100+ Best Koi Fish Names – The Ultimate List

Koi fish are one of the greatest fish species you can own; they’re elegant and beautiful, and having them in your tank or pond makes for a truly spectacular setup. 

Now, here’s the kicker: coming up with a spot-on name for your koi fish can be quite the brain teaser. You typically want names that capture their distinct color and unique patterns and perfectly mirror their individualities.

Not to worry; that’s where we step in. Regardless of the type of name you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered, offering you a treasure trove of names for your favorite pet koi. 

You will also like our top sought collection of fish names:

• Best Purple Fish Names
• Best Jelly Fish Names
• Ugly Fish Names

Koi Fish Names For Girls

If you have a female koi fish, the best name is one that highlights its beauty, femininity, grace, and elegance, and the joy they bring as pets. Here are 50 names for female koi, along with their meanings:

1. Sakura – Cherry Blossom

2. Yuki – Snow 

3. Kiko – Hope

4. Hana – Flower

5. Midori – Green

6. Ai – Love

7. Sora – Sky

8. Kiyomi – Pure Beauty

9. Emiko – Smiling Child

10. Aiko – Child of Love

11. Yuri – Lily

12. Naomi – Pleasant

13. Mariko – True Village Child

14. Akari – Brightness

15. Fumiko – Child of Literature

16. Rei – Lovely

17. Chiyo – Thousand Generations

18. Haru – Spring

19. Natsuko – Summer Child

20. Aki – Bright; Autumn

21. Miyu – Beautiful Kindness

22. Asami – Morning Beauty

23. Ayame – Iris

24. Sayuri – Small Lily

25. Keiko – Blessed Child

26. Noriko – Law Child

27. Rin – Dignified

28. Tsubaki – Camellia

29. Yumi – Reason Beautiful

30. Hitomi – Pupil of the Eye

31. Megumi – Blessing

32. Riko – Child of Truth

33. Sumiko – Clear Thinking Child

34. Mayu – True Gentle

35. Kanako – Child of Kana

36. Eri – Blessed Prize

37. Yoko – Positive Child

38. Kana – Powerful

39. Maki – True Hope

40. Miho – Protected, Guaranteed Beauty

41. Saki – Blossom of Hope

42. Tomiko – Wealthy Child

43. Hanako – Flower Child

44. Ayako – Colorful Child

45. Chika – Scattered Flowers

46. Mai – Dance; Brightness

47. Nozomi – Hope

48. Yuko – Gentle Child

49. Misaki – Beautiful Blossom

50. Sayoko – Little Night Child

Koi Fish Names for Boys

If you’re gunning for an enigmatic aura and a commanding presence for your male fish, we’ve got just the right name to represent this. Here are 50 koi fish names and their meanings imbued with strength, character, and the boldness of their colors. 

1. Kaito – Ocean Flying

2. Haruki – Shining Sun

3. Takumi – Artisan

4. Ren – Lotus

5. Hiroshi – Generous

6. Kenji – Intelligent Second Son

7. Yuki – Happiness; Snow

8. Akio – Bright Man

9. Daiki – Great Glory

10. Ryo – Cool, Refreshing

11. Masato – Righteous Person

12. Toshi – Alert, Intelligent

13. Sota – Thick, Big

14. Hiro – Abundant

15. Kazuki – Peaceful Tree

16. Isamu – Bravery

17. Shota – Soaring Big

18. Ryu – Dragon

19. Jun – Pure

20. Kei – Blessing

21. Naoki – Honest Tree

22. Kota – Happiness, Good Fortune

23. Sho – Flying

24. Yuji – Courageous Second Son

25. Nobu – Faith

26. Seiji – Lawful, Manage

27. Kyo – Cooperation

28. Taiki – Great Radiance

29. Satoshi – Wise, Fast Learner

30. Yuuto – Gentle Person

31. Makoto – Sincerity

32. Yoshi – Good, Respectable

33. Hajime – Beginning

34. Fumiya – History, Chronicle

35. Tsubasa – Wings

36. Hikaru – Light, Radiance

37. Daisuke – Great Help

38. Akihiko – Bright Boy

39. Eiji – Eternity Order

40. Shinji – True Second Son

41. Koji – Little Child

42. Yasu – Peace

43. Ikki – One Breath

44. Tatsuya – Dragon Value

45. Manabu – Learn

46. Kenta – Healthy, Strong

47. Takeshi – Warrior

48. Haruto – Sun Flying

49. Sora – Sky

50. Shun – Fast, Talented

Popular Koi Fish Names

The most popular koi fish names often reflect their majestic beauty and cultural significance. Is your koi fish the most popular fish in your tank? How about a name that’s representative of its popularity? Here are 20 of the most admired names.

