Horses have played a significant role in Ancient Greek history and mythology. From the legendary Pegasus to the mighty warhorses of the Greek army, horses have been revered for their beauty, speed, and strength.
Ancient Greeks gave great importance to naming their horses, and their names often reflected their characteristics and attributes.
In this blog post, we have compiled a list of 250 Ancient Greek horse names, with meanings, inspired by popularity, location, horse breed, and more. Each name is unique and has a short blurb descriptor, making it easier for you to choose the perfect name for your horse.
Ancient Greek Horse Names
Popular Ancient Greek Horse Names
- Pegasus – A divine winged horse in Greek mythology.
- Bucephalus – Alexander the Great’s famous warhorse.
- Arion – A legendary horse known for its speed and beauty.
- Sleipnir – An eight-legged horse in Norse mythology, said to be the fastest and strongest of all horses.
- Epona – A Celtic goddess associated with horses and riding.
- Hidalgo – A famous warhorse ridden by General Antonio López de Santa Anna in the Mexican-American War.
- Xanthos – One of the immortal horses of Achilles in Greek mythology.
- Bayard – A magical horse in French folklore.
- Incitatus – The favorite horse of Roman emperor Caligula, who made him a senator.
- Rocinante – The horse of Don Quixote in the famous novel by Miguel de Cervantes.
- Balius – One of the immortal horses of Achilles in Greek mythology.
- Gallant Prince – A famous Thoroughbred racehorse from the early 20th century.
- Lampos – A horse that belonged to Hector in Greek mythology.
- Balthazar – One of the Three Wise Men who brought gifts to the baby Jesus; his name means “God protects the king.”
- Hengroen – The horse of King Arthur in Welsh mythology.
- Asfaloth – The horse of Glorfindel in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings.
- Nelly – A famous American racehorse from the 19th century.
- Mephisto – The horse of General George S. Patton during World War II.
- Rozinante – A horse that belonged to Roland, the nephew of Charlemagne, in French literature.
- Flicka – The title character of a popular children’s book and movie about a wild mustang.
- Shadowfax – The horse of Gandalf in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings.
- Black Caviar – A famous Australian Thoroughbred racehorse who won 25 consecutive races.
- Alborak – A magical horse in Islamic mythology, said to have carried the prophet Muhammad on his journey to heaven.
- Almanzor – The horse of El Cid, the famous Spanish knight.
- Bucephala – A city founded by Alexander the Great in honor of his horse Bucephalus.
- Phar Lap – A famous Australian racehorse from the 1930s.
- Goliath – A horse that belonged to David in the Bible.
- Tornado – The horse of Zorro in the famous novel and movie series.
- Huaso – A famous Chilean rodeo horse known for his agility and speed.
- Shadow – The title character of a popular children’s book and movie about a boy and his wild horse.
- Joey – The horse from the book and movie “War Horse” who serves in World War I.
- Ruffian – A famous American Thoroughbred racehorse from the 1970s.
- Rocío – A famous Andalusian horse who performed in the Spanish Riding School of Vienna.
- Argos – The loyal dog of Odysseus in Greek mythology, but also a name for horses in Ancient Greece.
- Topper – A horse from the book and movie “The Black Stallion.”
- Palomo – A famous Mexican rodeo horse known for his bravery and strength.
- Misty – The title character of a popular children’s book and movie about a wild pony.
- Traveller – The horse of Confederate General Robert E. Lee during the American Civil War.
- Bellarophon – A hero in Greek mythology who tamed and rode Pegasus.
- Sereno – A famous Andalusian horse who performed in the Spanish Riding School of Vienna.
- Sivka-Burka – A magical horse in Russian folklore who helps heroes on their quests.
- Trigger – The famous horse ridden by cowboy actor Roy Rogers in films and TV shows.
- Adonis – A handsome youth in Greek mythology who was loved by Aphrodite and killed by a wild boar.
- Zorro – The title character of a popular book and movie series about a masked swordsman who fights for justice.
