Walden Farm and Ranch

Black Horse Names: A Comprehensive Guide to Naming Your Ebony Equine

In This Article

Black horses have long been admired for their striking beauty, powerful presence, and air of mystery. Naming a black horse is an opportunity to celebrate these unique qualities and create a lasting bond with your equine companion.

And sometimes you want a name for your black horse besides midnight.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the art of naming black horses, delving into popular choices, cultural influences, and creative inspiration from nature, mythology, and beyond.

The Significance of Black Horse Names

A horse's name is more than just a label; it's a reflection of their personality, appearance, and the connection you share. For black horses, names often evoke their rich, dark coat color, as well as the strength, elegance, and enigma associated with these majestic animals. Choosing the right name is a meaningful way to honor your horse's individual spirit and the long-standing cultural fascination with black horses.

Black Horse Names

Classic and Elegant Names for Black Mares

These classic and elegant names for black mares draw inspiration from the horse's stunning dark coat, evoking images of midnight skies, glossy materials, and mysterious creatures. Whether you prefer a timeless choice like Ebony or Midnight, or a more unique option like Pandora or Zircon, these names capture the grace, beauty, and allure of a black mare.

Mythological and Literary Inspiration for Black Horse Names

Black horses have figured prominently in mythology and literature, providing a wealth of naming inspiration. Consider these legendary equines:

  1. Sleipnir - The eight-legged horse of Odin in Norse mythology. This powerful steed is described as being able to gallop through the air and between worlds, making him one of the most iconic and memorable mythical horses. Sleipnir's unique abilities and association with the chief god Odin cement his status as a legendary equine figure.

  2. Alastor - The name of one of the four horses that pulled Hades' chariot in Greek mythology. As a powerful black horse associated with the god of the underworld, Alastor represents the darker aspects of the equine mythos. His role in carrying Hades through his domain adds to the mystique surrounding black horses in ancient legends.

  3. Khaorra - A black horse believed to bring good fortune in Mongolian mythology. In contrast to the more ominous associations of some mythical black horses, Khaorra stands out as a benevolent figure, highlighting the diverse cultural beliefs surrounding these majestic animals.

  4. Shadowmere - The mythical horse from the Elder Scrolls video game series, known for its loyalty and supernatural endurance. While not rooted in traditional mythology, Shadowmere has captured the imagination of modern audiences and exemplifies the enduring fascination with powerful, mysterious black horses in popular culture.

  5. Pegasus - While often depicted as white, Pegasus from Greek mythology was sometimes portrayed as a winged black horse. This variation in color adds to the rich tapestry of equine mythology and demonstrates the flexibility of these legendary creatures in the collective imagination.

  6. Morrigan's Mount - Named after the Celtic goddess associated with war and fate, this black horse served as the steed of the formidable Morrigan. The association with a powerful, enigmatic goddess further enhances the mystical aura surrounding black horses in Celtic lore.

These mythical black horses from various cultures and traditions showcase the enduring fascination and symbolism associated with these magnificent animals. From the awe-inspiring Sleipnir to the fortune-bringing Khaorra, these legendary steeds have galloped through the annals of mythology, leaving an indelible mark on our collective imagination.

Nature-Inspired Names for Black Horses

  1. Eclipse - Referencing the natural phenomenon of the moon eclipsing the sun, this name captures the horse's ability to block out light with their striking dark coat.

  2. Midnight - Evoking the deep darkness of night in nature, this classic name is perfect for a horse as black as the sky at the witching hour.

  3. Raven - Named after the intelligent, mysterious black bird found in nature, this name suits a horse with a sleek, dark coat and a hint of mischief in their eye.

  4. Obsidian - Taking its name from the naturally occurring volcanic glass, this name is perfect for a horse with a coat as glossy and dark as this mesmerizing stone.

  5. Onyx - Inspired by the glossy black semi-precious gemstone, this name captures the horse's luxurious, shimmering coat.

