Best Horse Names: By Gender, Color, Theme, and Type

Animals and humans form a special relationship, thanks to the complicity they develop together. Some will even go so far as to do everything to meet the needs of their companion. The horse and human relationship is no exception. It all starts with naming your filly. However, finding a name for your horse can be difficult. How do I find an exceptional name for my horse? To do this, you will have to take into account his appearance, his personality and his character. Take the time to look at it carefully and think about a name that might suit it.

What type of name should I give my horse?

The registration name

To make your foals officially yours, you must register them. So you will need a full horse name. You can use a fairly long or sophisticated name if that's what you want.

Some breeders and stables use their own names to give a name to their horses. These can only be used if you have their permission, and these names are derived from the source. That is to say, the names of these ponies come from their fathers and mothers.

The usual first name

This name is one that you can use in your daily life. It could be a diminutive of the registration name. No rules apply to this type of first name. It is preferable that it be less sophisticated so that your foal assimilates it quickly.

How to choose the name of your horse?

According to his lineage

Lineage is very important in the identity of a horse. Track their origin and you can derive the registration name from that of their father, mother or other branch of their family. This method is very significant in horse breeding.

For Franches-Montagnes, if it is a mare, the first letter of its name must follow the initial of its mother. And if it is a male, his initial must be identical to that of his father.

According to physical and behavioral criteria:

This method will depend on some personal criteria of your horse. What color is it? Is he fiery, calm or shy? You can also consider the use of your standard. Is he a pet or will he participate in races between horses?

Appearance:

You can take his name from his appearance, his face, or other trait that attracts you to him. Does he have extraordinary hair or a distinctive sign on his body?

Example: some people name their horse “Feu Follet” because he has a white mark called a flame on his forehead.

Personality:

Is he a little reserved or very perceptive? You can also observe if he is affectionate or grumpy. For example, if he is very lively or indomitable.

Example: we can give the name “Câlin” to a calm and affectionate horse. Or why not “Torrent” if it’s very fiery?

Usage:

Think about the use of your horse. Are you going to use it for walking, for personal and family use or as a racing horse?

Example: if he is a stud according to mythology and he is destined to run like racehorses, you can add value by naming him like “Supreme Dream” or “Lightning”.

What are the general rules for naming a horse?

There is a nomination method for all breeds of horses, except for a few. Horses that are named according to their years of birth are called “literally”. For example: J, if he was born in 2019, K for 2020. This rule allows you to know the age of the horse from the initial of its name.

All the letters of the Alphabet participate in this alphabetical counter, except W, X, Y and Z for ease.

However, it does not apply to the English Thoroughbred, the Purebred Arabian, the Anglo-Arabian, the half-bred Arab, the Shagya, the Half-bred Shagya, the Lipizzan, the Akhal-Téké, the Half-bred Akhal-Téké, the Trakehner, the Criollo, the Cream and no longer to the Lusitanian.

The horse must have a name with 21 numbers of characters. With the exception of Arab horses or those with Arab blood such as the Anglo-Arab or AQPS. Indeed, the name of these equines must not exceed 18 characters.

Name ideas for each type of horse:

For blood horses

If your foal is purebred, you must propose 3 different names to the SIRE. If the first name is no longer available, the SIRE will then assign the next name on your list. As for Anglo-Arab horses, the mention AA will be written after the chosen name. This rule has been in effect since 2013.

For draft horses

A special nomination is required for draft foals. This involves adding automatic numbering to the name chosen for the foal. This makes it easy to differentiate the animal from the others.

For French trotters

If your foal is a French Trotter, you must first propose the first name to the Société d'Encouragement à l'Elevage du Cheval Français (SECF) which will then transmit the name you have chosen to the SIRE. This process can be done by mail or online, depending on your availability.

Famous horse names: legendary inspiration

Giving a name inspired by a famous horse is a unique way to honor equestrian history and culture. These names evoke power, nobility, or remarkable exploits.

Historic horses:

• Bucephalus: Horse of Alexander the Great, symbol of strength and fidelity.
• Marengo: Mount of Napoleon Bonaparte, known for his resistance on the battlefields.
• Incitatus: Horse of the Roman Emperor Caligula, famous for its legendary status.

Fictional horses or popular culture:

• Spirit: Hero of the animated film Spirit, the stallion of the plains, symbol of freedom and courage.
• Pegasus: Winged horse from Greek mythology, associated with creativity and immortality.
• Jolly Jumper: Lucky Luke's faithful companion, known for his liveliness and his intelligence.

Racing and competition horses:

• Ourasi: French trotter nicknamed the “lazy king”, famous for his speed and his legendary victories.
• Jappeloup: Show jumping horse who made history with Pierre Durand at the Olympic Games.
• Eclipse: Undefeated English thoroughbred, symbol of perfection in racing.

Specific name ideas for your horse:

Choosing a unique name reflects your horse's personality and appearance. Here are ideas categorized by color, theme, and gender to inspire you.

Names by color:

Dark horses:

• Ebony, Onyx, Dark, Night, Shadow, Charcoal.
  These names highlight the elegance and mystery of black horses.

