: Japanese - Satoshi
Meaning: Wise; fast learner
Origin: Japanese - Toshiko
Meaning: Wise child
Origin: Japanese - Yoshitaka
Meaning: Good and noble; wise
Origin: Japanese - Fumiyo
Meaning: Scholarly generation; wise
Origin: Japanese - Rei
Meaning: Spirit; wise
Origin: Japanese
Names Evoking Protection
- Mamoru
Meaning: To protect
Origin: Japanese - Kenshi
Meaning: Strong; protector
Origin: Japanese - Riki
Meaning: Strength; protection
Origin: Japanese - Suguru
Meaning: To guard; protect
Origin: Japanese - Yukio
Meaning: Courage; brave protector
Origin: Japanese - Tadashi
Meaning: Loyal; protector
Origin: Japanese - Haruto
Meaning: Sun flying; protector
Origin: Japanese - Keisuke
Meaning: Saved person; protector
Origin: Japanese - Jiro
Meaning: Second son; protector
Origin: Japanese - Hiroki
Meaning: Abundant joy; protector
Origin: Japanese - Toshiro
Meaning: Talented; protector
Origin: Japanese - Masashi
Meaning: Elegant; protector
Origin: Japanese - Nobu
Meaning: Faith; protector
Origin: Japanese - Rei
Meaning: Spirit; protector
Origin: Japanese - Asuka
Meaning: To fly; protect
Origin: Japanese - Rin
Meaning: Bell; protector
Origin: Japanese - Tatsuo
Meaning: Dragon man; protector
Origin: Japanese - Yoshi
Meaning: Good; protector
Origin: Japanese - Hiro
Meaning: Abundant; protector
Origin: Japanese - Takuma
Meaning: Wise man; protector
Origin: Japanese
Names Associated with Fire
- Homura
Meaning: Flame
Origin: Japanese - Hikaru
Meaning: Light; radiance
Origin: Japanese - Kaguya
Meaning: Radiant; princess of the moon
Origin: Japanese - Akane
Meaning: Deep red; flame
Origin: Japanese - Ryou
Meaning: Cool; refreshing; flame
Origin: Japanese - Enju
Meaning: Flame tree
Origin: Japanese - Takumi
Meaning: Artisan; skillful; flame
Origin: Japanese - Kaen
Meaning: Flame; blaze
Origin: Japanese - Hinata
Meaning: Sunny place; bright
Origin: Japanese - Akira
Meaning: Bright; clear; flame
Origin: Japanese - Kaito
Meaning: Ocean flying; flame
Origin: Japanese - Kanzaki
Meaning: Fire bloom
Origin: Japanese - Chihiro
Meaning: Thousand fathoms; flame
Origin: Japanese - Ren
Meaning: Lotus; flame
Origin: Japanese - Fuu
Meaning: Wind; flame
Origin: Japanese - Kaori
Meaning: Fragrance; flame
Origin: Japanese - Mizuki
Meaning: Beautiful moon; flame
Origin: Japanese - Riku
Meaning: Land; flame
Origin: Japanese - Seiji
Meaning: Righteous; flame
Origin: Japanese - Shinji
Meaning: True second son; flame
Origin: Japanese
Japanese Boy Names Meaning Fox
- Kitsuo
Meaning: Fox tail
Origin: Japanese - Kitsuneo
Meaning: Fox boy
Origin: Japanese - Byakko
Meaning: White fox
Origin: Japanese - Konko
Meaning: Golden fox
Origin: Japanese - Ginko
Meaning: Silver fox
Origin: Japanese - Shinko
Meaning: True fox
Origin: Japanese - Shiroko
Meaning: White fox child
Origin: Japanese - Yako
Meaning: Field fox
Origin: Japanese - Kogitsune
Meaning: Little fox
Origin: Japanese - Kitsuya
Meaning: Fox Valley
Origin: Japanese - Kinen
Meaning: Fox’s kindness
Origin: Japanese - Shinobu
Meaning: Stealth fox
Origin: Japanese - Kensho
Meaning: Fox warrior
Origin: Japanese - Genko
Meaning: Mysterious fox
Origin: Japanese - Akako
Meaning: Red fox
Origin: Japanese - Miyako
Meaning: Three foxes
Origin: Japanese - Keiko
Meaning: Blessed fox
Origin: Japanese - Tameko
Meaning: Tamed fox
Origin: Japanese - Yoruko
Meaning: Night fox