- Silver – The horse ridden by the Lone Ranger in the popular TV show and movie franchise.
- Sceptrus – The horse of the Roman Emperor Caligula, who was said to be able to predict the future.
- Black Beauty – The title character of a popular children’s book about a horse’s life and adventures.
- Maresciallo – A famous Italian cavalry horse known for his courage and loyalty in World War I.
- Elmer – A horse from the book and movie “National Velvet” who wins the Grand National steeplechase race.
- Marengo – The horse ridden by Napoleon Bonaparte in several battles, including the Battle of Waterloo.
Ancient Greek Horse Royal Names
- Bellerophon – A hero in Greek mythology who tamed Pegasus and used him to slay the Chimera.
- Diomedes – A Greek hero who owned man-eating horses that he fed on human flesh.
- Aethon – The immortal horse of the sun god Helios, said to have a fiery mane and tail.
- Balios – One of the immortal horses of Achilles in Greek mythology.
- Euryalus – The horse of Adrastus, a king in Greek mythology who fought in the Trojan War.
- Areion – A legendary horse born from the union of Poseidon and Demeter.
- Lampos – The horse of Hector in Greek mythology, known for its speed and strength.
- Kybele – A goddess of nature and fertility who was often depicted riding in a chariot pulled by lions.
- Laomedon – The horse of Zeus, king of the gods in Greek mythology.
- Oinone – A beautiful horse who belonged to the god Apollo in Greek mythology.
- Nyx – The goddess of the night who was often depicted riding a black horse.
- Rhea – A Titan goddess who was often depicted riding a chariot pulled by lions.
- Harpagos – A horse that belonged to Hippolytus, a hero in Greek mythology who was associated with horses.
- Hecate – A goddess of witchcraft and magic who was often depicted riding in a chariot pulled by dragons.
- Epona – A Celtic goddess associated with horses and riding, often depicted with horses and ponies around her.
- Phlegon – The immortal horse of the moon goddess Selene, said to have a silvery coat and glow in the dark.
- Mares – The horses of the god Poseidon, often depicted in artwork as symbols of the sea and its power.
- Enyo – A goddess of war and destruction who was often depicted riding in a chariot pulled by horses.
- Nereus – The sea god who was often depicted riding a horse-drawn chariot over the waves.
- Nyx – The goddess of the night who was often depicted riding a black horse.
- Pontus – A primordial god of the sea who was often depicted riding in a chariot pulled by sea creatures.
- Deino – A Gorgon sister who was often depicted riding a horse with snakes for a tail.
- Gorgophone – A queen of the Amazons who was said to ride horses into battle.
- Chimera – A mythical creature with the head of a lion, body of a goat, and tail of a serpent that was often depicted in artwork with horses in the background.
- Phrixus – A prince in Greek mythology who rode a winged ram to escape his enemies.
- Clytius – The horse of the Amazon queen Hippolyta in Greek mythology.
- Hyperion – A Titan god of light who was often depicted riding a chariot pulled by fiery horses.
- Ares – The god of war who was often depicted riding in a chariot pulled by horses or dragons.
- Keres – The female spirits of violent death who were often depicted riding horses on battlefields.
- Triton – A sea god who was often depicted riding a horse-drawn chariot over the waves.
- Eos – The goddess of the dawn who was often depicted riding a chariot pulled by horses.
- Telamon – A hero in Greek mythology who rode a chariot pulled by four horses.
- Triton – A sea god who was often depicted riding a horse-drawn.
- Eos – The goddess of the dawn who was often depicted riding a chariot pulled by horses.
- Telamon – A hero in Greek mythology who rode a chariot pulled by four horses.
- Melanippe – A queen of the Amazons who was said to ride a black horse into battle.
- Rhesus – A Thracian king who owned horses said to be descended from the wind.
- Halirrhothius – A son of the sea god Poseidon who was often depicted riding a chariot pulled by horses.
- Persephone – The queen of the underworld who was often depicted riding in a chariot pulled by black horses.
