222 Striking Buckskin Horse Names for Your Equine Companion

The buckskin horse, with its distinctive golden coat and black points, has long captured the imagination of horse lovers around the world.

These stunning equines, characterized by their tan or gold body color and black mane, tail, and lower legs, are not only visually striking but also steeped in history and legend.

When it comes to naming these golden beauties, owners often draw inspiration from the horse’s unique coloration, Wild West heritage, and the qualities that make buckskins so special.

In this article, we’ll explore buckskin horse names, covering various categories and offering plenty of inspiration for those fortunate to own one of these magnificent animals.

Understanding the Buckskin Coat

Before we dive into name ideas, it’s essential to understand what makes a buckskin horse unique.

The buckskin color is a result of the cream dilution gene acting on a bay base coat. This genetic combination produces the characteristic golden body with black points.

The shade can range from light cream to deep gold, sometimes with dapples or tone variations.

This distinctive coloration has made buckskins popular in various equestrian disciplines and has also cemented their place in popular culture, particularly in Western movies and literature.

Color-Inspired Buckskin Horse Names

Many owners choose names that directly reference the horse’s golden coat. These names can be straightforward or more poetic:

Goldie – Inspired by the color of gold.
Amber – A warm, yellow-orange hue often seen in fossilized resin.
Honey – A sweet, golden-brown color similar to honey.
Butterscotch – A rich, creamy caramel shade reminiscent of the candy.
Caramel – A warm, brownish-gold color like the caramel confection.
Nugget – Suggestive of a small piece of gold.
Sundance – Evokes the bright, glowing colors of a sunny dance.
Gilded – Refers to something covered in a thin layer of gold.
Topaz – A gemstone that comes in a range of yellow to brown colors.
Saffron – A vibrant, golden-yellow spice.
Marigold – A bright yellow-orange flower.
Dune – Inspired by the golden sands of a desert.
Sandy – Reflects the light color of beach sand.
Sahara – Named after the expansive desert, evoking golden sand.
Champagne – A pale, creamy golden color, like the sparkling wine.
Sunbeam – The warm, bright rays of the sun.
Tawny – A warm, tan color.
Biscuit – A light, golden-brown shade similar to baked goods.
Tawny – A repeat of the warm, tan color.
Maple – A warm, golden-brown color like maple syrup.
Sparkle – Suggests a bright, glittery golden hue.
Blondie – A light, golden-yellow color, often associated with hair.
Glimmer – Suggests a subtle shine or shimmer in a golden tone.
Sunset – The rich, warm colors seen at sunset.
Solar – Evokes the bright and radiant color of the sun.

Western and Cowboy Themed Names

Given the buckskin’s association with the American West, names inspired by cowboy culture and frontier life are particularly fitting:

Maverick – Independent and nonconformist, just like the wild west.
Wyatt – A classic cowboy name, inspired by Wyatt Earp, the famous lawman.
Colt – Evoking the spirit of the untamed frontier.
Bronco – Symbolizes a wild, unbroken horse.
Stetson – Named after the iconic cowboy hat brand.
Lasso – A staple tool of the cowboy lifestyle.
Ranger – Represents a guardian of the open range.
Cody – Inspired by Buffalo Bill Cody, a legendary figure of the old west.
Tex – Short for Texas, the heart of cowboy country.
Dakota – A name tied to the vast plains and Native American heritage.
Cheyenne – Reflecting the rugged beauty of the western plains.
Oakley – Inspired by Annie Oakley, the sharpshooter and western legend.
Reno – Associated with the vibrant, adventurous spirit of Nevada.
Sierra – Named after the Sierra Nevada mountain range, embodying natural beauty and strength.
Zorro – Inspired by the legendary masked vigilante of the west.
Rodeo – Reflects the cowboy sport and lifestyle.
Bandit – Suggestive of outlaws and renegades from Western lore.
Dusty – Evokes images of dusty trails and open plains.
Wrangler – Another term for a cowboy or herder.
Outlaw – Fits with the rebellious spirit of the Wild West.
Sheriff – Represents law and order in frontier towns.
Buckaroo – A term for a cowboy.
Gunslinger – Refers to the iconic figures skilled with firearms in Western tales.
Tumbleweed – Evokes the rolling plants often seen in Western landscapes.
Mustang – Inspired by the wild horses of the American West.

Names for Buckskin Mares

For female buckskins, owners can choose names that reflect their beauty, grace, and femininity:

