Unique Japanese Horse Names Inspired by the Culture

If Japanese culture is close to your heart, there’s no better way to honor that than to name your horse based on a Japanese word.

Japanese culture offers a range of meaningful names inspired by mythology, nature, and tradition—from the steeds of the samurai to beautiful Japanese words that can capture the spirit of your horse.

Let us inspire your choice with a list of over 30 of the best Japanese horse names with meanings.

Male Horse Names

• Hayate (疾風): This name reflects speed and agility and means “swift wind” in Japanese.
• Kage (影): A mysterious and stealthy name, perfect for a quick-witted horse. The word means “shadow” in Japanese.
• Raiden (雷電): This is a powerful name for a strong and fearless horse. It means “thunder and lightning” in Japanese.
• Tatsu (龍): Symbolizing strength and mythic energy, the word means “dragon” in Japanese. In Chinese culture, it’s believed that it brings good fortune.
• Haruto (陽翔): This poetic name evokes warmth and grace from its meaning—”flying sun”.
• Rikuto (陸翔): This name reflects a horse’s endurance and free-spirited nature. The word loosely translates as “soaring over land” in Japanese.
• Kento (健翔): This is the perfect Japanese horse name for a resilient and determined equine companion. The words mean “strong and soaring” in Japanese.
• Isamu (勇): This word means “bravery” in Japanese and is ideal for a courageous and fearless horse.
• Gin (銀): Meaning “silver” in Japanese, this name is perfect for an elegant and graceful horse. It will naturally suit a horse with a grey, palomino, or other bright-colored coat.
• Hikaru (光): This name symbolizes brightness and hope and means “radiance” in Japanese.
• Kuro (黒): This word means “black” in Japanese and rolls off the tongue nicely.
• Katana (刀): This is the famous Japanese sword used by Samurai warriors. The word embodies the disciplined nature of the samurai.
• Kanji (大翔): This is the name for one form of the Japanese alphabet, but it makes for a great Japanese horse name.
• Minoru (稔): Minoru is a rare Japanese boy name that means “truth” or “sincerity.” Consider this horse to be reliable and hardworking.
• Ronin (浪人): A ronin was considered a samurai without a master. It is a perfect name for a horse with a bold, independent spirit.
• Yoshi (良): This word means “respectable” and is a cute Japanese horse name for a well-mannered gelding.
• Ashitaka (アシタカ): This is the name of the main character in the famous anime Princess Mononoke. Ashitaka displays strong morals and bravery.
• Matsukaze (松風): This is the name of a legendary horse that belonged to the famous samurai warrior Maeda Keiji. The horse reportedly refused to let anyone else ride him and had a half-wild, untamed nature about him. The name also means “wind in the pines.”
• Ikezuki (池月): Ikezuki is one of the most famous Japanese horse names, associated with the almost mythical horse with a brilliant white coat that belonged to Shōgun Yoritomo. This is a name for a horse with a fearless personality and strong build.

If you still haven’t found the strong masculine name you’re looking for, we have more male horse names that will offer some inspiration.

Female Horse Names

• Sakura (桜): Meaning “cherry blossom” in Japanese, this is a delicate name for a graceful mare with great natural beauty.
• Hikari (光): The word means “light” or “radiance” in Japanese and is a nice name for a mellow mare with an even temperament.
• Yuki (雪): Meaning “snow” in Japanese; Yuki is a great name for a grey mare with a gentle nature that is reminiscent of white snow.
• Ame (雨): This word means”rain” in Japanese and evokes a sense of calm and great harmony.
• Kaede (楓): Meaning “maple leaf” in Japanese; this name reflects the changing seasons and is great for a rich bay or chestnut horse.
• Hana (花): The word means “flower” in Japanese and is a simple name for a delicate and charming mare.
• Akira (明): This is a strong name for a strong mare, representing intelligence and clarity. The word means “bright” or “clear” in Japanese.
• Rina (里奈): A sweet name with rural charm, meaning “village beauty” in Japanese.
• Kokoro (心): This is a meaningful name that can embody the deep connection you have with your horse. It literally translates as “heart” or “spirit” and is perfect for a noble horse with an unwavering attitude.
• Ayame (菖蒲): This name translates as “iris flower” in Japanese and is delicate and feminine. It’s perfect for a horse with striking features.
• Shiro (白): The word means “white” in Japanese, and given the symbolism of purity around the word, this is a great name for an honest grey mare.
• Asahi (朝日): Meaning “morning sun” in Japanese, the word symbolizes beauty, strength, and vitality. It would also make for a great name for a horse with a golden or chestnut coat color.
• Kiyomi (清美): This word in Japanese means “pure beauty.” A horse with this name will have a timeless beauty that will likely pass through to her foals.
• Midori (緑): Meaning “green” in Japanese, this is a spunky name for a feisty mare that’s always full of energy.
• Koharu (心春): This word means “spring heart” and signals a playfulness and happy nature.
• Mei (芽依): This name is from the popular anime film “My Neighbor Totoro.” In this film, Mei is a curious and brave little girl who likes exploring.
• Akari (あかり): This word means light in Japanese and is a very pretty name for a bright-eyed mare.
• Shinme (神馬): In Shintoism, horses are revered as messengers of God that no mortal may ride. Shinme is the name of the horses presented to the Shinto shrines. This cultural tradition still carries deep symbolism in Japanese society today.
• Tora (虎): Symbolizing power and courage, this word means “tiger” in Japanese. It’s a great name for a brave mare with a strong spirit.

If there’s nothing here that grabs your interest, check out more female horse names.

FAQs

What is the Japanese name for “horse”?

The Japanese word for “horse” is “uma” (馬). This suffix can also be seen in many boys names, for example, Haruma (春馬), which means “spring horse” or Yuuma (悠馬), which means “calm horse.”

What place do horses hold in Japanese mythology?

Horses were revered in Japanese culture and are still used today in rituals and festivals. Fujinomori and Kifune are two temples in Kyoto dedicated to horses.

Did Samurai name their horses?

Yes, Samurai named their horses. Samurai horse names were common not only because the Samurai needed to identify their war horses, but also because of the strong bond they formed with them.

Final Thoughts

We hope this collection of creative Japanese names will help you find a name that reflects the unique characteristics of a horse you love dearly. If you’re still looking, you can also check out our lists of medieval horse name ideas or Legend of Zelda horse names.