260 Horse Names for Each Letter of the Alphabet
Naming your horse is not something that should be taken lightly. It represents commitment, and it welcomes your new equine friend into the world. Names are anchors that keep us tethered to our true selves, and they will always hold power over us and our loved ones.
Naming a horse can be a challenging process, especially if you want that name to resonate with the horse’s personality, main traits, or general appearance. You’ll want the name to fit at all times, and you’ll probably do quite a bit of brainstorming before deciding on one. Fortunately for you, I’ve decided to compile this extensive list of horse names for each letter of the alphabet. Each letter has received 10 names, so you should have no problem choosing one for your own horse.
I decided to create this extensive list of horse names because I too had issues picking the right name for my first horse. However, while I was searching around the web, I realized that most of these “horse name” articles just dumped a pile of names in my face and left me to my own devices.
For some quick inspiration, I guess that could work. Or maybe if you own multiple horses and you just need a bunch of ideas to name them quickly. For my approach, I wanted to give you some horse name ideas while telling you a bit about each name and what it stands for.
If you own an Arabian horse, for instance, you might want to name it after a renowned Arabian figure. If you have a Percheron, maybe something uniquely French. You get the idea.
Deciding on a good horse name.
You can name a horse after its appearance, its color, general breed, or its personality. There are endless possibilities, so to make things easier for you, I’m also going to suggest horse names for different types of horses at the end of this article.
For now, feel free to use the following table, which includes a variety of horse names for each letter of the alphabet. You’ll also find a brief description of each horse name, which is intended to help you figure out that perfect fit.
A
| Ace | Ace refers to high quality and excellence. It can also signify good luck. | Good for a purebred stallion. A horse of exceptional stock. |
| Apollo | Ancient Olympian deity. God of light, knowledge, healing, and dance. | Perfect name for a parade horse. A horse that’s particularly beautiful and inspiring. |
| Ali Baba | Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves – an incredibly popular folk tale of Arabic origin. | Good name for an Arabian horse, of course. |
| Aries | The first sign in the Horoscope. There’s also an Aries constellation. | Name for a powerful, hot-blooded, and somewhat stubborn horse. |
| Autumn | Arguably the most colorful and beautiful of the seasons. | Use it for a well-balanced, calm horse with a chestnut coat. |
| Ashes | Can refer to the horse’s color. | Good name for a beautiful gray horse with a black mane. |
| Aramis | Fictional character from the novel The Three Musketeers. | Aramis loved to court women. This name is well-suited for a stallion. |
| Aztec | The Aztecs were Mesoamerican culture from central Mexico. | There is an Azteca horse breed, otherwise known as the Mexican horse. |
| Aragon | An autonomous community in Spain. | Could work for an Andalusian horse. |
| Athos | A mountain and peninsula in northeastern Greece. | Perfect for a tall horse, or an imposing, stoic one. Just like the mountain. |
B
| Bambi | Famous Walt Disney film from 1942. | For a horse with doe eyes, calm, and beautiful. |
| Blackjack | The most widely played casino banking card game in the world. | For a lucky horse, or one with a deep black mane. |
| Baloo | The main fictional character in Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. | Baloo was a bear. So maybe use this name for a large, strong horse. |
| Batman | Fictional comic book superhero from DC Comics. | Definitely a name for a horse with a black coat. Maybe a police horse as well? |
| Belle | Refers to a beautiful girl or woman in French. | A Percheron mare would work best. But any pretty mare could don this name. |
| Bingo | A very popular game of chance. | Name for a happy horse or one that is always winning. |
| Blaze | Usually a reference to fire or speed. | For a horse with a fiery temperament, or a very quick one. |
| Bumblebee | Social insects that form colonies with a single queen. | Bumblebees look chubby sometimes, so maybe use it for a well-built horse. |
| Bolt | A reference to speed and quickness. | Good name for a very fast horse or one that gets startled easily and bolts away. |
| Black Beauty | 1877 novel by English author Anna Sewell. Multiple film adaptations. | A classic name fitting for any black horse or mare. |
C
| Comet | Icy and small Solar System body that is instantly recognizable by its tail. | Fast, agile horse with a beautiful tail. |
| Cupid | The Roman god of desire, love, attraction, and affection. | For a horse that you can instantly fall in love with. |