Belle – Meaning “beautiful” in French.
Duchess – Reflecting a regal and elegant nature.
Serenity – Evoking a calm and serene presence.
Grace – A name representing elegance and poise.
Nova – Meaning “new” or “young,” reflecting the energetic spirit of a filly.
Willow – Named after the graceful tree with long, flowing branches.
Aurora – Inspired by the stunning natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights.
Luna – Meaning “moon” in Latin, representing femininity and beauty.
Dawn – Suggesting a new beginning or fresh start.
Ginger – Referring to a warm, golden-brown spice.
Phoenix – A name that represents strength, rebirth, and beauty.
Empress – Reflecting power and authority.
Whisper – Evoking a soft and gentle presence.
Fiona– Meaning “fair” or “blonde,” fitting for a buckskin mare.
Sasha – A name meaning “defender of mankind,” representing a strong and protective nature.
Mercedes – Named after the Spanish word for “grace” or “mercy.”
Cleo – Short for Cleopatra, representing elegance and beauty.
Echo – Suggesting a soft voice or gentle sound.
Sienna – A warm, golden-brown color often associated with buckskins.
Spirit – Reflecting a free-spirited and wild nature.
Rose – A classic and elegant name for a mare.
Aria – Meaning “air” or “song,” representing grace and beauty.
Hazel – Referring to the warm, golden-brown color of hazelnuts.
Majesty – Reflecting a majestic presence.
Fawn – Suggestive of a young doe, often associated with grace and delicacy.

Legendary Buckskin Horse Names

Some owners may choose to name their horse after famous buckskins from history or legend:

Trigger (Roy Rogers’ horse)
Buck (from the novel and film “The Call of the Wild”)
Spirit (from the animated film “Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron”)
Buttermilk (Dale Evans’ horse)
Buckshot (Gene Autry’s horse)
Joker (Hopalong Cassidy’s horse)
Hidalgo (from the film “Hidalgo,” based on a true story)
Silver (The Lone Ranger’s horse)
Tony (from the television series “Fury”)
Scout (Tonto’s horse from “The Lone Ranger” TV show and film)
Pocahontas (a famous buckskin mare that belonged to President Thomas Jefferson)
Little Sorrel (Stonewall Jackson’s beloved horse during the Civil War)
Comanche (General George Custer’s mount during the Battle of Little Bighorn)
Cochise (famous buckskin horse belonging to Apache leader Cochise)
White Feller (Chief Joseph’s prized mount in the Nez Perce War)
Hoka Hey (a legendary buckskin war horse from Native American lore)
Snip (from the film “The Black Stallion”)
Cloud (from the PBS nature documentary “Cloud: Wild Stallion of the Rockies”)
Shoshone (Sacagawea’s buckskin horse during Lewis and Clark’s expedition)
Traveler (General Robert E. Lee’s beloved gray horse during the Civil War).

Nature-Inspired Buckskin Horse Names

The buckskin’s coloration often evokes images of natural landscapes and elements, making nature-themed names a popular choice:

Canyon – Strong and rugged, perfect for a powerful and resilient horse.
Mesa – Ideal for a sturdy, dependable horse with a solid build.
Dusty – Suits a horse with a light, sandy-colored coat.
Sage – Best for a wise and calm horse with a gentle nature.
Tumbleweed – Fits a spirited, free-spirited horse that loves to roam.
Cactus – Great for a tough, enduring horse that can handle harsh conditions.
Prairie – Perfect for a horse that enjoys wide open spaces and freedom.
Chinook – Ideal for a swift, wind-like horse with a fast pace.
Blaze – Suits a horse with a fiery spirit and a bold presence.
River – Fits a smooth, graceful horse that moves with fluidity.
Sky – Perfect for a horse with a calm, serene demeanor.
Autumn – Suits a horse with a coat that has rich, warm colors.
Dawn – Ideal for a horse with a bright, hopeful presence.
Sunset – Great for a horse with a beautiful, striking appearance.
Sandstorm – Fits a fast, powerful horse with a forceful personality.
Stormy – Suits a horse with a wild, untamed spirit.
Willow – Perfect for a gentle, elegant horse with a graceful nature.
Sunset – Great for a horse with a beautiful, striking appearance.
Meadow – Ideal for a peaceful horse that enjoys calm, grassy fields.
Sierra – Suits a strong, majestic horse with a commanding presence.

Mythological and Celestial Names

The buckskin’s golden coat can inspire names from mythology and celestial bodies:

Apollo (Greek god of the sun)
Helios (Greek personification of the sun)
Sol (Latin name for the sun)
Phoenix (mythical bird reborn from ashes)
Orion (hunter constellation)
Luna (moon goddess)
Astra (stars)
Soleil (French for sun)
Aurora (Roman goddess of dawn)
Zephyr (Greek god of the west wind)
Pegasus (winged horse from Greek mythology)
Atlas (Titan who held up the sky)
Celestial
Nova
Comet
Titan
Sirius (brightest star in the sky)
Selene (Greek goddess of the moon)
Vega (one of the brightest stars in the sky)
Galaxia (galaxy)
Andromeda (constellation named after a Greek princess)
Apollo’s Chariot (name of Apollo’s sun chariot in mythology)
Cassiopeia (constellation named after a queen in Greek mythology)
Orion’s Belt (group of three stars forming a belt on Orion constellation)
Halcyon (derived from the Greek myth of a bird with calming powers)
Hyperion (Titan god of light and heavenly wisdom)
Adhara (brightest star in Canis Major constellation)
Hespera (Goddess of evening and sunset in Greek mythology)
Perseus (Greek hero who slayed Medusa)
Vega’s Comet (named after the star Vega, known as a “wandering star” in ancient times)
Helia (derived from Helios, Greek god of the sun)

