Culture and Lifestyle Pets Our Favorite Southern Horse Names For Your New Horse By Patricia S York Patricia S York Patricia was the assistant food editor at Southern Living and worked with the Southern Living food team from 2006-2022. She contributed to articles about food, gardening, and pets. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on February 21, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos 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 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 Square Balloon/Getty Images 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. AlabamaAnnabelleAnnieAustin 03 of 14 B Names 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. BanditBanjoBeauBelleBiscuitBoone 04 of 14 C Names Cindy Singleton/Getty Images Cody and Colt are good country names fit for any rodeo. Captain lets you know who's in charge. CalypsoCaptainCarterCashCodyColt 05 of 14 D Names 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. DaisyDallasDesperadoDollyDuke 06 of 14 E-F Names acceptfoto/Getty Images Elvis shouldn't need much explanation, but he's handsome and charming. Eddie is easygoing and popular around the pasture. EddieElvisFannieFiddleFiona 07 of 14 G-H Names 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. GeorgiaHankHarperHoneyHoustonHurricane 08 of 14 J-L Names 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' BitLittle Joe / JoeyKentuckyKnoxLadyLorettaLucky 09 of 14 M-N Names Zuzule/Getty Images Naming a beautiful, golden Palomino comes easily, with Moonshine and Nugget among the many popular choices. MajorMarshallMaybelleMemphisMoonshineNachoNugget 10 of 14 O-P Names 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 GusPatchesPatriotPeachesPiePistol 11 of 14 R Names 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. RangerRebelRodeoRubyRustyRyder 12 of 14 S Names 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. ScoutSenatorSheriffSundance / SunnySweet Nellie 13 of 14 T Names 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. TennesseeTexTornadoTravellerTrigger 14 of 14 W-Z Names 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. WaylonWyattWynonnaYellaZelda Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit