220 Old Horse Names That'll Transport You to a Bygone Era!

Horses have been an important part of human civilization for centuries, serving as loyal companions, reliable transportation, and even powerful symbols of strength and beauty.

Throughout history, horses have also been given names that reflect their unique personalities, characteristics, and roles in society.

If you’re looking for a horse name that will transport you to a bygone era, look no further! We’ve compiled a list of 220 old horse names that inspire nostalgia and evoke the past.

These names range from classic to obscure, but all carry a sense of history and tradition. So saddle up and get ready for a journey through time with these old horse names.

Popular Classic Horse Names

Apollo – In Greek mythology, the god of music, poetry, and sun.
Bucephalus – The name of Alexander the Great’s famous war horse.
Cleopatra – A powerful queen in ancient Egypt.
Eclipse – A famous racehorse from the 18th century.
Hercules – A mythical hero known for his strength and courage.
Isadora – From the Greek name meaning “gift of Isis.”
Jupiter – The king of gods in Roman mythology.
Lancelot – The legendary knight of King Arthur’s Round Table.
Medusa – A monster in Greek mythology with snakes for hair.
Napoleon – A famous military leader and emperor of France.
Ophelia – A character in Shakespeare’s tragic play “Hamlet.”
Pegasus – The winged horse of Greek mythology.
Quicksilver – Another name for the element mercury, known for its speed.
Rasputin – A mystic and advisor to the Russian royal family.
Socrates – A renowned classical Greek philosopher.
Thor – The Norse god of thunder.
Ulysses – The Roman name for the Greek hero Odysseus.
Valkyrie – In Norse mythology, a warrior maiden who escorts heroes to Valhalla.
Xerxes – A Persian king known for his vast empire.
Yeats – Named after the famous Irish poet W.B. Yeats.
Zephyr – The Greek god of the west wind.
Alaric – The Gothic king who sacked Rome.
Boudica – The warrior queen of the Iceni tribe who led an uprising against Roman rule.
Charlemagne – The first Holy Roman Emperor.
Dante – The Italian poet known for “The Divine Comedy.”
Attila – The Hun leader who invaded the Roman Empire.
Brigid – The Celtic goddess of fire and poetry.
Calypso – A nymph in Greek mythology known for her singing voice.
Darius – A Persian king who expanded the empire’s borders.
Epona – The Gaulish goddess of horses and fertility.
Finvarra – In Irish mythology, the king of the fairy kingdom known for his love of horses.
Grendel – The monster from the epic poem “Beowulf.”
Hera – The queen of gods in Greek mythology.
Igraine – King Arthur’s mother in the legend of Camelot.
Janus – The Roman god of beginnings and endings, often depicted with two faces looking in opposite directions.
Kelpie – In Scottish folklore, a shape-shifting water spirit who can take the form of a horse.
Lysander – A Spartan general who played a pivotal role in the Peloponnesian War.
Minerva – The Roman goddess of wisdom and war.
Nimue – In Arthurian legend, the Lady of the Lake who gave Excalibur to King Arthur.
Odin – The chief god in Norse mythology.

Mythological Old Horse Names

The realm of mythology has long been a rich source of inspiration for old horse names, offering a blend of power, mystery, and legendary status.

These classic names often evoke images of divine steeds and heroic mounts, adding grandeur to any horse.

Pegasus – The winged horse of Greek mythology, symbolizing freedom and poetic inspiration.
Sleipnir – Odin’s eight-legged horse in Norse mythology, symbolizing speed and mystical travel.
Bucephalus – The famous war horse of Alexander the Great, embodying strength and loyalty.
Epona – The Celtic goddess of horses, signifying protection and fertility.
Arion – A divinely-bred, extremely swift horse in Greek mythology, gifted with speech.
Xanthus – One of Achilles’ immortal horses in Greek mythology, known for its prophetic abilities.
Balius – The other immortal horse of Achilles, symbolizing swiftness and endurance.
Chiron – Though technically a centaur, this name symbolizes wisdom and mentorship.
Kelpie – A shape-shifting water spirit from Scottish folklore, often appearing as a horse.
Hippocampus – A legendary sea horse with a fish’s lower body and a horse’s upper body.
Sleipnir – Odin’s eight-legged horse in Norse mythology, symbolizing speed and travel.
Unicorn – A mythical creature with the body of a horse and a single horn on its forehead, associated with purity and grace.
Chimera – This name references the fire-breathing hybrid from Greek mythology, typically depicted with a lion’s head, goat’s body, and serpent’s tail.
Achilles – The famed Greek hero who rode immortal horses into battle during the Trojan War.
Phoenix – A mythical bird that rises from its own ashes, symbolizing rebirth and immortality.
Sleipnir – Odin’s eight-legged horse in Norse mythology, famed for its speed and agility.
Aristaeus – In Greek mythology, this god of beekeeping was often depicted riding a golden chariot pulled by four swift horses.
Gryphon – This name refers to the legendary creature with the body of a lion and the head of an eagle, representing strength and vigilance.
Pegasus – The winged horse of Greek mythology, symbolizing freedom and poetic inspiration.
Bucephalus – The famous war horse of Alexander the Great, embodying strength and loyalty.
Helios – In Greek mythology, this god rode a chariot drawn by four horses across the sky, bringing light to the world.
Hippogriff – A creature with the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a horse, known for its speed and intelligence.
Marengo – This name references Napoleon Bonaparte’s beloved white Arabian stallion, known for its bravery and endurance in battle.
Thorondor – In J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth mythology, this name refers to the King of Eagles who helps Gandalf rescue the dwarves from goblins.
Hippocampus – A legendary sea horse with a fish’s lower body and a horse’s upper body.

