Indian Horse Names and Meanings
Discover a rich collection of Indian horse names, all possessing high meaning derived from Sanskrit, Hindi, regional languages, and timeless mythology. These names reflect power, grace, beauty, and rich cultural heritage—a perfect one to give your horse as majestic as its disposition.
From symbolisms of the divine to nature-driven loveliness, these names are a testament to India’s centuries-old love affair with horses across history, spirituality, and tradition. For something regal, soulful, or sweet, this thoroughly researched list offers beautiful name options—each with its own unique meaning.
Let us find Indian horse names that live up to both the horse as well as the heritage-rich Indian subcontinent.
Male Indian Horse Names
- Ashva (अश्व) – Horse (Sanskrit)
- Veer (वीर) – Brave or warrior
- Raja (राजा) – King
- Agni (अग्नि) – Fire
- Surya (सूर्य) – Sun
- Yodha (योद्धा) – Fighter or warrior
- Arjun (अर्जुन) – Bright, shining; a heroic prince in Mahabharata
- Tejas (तेजस्) – Radiance or energy
- Bahadur (बहादुर) – Courageous
- Simha (सिंह) – Lion
Female Indian Horse Names
- Chandni (चाँदनी) – Moonlight
- Gauri (गौरी) – Fair, shining (another name of Goddess Parvati)
- Sundari (सुंदरी) – Beautiful lady
- Tara (तारा) – Star
- Megha (मेघा) – Cloud
- Diya (दीया) – Lamp or light
- Leela (लीला) – Divine play or grace
- Rani (रानी) – Queen
- Kavya (काव्य) – Poetry
- Anaya (अनया) – Caring or graceful
Nature-Inspired Indian Names
- Pavan (पवन) – Wind
- Dhruv (ध्रुव) – The North Star (steadfast and constant)
- Neer (नीर) – Water
- Vayu (वायु) – Air or wind (also a Vedic deity)
- Meera (मीरा) – Devotee, poetess, and saint (like a flowing river of devotion)
- Hari (हरि) – Green or nature-loving (also a name of Lord Vishnu)
- Chakor (चकोर) – A bird that loves the moon (symbol of devotion)
- Sharad (शरद) – Autumn
- Komal (कोमल) – Soft or delicate
- Ambar (अम्बर) – Sky
Mythology & Spiritual Names
- Hayagriva (हयग्रीव) – Horse-headed avatar of Lord Vishnu
- Ashwini – One of the divine twin horsemen in Vedic tradition (also a feminine name)
- Garv (गर्व) – Pride
- Vikram (विक्रम) – Valor or prowess
- Deva (देव) – Divine or godlike
- Bhanu (भानु) – Sun or brilliance
- Soma (सोम) – Moon or nectar
- Sachi (साची) – Wife of Indra; graceful and powerful
- Varun (वरुण) – God of water and sky
- Aarav (आरव) – Peaceful or calm
Male Indian Horse Names
- Veer (वीर) – Brave, warrior
- Agni (अग्नि) – Fire
- Raja (राजा) – King
- Arjun (अर्जुन) – Hero from Mahabharata; skilled archer
- Sher (शेर) – Lion
- Baadal (बादल) – Cloud
- Yodha (योधा) – Warrior
- Tejas (तेजस) – Radiance or brilliance
- Rajput (राजपूत) – Royal warrior caste
- Simba – Lion (borrowed from Swahili, but loved in India due to pop culture)
Female Indian Horse Names
- Chandni (चाँदनी) – Moonlight
- Meera (मीरा) – Devotee of Krishna; soulful and graceful
- Gulabo (गुलाबो) – Rosy or pink rose
- Rani (रानी) – Queen
- Sita (सीता) – Divine feminine; pure and strong
- Bijli (बिजली) – Lightning
- Leela (लीला) – Divine play or grace
- Kali (काली) – Fierce goddess of power
- Tara (तारा) – Star
- Ganga (गंगा) – Sacred river and goddess
Nature-Inspired Indian Horse Names
- Pavan (पवन) – Wind
- Dhara (धरा) – Earth
- Jal (जल) – Water
- Surya (सूर्य) – Sun
- Chakor (चकोर) – A bird known for loving the moon
- Aakash (आकाश) – Sky
- Neelam (नीलम) – Sapphire or deep blue
- Vayu (वायु) – Air/Wind god
- Ambar (अम्बर) – Atmosphere, sky
- Prithvi (पृथ्वी) – Earth
Mythology & Spiritual-Themed Horse Names
- Ashva (अश्व) – Sanskrit word for horse
- Uchchaihshravas (उच्चैःश्रवस्) – Divine white horse of Indra