- Erichthonius – A mythical king of Athens who was said to have been born from the union of Hephaestus and Athena, and who was often depicted riding a chariot pulled by four horses.
- Hippocamp – A sea creature with the upper body of a horse and the lower body of a fish, often depicted in artwork with other sea creatures.
- Peleus – The father of Achilles who was often depicted riding a chariot pulled by horses.
- Eurytion – A centaur in Greek mythology who was often depicted riding a horse.
- Talthybius – A herald of the Greeks during the Trojan War who was often depicted riding a horse.
- Clio – The muse of history who was often depicted riding a chariot pulled by horses.
- Demeter – The goddess of agriculture who was often depicted riding in a chariot pulled by horses or dragons.
- Thanatos – The god of death who was often depicted riding in a chariot pulled by horses or other dark creatures.
- Oceanus – A primordial god of the sea who was often depicted riding in a chariot pulled by sea creatures.
- Tyche – The goddess of fortune and luck who was often depicted riding in a chariot pulled by horses.
- Heracles – The greatest hero in Greek mythology who was often depicted riding a chariot pulled by horses.
- Proteus – A sea god who was often depicted riding a chariot pulled by sea creatures.
- Leto – The mother of Apollo and Artemis who was often depicted riding in a chariot pulled by horses or dragons.
- Charon – The ferryman of the underworld who was often depicted riding a horse-drawn boat.
Ancient Greek Horse Names Inspired by Horse Breed
- Andalusian – A breed of horse from the Iberian Peninsula, known for its elegance and versatility.
- Achaios – A horse breed native to Greece, known for its endurance and agility.
- Clydesdale – A breed of draft horse from Scotland, known for its strength and size.
- Thessalian – A horse breed native to Greece, known for its speed and stamina.
- Friesian – A breed of horse from the Netherlands, known for its beauty and grace.
- Haflinger – A breed of horse from Austria, known for its gentle disposition and strength.
- Morgan – A breed of horse from the United States, known for its versatility and intelligence.
- Akhal-Teke – A breed of horse from Turkmenistan, known for its speed and endurance.
- Barb – A breed of horse from North Africa, known for its strength and agility.
- Hanoverian – A breed of horse from Germany, known for its athleticism and grace.
- Appaloosa – A breed of horse from the United States, known for its distinctive spotted coat and versatility.
- Lipizzan – A breed of horse from Austria, known for its beauty and grace.
- Percheron – A breed of draft horse from France, known for its strength and size.
- Paso Fino – A breed of horse from South America, known for its smooth gait and endurance.
- Mustang – A breed of horse from the United States, known for its wild spirit and endurance.
- Lusitano – A breed of horse from Portugal, known for its strength and agility.
- Welsh Pony – A breed of pony from Wales, known for its intelligence and versatility.
- Akhal-Teke – A breed of horse from Turkmenistan, known for its speed and endurance.
- Arabian – A breed of horse from the Middle East, known for its beauty and endurance.
- Brabant – A breed of draft horse from Belgium, known for its strength and size.
- Connemara – A breed of pony from Ireland, known for its intelligence and agility.
- Gypsy Vanner – A breed of horse from Ireland, known for its distinctive appearance and strength.
- Icelandic – A breed of horse from Iceland, known for its endurance and sure-footedness.
- Shire – A breed of draft horse from England, known for its strength and size.
- Standardbred – A breed of horse from the United States, known for its speed and versatility.
- American Quarter Horse – A breed of horse from the United States, known for its speed and versatility.
- Tennessee Walking Horse – A breed of horse from the United States, known for its smooth gait and endurance.
- Akhal-Teke – A breed of horse from Turkmenistan, known for its speed and endurance.
- Haflinger – A breed of horse from Austria, known for its gentle disposition and strength.
- Percheron – A breed of draft horse from France, known for its strength and size.
- Welsh Pony – A breed of pony from Wales, known for its intelligence and versatility.
