20 Legendary Names for Horses From Greek Mythology

The Power of Mythical Greek Horse Names

Horses are wonderful creatures, and each one deserves a name that fits its unique nature. One good place to look for names that are more than just pretty is in Greek mythology, which is filled with awe-inspiring gods, goddesses, titans, creatures, and spirits.

Each of these names is loaded with mythological significance. Take a look at the ideas below and see if anything jumps out at you as a potential fit for your new horse.

1. Aether

Aether is a primordial deity. The son of Erebus, the god of darkness, and Nyx, the goddess of night, Aether became the deity in charge of the rarified upper air in the skies (think "ether" and "ethereal"). This is the air the gods breathe; it is too fine and thin for mortal lungs. Unlike his parents, Aether strove to be a heroic role model. This name could be good for any horse that loves to run wild and free or who really enjoys jumping.

2. Alastor

Hades, the Greek god of the underworld, had a powerful black horse named Alastor who was one of the four horses that pulled his chariot when he charged out of the underworld to bring Persephone back to live with him.

This name would be an interesting option for an intimidating black stallion or gelding. He could be a sweetheart, but maybe when new people meet him, they’re too intimidated to recognize his sweetness ... or maybe he really only gets along with you. Either way, it’s a name with an interesting history.

3. Apollo

Apollo and his sister Artemis are two of the strongest gods in the Greek pantheon. Apollo is the god of many things, including music, truth, prophecy, light, the sun, healing, plagues, poetry, and more. Apollo is the patron of Delphi and cares deeply for the arts and medicine.

This name could work well for any horse with a kind, soothing nature. It might also work for paler horses (silver, white, palomino, etc.) since Apollo is often depicted as blonde, but I think any kind and steady stallion, gelding, or foal could wear this name well.

4. Ares

Ares, the son of Zeus and Hera, is the Greek god of war. Ares is all about the wild side of war and revels in charging headlong into battle regardless of what the outcome may be. Because of his wild nature, this name might be good for a powerful, headstrong horse who sometimes does not agree with you about where you're going or what you should be doing at any given moment. It would also work for a horse that tends to cause fights with other horses in the barn.

5. Arete

Arete is not a living being but rather an idea—a potential. Arete means “excellence of any kind.” It can also mean “moral virtue.” This word is not male or female; it simply indicates meeting one’s potential. This name would be fantastic for a foal born with real potential for greatness or a horse that you expect great things or exemplary behavior from.

6. Artemis

Artemis is the twin sister of Apollo and the daughter of Zeus and Leto. She is the goddess of the hunt, the wilderness, wild animals, virginity, and childbirth. The most popular images of her depict her carrying a bow and arrow. This wild name would be great for any free-spirited mare or foal or a female horse who isn’t afraid of anything.

7. Chaos

The Greeks thought chaos was the great void of nothingness that existed before the world began. Out of this chaos grew a primordial deity, also named Chaos, who came to rule it. This name would work for a horse of any sex who doesn’t like to keep to the rules and follow along. A horse with this name is a thinking person’s horse.

8. Chiron

In mythology, the Greek centaurs believed Chiron to be “the wisest and justest of all centaurs.” He was a famous tutor who taught Achilles when he was young. As Chiron grew older, he also became a respected healer and astrologer. He died by sacrificing himself to save the titan Prometheus.

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This name would be good to consider for any smart, caring horse who has the temperament to stay calm when others get flustered. It’s also a terrific name for a horse you think would defend you if you were threatened.

9. Corus

This Greek spirit presided over surfeit and disdain. Surfeit means having too much of something or causing someone else to have far too much of something to the point that they feel uncomfortable. This name would be good for any horse that really likes food and treats and indulges too much but turns their nose up at treats they don't like.

10. Hades

Hades, one of Zeus' brothers, is the god of wealth and the lord of the underworld. He has an enormous three-headed dog named Cerberus that guards the way in and out of the underworld. Hades can be a bitter and jealous lord—when he fell in love with Persephone, daughter of the harvest goddess Demeter, he tricked her into eating six pomegranate seeds while in the underworld so that she would have to spend six months per year there.

