90 Japanese Names That Mean Fox and Their Meanings

Foxes have always had a special place in Japanese stories—clever, magical, and full of mystery. From anime characters to childhood tales, these creatures often show up as powerful spirits or playful tricksters.

If you’ve ever felt drawn to their charm or want a name that carries that same spirit, there are some beautiful and meaningful options to explore. Whether you’re naming a character, pet, or just curious about the language, this list will guide you through a collection of Japanese names that mean fox.

Male Japanese Names That Mean Fox

Foxes are often seen as clever and noble in Japanese folklore—qualities that many masculine names reflect. In this section, you’ll find male Japanese names that either directly mean fox or capture the spirit of the kitsune through symbolism and character.

Kōji (光司) – “Bright rule.” The kanji 光 means light, often associated with kitsunebi (foxfire), the mystical glow produced by fox spirits.
Reiji (怜司) – “Wise ruler.” Combines wisdom and leadership, echoing the clever, commanding nature of fox spirits.
Shinji (真司) – “True ruler.” Refers to honesty and strength, often present in noble fox characters in Japanese folklore.
Takumi (匠) – “Artisan” or “clever one.” Highlights the fox’s reputation for craftiness and transformation.
Akira (明) – “Bright” or “clear.” Reflects both the fox’s intelligence and spiritual illumination.
Inari (稲荷) – Refers to the Shinto deity Inari, whose sacred messengers are white foxes. Deeply symbolic and spiritually tied to foxes.
Tamaki (玉城) – While not fox-specific, the name is closely tied to Tamamo-no-Mae, a famous kitsune who appeared as a beautiful noblewoman.
Kō (光) – “Light.” A short, radiant name linked directly to the glow of kitsunebi.
Kaito (海翔) – “Ocean soar.” A fluid, graceful name symbolizing transformation and freedom—key fox traits.
Haruki (陽輝) – “Shining sun.” Symbolically connected to foxfire and the warmth or presence of a mystical fox.
Riku (陸) – “Land.” Often associated with earthly spirits like kitsune who dwell between worlds.
Renji (蓮司) – “Lotus ruler.” Symbolizes hidden strength and spiritual beauty, common in kitsune legends.
Takeru (武) – “Warrior.” Powerful and fierce, this name suits depictions of protective or divine fox spirits.
Ryō (涼) – “Cool” or “refreshing.” Mysterious and calm, often linked to serene fox characters.
Subaru (昴) – Name of the Pleiades star cluster, often tied to mysticism and celestial beings like kitsune.
Hikaru (光) – “Light” or “shine.” Directly connected to foxfire and the kitsune’s magical aura.
Yūto (優翔) – “Gentle flight.” Graceful and swift, much like the fox’s elegant movement and magical nature.
Kōya (光也) – “Shining one.” A name full of light and mystery, mirroring the fox’s ethereal presence.
Koma (狛) – Derived from Komainu (guardian lion-dogs), but Koma-foxes are fox statues at Inari shrines; symbolic guardians.
Kitsuo (狐雄) – “Fox male.” A rare and stylized name using the direct kanji for fox (狐) with “man” or “hero.”
Konosuke (狐之助) – “Fox helper” or “fox’s right hand.” Fictional or poetic, but rich in character and meaning.
Kosuke (狐介) – “Fox helper.” Stylized name featuring 狐, ideal for folklore-inspired characters.
Koshirō (狐四郎) – “Fourth fox son.” Traditional structure, but paired with the fox kanji for mythic resonance.
Kōhei (光平) – “Peaceful light.” Soft and serene, fitting the calm presence of a protective kitsune.
Kōgen (光幻) – “Illusory light.” A mystical name reflecting foxes’ ability to deceive or shape-shift.
Komaru (狐丸) – “Fox circle” or “fox perfection.” Round names like this are often used for spirits or magical beings.
Kitsuki (狐月) – “Fox moon.” Symbolizes mystery, transformation, and the supernatural.
Komaki (小牧 or 狐牧) – “Little pasture” or “fox pasture.” Gentle, nature-based name possibly tied to fox-dwelling places.

Female Japanese Names That Mean Fox

Many fox spirits in legends are portrayed as graceful, mysterious women with magical powers. It’s no surprise that some beautiful female Japanese names carry this same mystical charm. Let’s look at names that embody the elegance and allure of the fox.