- Brabant – A breed of draft horse from Belgium, known for its strength and size.
- Lipizzan – A breed of horse from Austria, known for its beauty and grace.
- Paso Fino – A breed of horse from South America, known for its smooth gait and endurance.
- Mustang – A breed of horse from the United States, known for its wild spirit and endurance.
- Pindos – A horse breed native to Greece, known for its strength and agility.
- Pottok – A breed of pony from the Basque Country, known for its intelligence and versatility.
- Marwari – A breed of horse from India, known for its distinctive curved ears and endurance.
- Kaimanawa – A breed of horse from New Zealand, known for its hardiness and intelligence.
- Kabardin – A breed of horse from the Caucasus region, known for its endurance and intelligence.
- Criollo – A breed of horse from South America, known for its toughness and adaptability.
- Morab – A breed of horse from the United States, known for its speed and endurance.
- Nokota – A breed of horse from the United States, known for its hardiness and intelligence.
- Karabair – A breed of horse from Uzbekistan, known for its strength and endurance.
- Peruvian Paso – A breed of horse from South America, known for its smooth gait and endurance.
- Skyros – A breed of pony from Greece, known for its hardiness and agility.
- Tersk – A breed of horse from Russia, known for its strength and endurance.
- Kiso – A horse breed native to Japan, known for its speed and agility.
- Asturcon – A breed of pony from Spain, known for its hardiness and intelligence.
- Sanhe – A horse breed native to China, known for its speed and endurance.
Ancient Greek Horse Names Inspired by Locations
- Thessaly – A region in Greece known for its horses, where the mythological centaurs were said to have lived.
- Olympus – A mountain in Greece known as the home of the gods, often depicted in art with horses nearby.
- Corinth – A city-state in Greece known for its horsemanship and breeding of horses.
- Delphi – A city in Greece known for its oracle and its association with the god Apollo, who was often depicted riding a chariot pulled by horses.
- Argos – A city in Greece known for its horsemanship and the breeding of the Argive horse.
- Marathon – A plain in Greece where the famous Battle of Marathon took place, which involved Greek soldiers riding horses.
- Acropolis – A hill in Athens, Greece, often depicted in artwork with horses nearby.
- Helicon – A mountain in Greece associated with the muses, who were often depicted riding horses.
- Ithaca – An island in Greece known as the home of the legendary hero Odysseus and his horse.
- Thera – An island in Greece known for its horses, which were often depicted in art and mythology.
- Boeotia – A region in Greece known for its horses and horsemanship.
- Attica – A region in Greece known for its horsemanship and the breeding of the Attic horse.
- Sparta – A city-state in Greece known for its horsemanship and military prowess.
- Thebes – A city in Greece known for its horsemanship and the breeding of the Theban horse.
- Arcadia – A region in Greece associated with the god Pan and often depicted in art with horses.
- Cretan – A breed of horse native to the island of Crete, known for its strength and endurance.
- Hellenic – A breed of horse native to Greece, known for its speed and agility.
- Aegean – A breed of horse native to the Aegean Islands, known for its hardiness and intelligence.
- Boerperd – A breed of horse native to South Africa, known for its strength and adaptability.
- Camargue – A breed of horse native to the Camargue region of France, known for its hardiness and agility.
- Dartmoor – A breed of pony native to Dartmoor, England, known for its hardiness and agility.
- Exmoor – A breed of pony native to Exmoor, England, known for its hardiness and intelligence.
- Friesian – A breed of horse native to Friesland in the Netherlands, known for its beauty and grace.
- Gotland – A breed of horse native to the island of Gotland in Sweden, known for its strength and endurance.
- Highland – A breed of pony native to the Scottish Highlands, known for its hardiness and agility.
- Irish Cob – A breed of horse native to Ireland, known for its strength and intelligence.
- Jutland – A breed of horse native to Denmark, known for its strength and endurance.
- Kazakh – A breed of horse native to Kazakhstan, known for its strength and adaptability.