Personality-Based Names

Sometimes, the best name for a buckskin comes from observing its unique personality traits:

Whisper (for a quiet, gentle horse)
Rascal (for a playful troublemaker)
Shadow (for a horse that likes to follow its owner closely)
Breeze (for a swift, graceful runner)
Spitfire (for a spirited, energetic horse)
Sage (for a wise, calm demeanor)
Rebel (for a horse with a strong will)
Charm (for a horse with a winning personality)
Mystic (for a horse with an air of mystery)
Trooper (for a reliable, hardworking horse)
Diva (for a horse that loves attention)
Zen (for an exceptionally calm horse)
Flicker (for a horse with quick, darting movements)
Dreamer (for a horse with a gentle, faraway look)
Ace (for a horse that excels in its training)
Blaze (for a bold and confident horse)
Spirit (for a horse with an indomitable spirit)
Buckshot (for a wild and untamed horse)
Wonder (for a strikingly beautiful and impressive horse)
Harmony (for a well-behaved and balanced horse)
Maverick (for a free-spirited, independent horse)
Dazzle (for a flashy, eye-catching horse)
Zenith (a name meaning “highest point” for an exceptional and accomplished horse)
Noble (a regal name for a horse with grace and dignity)
Whirlwind (for an energetic, whirlwind of a horse)
Courage (for a brave and fearless horse)
Harmony (for a well-behaved and balanced horse)
Blaze (for a fiery and spirited horse)
Serenity (for a peaceful and calm horse)
Mystique (for a mysterious and alluring horse)
Champion (for a winning and competitive horse)
Wildfire (for an untamed, fiery spirit)
Sparkle (for an energetic and dazzling personality)

Literary and Pop Culture References

Book lovers and pop culture enthusiasts might draw inspiration from literature, movies, or television:

Rocinante (Don Quixote’s horse)
Shadowfax (from “The Lord of the Rings”)
Artax (from “The Neverending Story”)
Flicka (from “My Friend Flicka”)
Hidalgo (from the movie of the same name)
Seabiscuit (famous racehorse and subject of a book and film)
Bucephalus (Alexander the Great’s horse)
Silver (the Lone Ranger’s horse)
Tornado (Zorro’s horse)
Joey (from “War Horse”)
Pilgrim (from “The Horse Whisperer”)
Ginger (from “Black Beauty”)
Bullseye (Woody’s horse in “Toy Story”)
Maximus (from Disney’s “Tangled”)
Cisco (from “The Cisco Kid”)
Pegasus (from “Hercules”)
Black Beauty (the title character of the book and film)
Frou-Frou (Marie’s horse in Disney’s “The Aristocats”)
Black Stallion (from the book and film series)
Gandalf (from “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings”)
Shadowmere (horse mount in video game, “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim”)
Tempest (from Shakespeare’s play, “The Tempest”)
Silver Blaze (Sherlock Holmes story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
Snowball (from George Orwell’s “Animal Farm”)
Pegasus (flying horse from Greek mythology)
Bullseye (from the “Toy Story” franchise)
Rocinante (Don Quixote’s horse in Miguel de Cervantes’ novel)
Frou-Frou (Marie’s horse in Disney’s “The Aristocats”)
Tornado (Zorro’s horse in Johnston McCulley’s novels and adaptations)
Falada (princess’ talking horse in Grimm Brothers’ fairy tale, “The Goose Girl”)
Sleipnir (Odin’s eight-legged horse in Norse mythology)

Tough and Rugged Names

Buckskin horses, known for their commanding presence and muscular builds, inspire names that evoke power and endurance.

These names reflect the horse’s physical attributes and resilient spirit, highlighting their strength and the owner’s admiration.

Phoenix (symbol of rebirth)
Avalanche (powerful force of nature)
Titan (a godly figure in Greek mythology)
Blaze (flame or fire)
Thor (Norse god associated with strength and thunder)
Hercules (famed for his superhuman strength in Greek mythology)
Brutus (strong and powerful Roman statesman)
Steel (strong, durable metal)
Blizzard (a severe snowstorm that requires endurance to brave through)
Apollo (Greek god of music and poetry, associated with strength)
Legend (a mythical or heroic figure)
Flint (hard, tough rock)
Granite (dense, durable stone)
Thunderbolt (powerful electric discharge)
Warrior (brave and fierce fighter)
Rocket (swift, powerful vehicle)
Diesel (strong and efficient engine)
Tornado (intense and violent windstorm)
Bolt (fast and striking like lightning)
Atlas (Titan known for his strength in Greek mythology)
Maverick (independent and unconventional)
Rebel (one who resists authority)
Diesel (common name repeated, representing robustness and power)

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect name for your horse can be a fun and meaningful experience. Whether you look to their physical attributes, personality traits, or literary inspirations, there are many options to consider.

Remember that your horse’s name is a reflection of both them and yourself, so choose one that you both love and feel connected to.

With the right name, your horse will truly feel like a part of your family.

Keep in mind that these are just suggestions, and ultimately the best name for your horse is one that feels right for both of you. So take some time to get to know your horse and see what names come to mind.