Kiko (狐子) – “Fox child.” A rare and poetic name using the direct kanji for fox.
Yōko (妖子) – “Mystic child.” Uses 妖, a kanji often associated with supernatural beings like fox spirits.
Kokone (狐音) – “Fox sound.” Soft and lyrical, with a mystical and spiritual tone.
Miyako (美夜狐) – “Beautiful night fox.” Elegant and stylized; evokes mystery and folklore.
Komi (狐美) – “Fox beauty.” Represents the grace and allure of the mythical kitsune.
Konono (狐乃) – “Of the fox.” Poetic and subtle, with a traditional tone.
Koko (狐香) – “Fox fragrance.” Gentle and spiritual; foxes are often linked with shrine rituals.
Konoko (狐乃子) – “Child of the fox.” A more affectionate and elaborate version of Kiko.
Kogetsu (狐月) – “Fox moon.” Symbolic of foxes’ link to night and transformation.
Tamamo (玉藻) – A famous name from Tamamo-no-Mae, a legendary nine-tailed fox in Japanese mythology.
Inako (稲狐) – Combines “rice” and “fox,” referencing Inari and their divine fox messengers.
Kona (狐菜) – “Fox greens.” A stylized, nature-based name with a folkloric tone.
Kozakura (狐桜) – “Fox cherry blossom.” Blends natural beauty with fox symbolism.
Kosato (狐里) – “Fox village.” Rustic and mystical; perfect for folklore-inspired names.
Koba (狐羽) – “Fox feather.” Suggests lightness, elegance, and spiritual presence.
Kosuzu (狐鈴) – “Fox bell.” Linked to fox shrines and spiritual rituals involving bells.
Korin (狐凛) – “Dignified fox.” Graceful and noble; evokes calm strength.
Yōka (妖花) – “Mystic flower.” Feminine and magical, blending nature and spirit.
Kohana (狐花) – “Fox flower.” Beautiful and simple; full of mythical charm.
Konami (狐波) – “Fox wave.” Flowing and elegant with poetic energy.
Koshino (狐篠) – “Fox bamboo.” Combines nature and folklore in a graceful way.
Koyuki (狐雪) – “Fox snow.” Peaceful and ethereal, like a winter fox spirit.
Koka (狐華) – “Fox blossom.” Radiant and soft, with a magical feel.
Komika (狐美香) – “Fox beauty fragrance.” Elegant and refined; rich in femininity and spirit.
Konari (狐成) – “Fox success” or “fox transformation.” Refers to the fox’s shapeshifting power.
Kokari (狐狩) – “Fox hunt.” Strong and bold; fitting for fantasy or powerful characters.
Konoe (狐恵) – “Fox blessing.” Spiritual and protective, suggesting a guardian fox spirit.
Kokura (狐倉) – “Fox storehouse.” Symbolic of hidden power or spiritual depth.
Koyume (狐夢) – “Fox dream.” Dreamy, mystical, and perfect for ethereal characters.
Konaha (狐羽葉) – “Fox feather leaf.” A layered, symbolic name full of nature and magic.
Konoka (狐乃花) – “Fox’s flower.” Delicate and graceful, full of charm.
Koshika (狐鹿) – “Fox deer.” Combines two spiritual creatures in a soft, forest-like name.

Unisex Japanese Names That Mean Fox

Not all names need to be tied to one gender—especially when it comes to qualities like wisdom, transformation, and light. This section highlights unisex Japanese names that suggest the essence of the fox, making them great choices for anyone.

Kōmi (光美) – “Radiant beauty.” Combines light, often tied to foxfire (kitsunebi), with elegance.
Konoki (狐木) – “Fox tree.” A soft, nature-based name with the direct fox kanji 狐 and a peaceful tone.
Koyori (小依) – “Little reliance” or “gentle support.” Has a mystical feel and is delicate, echoing a fox’s quiet companionship.
Kōyō (紅葉 / 光陽) – Can mean “autumn leaves” or “bright sun.” Both connect to fox legends often set in fall or tied to spiritual warmth.
Kitsuna (狐奈) – “Fox harmony” or “graceful fox.” A creative name using the direct 狐 kanji.
Komoe (狐萌) – “Fox sprout.” Youthful and full of potential; suggests a young or newly transformed fox spirit.
Koshine (狐音) – “Fox sound.” Gentle and ethereal, evoking the presence of a fox spirit.
Kōka (光華) – “Radiant flower.” Foxes in folklore often appear as beautiful or glowing beings.
Konata (狐那多) – “Many foxes” or “abundant fox spirit.” A stylized name with folklore flair.
Koneko (子猫 or 狐猫) – Literally “kitten” but can be stylized as “fox cat”; whimsical, perfect for fantasy names.
Kōrin (光輪) – “Radiant ring” or “halo of light.” A mystical, spiritual name tied to light and presence.
Kotsuki (狐月輝) – “Fox moonlight.” A poetic and serene name referencing the fox’s strong connection to the moon.
Kōhaku (光白) – “Shining white” or “bright purity.” Symbolic of the white foxes that serve Inari.
Konariha (狐成羽) – “Fox transformation feather.” Deeply mystical, referencing shapeshifting and flight.
Koyura (狐由良) – “Fox of purity or reason.” An elegant, lyrical name with a tranquil tone.
Komugi (小麦) – “Little wheat.” Earthy and gentle; can imply the fox’s connection to rice fields and nature.
Konohana (木乃花 or 狐乃花) – “Fox’s flower” or “tree blossom.” Tied to beauty, nature, and spirits.
Kitsumi (狐澄) – “Clear fox.” A stylized name evoking clarity and elegance of spirit.
Koshinoha (狐篠葉) – “Fox bamboo leaf.” Full of natural and mystical symbolism.
Komachi (小町 or 狐町) – “Small town” or “fox town.” Has a traditional feel, suitable for a spirit name.
Konariyo (狐成世) – “Fox that shapes the world.” A powerful name for a character with spiritual or transformative power.
Kōyoha (紅葉羽) – “Autumn leaf feather.” Evokes falling leaves and lightness, symbolic of a fox’s grace.
Koyuka (狐由花) – “Fox of reason and flower.” A blend of intellect and natural charm.
Kitsuhi (狐日) – “Fox sun.” Powerful and bright, symbolizing the mystical energy of foxfire.
Konene (狐音々) – “Fox sounds” or “soft fox whispers.” Gentle and magical in tone.
Kitsuto (狐翔) – “Fox flight.” A dynamic and fantastical name full of movement and transformation.
Kogane (小金 or 狐金) – “Little gold” or “golden fox.” Represents a rare, precious spirit.
Koshima (狐島) – “Fox island.” Mysterious and secluded, ideal for a fox spirit’s home or origin.
Komizu (小水) – “Little water.” Symbolic of the calm, flowing nature of certain fox characters.
Koshiori (狐栞) – “Fox bookmark” or “fox guide.” Can symbolize a fox as a spiritual messenger or guide through stories.