- Lippitt Morgan – A breed of horse native to the United States, known for its versatility and intelligence.
- Marwari – A breed of horse native to India, known for its distinctive curved ears and endurance.
- Newfoundland Pony – A breed of pony native to Newfoundland, Canada, known for its hardiness and intelligence.
- Orlov Trotter – A breed of horse native to Russia, known for its strength and speed.
- Connemara – A region in Ireland known for its ponies, which are known for their intelligence and agility.
- Lapland – A region in northern Scandinavia known for its hardy horses, which are well-suited to harsh winter conditions.
- Sardinia – An island in Italy known for its horses, which are often depicted in ancient artwork and mythology.
- Andalusia – A region in Spain known for its elegant horses, which are often used in classical dressage.
- Shetland – An archipelago in Scotland known for its hardy ponies, which are often used for riding and driving.
- Altai – A mountain range in Central Asia known for its horses, which are well-adapted to rugged terrain.
- Caspian – A breed of horse native to the Caspian Sea region, known for its small size and hardiness.
- Cheju – A breed of horse native to Jeju Island in South Korea, known for its strength and endurance.
- Dales – A breed of horse native to the Yorkshire Dales in England, known for its hardiness and agility.
- Dartmoor – A region in England known for its ponies, which are often used for riding and driving.
- Icelandic – A breed of horse native to Iceland, known for its endurance and sure-footedness.
- Lipizzan – A breed of horse native to Austria, known for its beauty and grace.
- New Forest – A region in southern England known for its ponies, which are often used for riding and driving.
- Nisean – A breed of horse native to ancient Persia, known for its strength and endurance.
- Pindus – A mountain range in Greece known for its horses, which are often used for riding and driving.
- Tarim – A region in western China known for its horses, which are well-suited to desert conditions.
- Yunnan – A province in southern China known for its horses, which are well-adapted to mountainous terrain.
- Cappadocia – A region in central Turkey known for its hardy horses, which were used extensively in ancient warfare and are often depicted in ancient artwork
Ancient Greek Horse Unique Names
- Agathon – Meaning “good” or “virtuous,” this name is perfect for a horse with a kind and gentle disposition.
- Androcles – This name means “man-lion” and would be a fitting name for a powerful and majestic horse.
- Antigone – A name meaning “against birth,” Antigone was a famous Greek heroine who defied her uncle to give her brother a proper burial. This name would be perfect for a strong and courageous mare.
- Archimedes – Named after the famous Greek mathematician, this name would be perfect for a smart and inquisitive horse.
- Athena – Named after the goddess of wisdom, this name would be perfect for a horse with a sharp mind and an intelligent disposition.
- Calantha – Meaning “lovely flower,” this name would be fitting for a beautiful and graceful mare.
- Calliope – Named after the muse of epic poetry, this name would be perfect for a horse with a regal and majestic presence.
- Castor – Named after one of the famous Dioscuri twins, this name would be perfect for a strong and athletic horse.
- Chrysanthe – Meaning “golden flower,” this name would be fitting for a horse with a beautiful and shining coat.
- Daphne – Named after the nymph who was transformed into a laurel tree, this name would be perfect for a swift and agile horse.
- Demeter – Named after the goddess of agriculture, this name would be perfect for a horse with a strong and sturdy build.
- Electra – Named after the Greek princess who avenged her father’s death, this name would be perfect for a fierce and loyal mare.
- Eurydice – Named after the wife of Orpheus, this name would be perfect for a horse with a graceful and elegant presence.
- Helios – Named after the sun god, this name would be perfect for a horse with a bright and shining coat.
- Hermione – Named after the daughter of Menelaus and Helen of Troy, this name would be perfect for a mare with a regal and dignified presence.
- Icarus – Named after the famous mythological figure who flew too close to the sun, this name would be perfect for a daring and adventurous horse.
- Iris – Named after the goddess of the rainbow, this name would be perfect for a horse with a colorful and vibrant coat.