Old Horse Names Inspired By Nature’s Nobility

The natural world has always been a wellspring of inspiration for many classic horse names.

These monikers often reflect the beauty, power, and grace of the equine form, drawing parallels with elements of nature that mirror these qualities.

Thunder – A name embodying the powerful, rumbling sound reminiscent of a horse’s gallop.
Willow – Representing grace and flexibility, perfect for a horse with a flowing mane and gentle disposition.
Storm – Ideal for a horse with a fiery temperament or striking dark coat.
Maple – A name evoking the strength and beauty of the maple tree, suitable for a chestnut-colored horse.
Zephyr – The gentle west wind in Greek mythology, fitting for a swift and graceful steed.
Aurora – Symbolizing the dawn and new beginnings, perfect for a horse with a radiant presence.
Frost – A name suggesting a cool, composed demeanor or a horse with a white or gray coat.
Ember – Perfect for a fiery horse or one with a reddish coat, this picture is reminiscent of flaming embers.
Meadow – Representing open spaces and freedom, suitable for a horse that loves to run.
Sierra – A name inspired by mountain ranges, fitting for a strong and majestic horse.
Solstice – A name referencing the longest and shortest days of the year, symbolizing balance and harmony.
Echo – This name evokes a sense of mystery and beauty, perfect for a horse with an enigmatic personality.
Canyon – Ideal for a horse that loves to explore and traverse rugged terrain.
Dawn – Symbolizing new beginnings and hope, fitting for a horse that brings light into your life.
Savannah – A name inspired by vast grasslands, perfect for a horse with a steady gait and gentle temperament.
Falcon – A name representing speed, agility, and fierce bravery, suitable for a horse with these qualities.
Avalanche – This powerful name suggests a force of nature and is fitting for a horse with immense strength and energy.
River – Perfect for a horse that loves to wade in streams or has a fluid and graceful movement.
Nightshade – Representing dark beauty and mystery, this name is ideal for a black or dark-colored horse.
Majesty – A name befitting a regal and distinguished horse, conveying a sense of awe and reverence.
Cascade – This name evokes the image of a breathtaking waterfall, fitting for a horse with an elegant appearance.
Blaze – Suitable for a horse with a fiery personality or distinctive markings on its face.
Sapphire – A name referencing the precious gemstone and its deep blue color, perfect for a horse with striking eyes.
Fjord – Inspired by the majestic Norwegian landscape, this name suits a strong, hardy horse.
Asteria – The Greek goddess of the stars and nocturnal oracles, perfect for a horse with a mysterious and ethereal presence.

Old Horse Names Inspired By Historical Heroes

Throughout history, horses have played crucial roles in shaping human civilization.

Names inspired by famous historical horses or figures associated with equestrianism can lend a sense of gravitas and legacy to a horse.

