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Choosing a name for your horse can be challenging. It is helpful to consider the appearance and personality of your horse when picking a name.
This list of racehorse names features great options for both male and female horses. You’ll find famous names as well as more common horse names.
Best Racehorse Names
To get you started, here’s a list of 50 of the best racehorse names:
- Astrid – God’s strength
- Alejandro – Defender of the people
- Ziyan – Arabic for elegance
- Eight Thirty
- Elham – Arabic for inspiring
- Easy Goer
- Audrey – Noble strength
- Swoon’s Son
- Gabriella – God is my strength
- Ancient Title
- Duke of Magenta
- Point Given
- Ghostzapper
- Josephine – God will increase
- Antoinette
- Planet
- Open Mind
- Tooba – Arabic for good news
- Excellor
- Best Pal
- Santiago
- Go For Wand
- Shadow
- Holy Bull
- Beatrice – Bringer of joy
- Pisces
- Maskette
- John Henry
- Paradise
- Aquarius
- Sun Beau
- Claude
- Precisionist
- Lucky
- Needles
- Aazeen – Arabic for beauty
- Manila
- Slew o’ Gold
- Authentic – 2020 Kentucky Derby winner
- Lonesome Glory
- Flawlessly
- Skip Away
- Hill Prince
- Arts and Letters
- Jacques
- Bowl of Flowers
- Black Gold
- Valentine
- Mom’s Command
- Amir – Arabic for prince
Female Race Horse Names
There are plenty of beautiful names for female horse names.
This list of 151 names has something to suit every color and breed!
- Summer
- Phoebe – Bright, shining
- Butterscotch
- Cheyenne
- Gwendolen
- Abbey
- Sabiha -Turkish for beautiful
- Empress
- Nutmeg
- Debutante
- Whinnie
- Sunny
- Snowball
- Sugarfoot
- Cinnamon
- Legacy
- Gemini
- Tigerlily
- Athena – Goddess of wisdom and war
- Black Rose
- Genevieve
- Molly O’Malley
- Isabelle – God is my oath
- Zoe – Life
- Carolina – Free, beautiful
- Eleanor
- Lady
- Calypso
- Pocahontas
- Dancer
- Rosette
- Wildfire
- Holiday
- Coco
- Henrietta
- Big Red
- Larasati – Indonesian for strong
- Emmeline
- Wisteria
- Thumper
- Mona – Desire, wish
- Blossom
- Jara – Slavic for fierce
- Sadie – Princess
- Meja – Swedish for strength
- Kennedy
- Moondance
- Up and Away
- Stormy
- Ladybug
- Pearl
- Molly – Of the sea
- Gaia – Greek for Earth
- Angel
- Jasper
- Bellatrix – Latin for beautiful
- Juno – Goddess of love
- Patches
- Treasure
- Buttons
- Avalon
- Meadow
- Minerva
- Hazel
- Neptune
- Sky
- Amber
- Whisper
- Lightning
- Venus
- Skydancer
- Diana – Greek for divine
- Piper
- Ginger
- Bonney
- Cassiopeia
- Brandy
- Honey
- Stella – Latin for star
- Dakota
- Azure – Latin for blue-ish color
- Onyx
- Grace
- Nova
- Bella – Italian for beautiful
- Peanut
- Ellie
- Victory
- Clover
- Sydney
- Luna – Italian for the moon
- Duchess
- Fancy
- Dreamer
- Shakti – Hindu for powerful
- Black Betty
- Blue
- Willow
- Rosie
- Artemis – Goddess of the hunt
- Serendipity
- River
- Chantilly Lace
- Queen
- Ruby
- Gemma – Italian for precious stone
- Ceres
- Annie – Gracious, merciful
- Maggie May
- Aphrodite – Goddess of love and beauty
- Raven
- Valencia – Strength, vigor
- Oakley
- Diamond
- Rain
- Sunshine
- Vesta – Goddess of the hearth
- Dixie
- Belinda – Spanish for beautiful
- Magnolia
- Trixie – Bringer of joy
- Lily Rose
- Goodness Gracious
- Annabelle – Beautiful, gracious
- Penny
- Poppy
- Ebony
- Scarlet
- Jaiyana – Arabic for strength
- Blondie
- Velvet
- Potentia – Swedish for light and power
- Spirit
- Glory
- Strawberry
- Phoenix – Rising from the ashes
- Andromeda
- Champagne
- Sugar
- Belisama – Queen of Heaven
- Daisy
- Hayley
- Black Diamond
- Aries
- Jewel
- Belle – French for beautiful
- Nimerah – Arabic for power and strength
- Sunrise
- Matilda – Strength in battle
- Sassy
- Fleeting Spirit – 2009 July Cup Winner
Good Male Race Horse Names
This list features 153 name ideas for your male horse!
Choose a name that speaks to your horse’s attributes and character.
