Foxes hold a special place in Japanese culture, often symbolizing cleverness and magic. Many Japanese last names reflect this connection. These names can reveal fascinating stories about history, nature, and the personality traits associated with foxes.
Today, we will look at several Japanese last names that mean fox or are related to foxes. Each name carries its own unique meaning and significance. By understanding these names, we can gain insight into how important foxes are in Japanese tradition and folklore. Let’s learn about these intriguing names together!
Japanese Last Names That Mean Fox
1. Kitsune
The name Kitsune directly translates to fox in Japanese. It often represents the spirit and magical qualities associated with foxes in Japanese folklore.
2. Kitsu
Kitsu is a variation of Kitsune, and it also means fox. This name is often used in different forms of media to symbolize agility and cunning.
3. Sōshi
Sōshi means a fox spirit in Japanese, embodying the mythical aspect of foxes that can transform shape or possess magical abilities.
4. Inari
Inari is associated with the deity of rice in Shinto, often represented by foxes. This name links the sacredness of foxes to agricultural prosperity.
5. Tamamo
Tamamo means “vixen” in Japanese. It conjures images of female foxes and their cleverness, representing a mystique in folklore.
6. Yako
Yako means “field fox,” highlighting the natural habitat of foxes. This name reflects the close connection to nature that foxes embody in Japanese culture.
7. Kijū
Kijū means “fox spirit,” indicating a belief in the spiritual significance of foxes in ancient Japan.
8. Motokitsune
Motokitsune means “original fox” and may connote the ancient or primal aspects of the fox mythology.
9. Fusō
Fusō means “fox and ties,” suggesting an agreement or bond that is sly like a fox, referencing clever relationships from folklore.
10. Kunisaki
Kunisaki translates to “the place of the fox,” linking geographical meaning with the spirit of the fox, thus anchoring folklore in real-world locations.
11. Kurogitsune
Kurogitsune stands for “black fox,” often considered to have special powers in Japanese traditions regarding agriculture and fortune.
12. Akagitsune
Akagitsune means “red fox,” symbolizing distinct characteristics associated with different species of fox found in Japan.
13. Hōgitsune
Hōgitsune means “fox spirit of abundance,” and it emphasizes the prosperity that foxes bring to those they associate with.
14. Sōkō
Sōkō stands for “spirit of the fox.” It denotes a spiritual significance attached to these sly creatures in Japanese culture.
15. Kōgitsune
Kōgitsune translates to “little fox,” often used to affectionately refer to a clever person, likening them to a sly fox.
16. Gitsune
Gitsune is a derivative of the word for fox, preserving its meaning while suggesting a playful or sly demeanor.
17. Kizuna
Kizuna means “bonds,” and it highlights the connections one can form, paralleling the cleverness of the fox in navigating relationships.
18. Kōgitsune
Kōgitsune means “little fox” in a diminutive sense, often representing innocence while still embodying clever traits.
19. Yūgitsune
Yūgitsune represents “night fox,” suggesting a mysterious and elusive quality similar to nocturnal animals.
20. Ishioka
Ishioka translates to “rocky fox,” linking to geographical features and implying sturdy qualities like the fox itself.
21. Niaigitsune
Niaigitsune means “mistress of the fox,” highlighting a strong female connection to these sly creatures in mythology.
22. Kagetoke
Kagetoke translates to “shadow fox,” suggesting stealth and a significant ability to hide or disguise oneself like a fox.
23. Hoo**gitsune
Hoo**gitsune means “radiant fox,” combining beauty with cunning, idealizing attractive qualities associated with foxes.
24. Ashikitsune
Ashikitsune means “footprints of the fox,” indicating the traces left behind by clever beings.
25. Reikitsune
Reikitsune stands for “sacred fox,” linking reverence for these animals with spiritual connections.
26. Kaegitsune
Kaegitsune means “returning fox,” suggesting the idea of coming back, similar to how legends often return in narratives.
27. Sakaigitsune
Sakaigitsune represents “ocean fox,” connecting marine life with the cleverness of foxes in mythology.
28. Toganekitsune
Toganekitsune means “vulpine,” directly reflecting the scientific term often used to classify foxes.
29. Idegitsune
Idegitsune translates to “sly fox,” directly representing the tactical and cunning nature of these animals.
30. Hiratsune
Hiratsune refers to a “flat fox,” emphasizing the cleverness in their movements.
31. Yatsukitsune
Yatsukitsune means “eight foxes,” indicating a group of foxes, linking to ancient beliefs about their behavior.
32. Yokogitsune
Yokogitsune means “side fox,” suggesting a clever being that approaches from an unexpected angle.
33. Natsukitsune
Natsukitsune translates to “summer fox,” linking changing seasons with the spirit of the fox.