  6. Sable - From the word for the luxurious black fur of the marten, this name evokes a sense of elegance and refinement.

  7. Ebony - Referencing the rich, deep black wood, this name is a timeless choice for a horse with a coat as dark and smooth as polished ebony.

  8. Zephyr - Meaning "west wind", this name captures the horse's free spirit and the gentle breezes that ripple through their mane.

  9. Ember - Evoking the glowing remnants of a natural fire, this name suggests a horse with a warm, smoldering presence.

  10. Umbra - Meaning "shadow" as cast by nature, this name is perfect for a horse that follows you like a faithful shadow.

  11. Indigo - Named after the deep blue plant-based dye color, this name is a unique choice for a horse with a coat so dark it borders on blue-black.

  12. Stormy Night - Painting an image of tumultuous night skies in nature, this name captures the horse's wild, untamed spirit.

  13. Sable Night - Combining sable's black fur with the night setting, this name is a poetic choice for a horse that embodies the mystery and beauty of the night.

  14. Bramble - Like the prickly, wild bramble bushes, this name suits a horse with a bit of a thorny personality.

  15. Boulder - Inspired by the large, solid rocks in nature, this name is perfect for a horse with a strong, unshakeable presence.

  16. Bracken - After the dense, wild bracken ferns, this name evokes a sense of untamed beauty and resilience.

These nature-inspired names draw from the night sky, plants, animals, and natural elements to perfectly capture the essence of a majestic black horse. Whether you choose a name that evokes their physical appearance, like Obsidian or Indigo, or one that speaks to their spirit, like Zephyr or Bramble, these names celebrate the horse's connection to the wild, untameable beauty of the natural world.

Flower-Inspired Names for Black Horses

  1. Dahlia - Named after the dark purple-black dahlia flower variety, this name is perfect for a horse with a coat as rich and velvety as the petals of this stunning bloom.

  2. Orchid - Like the beautiful, rare black orchid flower, this name captures the horse's exotic, mysterious allure.

  3. Tulip - Inspired by the deep purple-black tulip varieties, this name is a unique choice for a horse with a coat as dark and lustrous as these dramatic blooms.

  4. Calla - After the elegant calla lily which comes in rich purple-black shades, this name evokes a sense of grace and sophistication.

  5. Hellebore - Referencing the helleborus or Lenten rose with dark purple-black blooms, this name is perfect for a horse with a coat as deep and mysterious as these winter flowers.

  6. Petunia - For the velvety black petunia flower, this name captures the horse's soft, plush coat and their ability to stand out in a crowd.

  7. Iris - Certain iris varieties have incredibly dark, almost black petals, making this a fitting name for a horse with a coat so dark it borders on black.

  8. Pansy - The striking black pansy flower makes a unique name for a horse with a coat as bold and eye-catching as these delicate blooms.

  9. Poppy - While most poppies are bright, some varieties are a deep burgundy-black, making this a perfect name for a horse with a coat as rich and dark as these unusual flowers.

  10. Lilac - Named after the richly colored black lilac bush, this name is a sweet, feminine choice for a horse with a coat as dark and fragrant as these aromatic shrubs.

  11. Hyacinth - Certain hyacinth flowers have a deep purple-black tone, making this a perfect name for a horse with a coat as regal and striking as these spring blooms.

  12. Viola - The viola flower comes in many dark, inky shades, making this a fitting name for a horse with a coat as deep and velvety as these charming blooms.

These flower-inspired names draw from the world of dark, dramatic blooms to perfectly capture the beauty and elegance of a black horse. Whether you choose a name that evokes their physical appearance, like Dahlia or Petunia, or one that speaks to their mysterious allure, like Orchid or Hellebore, these names celebrate the horse's connection to the natural world of flowers. From delicate pansies to bold lilacs, these names offer a unique and memorable way to honor your black horse's beauty.

Tree-Inspired Names for Black Horses

  1. Ebony - Named after the rich black ebony wood, this name is a classic choice for a horse with a coat as dark and glossy as this precious hardwood.

  2. Willow - For the graceful, drooping willow tree, this name captures the horse's elegant, flowing movement and their gentle, nurturing spirit.

