Many believe them to be man’s true best friend. Since time immemorial steed and rider have been one, like the legendary centaur. That’s why having one and distinguishing it from the others is a serious matter, so here we offer you the best names for horses and mares.
How To Select the Best Name for A Horse?
First, we must understand the bond that unites man and horse since ancient times, otherwise, this post might seem vain and even ridiculous. Especially when most people these days have only seen a steed on television or in the movies. So we can tell you that the equine is a large mammal that began to have dealings with people 40 centuries ago.
Since then it has coexisted in close relationships with human beings. To the extent that its footprint is recorded in history, recognizing this noble animal for its valuable contribution to civilization. On occasions, it is pointed out as an ally in the adventures of its owners.
The impact of the horse in the history of mankind has been so great that it is attributed to be the first globalizing medium or factor in the world. Perhaps, for this reason, there is no lack of those who define it as man’s true best friend. With this brief explanation, we can appreciate the importance of a horseman to select a good name for his best friend.
Now we must know that the horse stands out for being a very intelligent creature. For this reason, it does not need a long time to be able to relate and accept its name. But in addition, there are tricks such as prizes, which are associated with some affection help the equine to advance in the process of recognizing its name.
In addition to the list we offer, we recommend you choose a name that is easy to remember. It is also good to avoid names that can be related to frequent words in our vocabulary.
Names For Horses Male
Here we offer you a long list of names for horses. They are different options that will surely catch your attention, although it is only a guide because when it comes to choosing a name for horses, the alternatives can be countless.
But let’s take a look at some of the best and most used names for these wonderful creatures.
- Adonis
- Lucky
- Amaranth
- Amazonian
- Ambitious
- Arthur
- Bold
- Jet
- Bandolero
- Bolero
- Burdeo
- Camarón
- Canalla
- Capricious
- Caramel
- Charcoal
- Charcoal
- Charles III
- Chocolate
- Cirano
- Count
- Coral
- Corvus
- Raven
- Diamond
- Divine
- Golden
- Duke
- Eastwood
- Elegant
- Ambassador
- Embrujo
- Éragon
- Splendid
- Faruk
- Fervent
- Flash
- Foster
- Fire
- Galan
- Galaxy
- Galleon
- Genovevo
- Goloso
- Gray
- Habibi
- Hero
- Hidalgo
- Impetuous
- Indiana
- Indian
- Jovero
- Jupiter
- Kentucky
- Loyal
- Liberto
- Lemon
- Lucky
- Macario
- Macedonio
- Michigan
- Mickey
- My Own Business
- Neptune
- Nicolai
- Obama
- Odin
- Ohio
- Omega
- Proud
- Pegasus
- Perseus
- Rogue
- Picasso
- Pio
- Pistachio
- Silver
- Powerful
- Pompey
- Prince
- Rabion
- Raiven
- Raudo
- Lightning
- Ruler
- Lightning
- Ruperto
- Russel
- Bloodthirsty
- Sergeant
- Silvestre
- Simeon
- Simon
- Shadow
- Sultan
- Talented
- Tango
- Tartuffe
- Fearsome
- Tenor
- Terror
- Thor
- Tyrant
- Titan
- Topaz
- Tornado
- Thunderbolt
- Thunder
- Truan
- Tzar
- Valentine
- Valiente
- Vicar
- Victorious
- Sapphire
- Fox
Names For Horses Female
Now it is the turn of the best and most used names for mares. Very important, because it is well worth making here the analogy of that famous expression, which would sound more or less like this: behind every good horse there is always an excellent mare. Let’s see:
- Lucky
- Africa
- Agate
- Aquamarine
- Alabama
- Basil
- Altagracia
- Amethyst
- Amber
- Hurried
- Arizona
- Athena
- Aura
- Aurora
- Azahara
- Bavaria
- Ballerina
- Boira
- Burgundy
- Breeze
- Witch
- Buenaventura
- Campera
- Candela
- Canela
- Canelita
- Carmine
- Carmina
- Cayetana
- Centella
- Cleopatra
- Coral
- Crystal
- Dakota
- Delilah
- Lady
- Davina
- Dionisia
- Dorothea
- Dulcinea
- Duchess
- Elena
- Enigma
- Scarlet
- Esmeralda
- Hope
- Spinel
- Star
- Fiera
- Flower
- Fortunata
- Frida
- Fury
- Galaxy
- Genara
- Genoveva
- Getrudis
- Gitana
- Grace
- Sorceress
- Hera
- Heroine
- Hope
- Impetuous
- India
- Jade
- Jewel
- Laureana
- Legend
- Libya
- Lily
- Lima
- Loreta
- Lulu
- Moon
- Malefica
- Máxima
- Maya
- Mustard
- Doll
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- Nina
- Olivia
- Pandora
- Parda
- Pearl
- Nightmare
- Petra
- Princess
- Priscil-la
- Rabiosa
- Queen
- Black Rose
- Ruby
- Sabrina
- Saeta
- Sevillana
- Shadow
- Tadea
- Storm
- Triana
- Troy
- Turquoise
- Valkyrie
- Vera
- Verísima
- Victoria
- Violet
- Wanda
- Xena
Unisex Names for Horses
But since many equestrians are not looking for a name that precisely identifies the gender of their horse, here are some names that can also be used for horses or mares:
- Abiah
- Aeneas
- Aileen
- Alegre
- Alpha
- Amber
- Ambrose
- Love
- Attila
- Bullet
- Beta
- Bonbon
- Briar
- Breeze
- Horse
- Canace
- Charmian
- Chii
- Chiqui
- Constant
- Cyrene
- Denes
- Dione
- Ekene
- Special
- Galaxy
- Irresistible
- Ivory
- Monie
- Nemesis
- Noble
- Omega
- Freckles
- Silver
- Sun
- Shadow
- Storm
- Brave
Famous Horse Names
But as expected, we also offer you a list of famous horse names. While recalling some passages of history, you will be able to evaluate with which of these names you have more affinity.