Hades would make a nice name for a horse who likes to take control or who gets jealous easily. It would also work well for a really powerful, intimidating stallion or gelding.

11. Helios

Helios is a god who is known as the personification of the sun. One of his sisters is the moon goddess, Sếlene, and the other is Eos, goddess of the dawn. Helios is a bright, vivacious individual who shines forth in the sky.

Consider giving this name to a light-colored horse or pony like a palomino, grey, silver, or even a roan. Of course, if your darker-colored horse or pony has a personality that just screams Helios, then go for it!

12. Hera

When it comes to goddesses, no one is more important than Hera. She is the wife and sister of Zeus, king of the gods. Hera is the goddess of childbirth, women, marriage, empires, kings, and heirs. She is a very regal woman, but she is also extremely jealous due to Zeus’ frequent infidelities.

Hera’s favorite animals are peacocks, cuckoos, and heifers. You could name any regal or haughty looking mare Hera. This name would also work well for a mare that enjoys time with cattle or chasing stallions and geldings away as if they’re getting in trouble and she’s calling them out on it.

13. Nemesis

Nemesis, the goddess of retribution, is particularly focused on people paying for acts of hubris, or overweening pride. Known as “the inescapable,” Nemesis is not a figure anyone wants to see coming up behind them.

This name would probably be good for a darker mare who knows how to move quietly and well. It would also work for a horse who knows how to bide her time and get back at someone for doing something she didn’t like.

14. Nike

Nike is the classic winged goddess of victory. In Roman mythology, she is called Victoria. This name is perfect for any horse or pony you plan on competing with, be it in show jumping, barrel racing, or some other sport.

15. Nyx

Nyx, the goddess of night, stood at the dawn of creation and became a mother figure to Thanatos (death) and Hypnos (sleep). Nyx is a very mysterious figure in Greek mythology, but it is clear that she is exceptionally beautiful and so powerful that even Zeus is afraid of her. Nyx would be a wonderful name for a black, dark brown, or bay mare with a calm, strong personality.

16. Persephone

Persephone is the beloved daughter of Demeter, goddess of the Harvest, and Zeus, king of the gods. Persephone is the goddess of spring growth and is said to have been tricked or captured by Hades, lord of the underworld. While she was in the underworld, she grew hungry and ate six pomegranate seeds. Eating in the world of the dead bound her there permanently, but only for six months a year—one month for each seed she ate.

The world is said to enter autumn and then winter as Demeter grieves her daughter’s time in the Underworld. The world then bursts into flowers in the spring when Persephone returns. This name could work for almost any mare or foal, especially one who can remain hopeful even in very dark times or who really loves the springtime.

17. Perses

Although scholars aren’t entirely sure what this name means, they believe that Perses is the titan of destruction. With such a wicked, damaging theme, this name might be good for a horse that likes to fight, tends to bite, or has other dangerous qualities.

18. Sếlene

Sếlene is a titan and the goddess of the moon. She has a delicate moon chariot that she drives across the nightly skies, and she is said to have many lovers. Sếlene might make a good name for any lovely mare or foal meant for breeding or for any pretty mare who enjoys flirting or a good run in the fields at night.

19. Sterope

Sterope was one of the Pleiades, the seven daughters of the massively strong titan, Atlas. The Pleiades were also the goddess Artemis’ companions. Eventually, the Pleiades are said to have gone into the sky and become a constellation.

Sterope could work for any bright-spirited mare, but it might work particularly well for a horse with a white star or blaze, white socks or stockings, or roan or appaloosa markings—all of which might remind one of the Pleiades constellation in the sky.

20. Zeus

Ruler of Mount Olympus and king of the gods; god of thunder, lightning, sky, weather, law, order, and justice; Zeus is a strong, regal figure who often carries lightning bolts. He is usually depicted with a black beard and pale skin. Any male horse that likes to be a leader could carry this name, but it would also work for a black or black and white horse. Finally, think of this name for a horse that actually gets excited about lightning.

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© 2018 Teeuwynn Woodruff

Comments

Zeus on January 09, 2020:

Thanks

Apollo on October 26, 2019:

I loved this it helped me alot