| Cherokee | Indigenous people of the Southeastern Woodlands of the United States. | The Cherokee were warrior tribes. This name would work well for a temperamental horse. |
| Carmen | Means ode or poem in Latin. | For an inspiring, dignified mare. |
| Caramel | Medium to dark-orange confectionery product. Very tasty! | Can refer to a horse’s color or generally sweet behavior. |
| Coffee | You probably already know what coffee is. | Referring to a horse’s coat color. |
| Casanova | Italian adventurer and author from the Republic of Venice. | Casanova was quite the ladies’ man. Good name for a stallion. |
| Cookie | Delicious. Especially if made by one’s grandmother. | For a sweet, gentle horse. Maybe it also has a sweet tooth. |
| Copper | Soft, malleable, and ductile metal with very high thermal and electrical conductivity | In relation to the horse’s color. |
| Captain | Commander of a military unit, a ship, spacecraft, or other vessels. | The dominant horse in a herd could don this name. |
D
| Dancer | Profession, hobby, or just the act of moving to the music. | For a horse with a particularly noticeable gait. |
| Dante | Italian Poet. Famed author of the Divine Comedy. | For a dignified name for a dignified horse. |
| Donatello | Famous Italian sculptor, or one of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. | Definitely for a show horse, or one with distinctive facial features. |
| Dryad | A tree nymph or tree spirit in Greek mythology. | Good name for a mare that enjoys the forest and the great outdoors. |
| Dandelion | A simple yet beautiful yellow flower. Also Geralt of Rivia’s best friend. | Excellent name for a gentle, well-mannered horse. Maybe one suited for the draft. |
| Duster | Has multiple meanings. The main one refers to cleaning implements. | Name for a draft horse that enjoys farm work. |
| Dollar | A type of currency. | For a very expensive horse, maybe? |
| Duchess/Duke | A rank of nobility. The female equivalent to a duke. | For any well-mannered horse can be the duke of its own stable. |
| Dallas | A city in the U.S. state of Texas and the largest city and seat of Dallas County. | Maybe the horse was born there? Or it just comes from Texas. |
| Darius | Darius the Great, was the third Persian King of Kings of the Achaemenid Empire. | The names of kings seem to suit horses very well. |
E
| Ebony | A dense black or brown hardwood. | In relation to the horse’s coat color. |
| Elvis | Elvis Presley was a famous American singer and actor. | This name will work for a great variety of horses. Highly versatile name. |
| Eros | The Greek god of love and desire. The counterpart of Cupid. | A good name for a stud horse or stallion. |
| Ember | Glowing, hot coal made of greatly heated wood or coal. | Fitting name for a hot-blooded horse. |
| El Dorado | The subject of Spanish legends. It can be a man, a ship, a city, or a land. | Any horse can become the legendary El Dorado. Particularly if it’s an Andalusian. |
| Excalibur | The legendary sword of King Arthur. The sword in the stone. | For a British horse such as the Suffolk Punch. |
| Egyptian | Referring to Egypt. | For an Arabian or a Baladi horse. |
| Enoch | The author of the Book of Enoch. Religious connotations. | For a well-spirited, gentle, and maybe wise horse? |
| Empress/Emperor | The ruler of an empire. | Perfect name for a pureblood. |
| Echo | Reflection of sound that arrives at the listener with a delay. | For a calm-minded horse that loves doing the same thing every day. |
F
| Feather | Feathers signify ascension and spiritual evolution to a higher plane. | For a horse that’s light on its feet. Good for a racer. |
| Firefly | Bioluminescent insects. | For a horse that just lights up when set free. |
| Frizon | The Friesian is a breed of horse. | The name of a breed but it also works as a personal name. |
| Frodo | Fictional character in J. R. R. Tolkien’s writings. The lord of the rings. | Frodo was a hobbit, so this name would work best for a pony. |
| Flower | Flowers symbolize rebirth, grace, and beauty. | For a delicate, kind, and obedient horse. |
| Foxtrot | Smooth, progressive dance with long, continuous movements. | For a horse with a unique, smooth gait. |
| Florence | City in central Italy and the capital city of the Tuscany region. | For a horse of Italian descent. A Persano, for instance. |
| Flash | Comic book hero that runs at impossible speeds. | For the quickest racehorse that you’ve ever owned. |
| Faith | Complete trust or confidence in someone or something. | Great name for the horse you trust the most. |
| Flint | Sediment derived from the quartz mineral. | Any horse could don this name proudly. |
G
| Gallop | Asymmetrical gait at high speeds by quadrupedal organisms. | Self-explanatory. Horses gallop. |
| Ghost | Some believe in ghosts, some don’t. Generally signifies the spirit of a dead person. | This name would be fitting for a pale gray horse. |
| Grace | A prayer, or a symbol of elegance. | Use it to name a faithful and graceful horse. |