Then perhaps you can even boast to your friends that you have selected a name with a pedigree for your mount, which will surely make you a very popular team. So here is a list of the most classic names for horses.
Names for Horses – The Trojan Horse
This must be one of the most famous names for a nag in history, even though it was a wooden device in the shape of this animal. With this artifact, the ancient Greeks led by Agamemnon were able to outwit the Trojan defenses and enter the city and then loot and burn it.
It so happened that inside it was several of the bravest warriors, who, once inside the impregnable walls, only had to wait for their innocent rivals to fall asleep to open the gates to their army. Since then everyone knows that name: Trojan Horse.
Names for Horses – Rocinante
This was the name of another of the most popular horses in history, as it was the nag of the nobleman Don Quixote. It would be superfluous to remember that this is the character that gives life to one of the most read novels of all time.
In those distant times, the noblemen used to give their horses brave names that were able to intimidate their adversaries. So from this noble knight, nothing else could be expected. But after much meditation on the name of his horse, he finally managed to find the one that best suited the nag: Rocinante.
Such a name is the composition of two words: one is “rocín”, as the equines that worked in the fields were called at that time. The other word, “antes”, alluded to the condition of the first rocín. This is how Cervantes describes it in the work:
“Before what he was now, which was before and first of all the rocines of the world.”
Rocinante was old and rather skinny, with scarred ribs. He looked like he couldn’t do much, but he managed to team up very well with Don Quixote.
This famous horse was forced to suffer all sorts of misfortunes along with his owner. But it is precisely this that brings out the best of all the virtues of these animals: their loyalty to their riders.
So if you have the most loyal of all, then the name Rocinante would be the most appropriate.
Names for Horses – Strategos
This name translates from Greek as General. So we refer to the name of Hannibal’s most beloved horse, that Carthaginian general who is said to have been the greatest military man in history. So it seems that there can be no great man in history without a horse.
This was a steed of great height and very strong, black, and extremely fast. It is said that despite being somewhat untamed when Hannibal rode him he was very obedient and easy to direct. So much so that the Carthaginian in some of his battles did not use bridles. Its Greek name is due to its origin since the specimen was sought in Thessaly by Hannibal himself. This is because the brave soldier wished to have a horse with the conditions of the legendary Bucephalus of Alexander the Great, born in the same area.
In such a way that Estrategos carried Hannibal on his back in most of his campaigns. But it stands out especially the reckless and amazing passage of the Alps, with the subsequent invasion of Italy.
Names for Horses – Bucephalus
This stands out for being the name of the steed of the greatest conqueror in history, Alexander the Great. It means “ox head”, as that was the appearance given by the colossal head of the horse. Bucephalus is likely the best-known steed of all classical antiquity.
Names for Horses – Sleipnir
Sleipnir comes from Norse mythology. This horse was gray but is most recognized because it had eight legs and could reach as far as Rein the realm of Death. Its owner was none other than the god Odin.
Names for Horses – Marengo
This was Napoleon Bonaparte’s favorite and best-known horse. It is said that it was an Arabian horse, brought to him from Egypt.
Other Famous Horse Names
- Bayard: His fame comes from the cantares de Gesta, in times of the Christian Middle Ages. This steed was distinguished for being half horse and half fairy.
