Names of animals—real or mythical—form another class of yobina. A name of this kind generally represents the hope that the child will develop some quality or capacity symbolized by the creature after which it has been called. Names such as "Dragon," "Tiger," "Bear," etc., are intended in most cases to represent moral rather than other qualities. The moral symbolism of the Koi (Carp) is too well-known to require explanation here. The names Kamé and Tsuru refer to longevity. Koma, curious as the fact may seem, is a name of endearment.
NAMES OF BIRDS, FISHES, ANIMALS, ETC.
| Chidori | "Sanderling." |
| O-Kamé | "Tortoise." |
| O-Koi | "Carp."[68] |
[68] ] Cyprinus carpio.
| O-Koma | "Filly,"—or pony. |
| O-Kuma | "Bear." |
| O-Ryō | "Dragon." |
| O-Shika | "Deer." |
| O-Tai | "Bream."[69] |
[69] ] Chrysophris cardinalis.
| O-Taka | "Hawk." |
| O-Tako | "Cuttlefish."(?) |
| O-Tatsu | "Dragon." |
| O-Tora | "Tiger." |
| O-Tori | "Bird." |
| O-Tsuru | "Stork."[70] |
[70] ] Sometimes this name is shortened into O-Tsu. In Tōkyō at the present time it is the custom to drop the honorific "O" before such abbreviations, and to add to the name the suffix "chan,"—as in the case of children's names. Thus a young woman may be caressingly addressed as "Tsu-chan" (for O-Tsuru), "Ya-chan" (for O-Yasu), etc.
| O-Washi | "Eagle." |