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237 Cute Female Horse Names for Your Filly or Mare.

Last updated: August 3, 2023

By: Miles HenryFact Checked

My granddaughter needs to choose a name for her first girl horse, and she’s determined to nail down the perfect one. We worked together, and we’ve come up with a list of names that are both feminine and cute, reflecting her horse’s unique personality.

Naming a horse goes beyond mere labels. It’s about selecting a name that resonates with the horse’s personality, breed, or appearance. This choice forms an unspoken connection, setting the tone for the relationship between the horse and its owner.

Whether you have a spirited young filly or a graceful adult mare, the right name matters. We’ve put together an extensive list of 237 cute female horse names that are perfect for your beloved companion, and we invite you to explore them.

Exalted Horse NamesMystical Horse NamesFlower Horse NamesColorful Horse Names
AngelicAndromedaLilyAmber
CelestialAphroditeVioletCherry
CountessAthenaDaisyCocoa
DivineEchoRoseSienna
EmpressCalliopeBluebellSky
GoddessDeliaHollyJade
KhaleesiFaunaPetuniaPear
LegendIrisHeatherRaven
MiracleJunoIvyGiada
PrincessLunaJasmineGinger
QueenVenusWildflowerScarlette
Picture of yearlings in a field.
Yearling fillies.

Understanding Horse Names

Naming a horse isn’t just a whimsical choice; it’s often rooted in history and tradition, reflecting more profound cultural significance. Let’s delve into this fascinating aspect of equine culture.

Historical or Traditional Naming Practices

Historically, horse names often carried meanings tied to a horse’s lineage, owner’s identity, or a unique physical trait. For example, a racehorse might be named after its sire and dam, paying homage to its ancestry. In some cultures, a horse’s name might reflect its working role, such as a name meaning “swift” for a messenger horse.

Considerations for Naming a Female Horse

When it comes to naming a female horse, certain factors should be considered. A name should be unique, resonating with the horse’s individual personality or appearance. The meaning of the name often plays a vital role. For instance, a name like “Aria” might suit a graceful and elegant mare, whereas “Bella” could be apt for a beautiful filly.

Phonetics also matter. How a name sounds can influence the horse’s response, and certain syllables might be more easily recognized by the horse. A name like “Sky” might be easier for a horse to recognize than a complex or multi-syllable word.

The Cultural Significance of Horse Names

The practice of naming horses goes beyond individual preferences and can have broader cultural significance. In various societies, horse names may carry spiritual or symbolic meanings, imbued with hopes, dreams, or blessings for the horse’s future. Some Native American tribes, for example, may choose horse names that evoke particular spiritual or natural qualities, aligning with their cultural beliefs and traditions.

In conclusion, naming a female horse is not merely an act of personal expression. It’s a decision steeped in history, tradition, and cultural nuances. Whether you’re choosing a name for your mare or filly, understanding these aspects can make the naming process more meaningful and enjoyable.

Names Inspired by Nature

Nature has always been a bountiful source of inspiration, providing a wide array of beautiful names that can resonate with the essence of your filly or mare. From the delicate grace of flowers to the vast expanse of elements, nature’s diverse beauty offers endless possibilities. Let’s explore some names inspired by the natural world.

Flowers

Floral names are often associated with femininity and elegance, making them a lovely choice for a mare or filly. Examples include:

  • Lily: A symbol of purity and grace.
  • Rose: Reflecting love and beauty.
  • Daisy: For a cheerful and lively horse.
Picture of a two year old filly named Olivia.
Two-year-old filly “Olivia.”

Seasons

Names inspired by the seasons can evoke the horse’s temperament or even the time of her birth. Consider these options:

  • Summer: For a bright and energetic horse.
  • Autumn: Reflecting a calm and gentle nature, or a rich coat color.
  • Winter: For a horse with a serene, majestic presence.

Elements

The natural elements provide powerful imagery that can align with a horse’s unique personality or appearance. Examples include:

  • Sky: For a horse with a free-spirited, open nature.
  • River: Reflecting flow and grace, suitable for a fluid mover.
  • Wind: For a swift and agile horse, echoing speed and freedom.

Nature’s beauty offers a rich palette of names that can beautifully reflect your horse’s personality, appearance, or spirit. Whether she’s a delicate Lily, a vibrant Summer, or a free-flowing River, naming her after nature’s wonders connects her to the world around her, adding depth and meaning.