- Ulysses
- Winston
- Moonshine
- Atlas
- Chancellor
- Poncho
- Sidekick
- Little Joe
- Diego
- Champ
- Sullivan – Irish for dark-eyed
- Vulcan
- Gideon – Hebrew for woodsman
- Hampton
- Anderson
- Autumn
- Bentley
- Beast
- Duke
- Bronco
- Barkley
- Eclipse
- Legend
- Sebastian – Greek for venerable
- Beethoven
- Holden
- Fargo – Spanish for from the fenced pasture
- Flash
- Silver
- Maximus – Latin for greatest
- Billy
- Angus – Scottish for one strength
- Monarch
- Dominator
- Thunder
- Orion
- Mercury
- Poseidon – God of the sea
- Midnight
- Chaucer
- Thor – God of war
- Rebel
- Samson
- Captain
- Hamlet
- Sinatra
- Challenger
- Boone
- Hurricane Fly
- Cash
- Ace
- Duster
- Tiznow – 2000 American Horse of the Year
- Dallas
- Biscuits
- Bandit
- Tucker Lee
- Atlantis
- Kentucky
- Buster
- Versailles
- Dover
- Jet
- Outlaw
- Kodiak
- Payday
- Quest
- Kelso
- Caesar
- Full Tilt
- Blazer
- Magic
- Whiskey
- Goliath
- Zodiac
- Draco – Dragon
- Dark Prince
- Scorpio
- Champion
- Emperor
- Greyson
- Trotsky
- Garfield
- Jupiter
- Cherokee
- Baron
- Star
- Cleveland
- Dusty
- Cloud
- Barnaby
- Pistol
- Applejack
- Pepper
- Cobalt
- Churchill
- Scout
- Montana
- Zeus – God of the sky
- Hero
- Pluto
- Charlie
- Domino
- Avenger
- Dandy
- Tornado
- Blaze
- Apollo
- Blackjack
- Rocket
- Comet
- Kaiser
- Hades – God of the underworld
- Ranger
- Ricochet
- Dasher
- Charger
- Calvin
- Warrior
- Winchester
- Liberty
- Emerson
- Chief
- Beretta
- Buddy
- Tank
- Remington
- Napoleon
- Hercules – Son of Zeus
- Forest
- Kid
- Greased Lightning
- Dionysus – God of fertility
- Oreo
- Horseshoe
- Major
- King
- Dash
- Romeo
- Chance
- Sundance
- Chester
- Da Vinci
- Buck
- Bolt
- Jackson
- Galileo
- Dickinson
- Diesel
- Gambler
- Flying Fox – 1899 Triple Crown winner
- Bofa Deez Nuts
- Ocean Park
Famous Racehorse Names
Consider drawing your inspiration from this list of famous racehorses.
Some of these are names of horses who have been inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.
100 Male Ideas
Here are some male names from horse racing history:
- Cigar
- Kincsem
- Singspiel
- Animal Kingdom
- Billy Kelly
- Goldencents
- Spectacular Bid
- Street Cry
- Hurricane Run
- Preakness
- Arcadian Heights
- Invasor
- Thunder Gulch
- Mucho Macho Man
- California Chrome
- Le Pacha
- Citation – First horse in history to win a million dollars
- Captain Steve
- Sunday Silence
- Order of St George
- Barbaro
- Minella Indo – Winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2021
- Lava Man
- Master Charlie
- African Story
- Gloria de Campeao
- Longfellow
- Phar Lap
- Dubai Millennium
- Golden Pal
- Secretariat
- Curlin
- Sea the Stars
- Moon Ballad
- Midnight Lute
- Strike the Gold
- Royal Rebel
- Aristides – First horse to win the Kentucky Derby
- War Admiral – 1937 Horse of the Year
- Real Quiet
- Stormy Liberal
- Essential Quality – Winner of the 2021 Belmont Stakes
- Helissio
- Man o’ War – One of the best racehorses of the 20th century
- Hambletonian 10
- Behave Yourself
- Niatross
- Big Orange
- Roses in May
- Colour Vision
- Pleasantly Perfect
- Rite of Passage
- Vo Rouge
- Sea Hero
- Leading Light
- Prince Bishop
- Northern Dancer
- High Chaparral
- Drum Taps
- Vaguely Noble
- Pink Star
- Dark Star
- Cavalcade
- Ajax
- Classic Cliche
- Housebuster
- Dancing Brave
- Well Armed
- Justify – Won the Triple Crown in 2018
- Good Night Shirt
- Middleground
- Clifford
- Mine That Bird
- Nyquist
- Seattle Slew
- Thunder Snow
- Conduit
- Double Trigger
- Nearco
- Whiskery
- Ballymoss
- Workforce
- Tom Ochiltree
- Fort Marcy
- Carnegie
- Dylan Thomas
- Peter Pan
- Medina Spirit
- Majestic Prince
- Silver Charm
- Crisp
- Omar Khayyam
- Wise Dan
- American Pharoah
- Harry Bassett
- Mr Dinos
- Victoire Pisa
- Rombauer – Won the 2021 Preakness Stakes, one of the Triple Crown races
- Trip To Paris
- Tom Bowling
100 Female Ideas
Here are some female names from horse racing history:
- Dearly Precious
- Beholder
- Enable
- Zenyatta
- Summer Guest
- Waya
- Weekend Surprise
- Straight Deal
- Unique Bella
- Urban Sea
- Forever Together
- Susan’s Girl
- Dahlia
- Winx
- Late Bloomer
- Close Hatches
- Personal Ensign
- Top Flight
- Inside Information
- Coup de Folie
- Regret
- Allez France
- Winning Colors
- Urban Sea
- Safely Kept
- Princess Doreen
- Hollywood Wildcat
- Coronation
- Storm Flag Flying
- What A Summer
- Glorious Song – Hall of Fame thoroughbred racehorse
- Goldikova