| Gypsy | Indo-Aryan ethnic group, traditionally itinerant. | Perfect name for horses of Indian descent such as Marwari or Malani. |
| Goliath | Philistine giant defeated by David in single combat. | For a large horse. Maybe one from the Shire breed. |
| Gaia | The personification of the Earth and one of the Greek primordial deities. | Linked to the Earth. Use it to name a draft mare. |
| Glory | High renown or honor won by notable achievements. | For a horse destined for greatness. |
| Goldie | In reference to gold as in color. | Perfect for Akhal-Teke – a gorgeous horse breed with a bright golden coat. |
| Gatsby | The Great Gatsby is a 1925 novel written by American author F. Scott Fitzgerald. | In honor of the Great Gatsby himself. A mysterious yet selfless character. |
| Ginger | Ginger root can be used as a spice or medicine. | Spicy like ginger. Good name for an agile and smart foal. |
H
| Haiku | A form of Japanese poetry. | Good for an Asian horse such as a Lokai or Altai. |
| Hercules | Roman hero and demigod. The strongest man that ever lived | Strong, imposing, large. Nothing is impossible for this horse. |
| Honey | Sweet and sticky. | Good name for a gentle, friendly, and well-behaved horse. |
| Hunter | Someone who engages in the act of hunting. | Horses have been used in hunting for generations. They still are. |
| Hero | A hero is someone who combats adversity through strength and courage. | All horses are heroes. No exceptions. |
| Houdini | Hungarian-born American illusionist and stunt performer. | He escapes from the stables often? That’s Houdini for you. |
| Highness | A formal style used to address members of reigning dynasties. | You can call your horse “your highness” all the time! |
| Hope | Optimistic state of mind based on an expectation of positive outcomes. | Horses make us hope for a better tomorrow. Good name for a horse that inspires hope. |
| Harmony | Playing several notes together to make “chords.” Can also mean Tranquility. | For a horse that is always calm and tranquil. One that inspires harmony in yourself as well. |
| Handsome | Pleasing physical appearance. | All horses are handsome, so this name would fit them all. |
I
| Ivory | Hard, white material from the tusks and teeth of animals. | Perfect name for a white horse. |
| Ivan | Slavic male given name, a variant of the Greek name Iōánnēs. | Great name for an eastern European breed such as the Russian Don. |
| Icarus | Famous Greek mythological character. He flew too close to the Sun. | Good name for a fine specimen of the Andravida breed. |
| Inferno | A large, uncontrolled fire. | For a fiery horse, a hot-blooded steed. |
| Io | The innermost and third-largest of the four Galilean moons of Jupiter. | A simple name. Nothing wrong with those, you know. |
| Irish | In reference to Ireland. | Great name for an Irish Hobby or Irish Draught. |
| Ichabod | Religious figure from the First Book of Samuel. | If you like to name horses after religious figures, this one is a winner. |
| Ice-Cream | Sweetened frozen food, which is typically eaten as a snack or dessert. | Everyone loves ice cream, and everyone will love this horse. |
| India/Indian | In reference to the continent. | There aren’t many Indian horse breeds around, but Bhutia comes to mind. |
| Incitatus | The favorite horse of Roman emperor Caligula. | Just like Caligula’s horse: a legend. |
J
| Juno | Roman goddess of marriage and queen of the gods. | For a high-ranking mare in your horse group. |
| Jupiter | Planet in the solar system or mythological Roman god. | For an Italian purebred. |
| Jedi | Leaders and peacekeepers in the Star Wars universe. | Perfect for any horse as long as you’re a Star Wars fan. |
| Junior | Younglings or younger people. | Great name for the foal of an important horse. |
| Joker | Multiple connotations. Prankster. The famous villain in DC Comics. | For a horse that has a few attitude problems. |
| Jade | Ornamental mineral, mostly known for its green varieties. | For a horse with green eyes. Green eyes are the rarest in horses. |
| Jazz | This music genre originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans. | For a Smooth, calm, and beautiful horse. Just like Jazz. |
| Jordan | an Arab country in Western Asia, on the East Bank of the Jordan River. | Good horse name for an Asian breed. |
| Jasper | An opaque, impure variety of silica. | Can refer to the coat color: bay or brown. |
| Juniper | Coniferous trees and shrubs in the genus Juniperus. | For a mountain horse with strong legs and ample feathering. |
K
| Kelpie | Celtic legend. Shape-shifting water spirit inhabiting the lochs and pools of Scotland. | Probably the best name for any Clydesdale horse. |
| Kramer | The fictional character on the American television sitcom Seinfeld. | Kramer was a bit of a lunatic. So do with this name as you will. |
| Kiwi | The name of flightless birds native to New Zealand. Or a delicious fruit. | Good for a horse with green eyes. |
| Krypto | Fictional superhero dog appearing in American comic books. | A horse named after a superhero dog? Why not? |
