Top 100 Horse Names for Any Breed!

People picking a horse’s name think of many things when they are deciding. My horse’s name came to me before he was even born. Since his mother’s name was Aba, by breed registry rules her foal’s name had to start with A. I settled on Alegría for a girl and Aston Martin for a boy. However, when the big black foal was born and his mother died in labor, I decided that his name would become Audeamus – Latin for Let Us Dare. I chose this name to represent the approach he would need to survive in life. Two and a half years later, the name seems to be bringing him good fortune. But if you are struggling to come up with a name, whether for a foal or for a beloved “Star” who is just not suited by his current name, let this list be your guide!

Congratulations on your little bundle of joy! If you are planning on registering your foal, the first thing to do is research the breed registration’s requirements (for example, as I mentioned, for my horse’s breed registration, the horse’s name must start with the same letter as the dam). Furthermore, you can look back at your horse’s pedigree at the names of the parents and grandparents, to see if you can incorporate any elements of these names in your new foal’s name. You may also consider incorporating features of your horse’s breed to the name. For instance, many Arabians have Arabic names, Irish breeds have names in Gaelic, Mustangs have names featuring elements of the American West, and European warmbloods have names from the words in the languages in the country of origin.
Another thing to factor is the difference between a horse’s registered name and “barn name,” or what people call him. Sometimes they may be related, and sometimes not. For your foal, you may think about how a longer registered name may be shortened to a catchy barn name.

For the macho man in your life, this list features names from literature, mythology, and history, and amongst them, you are sure to find a match for your boy!

Adonis
Apollo
Ajax
Alexander
Cliffhanger
Gentleman’s Bet
Lady’s Man
Magellan
Prince Valiant
Zorro

Whether your lady love is all sugar or all spice, you’re certain to find a name here to suit her:

Acapella
Aphrodite
Ballerina
Burgundy Lace
Cameo
Debutante
Holly-Go-Lightly
Lady’s Choice
Miss Chevious
Rose Garden

Tall, dark, and lovely, if you are looking for a name besides “The Black” or “Chocolate” for your dark horse, look no further than this list!

Moreno (for a boy) or Morena (for a girl) means dark-skinned and dark-haired in Spanish
Arabico
Cadbury
Capuccino
Monaco Bay
After Hours
Black Diamond
Night Life
Pinot Noir
Raven

If your horse is one of the colors of a sunset, find a name on this list for your shimmering treasure.

All that Glitters
Amaretto
Blaze of Glory
Chariots of Fire
Tequila Sunrise
Alba (Spanish for “dawn”)
Pot o’ Gold
Firefly
Goldfinger
Surefire

The dream of many young girls has come true in your moon-colored steed! Pick a unique name for him from the following list.

Cinzano
Bianco (for a boy) Bianca (for a girl)
Nevada
Ghostbuster
Gunsmoke
Moonshadow
Platinum
Silverado
Silver Lining
Zirconium

The possibilities of names for these coat patterns are as endless and unique as the patterns on your horse’s coat.

Abstract Thinking
Art Deco
Aurora Borealis
Constellation
Painter’s Pallete
Pollack
Graffiti
Optical Illusion
Fashion Statement

For the gem of a calm and steady personality, here is a list of names to celebrate his gentle nature.

Absence of Malice
Cool Breeze
Dreamworks
As You Wish
Sweet As Can Be
Genuine
Go With The Flow
Easy Street
Sweet Burgundy
Big Easy

For the horse whose personality takes up the whole ranch, here is a list of matching names.

Adrenaline Rush
D-Day
Defying Gravity
Dynamic
Hot Rod
Fireproof
Joy Rider
Pompeii
Thrill Seeker
Radical

The names on this list all come from the book The Incredible Little Book of 10,001 Names for Horses. If you are not inspired by these names, perhaps something else from the book will inspire you! If you are in a real pickle for picking a name for your horse, you can let your horse pick his own name! Simply attach names to several carrots, tie the carrots at regular intervals along the length of a string, and hang the string up in the horse’s stall or paddock. The first carrot that the horse picks has his new name on it!

Congratulations! One of the most exciting things you can do for your new horse is to update a stall sign with his new name. You can also personalize a leather turnout halter with a nameplate.

Picking a name for your horse is a fun part of cementing your bond with him. It can be a fun way to celebrate his personality, his breed, as well as your own interests. Enjoy the process, and share what your horse’s name is in the comments!

What is your horse’s name? Answer in the comments below!