34. Hirogitsune
Hirogitsune translates to “broad fox,” connoting a sweeping or grand strategy often adopted by clever foxes.
35. Tsukiyogitsune
Tsukiyogitsune refers to “moonlit fox,” embodying mysticism and ethereal qualities in its symbolism.
36. Shirogitsune
Shirogitsune means “white fox,” often considered sacred in terms of purity in mythology and folklore.
37. Kibagitsune
Kibagitsune means “fox of the tea house,” relating to hospitality traits often likened to foxes in stories.
38. Usatsune
Usatsune translates to “hare fox,” reflecting stories where foxes are tricksters against other animals, enriching their folklore relevance.
39. Suyagitsune
Suyagitsune means “fox of the musical,” connecting art and cleverness, as foxes are often portrayed as artists of deception.
40. Miogitsune
Miogitsune stands for “fox of mystery,” emphasizing the enigmatic nature of foxes in tales.
41. Kogarogitsune
Kogarogitsune translates to “small cloud fox,” connecting elements of nature with mystical qualities.
42. Azukitsune
Azukitsune means “inherited fox,” suggesting a lineage of cleverness passed down through generations.
43. Kirigitsune
Kirigitsune means “misting fox,” enveloping the mystical and often elusive aspects of foxes.
44. Arigitsune
Arigitsune means “grateful fox,” reflecting the connection people have to the cleverness of foxes in terms of blessings and fortune.
45. Soshigitsune
Soshigitsune denotes “fox of protection,” linking foxes to guardianship in folktales.
46. Arigumisou
Arigumisou translates to “gift from foxes,” symbolizing the wonders foxes bring to household fortunes.
47. Onigitsune
Onigitsune means “demon fox,” emphasizing darker or more mischievous traditions related to fox legends.
48. Nagagitsune
Nagagitsune refers to “long-tailed fox,” linking physical traits to the cunning spirit associated with these animals.
49. Seigitsune
Seigitsune stands for “victorious fox,” suggesting clever beings that can outsmart their challenges.
50. Akugitsune
Akugitsune translates to “dark fox,” linking traits of cunning and stealth with darker elements in folklore.
51. Hoshigitsune
Hoshigitsune means “star fox,” linking celestial themes with earthly cleverness.
52. Kakugitsune
Kakugitsune stands for “cunning fox,” clearly reflecting the spirit of deception often attributed to fox behavior.
53. Higurashi
Higurashi can indicate “evening cicada” and euphemistically refer to “fox,” as foxes are often present in evening tales.
54. Tenmatsugitsune
Tenmatsugitsune refers to “fox of heaven,” linking greater mythological stories to the fox spirit.
55. Shōgitsune
Shōgitsune means “little sly fox,” denoting a playful association with these clever animals.
56. Tsukikage
Tsukikage relates to “moon shadow,” symbolizing the hidden and elusive qualities associated with foxes.
57. Amiragitsune
Amiragitsune means “beautiful fox,” idealizing the graceful aspects of these creatures in stories.
58. Ikigitsune
Ikigitsune translates to “living fox,” representing the lifelike essence of clever beings in folklore.
59. Kanekitsune
Kanekitsune stands for “golden fox,” connecting fortune and wealth to cleverness.
60. Amatsukitsune
Amatsukitsune means “heavenly fox,” linking the mythological and spiritual dimensions to these creatures.
61. Mugitsune
Mugitsune translates to “grain fox,” suggesting a relation to agriculture and bounty from cleverness.
62. Tanekitsune
Tanekitsune means “weasel fox,” highlighting the cunning nature shared between various animals.
63. Komikitsune
Komikitsune refers to “tiny fox,” emphasizing the cute and cleverness of foxtails.
64. Fukakitsune
Fukakitsune means “ancient fox,” representing a timeless and foundational presence in folklore.
65. Torigitsune
Torigitsune translates to “bird fox,” linking traits of both trickery and agility together.
66. Kichikitsune
Kichikitsune means “lucky fox,” conveying the blessings often bestowed by these clever animals.
67. Yuugitsune
Yuugitsune means “friendly fox,” clearly linking social attributes related to fox stories.
68. Mankitsune
Mankitsune translates to “ten thousand foxes,” illustrating abundance and bounty through cleverness.
69. Shogitsune
Shogitsune means “captured fox,” reflecting stories of cunning and overcoming obstacles.
70. Anko
Anko means “sweet red bean,” which can connect cultural elements to mythological tales.
71. Nagakitsune
Nagakitsune translates to “long fox,” suggesting the enduring nature of these creatures in stories.
72. Chikitsune
Chikitsune means “tiny fox,” emphasizing qualities of wittiness often attributed to smaller expressions of cunning.