| Kalypso | Nymph in Greek mythology, who lived on the island of Ogygia. | The names of gods fit horses so well. Or maybe that’s just me. |
| Kroner | The currency of Norway and its dependent territories. | Good name for a Fjord horse. |
| Karma | The sum of a person’s actions in this and previous states of existence. | Taking good care of your horse is good karma. |
| Knight | A person who was granted an honorary title of knighthood by a head of state. | A proud and noble name for a proud and noble steed. |
| Kalua | Famous Hawaiian cooking method. | Hawaii has plenty of horses. Some of them are used to herd cattle. |
| King | One of the most common monikers for male monarchs. | Your horse is probably the king of its stable. |
L
| Lotus | A Water plant, which is also known as a water lily. | Horses and lakes don’t get along very well, but the name is beautiful nonetheless. |
| Lotto | In reference to the lottery. | Naming alternative to Lucky. |
| Liberty | Freedom is one of the core principles of life. | Good name for a horse that’s lucky enough to roam around freely most days. |
| Luna | An alternate name for the Moon. | Perfect name for a white horse. |
| Lancelot | One of the Knights of the Round Table in the Arthurian legend. | There once was a famous racehorse named Launcelot, who won the St Leger Stakes in 1840. |
| Lucky | In reference to one’s luck. | Alternative to Lotto. |
| Licorice | A herbaceous perennial legume, which is native to Western Asia and southern Europe. | Great name for an Asian horse or just a sweet-tempered one. |
| Lightning | Electrostatic discharge. Flash of light. | Naming a quick horse Lightning is very fitting. |
| Logan | Generic name. Also refers to an X-men superhero. | Simple names are sometimes the best ones. |
| Lady | Usually infers elegance and grace. | Ideal name for any loving mare. |
M
| Marengo | The famous war horse of Napoleon I of France. | Napoleon loved this horse, as I’m sure you do yours. |
| Malibu | A beach city in western Los Angeles County, California. | Racehorses love the beach in particular. |
| Mist/Misty | Phenomenon caused by small droplets of water suspended in air. | Common name for horses in the UK. |
| Midnight | The transition time from one day to the next. | Has a mysterious ring to it, right? Great for a black horse. |
| Miracle | An event not explicable by natural or scientific laws. | No need to be religious to name your horse as such. It’s just a beautiful name to have. |
| Marigold | A species of plant from Mexico. Also a standard name. | Great name for a Mexican mare, or for any mare for that matter. |
| Maestro | An honorific title of respect. | “Master” doesn’t sound right, does it? Maestro is so much better. |
| Mocha | Chocolate-flavored variant of a caffè latte. | Can refer to the horse’s color. |
| Mercy | Benevolence, forgiveness, and kindness. | If your horse is the embodiment of gentleness in the equine world, you can name it Mercy. |
| Melody | A linear succession of musical tones. | Good name for a particularly vocal mare? |
N
| Nadia | Name of Slavic origin, and it means hope. | Ideal for a calm and quiet personality such as that of the Fjord horse or the Exmoor pony. |
| Napoleon | An old name of Italian origin. A reference to the famous French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. | For a bold, daring, intelligent and elegant horse. The Andalusian breed comes to mind. |
| Noel | The name references the holiday season. Comes from the Latin verb “nasci” (to be born). | For a newly-born foal. Sensible, agile, and athletic. The Appaloosa breed comes to mind. |
| Norton | Meaning northern settlement. | Great for a horse from the Carpathian Mountains, which can work for up to 20 years. |
| Nutmed | Indonesian spice. | Good for a Suffolk Punch or Arabian horse. |
| Nakima | African name that signifies “Noe’s Sea.” | Good for horses with a simple and balanced personality. Calm like the sea. |
| Nero | A reference to the color black. | The ideal moniker for a Peruvian Paso or a Furioso North Star. |
| Nimbus | Dark Cloud in Latin | For an American Saddlebred or Frisian. |
| Netty | Translates to “God favors me.” | If I had an Akhal Teke mare, I would name her Netty. |
| Nitro | Prime scientific composition element. In reference to nitrous. | Fantastic name for a Morgan horse from the USA or a German Holstein horse. |
O
| Oasis | Translates to docile, sensible, pleasant. | Horses from the Camargue breed or Exmoor ponies are known for their calmness. |
| Omah | Hebrew name meaning “cedar tree.” | Abtenauer horses are known for their independence and balance. |
| Opal | Greeks believed that opal stones were actually the tears of Zeus. | A unisex name fitting for all types of horses. |
| Oscar | Irish name meaning “champion warrior.” | Good for an Arabian or Romanian Saddle Horse. |
| Odyssey | Term of Greek origin that means “angry.” | Nice horse name for the exotic breed Akhal-Teke. |