Origin: Japanese - Hokuto
Meaning: Northern fox
Origin: Japanese
Japanese Girl Names Meaning Fox
- Kitsumi
Meaning: Beautiful fox
Origin: Japanese - Kitsue
Meaning: Fox blessing
Origin: Japanese - Konohana
Meaning: Fox flower
Origin: Japanese - Ginoko
Meaning: Silver fox child
Origin: Japanese - Shizuko
Meaning: Quiet fox
Origin: Japanese - Hinako
Meaning: Sunshine fox
Origin: Japanese - Kitsune
Meaning: Fox
Origin: Japanese - Tamako
Meaning: Jewel fox
Origin: Japanese - Komiko
Meaning: Little fox child
Origin: Japanese - Reiko
Meaning: Lovely fox
Origin: Japanese - Ayako
Meaning: Colorful fox
Origin: Japanese - Chiyoko
Meaning: Thousand-year fox
Origin: Japanese - Kazuko
Meaning: Harmonious fox
Origin: Japanese - Aoko
Meaning: Blue fox
Origin: Japanese - Kohana
Meaning: Little fox flower
Origin: Japanese - Tsukiko
Meaning: Moon fox
Origin: Japanese - Kayo
Meaning: Fox’s Night
Origin: Japanese - Emiko
Meaning: Smiling fox
Origin: Japanese - Tsuruko
Meaning: Stork fox
Origin: Japanese - Yukiko
Meaning: Snow fox
Origin: Japanese
Japanese Names That Mean Fox Spirit
- Kitsunebi
Meaning: Fox fire (a supernatural fox spirit)
Origin: Japanese - Zenko
Meaning: Good fox spirit”
Origin: Japanese - Tenko
Meaning: Heavenly fox spirit
Origin: Japanese - Tamamo
Meaning: Fox spirit of legend
Origin: Japanese - Nogitsune
Meaning: Wild fox spirit
Origin: Japanese - Kuko
Meaning: Air fox spirit
Origin: Japanese - Goryo
Meaning: Fox spirit of vengeance
Origin: Japanese - Shinko
Meaning: Divine fox spirit
Origin: Japanese - Hoshiko
Meaning: Star fox spirit
Origin: Japanese - Tsukino
Meaning: Moonlight fox spirit
Origin: Japanese - Inari
Meaning: Fox deity
Origin: Japanese - Bakemono
Meaning: Shapeshifting fox spirit
Origin: Japanese - Kukiko
Meaning: Sky fox spirit
Origin: Japanese - Shirogitsune
Meaning: White fox spirit
Origin: Japanese - Seiko
Meaning: Holy fox spirit
Origin: Japanese - Akatsuki
Meaning: Dawn fox spirit
Origin: Japanese - Tamakitsune
Meaning: Jewel fox spirit
Origin: Japanese - Nobuko
Meaning: Faithful fox spirit
Origin: Japanese - Kyoko
Meaning: Mirror fox spirit
Origin: Japanese - Yakan
Meaning: Night fox spirit
Origin: Japanese
Conclusion
Choosing a name for your child is a significant decision, steeped in meaning and tradition. The collection of Japanese names that mean fox not only reflects the cleverness and agility associated with these fascinating creatures but also embodies a rich tapestry of culture and history.
Whether you’re drawn to names symbolizing wisdom, protection, transformation, or the beauty of nature, this extensive list offers something for everyone.
Each name carries its own unique story and significance, serving as a reminder of the values and qualities you may wish to instill in your child. As you explore these enchanting names, consider the meanings and origins that resonate most with you.
Ultimately, the right name will not only reflect your hopes and dreams for your child but also create a connection to their heritage and identity that they can cherish for a lifetime.
David Price is a name aficionado and creative writer at NamezVibe. He delves into the fascinating world of names, exploring their meanings and histories. Outside of writing, David loves engaging with readers and discovering unique names that tell powerful stories.
