Horse names from A-Z

How are horse names given?

Choosing a horse name is not just a matter of taste, but is often characterized by rules and traditions. Whether you are looking for a horse name for a mare, a stallion or a gelding - the name should suit the character of the horse and be easy to understand.

Meaning of the choice of name

A horse's name is more than just a designation - it often carries a deeper meaning. Many horse owners choose names that:

• Reflect the character or appearance of the horse (e.g. "Blitz" for a fast horse or "Schneeweißchen" for a white horse).
• Have cultural or historical references (e.g. "Pegasus" from Greek mythology or "Napoleon" as a proud leader's name).
• Awaken special memories (e.g. places, favorite characters from books or films).
• are supposed to bring good luck (e.g. "Amulet", "Fortuna").

Especially with competition horses or breeding lines, the name can also have a deep connection to the horse's pedigree and origin.

Official vs. private horse names

In the horse world, there is often a difference between the official name that is entered in stud books and competition lists and the name that the horse is called by in everyday life.

Official horse names:

• Are awarded by breeders and recorded in stud books.
• Often long and with prefixes or suffixes (e.g. "Golden Star XX").
• Can reflect breeding pedigrees (e.g. offspring of famous stallions often bear their name components).

Private names or surnames:

• Are usually shorter and easier to pronounce.
• Are assigned individually by the owners.
• Often adapted to the character or appearance of the horse.

While sport horses often compete with their full, official name at tournaments, owners and riders usually use an abbreviated or affectionate variant in everyday life. For example, a "Majestic Thunderstorm" can quickly become a simple "Thunder" or "Stormy".

Test the name by calling it out loud! If it feels good and is easy to pronounce, you've found the perfect name.

What are typical horse names?

Choosing a horse name can be challenging as there are countless possibilities. However, some names are particularly popular and common - whether due to traditional usage, sonorous meaning or simply because they suit stallions, mares or geldings well.

Typical female horse names

Elegant, gentle or graceful names are often chosen for mares to emphasize femininity and beauty. Many names also have a reference to nature or mythology.

Popular mare names:

• Luna - Latin for "moon", perfect for a calm, mystical mare.
• Belle - French for "the beautiful", suitable for an elegant mare.
• Fee - ideal for a petite, playful mare with a fairy-like nature.
• Nala - from "The Lion King", for a loyal and courageous mare.
• Sky - for a gentle, freedom-loving mare.
• Rosalie - romantic and classic for a gentle, graceful mare.

👉 Many mare's names end in -a or -ie, as these endings sound particularly soft and melodic.

Typical horse names for stallions and geldings

Stallions and geldings often have powerful, majestic or imposing names that emphasize their strength and personality. Many of these names come from mythology, history or nature.

Popular stallion names:

• Atlas - after the Titan who carries the world on his shoulders.
• Falco - inspired by the falcon, perfect for a fast and elegant horse.
• Casper - a friendly and charming name for a gentle stallion.
• Diablo - for a spirited or fiery stallion.
• Merlin - for a mysterious and clever horse.
• Bruno - a classic, down-to-earth name with a powerful sound.
• Thunder - for a strong horse with an impressive presence.
• Dakota - a name with western flair, suitable for western horses.
• Nero - Latin for "black", perfect for a dark stallion.
• Ragnar - inspired by the Vikings, for a courageous stallion.

Stallion names are often short, distinctive and sonorous to express power and authority.

These names are particularly popular for stallions and geldings and suit different horse personalities - from courageous and wild to calm and wise.

Popular horse names: The big list from A-Z

Here you will find an extensive list of beautiful horse names for mares and stallions. Whether you're looking for a classic, modern or unique name - you'll find it here!

