Our Favorite Southern Horse Names For Your New Horse

Tan horse galloping
Photo: Anne Louise MacDonald of Hug a Horse Farm/Getty Images

When these beauties gallop into your heart, they need the right name. The purchase or birth of a new horse is a thrilling time for a horse enthusiast, and we put a lot of thought and time into choosing the best Southern names. These names don't have to be long, complicated, or complex, and when they feel right you just know it. All these animals are close to our hearts, no matter the size, and we couldn't imagine life without them. If you're looking to complete the farm, be sure to check out Our Favorite Pig Names and Our Favorite Pet Chicken Names lists. In the meantime, here are our favorite Southern names for our equine friends.

01 of 14

Tips For Naming Your Horse

Woman with white horse
Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images

Many horses are named based on their appearance—we all know a Red, Dusty, or Midnight. Some horses are named based on our favorite characters or places, while others are renamed once we have spent time with them and their personalities emerge. Other names are inspired by a revered artist or famous Southern writer. Share with us which name you pick.

02 of 14

A Names

Young girl with brown horse
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Honor the famous sharpshooter Annie Oakley with your horse's name, or give a nod to your favorite city in Texas. Either name works for a surefooted horse with plenty of bravado.

  • Alabama
  • Annabelle
  • Annie
  • Austin
03 of 14

B Names

brown horse in stall
Dougal Waters/Getty Images

Good-looking and a bit reckless, Beau and Belle can always sweet-talk their way out of trouble. Biscuit may be little, but his dreams are big.

  • Bandit
  • Banjo
  • Beau
  • Belle
  • Biscuit
  • Boone
04 of 14

C Names

Child waling minature horse
Cindy Singleton/Getty Images

Cody and Colt are good country names fit for any rodeo. Captain lets you know who's in charge.

  • Calypso
  • Captain
  • Carter
  • Cash
  • Cody
  • Colt
05 of 14

D Names

Team of horses
Rosanna Bell/Getty Images

We love Dolly so much we'd even name our horse after her. She's got a beautiful gold mane and a big heart.

  • Daisy
  • Dallas
  • Desperado
  • Dolly
  • Duke
06 of 14

E-F Names

black horse
acceptfoto/Getty Images

Elvis shouldn't need much explanation, but he's handsome and charming. Eddie is easygoing and popular around the pasture.

  • Eddie
  • Elvis
  • Fannie
  • Fiddle
  • Fiona
07 of 14

G-H Names

gray horse
acceptfoto/Getty Images

A natural and serene leader, Houston stands apart while keeping watch over the others. But you'd better watch out for Hurricane.

  • Georgia
  • Hank
  • Harper
  • Honey
  • Houston
  • Hurricane
08 of 14

J-L Names

Horse and colt
Genaro Diaz/Getty Images

American Paint Horses have captured our imagination ever since we saw Little Joe and his horse ride across the screen. But we also like to give a shoutout to some of our favorite states and hometowns.

  • Lil' Bit
  • Little Joe / Joey
  • Kentucky
  • Knox
  • Lady
  • Loretta
  • Lucky
09 of 14

M-N Names

Blonde Horse
Zuzule/Getty Images

Naming a beautiful, golden Palomino comes easily, with Moonshine and Nugget among the many popular choices.

  • Major
  • Marshall
  • Maybelle
  • Memphis
  • Moonshine
  • Nacho
  • Nugget
10 of 14

O-P Names

Young boy with brown horse
Oleksandr Koretskyi/Getty Images

Every farm has an Old Gus, the devoted family member who tenderly carries each young child as they learn to ride. Sweet as the fruit she is named after, Peaches can also be a bit of a drama queen.

  • Old Gus
  • Patches
  • Patriot
  • Peaches
  • Pie
  • Pistol
11 of 14

R Names

brown and white horses trotting in field
ProjectB/Getty Images

Kicking the stall door when it's feeding time? Running to the back of the pasture when the vet arrives? That is Rebel.

  • Ranger
  • Rebel
  • Rodeo
  • Ruby
  • Rusty
  • Ryder
12 of 14

S Names

white horse and brown colt
Bryant Aardema/Bryant's Wildlife Images/Getty Images

A mature and wise horse, Senator is the perfect friend who will listen to your troubles. Sweet Nellie is a gentle mare and the mom of the herd.

  • Scout
  • Senator
  • Sheriff
  • Sundance / Sunny
  • Sweet Nellie
13 of 14

T Names

Cowboys riding horses
Pete Saloutos/Blend Images/Getty Images

You always dreamed of being a cowgirl, riding across the Wild West. Your adventurous horse Tex makes it possible. Aptly named, Traveller runs everywhere—to the water trough, to the barn, to the hay bale, everywhere except the horse trailer.

  • Tennessee
  • Tex
  • Tornado
  • Traveller
  • Trigger
14 of 14

W-Z Names

Tan horse galloping
Anne Louise MacDonald of Hug a Horse Farm/Getty Images

The name Waylon is a good choice for a horse that's a bit of an outlaw. Zelda is carefree, full of spirit, and could be a real globe-trotter.

  • Waylon
  • Wyatt
  • Wynonna
  • Yella
  • Zelda
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