Marengo – Napoleon Bonaparte’s famous white stallion, symbolizing courage and endurance.
Copenhagen – The Duke of Wellington’s mount at the Battle of Waterloo, representing reliability and strength.
Traveler – The loyal horse of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, embodying steadfastness.
Comanche – The only survivor of the Battle of Little Bighorn, known for his resilience.
Incitatus – The favorite horse of Roman Emperor Caligula, symbolizing extravagance and power.
Boxer – While from literature (Animal Farm), this name represents the hardworking spirit of farm horses throughout history.
Chetak – The legendary horse of Maharana Pratap, known for its unwavering loyalty.
Cincinnati – Ulysses S. Grant’s favorite horse during the American Civil War, symbolizing dependability.
Sergeant Reckless – A decorated war horse from the Korean War, representing bravery and service.
Nelson – One of Napoleon’s most famous horses, named after Admiral Nelson.
Bucephalus – Alexander the Great’s legendary war horse, embodying strength and loyalty.
Blackie – A famous racehorse in the early 1900s, known for its speed and endurance.
Pegasus – The winged horse from Greek mythology, symbolizing freedom and imagination.
Phar Lap – One of Australia’s most beloved racehorses, representing determination and perseverance.
Marengo II – Winston Churchill’s mount during World War II, evoking a sense of resilience and leadership.
Seabiscuit – A Depression-era racehorse, known for overcoming adversity and rising to fame.
Rebel – The horse ridden by Confederate General Stonewall Jackson, symbolizing rebellion and bravery.
Bullseye – The beloved toy horse from Toy Story, representing childhood nostalgia and companionship.
Hidalgo – An American mustang that competed in long-distance races in the early 1900s, embodying endurance and determination.
Fury – The famous black stallion from the TV show of the same name, representing strength and speed.
Secretariat – One of the greatest racehorses in American history, embodying excellence and determination.
Paul Revere – The horse that famously warned of the British invasion during the American Revolution, symbolizing bravery and sacrifice.
Brego – The faithful steed of Aragorn from Lord of the Rings, representing loyalty and courage.
Man o’ War – A legendary racehorse from the 1920s, known for its dominance on the track and fiery spirit.
Copperbottom – From the animated film Robots, this name evokes a sense of strength and resilience.

Literary Legends Old Horse Names

Literature has gifted us with many memorable equine characters, whose names have become synonymous with certain qualities or adventures.

These names can imbue a horse with a sense of story and character.

Rocinante – Don Quixote’s faithful steed, symbolizes loyalty and perseverance despite limitations.
Black Beauty – The titular character of Anna Sewell’s novel, representing kindness and resilience.
Shadowfax – In J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings,” the horse that rules all horses represents both speed and grandeur.
Gringolet – Sir Gawain’s horse in Arthurian legend, symbolizing chivalry and adventure.
Bree – The talking horse from C.S. Lewis’s “The Horse and His Boy,” representing wisdom and freedom.
Artax – Atreyu’s horse in “The Neverending Story,” symbolizing deep friendship and sacrifice.
Fru-Fru – Anna Karenina’s mare in Leo Tolstoy’s novel, representing grace and aristocratic refinement.
Modestine – The donkey in Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes,” symbolizing patience and endurance.
Pilgrim – The horse from Nicholas Evans’ “The Horse Whisperer,” represents healing and transformation.
Joey – The war horse from Michael Morpurgo’s “War Horse,” symbolizing courage and survival.
Hwin – The talking mare from C.S. Lewis’ “The Horse and His Boy,” symbolizing intelligence and wit.
Gulliver – From Jonathan Swift’s “Gulliver’s Travels,” this name represents adventure and exploration.
Bayard – Rinaldo’s magical horse in the Italian epic poem “Orlando Furioso,” representing strength and loyalty.
Rosinante – In Miguel de Cervantes’ “Don Quixote,” this is the name of another horse ridden by a different character, symbolizing independence and free spirit.
Binky – The skeletal horse from Terry Pratchett’s “Discworld” series, representing humor and irreverence.
Nag – From George Orwell’s “Animal Farm,” this name represents stubbornness and resistance.
Ginger – One of the horses in Anna Sewell’s “Black Beauty,” symbolizing rebellion and strength in the face of adversity.
Billie – In the book “Wild Horse Running” by Sam Savitt, this is the name of a wild American mustang, representing freedom and wild spirit.
Cinnamon – A beloved horse from Marguerite Henry’s “Misty of Chincoteague,” symbolizing determination and resilience.
Hidalgo – In Frank T. Hopkins’ novel, “The Mustangs,” this is the name of a wild mustang representing endurance and survival in the American West.
Pilgrim – From Elizabeth Goudge’s “The Little White Horse,” this name represents a journey towards self-discovery and courage.
Jupiter – The war horse who becomes the main character in K.M. Peyton’s “Flambards” series, symbolizing strength and transformation.

Horse Names Inspired By Celestial Charm

The vast night sky has long inspired names for horses, evoking wonder and limitless potential.