Horse names with A

Horse names with B

Horse names with C

Horse names with D

Horse names with E

Horse names with F

Horse names with G

Horse names with H

Horse names with I

Horse names with J

Horse names with K

Horse names with L

Horse names with M

Horse names with N

Horse names with O

Horse names with P

Horse names with Q

Horse names with R

Horse names with S

Horse names with T

Horse names with U

Horse names with V

Horse names with W

Horse names with X

Horse names with Y

Horse names with Z

Horse names with meaning

Not every horse name is just a nice sound - many names have a deeper symbolic, historical or cultural meaning. They can reflect qualities such as strength, grace, speed or sensitivity. Here you will find inspiring names for stallions, mares and geldings that could be just right for your horse.

Majestic and noble horse names

These names radiate royalty, nobility and dignity - perfect for horses with imposing charisma.

For stallions and geldings:

• Emperor
• Royal
• Duke
• Magnifico
• Tsar
• Emperor
• Marquis
• Sultan
• Prince
• Regent

For mares:

• Imperia
• Majesty
• Empress
• Countess
• Saphira
• Queenie
• Contessa
• Diva
• Tiara
• Gloria

Horse names according to characteristics

Some horses have a particularly strong personality - be it through self-confidence, sensitivity or speed. Suitable names are listed here according to special characteristics.

Self-confident horses

These names stand for strength, pride and courage - perfect for dominant horses with a strong character.

For stallions and geldings:

• Titanium
• Nero
• Helios
• Brutus
• Achilles
• Maximus
• Falko
• Ragnar
• Odin
• Vulcan

For mares:

• Valeria
• Athena
• Juno
• Cleopatra
• Freya
• Thea
• Roxana
• Electra
• Arwen
• Medea

Sporty horses

These names are suitable for horses that stand for speed, endurance or dynamism. Ideal for racehorses and show jumpers or simply for particularly energetic animals.

For stallions and geldings:

• Speedy
• Turbo
• Flash
• Racer
• Lightning
• Strider
• Thunder
• Blaze
• Rocket
• Storm

For mares:

• Windy
• Fly
• Sprinta
• Zephyr
• Vitesse
• Flame
• Electra
• Tempesta
• Furia
• Dash

Sensitive horses

These names are ideal for calm, gentle or particularly sensitive horses.

For stallions and geldings:

• Whisper
• Seraph
• Spirit
• Casper
• Zen
• Nimbus
• Silas
• Dreamer
• Lumiere
• Shaman

For mares:

• Harmony
• Luna
• Melody
• Serenade
• Celeste
• Angel
• Sofina
• Mystic
• Samira
• Felicity

Which horse names are blocked?

Not every name can be freely chosen for a competition or breeding horse. The German Equestrian Federation (FN) and other breeding associations block certain horse names in order to protect the identity of particular horses and avoid confusion.

Why are horse names blocked?

✅ Protection of famous sport and breeding horses: Names of outstanding horses may not be given again. Example: The legendary mare Halla, who was considered the wonder horse of German show jumping, may not have a twin name.
✅ Unique identification: Existing horse names are given a number during registration (e.g. "Sam 2") to avoid duplication.
✅ Breeding assignment: Some breeding associations require names to begin with a specific letter, depending on the year of birth or bloodline.

How can you secure a unique name?

Add the breeder's initials: Many horse owners add the breeder's initials after the name (e.g. "Golden Star FN") to ensure individuality.
Name check before registration: Before registering a horse as a competition horse, it is worth consulting the FN database or the respective breeding association.
Observe name protection: Stricter rules apply to FEI-registered competition horses, and once a name has been registered, it generally remains protected for life.

Conclusion: The perfect name for your horse

Choosing the right horse name is a decision that will stay with your horse for a lifetime. Whether majestic, spirited, gentle or sporty - the name should match your horse's personality and charisma.

Our extensive list of horse names from A to Z will help you find the ideal name - whether for a stallion, gelding or mare. There are also some important aspects to consider: Barred names, breeding requirements and competition registrations can influence the choice of name.

In the end, what counts is that the name is right for you and your horse. Let yourself be inspired and find the perfect name for your horse!