Explore the gardens, the seasons, and the landscape to find a name that feels as natural and unique as your beloved filly or mare.

Lily
Violet
Daisy
Rose
Amaranth
Acacia
Azalea
Belladonna
Bluebell
Buttercup
Blossom
Clover
Camellia
Dahlia
Daffodil
Daisy
Dalia
Daphne
Delphine
Dianella
Diantha
Erica
Evanthe
Fleur
Fiorello
Flora
Hana
Heather
Holly
Hyacinth
Indigo
Ione
Iris
Ivy
Jacinda
Jacinta
Jasmine
Jessamine
Jonquil
Kalina
Kamal
Kantuta
Liana
Lilac
Liliane
liana
Lilly
Linnea
Lita
Magnolia
Manuka
Marguerite
Marigold
Marilla
Maryam
Rosemary
Myrthe
Myrtle
Nanala
Narcissa
Neeja
Orchid
Pansy
Peony
Petal
Petunia
Poppy
Posey
Primrose
Prunella
Rada
Rayen
Ren
Rhoda
Rhodes
Rhoswen
Romy
Rosa
Rosalie
Rosalind
Rosamel
Rosanna
Rose
Rosella
Rue
Sanne
Senna
Shoshana
Sigal
Sireli
Snapdragon
Snow flower
Spruce
Susan
Susannah
Suzanne
Suzette
Tancy
Thistle
Tulip
Veronica
Viola
Violet
Wildflower
Wisteria
Yasmin
Zahara
Zalie
Zaria
Zariah
Zaynab
Zinnia

Names from Literature and Mythology.

The world of literature and mythology is filled with remarkable characters and figures that can inspire the naming of your filly or mare. Drawing from stories and legends allows you to imbue your horse’s name with the rich qualities, virtues, or adventures associated with these timeless personas. Here’s a look at how literary and mythological names can add depth and allure to your horse’s identity.

Literary Characters

From classic novels to modern literature, there are characters whose names might perfectly suit your horse. Some examples include:

  • Juliet: For a horse with a romantic and gentle nature, from Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.”
  • Hermione: Reflecting wisdom and courage, inspired by J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series.
  • Scarlett: For a spirited and strong-willed horse, from “Gone with the Wind” by Margaret Mitchell.

Mythological Figures

The names of deities and heroes from various mythologies often carry profound meanings and symbolize specific virtues or attributes. Examples include:

  • Athena: Named after the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare, suitable for a wise and courageous mare.
  • Freya: Reflecting love and beauty, inspired by the Norse goddess of love, fertility, and battle.
  • Artemis: For a horse that’s wild and free, named after the Greek goddess of the hunt and wilderness.

Naming your filly or mare after a literary character or mythological figure allows you to connect her to a rich tapestry of stories, virtues, and cultural heritage. Whether she’s a gentle Juliet or a bold Athena, the name can be a window into her nature, imbued with the qualities that make her unique.

Andromeda
Aphrodite
Althea
Athena
Daphne
Echo
Calliope
Delia
Eos
Fauna
Enid
Isis
Iris
Juno
Luna
Nyx
Venus
Tara
Uma
Picture of a three year old filly named Tee Tee
My two year old filly, Tee Tee

Elegant and Classical Names for Female Horses.

When it comes to naming a mare or filly, elegance and timelessness often play a crucial role in selecting the perfect moniker. These names can evoke a sense of nobility, grace, and timeless beauty, fitting for a horse with a distinguished and refined demeanor. Let’s delve into the world of regal, noble, and classical names.

Regal or Noble Names

Some names carry an air of royalty and nobility, perfectly suited for a horse with a majestic presence. Consider these options:

  • Duchess: For a horse that exudes grace and nobility.
  • Princess: A name fitting for a beloved, elegant mare.
  • Queen: Reflecting a commanding and dignified presence.

Classical and Timeless Names

Certain names never go out of style and resonate with timeless beauty. These names can add a touch of classic elegance to your horse’s identity:

  • Bella: Meaning ‘beautiful’ in Italian, for a graceful horse.
  • Grace: For a horse that moves with finesse and elegance.
  • Victoria: Symbolizing victory and success, suitable for a triumphant mare.

Elegant and classical names offer a wide array of choices that can reflect the grace, beauty, and nobility of your filly or mare. Whether she’s a regal Duchess, a gentle Grace, or a victorious Victoria, these names can capture the essence of her nature.