1. Kai – Sea

2. Gin – Silver

3. Suki – Loved

4. Tama – Jewel

5. Kuro – Black

6. Aya – Colorful

7. Hikari – Light

8. Nami – Wave

9. Ryu – Dragon

10. Momo – Peach

11. Kaze – Wind

12. Asa – Morning

13. Yume – Dream

14. Umi – Ocean

15. Rei – Spirit

16. Hoshi – Star

17. Sakura – Cherry Blossom

18. Akira – Bright, Clear

19. Yoshi – Lucky

20. Riku – Land

Funny Koi Fish Names

There’s no reason why you cannot give your koi fish a funny name. If you’re quite the comedian, then consider these playful and funny names.

1. Sashimi

2. Fin Diesel

3. Gilly Nelson

4. Bubbles McFishface

5. Fish and Chips

6. Sir Scales-a-Lot

7. Captain Flapjack

8. Swim Shady

9. Gillbert

10. Nemo’s Cousin

11. Sushi

12. Wanda – from “A Fish Called Wanda”

13. Puddles

14. Flippy

15. Bobber

16. Kraken

17. Loch Ness

18. Squirt

19. Floaty McFloatface

20. Finny the Pooh

Unique Koi Fish Names

Koi fish are well known for being incredibly beautiful, having distinct features, like quirky shapes, diverse colors and patches, and whimsical personas. As such, it’s only right that you give your fish that’s just for them Here are 20 unique names for your koi fish:

1. Zephyr

2. Orion

3. Nova

4. Lotus

5. Azura

6. Eclipse

7. Celeste

8. Blaze

9. Calypso

10. Indigo

11. Zen

12. Lyra

13. Vega

14. Marlin

15. Neptune

16. Cobalt

17. Nimbus

18. Lagoon

19. Aurora

20. Serenity

Fictional Koi Fish Names

The world of fiction is a treasure trove of rad character names. Drawing inspiration from literature, mythology, and pop culture, here are 20 fictional names for koi fish:

1. Poseidon

2. Aquaman

3. Triton

4. Ariel

5. Nereus

6. Caliban

7. Dagon

8. Ondine

9. Atlantis

10. Galadriel

11. Elrond

12. Arwen

13. Merlin

14. Gandalf

15. Frodo

16. Bilbo

17. Yoda

18. Skywalker

19. Vulcan

20. Spock

Famous Koi Fish Names

There are quite a number of famous personalities after whom you could name your pet koi fish. Reflecting fame and notoriety, these are 20 famous names suited for your koi:

1. Kintsugi – Japanese art of fixing broken pottery

2. Midas – as in the golden touch

3. Monet – Impressionist painter

4. Picasso – Famous artist

5. Da Vinci – Renaissance genius

6. Cleopatra – Ancient Egyptian queen

7. Zenith – At the peak

8. Caesar – Roman ruler

9. Helios – Greek sun god

10. Athena – Greek goddess of wisdom

11. Apollo – Greek god of the sun

12. Venus – Roman goddess of love

13. Thor – Norse god of thunder

14. Loki – Norse god of mischief

15. Freya – Norse goddess of love

16. Beethoven – Famous composer

17. Mozart – Classical music composer

18. Shakespeare – Famed playwright

19. Hemingway – Noted author

20. Darwin – Famous naturalist

Creative Koi Fish Names

Unleash your creative side with these 20 imaginative names for your koi:

1. Mosaic

2. Symphony

3. Haiku

4. Fresco

5. Sonnet

6. Rhapsody

7. Allegro

8. Chiaroscuro – the contrast of light and dark in art

9. Fable

10. Mirage

11. Palette

12. Sonnet

13. Tango

14. Vivace – lively, in music

15. Whisper

16. Echo

17. Kaleidoscope

18. Odyssey

19. Pixie

20. Mystic

Each of these names offers a unique way to connect with your koi, whether through humor, creativity, or a deep appreciation of their beauty and character. Happy naming!