73. Tsubakikitsune
Tsubakikitsune means “camellia fox,” linking elegance and beauty in nature to cleverness.
74. Aogitsune
Aogitsune translates to “blue fox,” introducing unique perspectives associated with less common traits.
75. Kōyukitsune
Kōyukitsune means “river fox,” suggesting ties between intelligence and natural resources.
76. Yuugutsune
Yuugutsune means “mystic fox,” embodying hidden knowledge and clever instincts in fables.
77. Sangitsune
Sangitsune means “three foxes,” representing camaraderie among these clever spirits.
78. Hanekitsune
Hanekitsune means “flowering fox,” illustrating charm and beauty wrapped in wit.
79. Sakupritsune
Sakupritsune translates to “autumn fox,” connecting the seasonality of life to cleverness.
80. Akugitsune
Akugitsune means “brave fox,” portraying boldness intertwined with cleverness in myths.
81. Tamagitsune
Tamagitsune means “fox of the ball,” echoing playfulness and charm that comes with cleverness.
82. Nishikitsune
Nishikitsune translates to “brocade fox,” linking elaborate beauty to cleverness traits.
83. Tsukikitsune
Tsukikitsune means “moon fox,” integrating lunar representations with fox cunning.
84. Nishitsune
Nishitsune translates to “west fox,” suggesting navigation through various directions with cleverness.
85. Tatsukitsune
Tatsukitsune means “dragon fox,” linking different mythologies together in cultural narratives.
86. Mizukitsune
Mizukitsune stands for “water fox,” introducing fluidity and adaptability to cleverness.
87. Ryōgitsune
Ryōgitsune means “two foxes,” symbolizing partnerships and alliances in strategies.
88. Usukitsune
Usukitsune translates to “thin fox,” bringing an image of wariness common among foxes.
89. Onmyōgitsune
Onmyōgitsune indicates “yin-yang fox,” symbolizing balance between cleverness and nature’s mysteries.
90. Mochikitsune
Mochikitsune means “holding fox,” reflecting possessiveness associated with clever and cunning traits.
91. Mikanokitsune
Mikanokitsune translates to “orange fox,” linking agricultural bounties together with folklore.
92. Takakitsune
Takakitsune means “high fox,” suggesting prominence among other clever beings.
93. Rukitsune
Rukitsune means “beetle fox,” combining varied qualities of small predators together.
94. Umekitsune
Umekitsune translates to “plum fox,” combining agriculture with clever traits emphasized in stories.
95. Raigokanetsune
Raigokanetsune reflects mythical aspects of fox spirits associated with storms or tempests.
96. Erogitsune
Erogitsune means “elegant fox,” highlighting traits of beauty with cleverness in one image.
97. Shinkitsune
Shinkitsune denotes “true fox,” emphasizing authenticity in the stories of clever creatures.
98. Hoshizuki
Hoshizuki links to “star-filled sky,” embodying mystery and wonder associated with clever foxes.
99. Jitsukitsune
Jitsukitsune translates to “real fox,” emphasizing realism in the clever aspect of fox lore.
100. Hoshino
Hoshino means “star field,” linking celestial phenomena to the cleverness seen in animals.
101. Utsukitsune
Utsukitsune translates to “beautiful fox,” combining charming qualities alongside intelligence.
102. Kagitsune
Kagitsune stands for “tree fox,” linking environments with cunning attributes.
103. Osukitsune
Osukitsune means “large fox,” indicating strength alongside cleverness in stories.
104. Kanbayuki
Kanbayuki translates to “snowy mountain,” closely tying natural elements with cunning spirits.
105. Shirozuki
Shirozuki means “white tree,” bridging imagery with the sense of cleverness through varied landscapes.
106. Nakatane
Nakatane translates to “middle rice,” inferring wealth associated with agricultural myths.
107. Sakuragitsune
Sakuragitsune means “cherry blossom fox,” linking beauty and clever spirits together in tales.
108. Kazuyuki
Kazuyuki translates to “peaceful fortune,” closely linking with clever advancements in agriculture.
109. Omokitsune
Omokitsune means “big fox,” suggesting significant influences reflected in clever tales.
110. Kinokitsune
Kinokitsune translates to “woodland fox,” intertwining natural qualities with cunning associations.
111. Hahaigitsune
Hahaigitsune translates to “alarmed fox,” reflecting caution and intuitive cleverness similar to fox lore.
112. Umiokitsune
Umiokitsune means “ocean’s fox,” embodying sea-related myths intertwined with clever legends.
113. Karigitsune
Karigitsune translates to “wind fox,” embodying the agile and swift characteristics of these creatures.
114. Akitaro
Akitaro means “bright boy,” which can refer to beings associated with cleverness and wits in tales.
