Estonian Horse Names and Meanings

Here is a curated selection of Estonian horse names with meanings inspired by Estonia’s language, folklore, plants and animals, and tradition. These names reflect the rustic loveliness and understated strength of Estonia—ideal for native breeds such as the Estonian Native Horse or any horse with a calm, majestic disposition.

Estonian horse names are more likely to be inspired by Estonia’s rich heritage with nature, mythology, and tradition. Whatever you’re looking for – something elegant, earthy, or mythological – these thoughtful names capture the beauty of Estonian heritage perfectly.

Top 15 Estonian Horse Names and Their Meanings

1. Torm – Storm

For a fast, powerful horse with an untamed spirit.

2. Koidu – Dawn

A soft, feminine name symbolizing a fresh start or a calm, gentle nature.

3. Säde – Spark

Great for a lively, energetic horse that lights up every trail.

4. Virmalised – Northern Lights

A majestic name for a mysterious and stunning horse, especially suitable for grey or white coats.

5. Uku – Estonian god of the sky and crops

Strong, divine name for a dependable and revered stallion.

6. Lumi – Snow

Perfect for a white or pale-coated horse with a peaceful nature.

7. Tuul – Wind

Symbolic of grace and speed, ideal for fast runners or agile jumpers.

8. Leek – Flame

Fierce and bold — great for a chestnut or fiery-tempered horse.

9. Karu – Bear

A strong and protective name, especially fitting for large, gentle geldings.

10. Päike – Sun

Bright, cheerful name for a warm-hearted, friendly horse.

11. Metsik – Wild

For a spirited and free-spirited horse, especially one from a wild or feral background.

12. Täheke – Little Star

Sweet and affectionate, ideal for a beloved foal or pony.

13. Rahu – Peace

Best for calm, even-tempered horses that bring comfort and serenity.

14. Vapper – Brave

Great for a courageous and loyal steed.

15. Salu – Grove or forest

Evokes the peaceful nature of Estonian woodlands — good for earthy or green-eyed horses.

Male Estonian Horse Names

1. Torm – Storm
2. Karu – Bear
3. Raudne – Iron (strong and steadfast)
4. Saar – Island
5. Uku – Sky god in Estonian mythology
6. Hunt – Wolf
7. Kaupo – Historical Livonian chieftain
8. Jõnn – Rascal or wild one (playful name)
9. Tuul – Wind
10. Vahur – Brave or bold

Female Estonian Horse Names

1. Ilma – Weather or world
2. Lumi – Snow
3. Koidu – Dawn
4. Merike – Little sea
5. Laine – Wave
6. Anu – Grace or favor
7. Eha – Dusk, twilight
8. Õnne – Happiness or luck
9. Sireli – Lilac flower
10. Tähe – Starry (from “täht,” meaning star)

Nature-Inspired Estonian Horse Names

1. Metsik – Wild
2. Päike – Sun
3. Vesi – Water
4. Rada – Path or trail
5. Kivi – Stone
6. Rohi – Grass or herb
7. Pilv – Cloud
8. Põld – Field
9. Sammal – Moss
10. Järv – Lake

Mythology & Folklore-Inspired Names

1. Vanemuine – God of music and poetry
2. Kõu – Thunder (also a storm god figure)
3. Linda – Legendary mother of Kalevipoeg
4. Kalev – Mythical hero, father of Kalevipoeg
5. Suur Tõll – Giant folk hero from Saaremaa
6. Hiid – Giant
7. Ebajumal – False god or spirit
8. Rukkilill – Cornflower (national flower, also symbolic in poetry)
9. Salme – Mythical maiden who marries a star
10. Peko – God of fertility among the Seto people

Cute & Playful Estonian Horse Names

1. Mõmmi – Teddy bear / softie
2. Tibu – Chick (cute nickname)
3. Nupsik – Sweetie, little darling
4. Pisike – Tiny one
5. Muska – Kissy or cuddly
6. Nööp – Button
7. Kassu – Kitty (nickname-style)
8. Krõbin – Crunchy (great for a quirky horse)
9. Kaisukaru – Cuddle bear
10. Läikiv – Shiny

Nature-Inspired Names

1. Torm – Storm; for spirited, powerful horses
2. Päike – Sun; ideal for bright, golden horses
3. Kuu – Moon; beautiful for silver or gray horses
4. Täht – Star; good for horses with facial markings
5. Tuul – Wind; for swift, nimble horses
6. Lumi – Snow; perfect for white horses
7. Meri – Sea; for horses with flowing movement
8. Mets – Forest; for strong, natural horses
9. Pilv – Cloud; lovely for gray or white horses
10. Udu – Fog/mist; elegant for gray horses with ethereal quality