- Sombragrís: This one is much newer. It becomes known with the Lord of the Rings movie. It is known for having been the steed that King Theoden gave on loan to Gandalf.
- Buckshot (Bullseye): With this one, we are still in the movie vein. He was Woody’s nag and appeared in several Toy Story movies.
- Tornado: This one is a little older. It is the popular horse of El Zorro. He is that famous black Disney steed that appears when the moon rises. He saves his masked owner on several occasions.
- Pegasus: This was the name of Zeus’ flying horse in Greek mythology. It is said that he was born from the blood that Medusa spilled after Perseus decapitated her.
- Pigeon: This would be one of the horses of the Liberator Simon Bolivar, although it is discussed if it was indeed his real name. Although what is not discussed is that it was a majestic white specimen, of imposing bearing, according to descriptions of the time.
Famous Mares’ Names
Now it is the turn of the famous mares’ names because, like the males, they have also left a deep mark in history. So if you are looking for a good name for your mare, you can search among all these and make your idea.
Babieca
In this sense, we must start with the name of the legendary mare that always accompanied the Cid Campeador, that famous character of the “Cantar de Mio Cid”. It is said that the story of this mare began when one day the godfather of the future warrior invited his godson to his stables. Once there, he told him to choose the horse he liked the most.
Then El Cid decided on the ugliest of all the horses there. It was also the one with the worst prospects, especially when it came to being in the future the amount of one of the greatest conquerors in history. Then his godfather cried out in astonishment: “That’s a Babieca!
But as disappointing as that decision was for the godfather, this mare would end up doing justice to the decision of the future Cid Campeador. Thus she became an extraordinary mount, with which she won numerous battles. This reminds us that we should not be guided by appearances.
Black Cloud
It is said that after confronting his father for the throne, the Ottoman prince Selim I, he managed to flee after a battle. The warrior escaped by riding his mare Black Cloud.
For this reason, the mare was rewarded and was later allowed to lead a quiet life in the stables built especially for her in Egypt.
White Sorrel
This mare was owned by Sir John Fenwik. She was highly coveted by King William III.
It is not clear if it was because he did not want to sell her, but the same monarch ended up killing the noble Lord, keeping the mare for himself.
William III later died when he fell from the same animal.
Other Famous Mares Names
- Nichab: Here we refer to an Arabian mare bred by Lady Hester Stanhope. It was said that only the best warrior would be able to ride her.
- Le Bonite: This was the name of a mare with beautiful chestnut color. She is remembered for having belonged to Louis XIV of France.
- Hengroen: This was a mare owned by none other than King Arthur.
Names for Horses – Frequently Asked Questions
Finally, we would like to clarify some of the most frequently asked questions on this subject.
What Should My Horse’s Name Be?
So the first thing to know is that naming a horse is as easy as choosing names for dogs, and almost all of us have done that. But the name for your horse, be it horse or mare, should be between two and three syllables. But in particular, it should be easy to pronounce.
Likewise, we remind you that it should not have any of the words we often use as a name. This is so that the animal does not get confused.
Does A Horse Recognize Its Name?
Certainly, equines have an amazing memory. But although it has not been proven that they can recognize their name, it is known that they can recognize different faces. Although this is only when they maintain frequent contact.
What Is Zelda’s Horse Called?
In this case, the reference is to Link’s mare, from The Legend of Zelda video games. Her name is Epona, a name she inherits from the Celtic goddess protector of horses.
What Was the Name of Attila’s Horse?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions. So we must begin by answering that Attila is one of the most famous conquerors and his horse is no less famous than him. But now we will tell you that his name was Othar, a steed that was said that where he trod, grass would not grow again.
What Was the Name Of El Cid’s Horse?
Rodrigo Díaz, better known as El Cid Campeador, was a Castilian knight who at the end of the 11th century was able to dominate almost the entire eastern part of the Iberian Peninsula. His legendary steed was named Babieca.
What Was the Name of Don Quixote’s Horse?
As we have already said, this is one of the most famous of all equines in history, despite having existed only on paper. In addition, the old and bony nag that was the friend and loyal companion of Don Quixote de la Mancha was given the name Rocinante.
What Was the Name of Pipi Longstocking’s Horse?
That pint-sized steed that Pippi Longstocking has along with her Marmoset Monkey Mr. Nilsson, has the name Little Uncle.
To end this post about names for horses, you should know that these lists of names are only a guide that you can expand to get a clearer idea. So it happens that the names will always vary depending on the times.
But nowadays the names of horses are inspired by many things, maybe by fashion movies or exotic animals. Anyway, we trust in your criteria and the help we have offered you here so that you can give the best name to your horse.