- Heavenly Prize
- Solemia
- Black Caviar
- Royal Heroine
- Rushing Fall
- Miss Woodford
- Lamb Chop
- Desert Vixen
- Bold N Determined
- Mariah’s Storm
- Azeri
- Found
- Bed O’ Roses
- South Ocean
- La Zanzara
- Lady Eli
- Ta Wee
- Track Robbery
- Pretty Polly
- Princess Rooney
- Ruffian
- Tanya
- Silver Spoon
- Monomoy Girl
- Two Lea
- Runaway Bride
- Lady Aurelia
- Turkish Trousers
- Crown Queen
- Dark Mirage
- Princess of Sylmar
- Malibu Pier
- Royal Delta
- Makybe Diva
- All Along
- Songbird
- Twilight Tear
- Groupie Doll
- Real Delight
- Danedream
- Genuine Risk
- Ruthless
- Mizdirection
- Eight Belles
- Country Romance
- Stellar Wind
- My Juliet
- Serena’s Song
- Square Angel
- Rags to Riches – First filly to win Belmont Stakes in over 100 years
- Sky Beauty
- Blitey
- Ouija Board
- Xtra Heat
- Blind Luck
- Midnight Bisou
- Beautiful Pleasure
- Miss Temple City
- Rachel Alexandra
- Black Helen
- Pearl Cap
- Dance Smartly
- Poker Night
- Firenze
- Lady’s Secret
- Sharp Cat
- Rare Treat
- Ashado
Names From Grand National Race Horses
The Grand National horse race takes place in Liverpool, England. This list contains the names of Grand National winners:
- The Colonel
- Sir William
- Charity
- Wild Man From Borneo
- Red Rum
- Casse Tete
- West Tip
- Music Hall
- Vermouth
- Little Charley
- Half Caste
- Sergeant Murphy
- Rhyme ‘n’ Reason
- The Liberator
- Miss Mowbray
- Vanguard
- Well To Do
- Father O’Flynn
- Pineau De Re
- Ally Sloper
- Cure-All
- Come Away
- The Soarer
- Old Joe
- Why Not
- Shannon Lass
- Red Alligator
- Rule The World
- Ballymacad
- The Duke
- Tipperary Tim
- Comply or Die
- The Huntsman
- Ascetic’s Silver
- Tiger Roll
- One For Arthur
- Shaun Spadah
- Master Robert
- Lottery
- Maori Venture
- Highland Wedding
- Jack Horner
- Don’t Push It
- Poethlyn
- Peter Simple
- Double Chance
- The Lamb
- Last Suspect
- Jerry
- Gaylad
Pet Name Inspiration
Picking a racehorse name for your horse can be a tough task! Luckily there are loads of famous racehorses to help inspire you.
You might choose your name based on a famous horse who has had hundreds of career starts. Or you can look at winners of various stakes races around the world.
Tip: Try searching for past winners such as “Triple Crown race winners” or “Kentucky Derby race winners” on Google and think about which name most suits your horse or which you like the most.
Help Choosing The Right Name
When deciding on a name, it can be helpful to look at resources that can inspire and guide you.
The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame features profiles of famous horses that might spark an idea for a name.
If you’ll be racing your horse, remember that the Jockey Club has rules on what thoroughbred racehorses can be named. This includes not using terms such as second or third, and not using vulgar or obscene words.
FAQs On Racehorses
How Are Race Horses Named?
Racehorses may be named to reflect their lineage on either the mother or father’s side. The name may also be chosen as a reflection of the horse’s personality or appearance.
Once they are two years old, a racehorse must have a name. Their names must follow the rules set forth by the Jockey Club.
Why Are Race Horse Names So Strange?
The names of racehorses may seem weird and this is partly due to the sheer number of racehorses. With so many horses competing in races, it is difficult to come up with names that haven’t been used before.
Racehorse names must adhere to certain guidelines. This includes strict rules, for example, a name must not be longer than 18 characters.
Can You Rename a Race Horse?
You can change the name of a racehorse, however, you will need to pay a fee. The new name must also be approved by the Jockey Club.
What Should I Name My Race Horse?
Try to choose a name that fits well with your horse’s physical characteristics as well as its temperament. Spend some time thinking about it before you commit to a particular name.
Can Two Race Horses Have The Same Name?
A racehorse cannot have the same name as another horse that is currently racing. Additionally, the names of some famous horses are protected and cannot be used at all.
Conclusion
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to choosing a name for your racehorse. Taking the time to review the guidelines is the most important factor when picking a name.
If you’re still looking for more inspiration, check out these awesome lists of horse names!