Traditional Estonian Names

1. Hobune – Horse; the Estonian word for horse
2. Ratsu – Steed; traditional term for a riding horse
3. Must – Black; for dark horses
4. Valge – White; for light-colored horses
5. Kiire – Fast; for speedy horses
6. Uhke – Proud; for horses with noble bearing
7. Vapper – Brave; for courageous horses
8. Õnnelik – Lucky; for fortunate horses
9. Tark – Wise; for intelligent, sensible horses
10. Kaunis – Beautiful; for attractive horses

Estonian Mythology

1. Taara – Chief deity in Estonian mythology; for majestic horses
2. Uku – Sky god; for impressive, commanding horses
3. Maaema – Earth Mother; for nurturing, gentle horses
4. Ilmarine – Divine smith; for strong, hardworking horses
5. Vanemuine – God of music; for horses with graceful movement
6. Pikne – Thunder; for powerful, striking horses
7. Hämarik – Dusk; for mysterious, twilight-colored horses
8. Koit – Dawn; for bright, morning-spirited horses

Estonian Virtues

1. Julgus – Courage; for brave horses
2. Tugev – Strong; for powerful horses
3. Truu – Loyal; for faithful companions
4. Rõõm – Joy; for cheerful, happy horses
5. Lootus – Hope; for inspiring young horses
6. Rahu – Peace; for calm, gentle horses
7. Vabadus – Freedom; for independent, spirited horses
8. Armastus – Love; for affectionate horses

Estonian Landscapes

1. Saar – Island; for distinctive, independent horses
2. Järv – Lake; for reflective, deep horses
3. Rand – Shore; for horses with coastal connections
4. Org – Valley; for grounded, steady horses
5. Nõmm – Heath; for resilient, hardy horses
6. Soo – Marsh/bog; for horses that navigate challenges
7. Mägi – Mountain/hill; for strong climbers
8. Hiis – Sacred grove; for horses with special presence

Male Horse Names:

1. Tõnn – A legendary Estonian folk hero, also associated with strength.
2. Kalev – From the mythical giant Kalev, father of Kalevipoeg (Estonia’s national epic hero).
3. Sulev – A strong and noble name from Estonian mythology.
4. Toomas – A classic Estonian name meaning “twin.”
5. Reko – Short for “Reko/Reku,” meaning “faithful” or “steadfast.”
6. Torm – Means “storm,” for a spirited horse.
7. Metsik – Means “wild” or “untamed.”
8. Hund – Means “wolf,” for a fierce horse.
9. Väin – Refers to the “strait” (e.g., Väinameri), symbolizing strength.
10. Juku – A playful name, Estonian version of “Juku/Jüri” (George).

Female Horse Names:

1. Linda – From Estonian mythology, the mother of Kalevipoeg, symbolizing love and endurance.
2. Salme – A poetic name meaning “peaceful” or “serene.”
3. Hella – Means “gentle” or “tender.”
4. Kirs – Means “cherry,” for a sweet-natured horse.
5. Tuule – Means “wind,” for a swift and free-spirited mare.
6. Laine – Means “wave,” representing grace and movement.
7. Pilve – Means “cloud,” for a soft or dreamy horse.
8. Kärt – A traditional Estonian name, short for “Kärt/Kärtu.”
9. Riin – A variation of “Riina,” meaning “pure” or “peaceful ruler.”
10. Märten – A nature-inspired name meaning “of the sea.”

Neutral/Descriptive Names:

1. Hallik – Means “gray” (for a gray horse).
2. Pruun – Means “brown.”
3. Valge – Means “white.”
4. Mustik – Means “black” or “dark.”
5. Kuldne – Means “golden.”
6. Hõbe – Means “silver.”
7. Karu – Means “bear,” for a strong horse.
8. Rebane – Means “fox,” for a clever or agile horse.
9. Sõstar – Means “currant,” for a sweet or lively horse.
10. Põder – Means “elk,” symbolizing majesty.

Mythical & Nature-Inspired Names:

1. Kalevipoeg – The legendary giant hero of Estonia.
2. Vanapagan – A mythical trickster figure in Estonian folklore.
3. Ilmarine – From folklore, a celestial smith.
4. Taev – Means “sky” or “heaven.”
5. Meri – Means “sea.”
6. Mets – Means “forest.”

Estonian Horse Breeds and Suitable Names for Them

Estonia may be a small country, but it has a rich equestrian heritage with unique native horse breeds. Whether you own an Estonian horse or simply admire them, choosing the right name that reflects their breed, personality, and cultural roots can be a fun and meaningful process.

Native Estonian Horse Breeds

1. Estonian Native Horse (Eesti Hobune)

• Characteristics: Small, sturdy, and hardy, similar to other Northern European pony breeds.
• Uses: Traditionally used for farm work, riding, and light draft tasks.
• Temperament: Calm, friendly, and resilient.