By choosing a name from this refined palette, you’re honoring your horse’s unique presence, creating a bond that celebrates her individuality and grace. A name like this sets the stage for a relationship that is both meaningful and exquisite, just like the horse herself.

Angelic
Celestial
Chosen
Countess
Divine
Divinity
Empress
Glory
Goddess
Halo
Heaven
Heavenly
Hero
Khaleesi
Legend
Miracle
Princess
Queen
Queena
Queenie
Regal
Regina
Reign
Royal
Royale
Rule
Saint
Trinity
Victory
Queenette
Czarina
Glorious
Grand
Haylo
Highness
Holy
Lady
Winner
Champion
Champ
Picture of horses in a pond.
Fillies playing in the water.

Fun and Playful Names

Not all horse names need to be serious or traditional. If your filly or mare has a spirited, lively, or even quirky personality, a fun and playful name might be the perfect fit. Let’s dive into the world of whimsical, modern, and trendy names that can bring a smile to anyone’s face.

Whimsical Names

Whimsical names can capture the joy and playfulness of a horse, reflecting her vibrant personality. Here are some examples:

  • Sparkle: For a horse with a shimmering, lively presence.
  • Bubbles: Reflecting a bubbly and effervescent nature.
  • Twinkle: A name suited for a horse with a twinkling eye and a playful demeanor.

Modern and Trendy Names

Modern names resonate with contemporary tastes and can add a fresh and trendy flair. Consider these options:

  • Daisy: A cheerful and popular name, perfect for a bright and happy horse.
  • Zoey: Trendy and fun, suitable for a lively and energetic mare.
  • Chloe: A chic and fashionable name for a stylish horse.

Funny horse names.

Funny horse names are ok to use for registering your horse, but I don’t suggest you use one for everyday use. And if you decide to go with a funny name, make sure there is another meaning tied to it.

The Jockey Club is the authority that sets the requirements for Thoroughbred names. These requirements are strictly enforced and often result in some pretty weird and funny horse names.

Be creative with the spelling.

Many horse owners use popular culture and unique spelling to come up with horse names. Here are a few examples: Junkinthetrunk, Turducken, Odor in the Court, Where’s the Beef, Whatamichoppedliver, and Seinfeld Nosupeforyou.

Fun and playful names can breathe life and joy into the naming of your filly or mare. Whether she’s a sparkling gem full of zest or a trendy Daisy full of charm, these names can embrace her unique personality.

It’s a celebration of her quirks, her humor, and her vivacity. By choosing a name that’s full of fun, you’re recognizing the joy and happiness that she brings into your life, making every moment with her a delightful adventure.

Picture of our racehorse Mindy with her jockey
Three-year-old filly “Mindy”

Female Horse Names by Breed or Color

Choosing a name that aligns with your horse’s breed or color can add a special touch of authenticity and uniqueness to her identity. By honoring these characteristics, you can select a name that feels tailored just for her. Here’s how you can find inspiration in both her lineage and her appearance.

Specific Names for Breeds

Different breeds often inspire names that echo their origins or characteristics. For example:

  • Arabian horses: Names like “Arabella” or “Desert Rose” can evoke the breed’s elegance and desert heritage.
  • Thoroughbred horses: Consider names like “Champion” or “Swift Runner” to reflect their racing lineage.
  • Clydesdale horses: “Hearty” or “Steadfast” might suit these strong and dependable horses.

Names Reflecting Coat Color

A horse’s coat color can be a striking inspiration for a name. Here are some suggestions:

  • Black coats: Names for black horses like “Ebony,” “Midnight,” or “Shadow” can reflect the deep, rich hue.
  • White coats: Consider “Snowflake,” “Ivory,” or “Misty” to mirror the purity and elegance of a white coat.
  • Brown coats: “Chestnut,” “Cocoa,” or “Hazelnut” might resonate with various shades of brown.
  • Spotted coats: “Speckles,” “Dottie,” or “Patches” can celebrate a unique pattern.

Best girl horse names based on colors.