Nova – A name symbolizing a bright new star, perfect for a horse with a radiant personality.
Orion – Inspired by the well-known constellation, perfect for a strong, commanding horse.
Vega – One of the stars in the night sky that shines the brightest, perfect for a horse with a dazzling personality.
Eclipse – A name with historical significance, inspired by the undefeated 18th-century racehorse.
Nebula – Evoking images of colorful cosmic clouds, fitting for a horse with a dreamy disposition.
Comet – Representing brightness and speed, perfect for a quick and striking horse.
Luna – A horse with a soft, radiant demeanor would look great in this moon-inspired outfit.
Sirius – Appropriate for a horse that makes an impression, named after the brightest star in the night sky.
Lyra – A lovely and melodic horse, befitting the little constellation.
Phoenix – A horse with a fiery energy, symbolizing rebirth and regeneration.
Galaxy – Perfect for a horse that is out of this world, just like our own galaxy.
Aurora – Inspired by the beautiful Northern and Southern Lights, fitting for a horse with a mystical aura.
Eclipse – A name with historical significance, inspired by the undefeated 18th-century racehorse.
Nova – A name symbolizing a bright new star, perfect for a horse with a radiant personality.
Gemini –Perfect for a pair of horses or one who embodies duality and balance.
Saturn – Named after the ringed planet, fitting for a majestic and elegant horse.
Celeste – Meaning “heavenly” or “of the sky”, perfect for a graceful and ethereal horse.
Cosmo – Short for cosmos, representing the universe as a whole and perfect for an all-encompassing and impressive horse.
Astra – Latin for “star,” ideal for a shining and radiant horse.
Andromeda – Named after the beautiful galaxy, suitable for a horse with stunning features and endless charm.
Stellar – This name signifies a celestial body, fitting for an exceptional and magnificent horse.
Pleiades – Inspired by the star cluster, great for a horse that shines brightly even among a group.
Cassiopeia – Named after the prominent W-shaped constellation, ideal for a horse with a unique and captivating presence.
Aries – Named after the first sign of the zodiac, perfect for a bold and confident horse.
Jupiter – A powerful and regal name inspired by the largest planet in our solar system, fitting for a majestic horse.

Old Regal Horse Names

Since horses have historically been connected to aristocracy and monarchy, aristocratic names are a common option. These names may give any horse a sense of honor and significance.

Duke – A noble title, suitable for a horse with a proud and dignified bearing.
Duchess – The feminine counterpart to Duke, perfect for a mare with elegance and grace.
Sultan – A name signifying leadership and power, ideal for a commanding stallion.
Empress – Evoking images of royal refinement, fitting for a mare with a majestic presence.
Baron – A title of nobility, suitable for a horse with a distinguished appearance.
Countess – Representing aristocratic charm, perfect for a mare with refined manners.
Prince – A name symbolizing noble lineage, ideal for a young stallion with potential.
Queen – Signifying regal authority, fitting for a mare who rules the stable.
Marquis – A title of European nobility, suitable for a horse with a sophisticated air.
Czar – Derived from Caesar, this name represents ultimate authority and power.
Viscountess – A title of nobility, perfect for a mare with grace and elegance.
King – Signifying ultimate sovereignty, ideal for a stallion who rules the herd.
Earl – A noble title, fitting for a horse with an air of refinement and prestige.
Marchioness – Similar to Marquis, this name is suitable for a mare with regal sophistication.
Lord – A term used to address those of high rank, perfect for a commanding and powerful horse.
Lady – The feminine counterpart to Lord, ideal for a mare with poise and grace.
Archduke – A title given to the highest-ranking nobles, fitting for a horse with great leadership qualities.
Archduchess – The feminine version of Archduke, suitable for a mare with noble demeanor.
Viscount – Signifying a lower rank of nobility, perfect for a horse with distinguished features.
Monarch – A name representing royalty and sovereignty, ideal for a horse with an air of authority.
Dame – A term used to address a woman in a position of honor, suitable for a mare with grace and dignity.
Noble – A term referring to those of high social rank, fitting for a horse with grandeur and distinction.

Old Horse Names Based on Virtuous Victors

Names that embody admirable qualities or virtues have always been popular for horses. These names can reflect the owner’s aspirations or the horse’s innate characteristics.