- Jason – Named after the famous hero who led the Argonauts on their quest for the Golden Fleece, this name would be perfect for a brave and strong stallion.
- Kallikrates – Meaning “beautiful power,” this name would be perfect for a horse with a strong and muscular build.
- Kyros – Meaning “lord,” this name would be fitting for a horse with a commanding presence.
- Lysandra – Meaning “liberator of men,” this name would be fitting for a strong and fearless mare.
- Melchior – Meaning “king of light,” this name would be perfect for a horse with a bright and shining coat.
- Nereus – Named after the god of the sea, this name would be perfect for a horse with a calm and steady temperament.
- Orestes – Named after the son of Agamemnon, this name would be perfect for a strong and determined stallion.
- Panthea – Meaning “all-goddess,” this name would be perfect for a mare with a regal and divine presence.
- Phaedra – Named after the tragic heroine who fell in love with her stepson, this name would be perfect for a mare with a complex and conflicted personality.
- Polaris – Named after the North Star, this name would be fitting for a horse that stands out and is easy to follow.
- Proteus – Named after the god of the sea who could change shape at will, this name would be fitting for a horse that is versatile and adaptable.
- Rhea – Named after the goddess of motherhood, this name would be perfect for a nurturing and protective mare.
- Seraphina – Meaning “fiery one,” this name would be fitting for a horse with a spirited and passionate personality.
- Solon – Named after the famous Athenian lawgiver, this name would be fitting for a horse that is wise and just.
- Soteria – Meaning “savior,” this name would be fitting for a horse that is protective and loyal.
- Talos – Named after the giant bronze automaton in Greek mythology, this name would be perfect for a horse that is strong and durable.
- Thalia – Named after the muse of comedy, this name would be perfect for a horse with a playful and lively personality.
- Theron – Meaning “hunter,” this name would be fitting for a horse with a keen sense of prey.
- Titan – Named after the powerful gods who ruled the world before the Olympians, this name would be perfect for a horse with a larger-than-life presence.
- Tithonus – Named after the mortal who was granted immortality but not eternal youth, this name would be fitting for a horse that ages gracefully.
- Triton – Named after the son of Poseidon, this name would be perfect for a horse that loves the water and is a strong swimmer.
- Xanthe – Meaning “yellow,” this name would be fitting for a horse with a bright and sunny disposition.
- Xenon – Meaning “stranger,” this name would be fitting for a horse that is mysterious and enigmatic.
- Zenon – Meaning “gift of Zeus,” this name would be perfect for a horse that is noble and regal.
- Zephyr – Named after the god of the west wind, this name would be perfect for a horse that is fast and free-spirited.
- Zeus – Named after the king of the gods, this name would be perfect for a horse with a commanding presence and a powerful personality.
- Aether – Named after the god of the upper atmosphere, this name would be perfect for a horse that seems to float on air.
- Alastor – Meaning “avenging spirit,” this name would be fitting for a horse with a fierce and determined personality.
- Amadeus – Meaning “love of God,” this name would be fitting for a horse that is gentle and loving.
- Arion – Named after the immortal horse that could run faster than the wind, this name would be perfect for a horse with lightning speed.
- Atalanta – Named after the swift-footed heroine who refused to marry unless a suitor could beat her in a footrace, this name would be perfect for a fast and competitive mare.
- Bellerophon – Named after the hero who tamed Pegasus and slayed the Chimera, this name would be fitting for a horse that is brave and adventurous.
- Iliad – Named after the epic poem by Homer, this name would be perfect for a horse with a heroic and epic presence.
Wrap Up
In conclusion, Ancient Greek horse names are not only beautiful but also carry deep meaning and significance. Whether you are looking for a name inspired by location, horse breed, popularity, or mythology, this list of 250 names has something for everyone. So whether you own a mighty stallion or a graceful mare, we hope this list has provided you with some inspiration for naming your horse. Remember, the name you choose for your horse will be a reflection of their personality and traits, so take your time and choose wisely.