Horse Names

  1. Baby
    • Origin:

      English word name, diminutive of Barbara, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "foreign woman"
    • Description:

      Baby is rarely seen as a given name — or even nickname — these days, although it did rank in the Top 1000 from 1989 to 2003. These instances can be accounted for in two ways. Firstly, infants whose birth certificates are not filled out on time are given generic placeholders for registration, such as Infant, Unknown, or Baby. But more influential during this decade was the 1987 movie Dirty Dancing, starring Jennifer Grey as Frances "Baby" Houseman. It's the origin of the famed line, "Nobody puts Baby in a corner."
  2. Trigger
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "releasing device; to initiate"
    • Description:

      This name might be too, well, triggering.
  3. Hamlet
    • Origin:

      Anglicized form of Danish, Amleth
    • Description:

      The "To Be or Not to Be" jokes, via Shakespeare's tortured prince, will get old by Month Two.
  4. Eachann
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "keeper of horses; brown horse"
    • Description:

      Authentic Gaelic name with pronunciation problems in the US. In Scotland Eachann has been anglicized as Hector, not because of its sound, but because the Trojan hero Hector had the reputation as a mighty horseman.
  5. Chevy
    • Origin:

      French, diminutive of Chevalier
    • Meaning:

      "horseman, knight"
    • Description:

      Eternally tied to the surname Chase, via the old English battle and ballad, the DC suburb, and the goofy SNL pratfaller (who was born Cornelius). It entered the US Top 1000 in 2014.
  6. Fergie
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Fergus
    • Description:

      One Fergie was an aberration. But two women with that nickname -- the duchess and the Black Eyed Pea -- might make a trend.
  7. Starlight
    • Description:

      Starlight is a modern feminine name that falls into the category of word names or nature names. Unlike traditional names with historical roots, Starlight emerged as an English vocabulary word name, literally referring to the light that comes from stars. The name evokes images of night skies, celestial beauty, and natural wonder. It first appeared as a given name in the late 20th century during the rise of unique nature-inspired names. Starlight carries connotations of brightness, hope, guidance, and ethereal beauty. Though relatively uncommon as a legal name, it has appeal among parents seeking names with clear meaning and poetic imagery. The name has connections to various spiritual traditions that view stars as symbols of divine light or cosmic energy.

  8. Diablo
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "devil"
    • Description:

      Diablo Cody, self-named (she's really Brook Busey) screenwriter of Juno, singlehandedly helped popularize not just her heroine's name and her own but all o-ending names for girls. You don't need us to tell you that it takes a brave parent, in every way, to name a baby Diablo. Diablo is one of the Spanish baby names that diverges furthest from the well-paved camino.
  9. Pistol
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      Pistol is one of the new names that entered the lexicon in the US in 2013, when it was given to nine babies of each gender, though last year the trend had subsided and it was given to zero babies. Call it an equal-opportunity badass baby name with an unfortunately violent image.
  10. Casanova
    • Origin:

      Catalan and Italian surname
    • Meaning:

      "new house"
    • Description:

      Sweeping, romantic overtones.
  11. Morningstar
    • Origin:

      English from German
    • Meaning:

      "morning star"
    • Description:

      As a name, Morningstar is the English translation of Morgenstern, a German-Jewish surname. The planet Venus is called Morningstar when it is visible before sunrise.
  12. Jocko
    • Description:

      Jocko is a masculine name that originated as a diminutive form of 'Jack' or 'John.' It has Scottish roots, where it developed as an affectionate nickname. The name carries a playful, energetic quality and has occasionally been used as a nickname for athletes or performers. Jocko has never been widely popular as a formal given name in most English-speaking countries, remaining instead in the realm of nicknames or informal appellations. The name has sporadic usage in Scotland and other parts of the United Kingdom. It has a distinctive, somewhat whimsical character that sets it apart from more conventional names, appealing to parents looking for something with a light-hearted, friendly quality.
  13. Nutmeg
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "musk nut"
    • Description:

      Aromatic spice used in cooking, and a cute route to Meg, Nutmeg is predominantly used on pets rather than humans.
  14. Brownie
    • Description:

      Brownie is an uncommon feminine name derived from the English word for the small chocolate dessert or from the color brown. As a name, it has a sweet, endearing quality with a touch of whimsy and nostalgia. While not commonly used as a formal given name, Brownie may appear as a nickname for someone with brown hair or eyes, or someone who enjoys baking or eating the dessert. In folk traditions, 'brownies' were helpful household spirits in Scottish folklore, adding a touch of magical association. The name has an informal, affectionate quality that some parents might choose for its uniqueness and warm associations. Though rare in official records, Brownie might be used as a middle name or a distinctive first name for parents seeking something unconventional with friendly, comforting connotations.

  15. Knight
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      " a mounted man-at-arms serving a feudal superior"
    • Description:

      Knight (as opposed to Night) is a name clad in shiny armor. This high-ranking word name was introduced by singers Kelis and Nas. Knight might join brothers King, Royal, and Noble in a new definition of royal baby names.
  16. Amerigo
    • Description:

      Amerigo is a masculine Italian name best known through the explorer Amerigo Vespucci, for whom the Americas were named. Derived from Germanic elements, likely 'Amalric' or 'Emmerich,' combining words meaning 'work,' 'power,' or 'ruler' with 'rich' or 'mighty.' This gives Amerigo the impressive meaning of 'work-ruler' or 'powerful leader.' The name has remained consistently used in Italy but is quite rare elsewhere. It carries a strong historical resonance due to its connection with the naming of two continents. The rhythmic four-syllable pronunciation (ah-meh-REE-go) has a melodious Italian flair. For parents seeking a name with historical significance, continental connections, and Italian heritage, Amerigo offers a distinguished option with built-in geographical and historical importance.

  17. Sparkle
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "shine brightly"
    • Description:

      Over-the-top glitzy. Sparkle debuted in 1976 and peaked in 1979 when it was given to 124 baby girls. Since then, it has only been given to a small handful of girls most years in the US. Pretty Amaryllis, Swedish Tindra, and Greek Maira all have sparkly meanings, while Sparky feels closer to Sparkle but more in line with the likes of Ziggy, Goldie, and Stevie.
  18. Bronco
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "rough, unbroken horse"
    • Description:

      For the parent who might also have Buck and Ryder on his list.
  19. Chico
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "boy"
    • Description:

      Friendly but flimsy.
  20. Aideen
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "jealousy"
    • Description:

      A name possibly derived from Etain, an ancient Irish sun and horse goddess whose name is still used. Adina is a related choice.