  3. Cypress - The cypress tree has a dark brown/black bark, making this a fitting name for a horse with a coat as rich and earthy as this majestic tree.

  4. Sequoia - After the towering, mighty sequoia redwood trees, this name is perfect for a horse with a powerful, commanding presence.

  5. Rowan - The rowan tree has a dark brown/black trunk, making this a unique name for a horse with a coat as sturdy and resilient as this hardy tree.

  6. Mahogany - Inspired by the deep reddish-brown mahogany wood, this name captures the horse's warm, inviting personality and their rich, lustrous coat.

  7. Yggdrasil - From the immense mythical ash tree in Norse cosmology, this name is a powerful choice for a horse with a wise, ancient soul.

  8. Oakley - An oak tree name with an English meaning of "meadow of oaks", this name evokes a sense of strength, stability, and connection to nature.

  9. Aspen - For the slender trunks of the quaking aspen tree, this name is perfect for a horse with a lithe, graceful build and a sensitive, trembling spirit.

  10. Birnam - From the Birnam Wood in Shakespeare's Macbeth, this name is a literary choice for a horse with a coat as dark and mysterious as the forest itself.

  11. Ceiba - The sacred Mayan ceiba tree with dark, furrowed bark, this name captures the horse's deep, spiritual essence and their connection to ancient wisdom.

  12. Banyan - The banyan fig tree known for its impressive size, this name is perfect for a horse with a large, commanding presence and a sprawling, protective nature.

  13. Baobab - Named after the iconic, thick-trunked African baobab trees, this name evokes a sense of timeless strength and endurance.

These tree-inspired names draw from the world of dark, majestic trees to perfectly capture the strength, wisdom, and beauty of a black horse. Whether you choose a name that evokes their physical appearance, like Ebony or Cypress, or one that speaks to their powerful presence, like Sequoia or Baobab, these names celebrate the horse's connection to the natural world of trees. From graceful willows to mighty oaks, these names offer a unique and memorable way to honor your black horse's spirit.

Powerful and Regal Names For Black Horses

Black horses are often associated with strength, power, and nobility. These names embody those qualities:

  1. Phantom - Suggests an elusive, ghost-like presence.

  2. Diablo - A bold Spanish name meaning "devil."

  3. Nero - Meaning "strong" or "vigorous" in Italian.

  4. Zorro - The daring masked vigilante known for his black steed.

  5. Sovereign - Emphasizing the horse's regal bearing and self-possessed nature.

Other powerful and regal names include:

A powerful name can capture your black horse's commanding presence and unbreakable spirit.

International Flair

Naming your black horse after words meaning "black" or "dark" in other languages can add an exotic, sophisticated flair:

  1. Noir - French for "black."

  2. Schwarz - German for "black."

  3. Kuro - Japanese for "black."

  4. Mavros - Greek for "black."

  5. Sable - From the Russian word for "black."

Other international names mentioned include:

These international names showcase the universal allure of black horses across cultures.

Unique and Creative Names for Black Horses

Sometimes, the perfect name comes from thinking outside the box. Here are some imaginative ideas:

  1. Ink - For a horse as dark as the blackest ink.

  2. Midnight Velvet - Conjuring the softness and luxury of velvet fabric.

  3. Silhouette - Evoking the horse's dark outline against a lighter background.

  4. Nyx - The Greek goddess of the night.

  5. Midnight Mirage - Suggesting an otherworldly, almost illusory quality.

Other creative names from the text include:

Feel free to brainstorm your own creative names that capture your black horse's unique personality and appearance.

Conclusion

Naming your black horse is a deeply personal choice that reflects the special bond you share. Whether you opt for a classic name, draw inspiration from mythology or nature, or create something entirely original, the perfect name will celebrate your horse's individual spirit and the timeless allure of their ebony coat.

Remember, the most important thing is to choose a name that feels right to you and your horse. Take your time, have fun exploring the possibilities, and enjoy the magic of sharing your life with a magnificent black horse.

Richard Sutherland

 RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.org

Richard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.