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150 Majestic Koi Fish Names for Their Beautiful Colors (With Meanings)

PangoVet_Koi Fish Names

Many people may think of koi as “just fish,” but koi enthusiasts love their pets quite deeply, like members of the family. This means it’s important for some people to pick the perfect name for their fish.

Koi can have distinctive personalities, and each also has a unique appearance. From their scales and colors to their shape and size, every koi is an individual, so you want to choose the name that suits your fish the best.

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How to Name Your Koi Fish Based on Color

You can choose a color-based name for your koi anywhere on the spectrum from simple to unique. Most people know the basic colors, but any words associated with the colors of koi fish can be used.

Modern koi originated in Japan in the 1800s, while their carp family members have been bred domestically in China since the 4th century. Therefore, there are plenty of name options from these countries that are associated with koi and carp.

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The 150 Majestic Koi Fish Names

Basic Koi Colors

You can keep things simple and name your fish directly after a color, either the one that matches their scales or just a color that they remind you of!

  • Gold
  • White
  • Black
  • Yellow
  • Red
  • Orange
  • Cream
  • Platinum
  • Pink
  • Blue
  • Silver
  • Gray

orange and white koi fish
Image Credit: adrian vieriu, Pexels

Fun Color Names for Koi

Koi can be so many colors, so you might want to reflect that variance in their name!

  • Goldie
  • Goldie Hawn
  • Goldilocks
  • Radiance
  • Dazzle
  • Sparkle
  • Splat
  • Ember
  • Smoky
  • Flame
  • Fire
  • Berries and Cream
  • Indigo
  • Indy
  • Onyx
  • Phoenix
  • Jasmine
  • Yellow Brick Road
  • Casper
  • Ghost
  • Eclipse
  • Glow
  • Glisten
  • Stellar
  • Starry
  • Stormy
  • Pinky
  • Shimmer
  • Glitter
  • Glitz
  • Shiny
  • Blaze
  • Sunny
  • Ash
  • Shadow
  • Metal
  • Reflective
  • Glacier
  • Ice
  • Crystal
  • Rainbow
  • Galaxy
  • Mirror
  • Diamond
  • Mesh
  • Netting
  • Chainmail
  • Rusty
  • Ruby
  • Amber
  • Sapphire
  • Jade
  • Iridescent
  • Pearl
  • Clear
  • Lemon
  • Blue Suede Shoes
  • Silverware
  • Wasabi
  • Zigzag
multicolored koi fish
Image Credit: Quang Nguyen Vinh, Pexels

Variety and Appearance Names for Koi With Meanings

These names are actual varieties of koi, which you may find useful if you have multiple koi types and want to keep them all straight.

  • Hi (red)
  • Ko (red)
  • Aka (red)
  • Beni (orange)
  • Ki (yellow)
  • Kigoi (yellow)
  • Sumi (black)
  • Karasu (black background)
  • Shiro (white)
  • Shiroji (white)
  • Haku (white)
  • Cha (brown)
  • Nezu (gray)
  • Ai (blue)
  • Ochiba (light blue)
  • Kin (gold)
  • Gin (silver)
  • Purachina (platinum)
  • Midori (green)
  • Kohaku (white body with red or orange patches)
  • Asagi (silver body with red patches)
  • Taisho Sanke (white body with red and black patches)
  • Tancho (white body with a red patch on the head)
  • Showa (black body with red and white patches)
  • Utsuri (black body with red, yellow, or white patches)
  • Bekko (white body with black patches or red or yellow body with black patches)
  • Shusui (silver body with red patches)
  • Ginrin (diamond scales)
  • Kinginrin (shiny gold or silver scales)
  • Ogon (single color)
  • Hikarimoyomono (multi-color)
  • Yamato Nishiki (platinum with red and black patches and metallic scales)
  • Sanke (platinum with red and black patches and matte scales)
  • Hariwake (white body with yellow or orange patches and metallic scales)
  • Doitsu Yamabuki (platinum with red and black patches and no scales)
  • Gin-Matsuba (white body with dark reticulation on metallic scales)
  • Chagoi (tea carp)
Koi fish in a pond
Image Credit: imsogabriel, Pixabay

Japanese Names for Koi

It’s believed that rice farmers in Japan first domesticated the fish that we now know as koi, so you might find it fitting to pick a Japanese name for your fish.

  • Koi (carp)
  • Nishikigoi (koi)
  • Akarui (bright)
  • Hanako (flower girl)
  • Gingko (silver fruit)
  • Koshi (green)
  • Hoshi (star)
  • Gohan (rice)
  • Jinyu (golden fish)
  • Momotaru (peach boy)
  • Aka Hana (red nose)
  • Ochiba Shigure (fallen leaves from rain)
  • Budo/Budou (grape)
  • Utsuri (reflection)
  • Kujaku (peacock)
  • Kikusui (light chrysanthemum)
  • Kuchi (lips)
  • Jinli (brocaded)
koi fish in fish pond
Image Credits: auntmasako, Pixabay

Words Associated With Specific Koi Colors

In some parts of the world, koi are more than just pretty fish. They are part of legends and folklore and symbolize various concepts, usually positive ones like good fortune or hope.

  • Success
  • Romance
  • Determination
  • Strength
  • Prosperity
  • Motherly
  • Fatherly
  • Childlike
  • Growth
  • Love
  • Affection
  • Youth
  • Femininity
  • Peace
  • Comfort
  • Influx
  • Uniqueness
  • Luck
  • Persistence
  • Energy
  • Positivity
  • Bravery
  • Courage
Koi Fish
Image Credit: Quang Nguyen Vinh, Pexels

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Conclusion

There is no shortage of name options for your koi, even if you’re only looking for a name related to the beautiful colors and appearance of your fish. Some of these names are the official names of certain koi varieties, while others are simply fun and interesting descriptors. Now all that’s left is for you to pick the perfect moniker for your lovely fish.

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Featured Image Credit: Vital Safo, Shutterstock

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