Name Ideas:

• Traditional Estonian Names: Tõnu, Maie, Jüri, Liina
• Nature-Inspired Names: Mets (Forest), Tuul (Wind), Lumi (Snow)
• Strong & Sturdy Names: Kivi (Stone), Tamm (Oak), Raud (Iron)

2. Estonian Draft Horse (Eesti Raskeveohobune)

• Characteristics: Taller and more muscular than the native horse, bred for heavy work.
• Uses: Forestry, agriculture, and pulling carriages.
• Temperament: Gentle, hardworking, and strong.

Name Ideas:

• Powerful Names: Torm (Storm), Vägi (Strength), Kangelane (Hero)
• Estonian Mythological Names: Kalev (Estonian epic hero), Linda (Kalev’s wife)
• Noble Names: Kuningas (King), Kuninganna (Queen), Vapper (Brave)

3. Tori Horse (Tori Hobune)

• Characteristics: A well-known Estonian breed, known for its elegance and versatility.
• Uses: Riding, driving, and light farm work.
• Temperament: Energetic, intelligent, and cooperative.

Name Ideas:

• Elegant Names: Helbe (Pearl), Hõbe (Silver), Kuldr (Gold)
• Fast & Energetic Names: Vilkas (Swift), Kärme (Quick), Sälk (Lightning)
• Historical Estonian Names: Lembitu (Estonian elder), Salme (Estonian heroine)

Traditional & Folklore Names

1. Kalev (Legendary hero)
2. Linda (Kalev’s wife in mythology)
3. Vanemuine (Estonian god of music)
4. Salme (Heroine in Estonian tales)
5. Suur Tõll (Giant in Estonian folklore)

Nature-Inspired Names

1. Mets (Forest)
2. Jõgi (River)
3. Meremaa (Sealand)
4. Päike (Sun)
5. Täht (Star)

Strong & Powerful Names

1. Kange (Tough)
2. Vaprus (Courage)
3. Raud (Iron)
4. Torm (Storm)
5. Külm (Cold)

Elegant & Beautiful Names

1. Helmes (Bead)
2. Hõbe (Silver)
3. Kuldne (Golden)
4. Sirel (Lilac)
5. Laine (Wave)

Unique & Modern Names

1. Kapten (Captain)
2. Sõsar (Sister)
3. Vend (Brother)
4. Karu (Bear)
5. Rebane (Fox)

Nature-Inspired Names

1. Mets: “Forest” – Evokes a sense of freedom and wildness.
2. Tuul: “Wind” – Suggests speed and agility.
3. Meri: “Sea” – Represents vastness and power.
4. Järv: “Lake” – Implies calmness and depth.
5. Päike: “Sun” – Symbolizes warmth and energy.
6. Kuu: “Moon” – Represents gentleness and mystery.
7. Täht: “Star” – Evokes brilliance and guidance.
8. Kivi: “Stone” – Suggests strength and stability.
9. Lill: “Flower” – A beautiful and delicate name, especially for a mare.
10. Lind: “Bird” – Evokes lightness and freedom.

Mythological and Folklore-Inspired Names

1. Kalev: A mythical giant and national hero in Estonian folklore, representing immense strength.
2. Linda: Kalev’s mother in the legend, known for her resilience and loyalty.
3. Koit: “Dawn” – Represents new beginnings and light.
4. Hämarik: “Twilight” – Evokes a mystical and serene atmosphere.

Names Evoking Positive Characteristics:

1. Vapper: “Brave” – Suitable for a courageous horse.
2. Ustav: “Faithful” – Perfect for a loyal companion.
3. Rõõmus: “Joyful” – For a horse with a happy disposition.
4. Tark: “Wise” – Suitable for an intelligent horse.
5. Kiire: “Fast” – Ideal for a swift horse.
6. Tugev: “Strong” – Fitting for a powerful horse.
7. Rahulik: “Peaceful” – For a calm and gentle horse.
8. Kaunis: “Beautiful” – A straightforward name for a lovely horse.

Naming Tips for Estonian Horses

1. Consider the Horse’s Personality – Is your horse playful, calm, or bold? Match the name to their traits.
2. Use Estonian Words – Names like Päike (Sun) or Öö (Night) add cultural authenticity.
3. Keep It Simple – Shorter names (1-2 syllables) are easier for horses to recognize.
4. Avoid Confusing Sounds – Names that sound like commands (e.g., “No” in Estonian is “Ei”) should be avoided.

Final Thoughts

In naming an Estonian horse, you are essentially paying respects to the heritage of the breed but also giving your equine companion a proper name. Whatever traditional, natural, or robust name you choose for your horse, make sure that the name fits its personality and temperament.

Enjoy finding the perfect Estonian name for your equine friend!