| Onix | Precious black stone. | For a Murgese or Fresian horse. |
| Olivia | Comes from the Latin “olive” | The Fjord horse has a brown-olive coat color. This name would fit it well. |
| Odin | The most powerful god in Norse mythology. | Good for the Nonius breed, which is known for its lively, and sometimes stubborn behavior. |
| Oreo | Famous brand of biscuits. Black biscuits and white cream. | Nice for a black and white horse, clearly. |
| Ozana | Name of Hebrew origins. | Perfect for a calm and beautiful mare. |
P
| Paloma | Female given name, derived from Latin “palumbus” which means Dove. | For a calm, well-behaved, and docile horse. |
| Paris | The city of love, capital of France. Also son of King Priam and Queen Hecuba of Troy. | For a dignified name for any horse. |
| Pebble | A pebble is a small, usually nicely polished small rock. | Since pebbles are small, it’s a good name for a pony. |
| Partner | A partnership is an arrangement where parties agree to cooperate to advance their mutual interests. | All horses and their riders are partners in some way, right? |
| Penelope | In Homer’s Odyssey, Penelope is the wife of Odysseus, who is known for her fidelity to Odysseus while he was absent. | For a loyal and trustworthy mare. |
| Perseus | In Greek mythology, Perseus is the legendary founder of Mycenae and of the Perseid dynasty. | Greek origins. Good name for a leader horse. |
| Pegasus | Pegasus is a mythical winged divine horse, and one of the most recognized creatures in Greek mythology. | Pegasus was a white horse, but this could work for a gray one as well. |
| Popcorn | One of the world’s most popular corn-based snacks. | Popcorn pops, so the name is suited for a lively and happy horse. |
| Polar | In reference to the Geographical pole. | There’s a lot of ice at the polar caps. Great name for a white steed. |
| Polo | Sport, name, or musical style. | For a pony or another small horse. |
Q
| Quasar | An extremely luminous active galactic nucleus. | A horse that just brightens your day. |
| Quincy | Norman surname of Old French origin. | Standard name, fitting for any horse. |
| Queen | Female monarch. Also, a British rock band formed in London in 1970. | Fitting name for any prized mare. |
| Quest | A quest is a journey toward a specific mission or a goal. | Not a bad name for a horse in training. |
| Quicksilver | A fictional character appearing in American comic books. Also the chemical element mercury. | The term usually relates to speed, so the name is fitting of a quick horse. |
| Quentin | From the Latin Quentīnus, a derivative of the Roman personal name Quintus. | A rather standard name for any horse. |
| Quail | Quail is a collective name for several genera of mid-sized birds. | Birds and horses have little in common, but the name works somehow. |
| Quiz | A quiz is a form of game or mind sport. | A fine name for a smart steed. |
| Quickstep | The quickstep is a light-hearted dance of the standard ballroom dances. | Can refer to the horse’s gait. |
| Quiver | A quiver is a container for holding arrows, bolts, darts, or javelins. | A quirky name for a horse, but it has a nice ring to it. |
R
| Rainbow | A phenomenon that is caused by reflection, refraction, and dispersion of light in water droplets. | A fine name for a Pinto horse. |
| Rebel | People who refuse obedience or order. | For a rebel steed. A stubborn one maybe? |
| Raven | Large all-black passerine bird. | A nice moniker for a black steed. |
| Roach | Geralt of Rivia’s horse. From the Witcher books. | Geralt named all of his horses Roach. So the name works for any. |
| Reflexion | Can refer to the horse’s eyes. | For a horse with clear, reflective eyes. |
| Robin Hood | Legendary heroic outlaw originally depicted in English folklore. | This is a nice racehorse name. |
| Rolling Thunder | Thunder is the sound of the shock wave produced by lightning. | A superb moniker for a racing horse. |
| Romeo | Romeo Montague is the main protagonist of William Shakespeare’s tragedy, The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. | This name just rolls off the tongue nicely. |
| Roswell | Roswell is a city in the southeastern region of the state of New Mexico. | Good horse name if your horse is from the South. |
| Renaissance | Fervent period of European cultural, artistic, political, and economic “rebirth” following the Middle Ages. | For a horse that made your life better after some rough times. |
S
| Scottie | Popular unisex name. | Probably one of the most popular horse names out there. |
| Satin | Fabric that typically has a glossy surface and a dull back. | For a horse with a shiny coat. |
| Sable | A small carnivorous mammal primarily inhabiting the forest environments of Russia. | For a horse of Russian origins. |
| Saturn | The sixth planet from the Sun and the second-largest in the Solar System. | Saturn is a big planet, so this name is great for a large horse. |
| Set | God of chaos, fire, deserts, trickery, storms, envy, disorder, violence, and foreigners in ancient Egyptian religion. | For a trickster steed, preferably of Arabian origin. |