Colors can inspire a horse’s name, it may be the baby horse’s coat color, or it may be a color you love and is represented in the young foals’ personality. Regardless here is our list of favorites:

Alani-Orange in Hawaiin dialect
Alba-White in Latin, Ancient Roman
Amber-Yellowish Arabic
Apple-Bright yellowish Germanic
Ash-Grey, Old English
Auburn-Reddish-brown-Old French
Azure-Blue Old French
Beryl-Pale green-Greek Latin
Bianca-White-Italian
Blue-Blue-Germanic
Carmine-Crimson Red-Arabic, French
Cerise-Cherry-French
Cherry-Bright Red-Latin, Greek
Cinnamon-Reddish-brown-Greek
Clementine-Orange, French Latin
Cocoa-Chocolate brown, Nahuatl, Spanish, English
Indigo-Deep violet-blue, Greek
Ivory-White, English
Ivy-A deep green with a hint of blue, Old English
Jade-Green or blue-green, Spanish
Kelly-Bright green, Irish
Lavender-Light purple, Latin
Lilac-Pale bluish-violet, Arabic, French
Mahogany-Dark reddish-brown, Spanish
Maize-Yellowish, Arawakan/Taíno, Spanish (Haiti)
Mauve-Pale blue-purple-pink, Latin, French
Nila-Dark blue, Sanskrit
Onyx-Black, Greek
Pearl-Off white or cream, Latin, French
Phoenix-Reddish-purple or dark red, Greek
Pink-Pink, English
Raven-Black bird, Germanic, Old English
Coral-A pinkish-orange to reddish-orange hue, Latin
Crystal-Ice, clear glass, Greek Latin
Dove-Warm gray or soft white with a hint of gray, English
Ebony-Black, Greek, English
Emerald-Green, Greek
Fawn-Beige, French
Fern-Green, German, Old English
Fiona-White or fair, Gaelic
Fuchsia-Bright, deep pink, Latin
Garnet-Dark red, English
Giada-Jade, Italian
Ginger-Reddish-brown, English
Gray-A color between black and white, Old English
Gwen-White, Welsh
Hazel-Brown to Green, Germanic
Heather-Muted shades of gray with flecks of other colors English
Raven-Black bird, Germanic, Old English
Rose-Dark pink, Latin
Ruby-Red, Latin
Sage-Gray-green, Latin
Sapphire-Deep blue, Greek
Scarlette-Red, English
Shani-Red, Hebrew
Sherry-Red, English, French
Sienna-Reddish-brown, English
Sky-Blue, Old Norse, English
Sunny-Yellow, English
Tawny-Light brown or tan, Old French
Teal-Greenish-blue, English
Topaz-Golden yellow, Greek
Violet-Purple, Latin
Willow-Soft pale green with blue, gray, or yellow Old English
Wisteria-Soft purple, English

Your horse’s breed and color offer a rich palette of inspiration when it comes to choosing the perfect name. By paying attention to these details, you can find a name that feels genuinely suited to your filly or mare, celebrating her unique heritage and beauty.

Whether it’s the noble elegance of an Arabian horse or the eye-catching allure of a spotted coat, these qualities can guide you to a name that fits just right.

International Names

Naming a horse can be an exploration of world cultures, languages, and the beauty of diversity. By looking beyond borders, you can find names that resonate with charm, elegance, and unique meanings. Here’s how you can infuse global inspiration into the naming of your filly or mare.

Names from Various World Cultures

Different cultures offer rich naming traditions that can add a touch of exotic flair or profound meaning. Here are some examples:

  • Italian: “Aria,” meaning ‘air’ or ‘melody,’ for a graceful horse.
  • Japanese: “Sakura,” meaning ‘cherry blossom,’ for a horse with delicate beauty.
  • Irish: “Fiona,” meaning ‘fair’ or ‘beautiful,’ for a stunning mare.
  • Spanish: “Luna,” meaning ‘moon,’ for a horse with a mystical, gentle presence.

Foreign Language Translations of Common Names

Sometimes, a name you like in your language may have a beautiful translation in another. Translating common names or words can add a unique twist. For example:

  • “Star” can be translated into “Estrella” in Spanish or “Stella” in Italian.
  • “Grace” may become “Grâce” in French or “Grazia” in Italian.
  • “Brave” could be translated to “Valiente” in Spanish or “Coraggioso” in Italian.

In conclusion, naming your horse with an international flavor not only adds a touch of worldly elegance but also honors the global heritage of equine culture. Whether you choose a name that reflects your own ethnic background or explore the rich tapestry of world languages, you can find a name that sings with beauty, meaning, and a hint of the exotic.