Valor – A name symbolizing bravery and courage, ideal for a fearless horse.
Grace – Representing elegance and poise, perfect for a horse with fluid movements.
Honor – Signifying integrity and noble character, suitable for a trustworthy steed.
Liberty – Evoking freedom and independence, fitting for a spirited horse.
Justice – A name representing fairness and righteousness, ideal for a balanced temperament.
Mercy – Symbolizing compassion and kindness, suitable for a gentle-natured horse.
Prudence – Representing wisdom and good judgment, fitting for a careful and intelligent horse.
Faith – A name signifying trust and loyalty, perfect for a dependable companion.
Hope – Symbolizing optimism and aspiration, ideal for a horse that brings joy.
Harmony – Representing balance and accord, suitable for a horse that gets along well with others.
Victory – A name embodying success and triumph, fitting for a victorious horse.
Patience – Symbolizing endurance and composure, perfect for a calm and steady horse.
Noble – Signifying high moral principles, ideal for a horse with dignity and grace.
Gallant – Representing bravery and chivalry, suitable for a noble-spirited horse.
Justice – A name symbolizing fairness and righteousness, fitting for an honorable horse.
Liberty – Signifying freedom and independence, suitable for a spirited and free-spirited horse.
Valor – A name embodying courage and bravery, ideal for a fearless and daring horse.
Victory – Representing triumph and success, fitting for a competitive and determined horse.
Justice – Symbolizing fairness and righteousness, perfect for an honorable and just horse.
Faithful – A name signifying loyalty and devotion, suitable for a faithful companion.
Humble – Representing modesty and humbleness, ideal for a down-to-earth horse.
Loyal – A name embodying trust and steadfastness, fitting for a reliable horse.
Magnificent – Signifying grandeur and splendor, perfect for an impressive and majestic horse.
Nimble – A name representing agility and quickness, suitable for an athletic horse.
Resilient – Symbolizing toughness and perseverance, perfect for a horse that overcomes challenges.

Old Horse Names by Colors and Traits

Horses come in a variety of colors and have unique physical traits, making them a popular source for names.

Midnight – A name signifying the color black, ideal for a dark-coated horse.
Chestnut – Referring to the reddish-brown coat color, suitable for a warm-hearted horse.
Snowflake – A name representing white spots on the coat, fitting for an eye-catching horse.
Dappled – A coat pattern of darker spots on a lighter base, giving a unique look to a horse.
Golden – A name embodying the color gold, suitable for a special and valuable horse.
Pearl – Symbolizing elegance and beauty, perfect for a graceful and refined horse.
Sapphire – A name evoking the deep blue gemstone, ideal for an intelligent and loyal horse.
Blaze – Ideal for a horse with a distinctive white marking on its face.
Rusty – Suitable for a horse with a reddish-brown coat, reminiscent of rust.
Smokey – Perfect for a horse with a gray or dappled coat, evoking images of smoke.
Patches – Ideal for a pinto or any horse with a spotted coat.
Ginger – Suitable for a horse with a reddish-golden coat color.
Shadow – Perfect for a dark-colored horse or one with a mysterious air.
Copper – Ideal for a horse with a shiny, reddish-brown coat.
Silver – Suitable for a horse with a gray or white coat that shimmers in the light.
Onyx – Perfect for a horse with a sleek, black coat, named after the gemstone.
Pebbles – Ideal for a horse with a speckled or dappled coat, evoking images of rocks.
Hazel – Suitable for a horse with a light brown or hazel-colored coat.
Dusty – Perfect for a horse with a dusty or sand-colored coat.
Misty – Ideal for a horse with a gray or white coat, named after the misty weather phenomenon.
Cocoa – Suitable for a dark-brown colored horse, reminiscent of the delicious drink.
Sunny – Perfect for a horse with a bright, golden coat, symbolizing joy and warmth.
Majestic – Ideal for a horse that commands respect and admiration with its appearance.
Whiskey – Suitable for a horse with a rich, golden-brown coat color.
Marble – Ideal for a horse with unique, marble-like coat markings.

Conclusion

Choosing a name for a horse is a reflection of the bond between the owner and their steed, capturing the essence of their character, physical traits, and the legacy they continue.

These time-honored names, whether derived from virtuous qualities or distinctive colors and patterns, transport us to a bygone era, evoking a sense of nostalgia and connection to history.

Each name carries a story, embedding a sense of identity and pride in every call.

As you consider these 220 old horse names, whether for a gentle giant or a spirited companion, let them serve as a tribute to the timeless beauty and enduring spirit of these majestic creatures.

May these classic names inspire you to celebrate the rich traditions and noble heritage of horse naming, creating a legacy that will be cherished for generations to come.

Choose the perfect name for your equine friend and make it part of their legacy. The possibilities are endless! Don’t be afraid to get creative and pick a name that truly captures your horse’s essence.

220 Old Horse Names That’ll Transport You to a Bygone Era!