| Shalom | Hebrew word meaning peace, harmony, wholeness, completeness, prosperity, welfare, and tranquility. | As a name, it could work for a peaceful and tranquil equine. |
| Sirius | The brightest star in the night sky. | For a horse that brightens your life. |
| Sioux | Groups of Native American tribes and First Nations peoples in North America. | A name honoring Native American tribes. Fitting, as they relied on horses quite a bit. |
| Shadowfax | Shadowfax was the “lord of all horses” in The Lord of the Rings world. | Shadowfax was a proud, white horse. |
| Sherlock | fictional private detective created by British author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. | For a curious and smart steed that enjoys learning new tricks. |
T
| Taffy | A popular type of candy. | Good for any kind of horse. |
| Torque | A measure of the force that can cause an object to rotate about an axis. | Good name for a strong draft horse. |
| Trooper | The equivalent rank to private in a regiment with a cavalry tradition. | Nice name for a young horse that’s just beginning its training. |
| Treasure | A concentration of wealth. | This name could fit any horse, particularly if it’s an expensive breed. |
| Tequila | A distilled beverage made from the blue agave plant. | Tequila packs quite a punch. Use this name for a horse with a strong personality. |
| Tasmanian Devil | In reference to the Tasmanian Devil. | For a wild and unpredictable steed. |
| Toffee | Made by caramelizing sugar or molasses along with butter, and occasionally flour. | If you like to name your horses after candy, go ahead. |
| Tarot | A pack of playing cards, used from the mid-15th century in various parts of Europe. | This name gives off a certain mysticism, wouldn’t you agree? |
| Turbo | Forced induction device that increases an internal combustion engine’s efficiency and power. | In relation to the horse’s speed. Fine name for a racehorse. |
| Trixie | Standard name, also derogatory slang term referring to a young urban white woman. | Could work for any type of mare. |
U
| Uther | Legendary king of sub-Roman Britain and the father of King Arthur. | A dignified name for a steed. |
| Unstoppable | A force or object that cannot be stopped. | Yet another great name for a fast horse. |
| Umbra | In relation to shadows. | Could work for a black or dark gray horse. |
| Ursula | Means little bear, derived from a diminutive form of the Latin word ursa “she-bear.” | For a burly, strong mare. |
| Underdog | A competitor thought to have little chance of winning a fight or contest. | For a challenger, a new horse, a steed that’s yet unproven. |
| Unagi | Freshwater eel used as an ingredient in Japanese cooking. | Slippery as an eel, eh? |
| Universe | All existing matter and space considered as a whole; the cosmos. | It’s hard to live up to this name, but your horse is up for it. |
| Uila | Means “lightning” or “flash” and is of Maori origin. | For a horse that’s as quick as lightning. |
| Uma | In India, it is the name of the Hindu goddess, who is more commonly known as Parvati. | Good name for a quiet mare. |
| Ulysses | The Roman name for Odysseus, a hero in ancient Greek literature. | The names of ancient heroes are perfect for modern-day steeds. |
V
| Van Gogh | Dutch post-impressionist painter who is among the most famous and influential figures in the history of Western art. | Did Van Gogh love horses? Sure, why not! |
| Victory | Refers to the act of winning. | Good for any horse, particularly a competitive one. |
| Valentino | In Italian the meaning of the name Valentino is: Brave or strong. | There you have it: an Italian name for a brave or strong horse. |
| Vogue | The prevailing fashion or style at a particular time. | Horses can be fashionable too, I guess. |
| Volano | Reffering to the act of flight. | Horses can’t fly, but they can definitely gallop like they’re about to take off. |
| Voyager | Search Results Featured snippet from the web A voyager is someone who goes on a long trip, especially if he travels in a ship. | For a horse that came to you from far, far away. |
| Velvet | Aclosely woven fabric of silk, cotton, or nylon, that has a thick short pile on one side. | Can refer to a horse’s smooth, shiny coat. |
| Velocity | The speed of something in a given direction. | For fast horses, also for show horses. |
| Verdun | Small city in northeast France, on the banks of the Meuse river. | Great for an Auxois breed or French Trotter. |
| Viking | Scandinavian seafaring pirates and traders who raided and settled in many parts of north-western Europe in the 8th–11th centuries. | Vikings were famous warriors, your horse would be proud to bear their name. |
W
| Warrior | In reference to the horse’s personality. | The destrier is the best-known war horse of the medieval era. |
| White Prince | Can refer to the horse’s color. | Good name for a white horse. |
| Wild Thing | Literally refers to a wild animal. | For a horse that was not easily tamed. |
