Unagi

A distinctive pick — fewer than 9 pets share this name.

More girlsalertlively
#7145

Meaning & Story

From the Japanese word unagi meaning freshwater eel, associated with strength and the beloved Japanese dish.

Unagi is a name with personality and a guaranteed story attached. In Japanese, unagi means freshwater eel, and it is also deeply associated with a beloved grilled dish served over rice. It gained wider pop-culture fame through the American sitcom Friends, where the word was used humorously to describe a state of total awareness. For a pet, it is playful and unexpected — the name of an animal who is always alert, always in the moment, always just a little bit surprising.

At a Glance

#7145
Overall Rank
9
Registered
Girls
Popular With

Popular Breeds Named Unagi

Breeds that commonly use the name Unagi
BreedPets Named
American Shorthair1
Domestic Shorthair1

Unagi's Personality

Pets named Unagi are most often described as:

  • alertStrong match
  • livelyCommon
  • quirkySometimes
  • quickOccasionally

Trait order based on owner reports across pet registries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Unagi a good pet name?

Unagi is a well-known pet name with 9 registered pets. Pets named Unagi are often described as alert, lively, quirky.

Is Unagi a boy or girl pet name?

Unagi is more commonly given to female pets, though it can be used for any pet.

Last updated May 2026 · Data: NYC & Seattle pet licensing records · Methodology