How To Name Your Fish 

Choosing the perfect name for your underwater companion from the aquatic world can be fun and daunting. But that shouldn’t stop you. 

If you’re seeking inspiration, consider names derived from their physical attributes, such as Gill or Finn, which reflect parts of fish anatomy. You can also look to the specific species of your fish for a name that speaks to its unique identity. 

Expand your horizon by considering the color, patterns, and unique characteristics of your fish. Names that highlight these aspects can add a personal touch and make your fish’s name truly special.

Navigating the Sea of Names

Embarking on the journey of pet ownership brings joy and the exciting challenge of naming. Still, there are some nifty tricks to employ when searching for the right name for your pet fish. Here are some buoys to help you navigate through:

1. Simplicity is Key:

While you’re free to experiment with complex-sounding names, you typically want to opt for a name that flows off the tongue, preferably with one or two syllables. You don’t want people biting their tongues pronouncing your pet’s name, do you? Instead, it should be memorable and easy for you to use comfortably. 

2. Seek Far and Wide for Inspiration: 

Your inspiration can come from anywhere – from baby name books to the unique personality traits of your fish. Is your fish an eager eater, or does it have a quirky swimming pattern? Perhaps it’s a playful fish, or maybe there’s something about the shop where you got it. Naming them after these traits can be both meaningful and fun.

3. Unique Stories Lead to Unique Names: 

We all have a story to tell. Has your fish’s arrival into your life been nothing short of a storybook tale? Consider names that reflect this special journey.

Some names with great meaning include Sakura, meaning “cherry blossom,” Kiyomi, meaning “child of beauty, or Eri, meaning “blessed prize. These names not only sound great but can add a touch of narrative to your fish’s identity.

4. The Charm Factor: 

You want a name that showcases your fish’s charming side. Still, you shouldn’t feel pressured to follow the latest naming trends. Instead, settling for a name with positive associations in literature or with a personal connection can be just as delightful. 

5. The Name Trial: 

Test your favorite names to see how they sound when called out loud. Ask friends and family about your naming choice. Their insight can be invaluable in gauging a name’s fit.

6. A Collective Brainstorm: 

If you’re stuck in a naming whirlpool, turn to your social circle or dive into online communities and forums for a sea of ideas. Ask your kids, partners, parents, friends, and even online strangers for help. Collaboration can spark the perfect name.

7. Revitalize Common Names: 

How about giving a twist to a common name by adding a title or modifying it slightly to refresh its appeal? “Ms. Pansy” sounds like a great name, don’t you think so, too?

8. For the School of Fish:

If you’re naming a school of fish, you want to consider themes, pairings, or group names that reflect their collective identity. Drawing inspiration from previous pets can also connect generations of your aquatic family.

Final Thoughts

Picking the perfect name for your koi can be tricky, but don’t worry! Our collection has tons of awesome options for you. Take your time looking through them and pick the one that feels just right for your new fishy friend.

Ultimately, the best name for your fish is the one that brings you the most joy.  Whether it’s quirky, wonderful, or somewhere in between, choose a name that makes you smile whenever you see your pal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Having gone through our collection of purple fish names, let’s look into answers to some of the more common questions about naming your fish that you might find helpful.

Is Koi a Nickname?

No, Koi (also called Nishikigoi) is not a nickname but rather the specific name for a domesticated ornamental variety of the common carp. These fish are domestically bred for their beautiful colors and patches. 

Why Are Koi So Special?

Koi fish hold a special place in many cultures, particularly the Japanese. Beyond their fame as an ornamental breed, they’re seen as a symbol of luck, prosperity, and good fortune in Japanese culture.

What Are the Most Popular Koi Fish Names?

Kai, Suki, Ryu, and Sakura top the list of the most popular koi fish names