| Wombat | Short-legged, muscular quadrupedal marsupials that are native to Australia | Good for an Australian pony. |
| Wizard | A practitioner of magic. | Can work for any horse, really. |
| Wind Breaker | Nowadays refers to thin fabric jackets. | For a hot-blooded horse that doesn’t get cold easily. |
| Wildcat | Literally refers to cats found in the wild. | For a horse that used to have a rash temper. |
| Whiskey | One of the world’s most famous strong drinks. | In reference to color, can work for a brown horse. |
| Whisper | To whisper means to speak softly. | Can work for any horse, not necessarily a quiet one. |
| Waldo | Where’s Waldo? is a British series of children’s puzzle books. | For a horse that likes to hide all the time? No, that would never happen. |
X
| Xavier | A masculine name derived from the 16th-century Spanish Navarrese Roman Catholic Saint Francis Xavier. | Can fit any steed. |
| Xena | Fictional character from Robert Tapert’s Xena: Warrior Princess franchise. | Nice name for a strong and proud mare. |
| Xanadu | The summer capital of Kublai Khan’s Yuan empire, which became a mythological place and a metaphor for splendor and opulence. | Can fit almost any horse. |
| Xander | Name of Greek origin meaning “defending men.” | Can fit any horse. |
| Xerxes | The fourth King of Kings of the Achaemenid dynasty of Persia. | The Arabian horse, naturally. |
| Xiao | The Chinese virtue of being good to one’s parents. | For a horse that faithfully listens to you and obeys you. |
| Xeno | Relating to a foreigner or foreigners. | For an outsider, a horse that lives far away from its original home. |
| Ximena | Mexican name. | Nice moniker for a mare from Mexico. |
| Xia | The Xia dynasty is the first dynasty in traditional Chinese historiography. | Notable Chinese breeds include the Heihe and the Baise. |
Y
| Yogi | Practitioner of yoga, including a sannyasin or practitioner of meditation in Indian religions. | Yoga evokes feelings of calmness and peace. Good name for a peaceful horse. |
| Yankee | Yankee is a derisive term that refers to all Northerners, or specifically to those from the region of New England. | For a British horse. |
| Yoda | Renowned Jedi master in the Star Wars universe. | Yoda was small and green. Nice name for a pony. |
| Yukon | The smallest and westernmost of Canada’s three territories. | The Canadian horse is well-known for its stamina and beauty. |
| York | City and unitary authority area in North Yorkshire, England. | Fine name for a British steed. |
| Yin Yang | complex relational Concept in Chinese culture that has developed over thousands of years. | Let’s stick to colors: a black and white horse. |
| Yesterday | The day before this one. | Clever name for a horse. Almost poetic. |
| Yokohama | Second largest city in Japan, also a famous tire company. | This name can have racing connotations. |
| Yuri | Slavic form of the name George. | Yuri sounds better than George as a horse name, right? |
| Yvette | Female given name, the French feminine form of Yves, which means yew or archer. | Great name for a beautiful mare. |
Z
| Zalika | Means Wondrously Beautiful and is of Arabic origin. Also “well-born” in Swahili. | Awesome name for a Camargue horse. |
| Zeke | Name of Hebrew origin meaning “God strengthens”. It is a casual form of the name Ezekiel. | Fit for Wild Arabian brown horse or Pura Raza, otherwise known as Andaluza. |
| Zelda | Princess from the Legend of Zelda series. | Fitting for any mare. |
| Zane | Means God Is Gracious and is of American origin. | Unisex horse name. Could work for the British breed Shire. |
| Zander | Means Defender Of The People and is of Greek origin. | The Andravida or Eleia Horse is a light draft breed found in the region of Ilia in Greece. |
| Zodiac | In Western astrology, and formerly astronomy, the zodiac is divided into twelve signs. | For a horse that blends multiple personalities. A complex and interesting being. |
| Zenith | Means The Very Top and is of English origin. | Good for the American Quarter Horse, or Quarter Horse. |
| Zod | General Zod is a fictional supervillain appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. | Maybe for a Mustang horse? |
| Zorro | Fictional character created in 1919 by American pulp writer Johnston McCulley. | For a horse with distinctive marks around the eyes, resembling a mask. |
| Zoe | Name of Greek origin, meaning “Life”. In the Greek translation of the Bible, Eve became Zoe. | Great name for the very first horse you ever owned. |
| Zepher | Derived from Zephyr by Greek origin meaning “west wind.” | Good name for agile and quick breeds such as Haflinger. |
Horse names for draft horses.
Also known as a carthorse or a workhorse, these horses were bred to be working animals, mostly on farms and such. Their main characteristics include strong legs, strong backs, the ability to haul heavy loads, and a generally well-tempered behavior. Most if not all draft horses are cold-blooded.