115. Kirugitsune
Kirugitsune means “foggy fox,” linking natural phenomena with the mysticism surrounding cleverness.
116. Kanekitsune
Kanekitsune means “jingle fox,” linking sounds to cleverness as found in traditional stories.
117. Kogitsune
Kogitsune stands for “small fox,” emphasizing qualities of agility and intelligence among clever beings.
118. Akakitsune
Akakitsune refers to “red fox,” often revered in folklore for its magic and strategical mind.
119. Yukigitsune
Yukigitsune means “snow fox,” incorporating seasonal elements into clever tales.
120. Hamanokitsune
Hamanokitsune stands for “sandy beach fox,” connecting geographical elements with folklore.
121. Köyokitsune
Köyokitsune translates to “young fox,” emphasizing the emerging cleverness these animals can represent.
122. Tsubogitsune
Tsubogitsune means “leaf fox,” connecting natural imagery with the cleverness symbolized in folklore.
123. Amekitsune
Amekitsune refers to “rain fox,” suggesting fluid movements associated with clever beings.
124. Natsuizuka
Natsuizuka means “summer mound,” which can refer to geographical ties with clever traditions.
125. Kitsuichi
Kitsuichi means “one fox,” suggesting individuality and uniqueness in cleverness.
126. Shiroizumi
Shiroizumi means “white fountain,” linking purity and cleverness to water patterns.
127. Fushimizu
Fushimizu translates to “clear water,” adding an element of clarity often associated with cleverness.
128. Taketori
Taketori means “bamboo taker,” suggesting cleverness in resource utilization.
129. Jizokitsune
Jizokitsune means “earth fox,” embodying groundedness while navigating challenges cleverly.
130. Asagitsune
Asagitsune translates to “morning fox,” indicating freshness and new beginnings associated with cleverness.
131. Rengotsune
Rengotsune means “branch fox,” intertwining nature with cleverness in earthly matters.
132. Naokitsune
Naokitsune refers to “honest fox,” emphasizing integrity alongside cleverness through revelations.
133. Hinoizumi
Hinoizumi means “fire fountain,” connecting flames and cleverness found in traditional storytelling.
134. Yoshigitsune
Yoshigitsune translates to “good fox,” embodying positive attributes related to cleverness.
135. Isugitsune
Isugitsune means “stone fox,” inferring reliability and strength through clever associations in folklore.
136. Ougi
Ougi translates to “fan,” linking elements of charm and cleverness together.
137. Shōgitsune
Shōgitsune means “wise fox,” referring to mental acuity and similar connections in narratives.
138. Hiragitsune
Hiragitsune is reflective of the “flat fox,” which evokes agility and cleverness through physical attributes.
139. Morikitsune
Morikitsune translates to “forest fox,” hinting at natural habitats associated with clever behaviors.
140. Yatsugitsune
Yatsugitsune means “eight foxes,” embodying camaraderie amidst cleverness in folk traditions.
141. Ushigitsune
Ushigitsune translates to “cow fox,” representing various animal interactions with foxes.
142. Kinokogitsune
Kinokogitsune means “wood fox,” promoting forest imagery in clever legends.
143. Arashigitsune
Arashigitsune means “stormy fox,” linking exciting elements to clever tales.
144. Okumitsune
Okumitsune translates to “inside fox,” highlighting secretiveness and cleverness as common traits.
145. Akitsune
Akitsune can also simply refer to “autumn fox,” influencing stories connected to seasonal changes.
146. Shinogitsune
Shinogitsune translates to “truthful fox,” emphasizing honest cleverness in traditional fables.
147. Iwayagitsune
Iwayagitsune suggests “rocky fox,” listening to the connection between natural settings and folklore attributes.
148. Hayakitsune
Hayakitsune means “fast fox,” underlining speed and agility as clever characteristics.
149. Ryūgitsune
Ryūgitsune translates to “dragon fox,” incorporating aspects of fantasy to clever animal navigation.
150. Isonokitsune
Isonokitsune means “shore fox,” combining geographical features with cunning ties.
Final Thoughts
The exploration of Japanese last names that mean fox reveals the deep cultural significance these creatures hold in Japan. From cleverness to magic, the attributes associated with foxes are reflected in these names, shedding light on myths and traditions. Understanding these names helps us appreciate the values and beliefs tied to the clever fox in Japanese folklore.
These names encompass rich symbolism and diversity that highlight foxes in ways we might not have considered before. Their cleverness, agility, and even their affiliations with both nature and magic create a fascinating narrative about the relationship between humans and foxes.
If you would like to discover more about names with specific meanings or cultural significance, you can explore interesting topics such as baby names that mean fox or delve into Japanese names that mean lust. Enjoy your journey through names and their meanings!