White horses:

• Snow, Flake, Pearl, Crystal, Lightning, Moon.
  Perfect names to emphasize their purity and brilliance.

Chestnut horses (red, light brown):

• Amber, Flame, Cinnamon, Fawn, Feu Follet, Chestnut.
  Ideal for flamboyant and warm horses.

Bay horses (dark brown, brown):

• Chocolate, Hazelnut, Brunette, Mahogany, Mocha, Sepia.
  Names that reflect their depth and sweetness.

Names by theme:

Mythological themes:

• Pegasus, Zeus, Hera, Athena, Thor, Helios, Gaia.
  Powerful names for majestic or imposing horses.

Natural themes:

• Waterfall, Forest, Wind, Star, Ocean, Birch, Sand.
  Names inspired by nature and serenity.

Fun themes:

• Biscuit, Zigzag, Pikachu, Donut, Fripouille, Bouchon.
  Perfect for mischievous horses or horses with a fun personality.

Royal themes:

• Majesty, Sultan, Imperial, Duchess, Prince, Countess.
  Names that recall nobility and elegance.

Names by gender:

For a female

• Belle, Star, Princess, Flower, Diva, Luna, Sapphire.
  Names that highlight their grace and gentleness.

For a male

• Prince, Hercule, Éclair, Volt, Jumper, Flint, Champion.
  Ideal for horses with a strong or competitive temperament.

Names according to year:

In France, the SIRE imposes a rule of annual letter to name horses according to their year of birth. This rule makes it easy to know the age of the horse based on the initial of its name. Here are some suggestions for recent and future years.

Why follow this rule?

Names with the letter of the year are mandatory for horses registered in the studbook or intended for competition. It's also a great way to give your horse a chronological reference, even if registration is not required.

Names for foals and young horses

Giving a name to a foal is an important step, symbolizing the beginning of its life. You must respect certain official rules and choose a name adapted to your young age.

Rules to know for naming a foal

The stud books impose precise rules for the registration of foals:

1. Annual letter required: The name must begin with the letter corresponding to the year of birth (for example, "O" in 2024).
2. Limited length: The name must contain a maximum of 21 characters, including spaces. For Arabian or Anglo-Arab horses, this limit is reduced to 18 characters.
3. Uniqueness: Some names are reserved or already assigned. Provide several options (at least 3 names) when registering.
4. Respect for lineage traditions: In certain breeds (Franches-Montagnes, Lipizzans), the name must follow a genealogical rule:
   • The names of the females take the initial of the mother

Ideas suitable for foals

As foals are young and mischievous, their names can be more light-hearted and affectionate. Here are some suitable ideas:

Sweet and affectionate names

• Kiwi, Sweet, Mimi, Popi, Feather, Cloud.
• These short names make it easier for the foal to assimilate.

Fun and mischievous names

• Zigzag, Bounty, Malice, Ketchup, Bidule, Frisbee.
• Perfect for playful or curious foals.

Names based on appearance

• Sparkle, Snowflake, Sapphire, Ribbon, Star, Diamond.
• These names highlight their beauty and physical characteristics.

Names inspired by their personality

• Live, Soft, Lightning, Volt, Cuddly, Reckless.
• Ideal to reflect their unique temperament.

Cultural traditions around horse names

Horse names vary according to traditions and cultures. They often reflect the beliefs, mythology or history specific to each region. Here is an overview of the cultural practices that enrich the choice of names.

In Ireland

• Horses are often named after Celtic mythology:
  • Lugh, god of light.
  • Morrigan, goddess of war.
• Names inspired by nature, such as Mist or Emerald, are common to evoke Irish landscapes.

In Mongolia

• Horses are named according to their physical traits or natural elements:
  • Wind, Wolf, River.
• The horse has a central place in Mongolian culture, its names symbolize strength and freedom.

In North America

• Influence of Native American tribes:
  • Dakota, Cheyenne, Apache.
• Horses are often named after their abilities or physical characteristics:
  • Lightning, Sun, Lightning.

In Greek mythology

• Famous mythological horses like Pegasus (the winged horse) or Xanthos (horse of Achilles) are sources of inspiration.
• These names are associated with qualities such as nobility, power or beauty.

In medieval Europe

• The names of the knights' horses reflected their strength and loyalty:
  • Bucephalus, mount of Alexander the Great.
  • Grane, horse of Sigurd in Nordic legends.

In Arab countries

• Arabian horses have names reflecting their grace and speed:
  • Zephyr, Gazelle, Shams (sun).
• The names are sometimes poetic and evoke natural elements or spiritual qualities.

What documents are required for registration?

In order to name all horses, the registration services impose registration rules and instructions. These are based on their breeds as well as their pedigree. Various documents are also required for registration.

Registration documents

When you acquire your horse, you will receive a registration document if you are the breeder or owner of a horse. If you do not have this document, you will need to download it online.

In addition, you will need to provide the date and place of birth of the equine as well as the name of the horse breeding. You will also need to communicate the date of transfer of the embryos with their number. The mother's name and registration number are also important information. As well as recent breeding reports and a description of the foal with several photographs.

Remember to think of six name choices for your horse and other details that might be helpful. Finally, you must have your identity card or social security number.

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