Here are some good names for them:
- Flame
- Amazon
- Hel
- Magnum
- Bronze
- Goliath
- Dynamite
- Dexter
- Thor
- Sleipnir
- Thunderstorm
- Amazon
- Hel
- Magnum
- Bronze
- Goliath
- Dynamite
- Tank
- Copper
- Sadie
Best names for racehorses.
Racehorses were bred to compete on the track, and there are only a few select breeds that can fulfill this challenging purpose. These are the Thoroughbred, Arabian Horse, Standardbred, and Quarter horse.
If you own a racehorse, the following names might be well-suited for it.
- Apollo
- Buchanan
- Twenty Grand
- Elwood
- Exterminator
- Covfefe
- Bolt
- Quickness
- Gale
- Flash
- Inevitable
- Secretariat
- Bullet
- Lightning
- Nesquik
- Wheredygo
- Sesame
- Catchme
- Sonic
- Shockwave
- Dash
Best names for show horses.
Horses have been known to take part in numerous competitions around the world. Some of the most popular ones include Show Jumping, Eventing, Equestrian Vaulting, Trail Riding, Endurance Riding, and Dressage.
These horses are highly disciplined and highly intelligent. Only the smartest and most obedient ones take part in these events. Dressage, for instance, is widely considered to be an art form, and as such, it is sometimes pursued solely for the sake of mastery.
Here are some great names for show horses:
- President
- Lincoln
- Officer
- Jupiter
- Washington
- Steeltoe
- Rushmore
- Buckeye
- Willow
- Velvet
- Ladybird
- Butterscotch
- Peanut
- Strawberry
- River
- Silver
- Artax
- Dover
- Pepper
- Champion
Names for geldings.
A gelding refers to a castrated male horse or other equine such as a mule or donkey. Some owners choose to castrate their horses in order to influence their behavior. That is, to make them more docile and easy to work with. The method works, even though it is considered a bit cruel by some.
Here are a few good names for geldings:
- Dante
- Checkers
- Monte Carlo
- Sparrow
- Lord Varys
- Sporus
- Corbett
- Moreschi
- Origen
- Pothinus
- Abelard
- Cai Lun
Western horse names.
Horses represented a crucial symbol in the American west. They were incredibly useful back then, as they provided the only form of personal transportation. They were also used extensively for hauling and farm work. Without horses, the West wouldn’t have been able to expand and prosper as it did.
Here are a few great Western horse names:
- Anabelle
- Arizona
- Arrow
- Bess
- Betsy
- Bella
- Cowgirl
- Dawn
- Curly
- Dumplin’
- Kate
- Maybelle
- Morgan
- Star
- Sundance
- Tulsa
- Apache
- Amos
- Butch
- Buck
- Cowboy
- Hunter
- Roper
- Wade
- Waylon
- Cherokee Bill
- Black Bart
- Cisco Kid
- Flat Nose
- Jesse James
- Outlaw Kid
- Tulsa Jack
Horse names matching their coat color.
For black horses: Midnight, Noir, Negru, Darkness, Gloom, Twilight, Bagheera, Carbon, Charcoal, Nero, Hades, Vader, Smokey, Onyx, Ninja.
For white horses: Angel, Blinding, Snow-White, Snowy, Snowflake, Alaska, Pegasus, Blizzard, Ghost, Ice, Powder, Sugar, Ivory, Tornado, Glacier, Coconut.
For gray horses: Diamond, Crystal, Cloud, Casper, Gandalf, Greymane, Misty, Moonwater, Nickel, Nimbus, Silver, Shadowfax, Yeti.
For bay & brown horses: Cinnamon, Brandy, Cleveland, Toasty, Chipmunk, Vanilla, Spice, Pinecone, Candlelight, Cream, Peach, Ginger.
For chestnut horses: Opie, Autumn, Rusty, Leaf, Roach, Coffee, Chocolate, Honey, Peanut, Caramel.
Final words.
As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, naming your horse can be a challenging endeavor. That’s because horses have so many different personalities and unique traits that it can be difficult to find the perfect name, especially at a glance. I hope that the table that I put together above has helped you find the ideal name for your equine friend.
Keep in mind that horses can live up to 30 or even 40 years. This means that they can change owners a couple of times in their lives, meaning that they might receive different names as well. If you don’t like the name of the horse you just bought, feel free to change it, but don’t expect the horse to respond to its new name right away. After a while, after it gets used to you and your mannerisms, it will adjust and embrace its new moniker.
Feel free to let me know how you named your horse in the comments. If you have any suggestions, feel free to throw them in there.