From the melodious sound of Italian to the poetic grace of Japanese, the world offers a vast landscape of naming possibilities for your beloved filly or mare.

picture of a baby girl horse with her mother,,

Choosing the Right Name for Your Fillies and Mares

Selecting the perfect name for your filly or mare is more than just finding a word that sounds nice. It’s a thoughtful process that takes into consideration several aspects. Here’s a guide to help you choose the right name, one that will resonate with your horse and fit her like a custom-made saddle.

Tips on Testing a Name

Before settling on a name, test it out. Say it out loud several times. Does it roll off the tongue? Does it feel right when you call it out across the pasture? Some horse owners even suggest calling the name to the horse and observing the reaction. If she perks her ears or turns towards you, it might be a good fit.

Considering the Horse’s Personality, Appearance, and Heritage

Your horse’s name should reflect her unique characteristics. Is she spirited or calm? Does she have a distinct color or marking? Perhaps there’s something in her lineage or breed that can inspire a name. By considering these aspects, you create a connection between the name and the horse’s individual traits.

Legal Considerations

If your horse is destined for the show ring, there might be legal considerations to take into account. Certain names may be trademarked, or there might be restrictions based on the breeding registry or equestrian association. Make sure to research and possibly even register the name to avoid any legal conflicts later.

Look at the pedigree.

For centuries, owners have named their horses using their sires or dams’ pedigree. For example, Dash for Cash, a superior racing quarter horse, his offsprings frequently have either dash or cash in their name, such as Dashingly and Queen for Cash.

You can also make a play on the names of the baby’s ancestors; here is one of my favorite examples, the great racehorse “American Pharoah” was the son of “Pioneer of the Nile” and “LittlePrincessEmma.”

And yes, I know Pharoah is misspelled, but that is the owners’ spelling when they registered their horses with the Jockey Club. You can come up with many unique names by looking to a horse’s pedigree for inspiration.

Name the horse after someone or something special.

Naming a horse after a person or something extraordinary in your life is a way to recognize the important people and events in your life. Did you ever wonder how the owners of Zenyatta came up with her name?

picture of the mare Zenyatta during one of her races,
Zenyatta

Jerry Moss, a music producer, famously signed the Police to A&M records and produced their album Zenyatta Mondatta. He purchased a yet-to-be-named yearling and honored the band and their album by calling her Zenyatta.

Zenyatta went on to become one of the greatest racehorses of all time. She won her first 19 races before ending her career with a loss at the Breeders Cup Classic.

We had a filly born the same year we lost our grandmother, so we named her a nickname we called my grandmother. The name fits our filly perfectly; she is a tribute to our grandmother’s memory.

Look to your girl horse’s personality for a cute name.

Horse names can be chosen by watching your new addition. A good example comes from another one of the greatest racehorses of all time, Ruffian.

Ruffian doesn’t invoke the picture of a dainty girl horse, and she wasn’t. Ruffian was a huge bay filly that would often bully her grooms. She did things the way she wanted to and when she wanted

Her aggressive personality led her owner to name her Ruffian. On the race track, she bullied her opponents and won ten straight races, each by a vast margin.

Then tragically, in her eleventh race, a match race against Kentucky Derby winner Foolish Pleasure, she was spooked by a bird, which startled Ruffian and caused her to take a bad step and break her leg.

Naming your filly or mare is a delightful yet thoughtful process. By testing the name, considering your horse’s unique attributes, and being mindful of legal aspects, you can find a name that’s more than a label – it’s a reflection of who your horse truly is. Whether she’s a sprightly filly bounding through the fields or a dignified mare with wisdom in her eyes, the right name is out there, waiting for you to discover it.

Conclusion

Often you can get too much information and input from people; ultimately, the decision for your horse’s name is yours and yours alone, so make a choice; you’ve done the research.

Below is a YouTube video that provides some ideas for horse names.

FAQ

What are the top 10 horse names?

The top ten horse names include Dakota (one of our favorites), Cash (very suave!), Daisy (“Daisy May?”), Spirit (kid’s favorite horse), Star (a shining beacon in the night sky), Duke (Tough!) Belle (Beauty and the Beast), Buddy (#buddy #bestfriendever), Tucker (fun but rugged name), Lady (Classic Disney name from Lady and the Tramp).

What are some unique horse names?

Here are some imaginative and unique horse names: Pickle, Valkyrie, Momma, Chili, Klaus, Phantom, Bam bam, Stuart, Rowan, and Porkchop. If you’re looking for creativity in a name, then these should be the perfect fit! To check out some unique racehorse names, check out this article: Why are Racehorse Names so Weird? 15 Funny Examples!