- Keshari (केशरी) – Lion-like; name of Hanuman’s father
- Garuda (गरुड़) – Eagle mount of Lord Vishnu
- Shakti (शक्ति) – Divine energy
- Vahana (वाहन) – Sacred mount or vehicle of a deity
- Vishva (विश्व) – The universe
- Nandi (नन्दी) – Bull mount of Lord Shiva (can be cool for a strong horse)
- Karna (कर्ण) – Legendary warrior
- Indra (इंद्र) – King of gods
Cute & Playful Indian Horse Names
- Ladoo (लड्डू) – Sweet treat
- Chiku (चीकू) – A popular fruit and nickname
- Mithu (मित्थु) – Parrot/cute pet name
- Golu (गोलू) – Round and cute
- Sonu (सोनू) – Beloved
- Babli (बबली) – Bubbly
- Billo (बिल्लो) – Kitten (used for cuteness)
- Chini (चीनी) – Sugar
- Toofan (तूफ़ान) – Storm (great for a hyper horse)
- Guddu (गुड्डू) – Adorable little one
Sanskrit-Derived Names
- Vajra – Thunderbolt/diamond; for powerful, resilient horses
- Surya – Sun; ideal for bright, golden horses
- Chandra – Moon; beautiful for silver or gray horses
- Arjun – Bright/silver; from the hero of Mahabharata known for archery
- Ashva – Horse itself in Sanskrit; a traditional and direct name
- Agni – Fire; perfect for spirited, energetic horses
- Vaayu – Wind; for swift, nimble horses
- Indra – King of gods; for majestic, commanding horses
- Maya – Illusion; for horses with mysterious presence
- Tara – Star; good for horses with facial markings
Spiritual & Divine Names
- Krishna – Dark blue deity; suitable for dark horses
- Shiva – Destroyer god; for powerful, intense horses
- Lakshmi – Goddess of prosperity; for graceful mares
- Saraswati – Goddess of knowledge; for intelligent horses
- Ganga – Sacred river; for horses with flowing movement
- Shakti – Divine power; for strong, energetic horses
- Moksha – Liberation; for free-spirited horses
- Karma – Action/fate; for horses with distinctive personalities
- Om – Sacred sound; for peaceful, centered horses
- Deva – Divine being; for exceptional horses
Royal & Noble Names
- Raja – King; for commanding stallions
- Rani – Queen; for elegant mares
- Maharaja – Great king; for especially majestic horses
- Kumari – Princess; for young, beautiful fillies
- Kumar – Prince; for promising young colts
- Sultan – Ruler; for impressive, dominant horses
- Nawab – Noble title; for distinguished horses
- Samrat – Emperor; for imposing, powerful horses
Sanskrit Qualities
- Veera – Brave; for courageous horses
- Tejash – Radiance; for bright, shining horses
- Anand – Bliss; for happy, pleasant horses
- Priya – Beloved; for cherished horses
- Sundar – Beautiful; for attractive horses
- Shakti – Power; for strong, powerful horses
- Dhruv – Steadfast; for reliable, dependable horses
- Sahasi – Adventurous; for bold, curious horses
Hindi Color Names
- Kala – Black; for dark horses
- Safed – White; for light-colored horses
- Lal – Red; for chestnuts or sorrels
- Neela – Blue; for blue roans
- Sona – Gold; for palominos or duns
- Chandi – Silver; for gray horses
- Badami – Brown; for bay or brown horses
Mythological & Royal Horse Names
- Uchchaihshravas – The divine seven-headed flying horse from Hindu mythology (Indra’s steed).
- Hayagriva – “Horse-necked,” an avatar of Vishnu.
- Ashva – Sanskrit for “horse.”
- Balram – Krishna’s brother, associated with the plough and strength.
- Kalki – The final avatar of Vishnu, who will ride a white horse.
- Maruti – Another name for Hanuman, symbolizing speed and power.
- Surya – The sun god, often depicted riding a chariot of horses.
- Arjun – The great warrior from the Mahabharata, known for his chariot.
- Gandharva – Celestial beings associated with horses in Vedic texts.
- Vajra – “Thunderbolt,” representing strength.
Strong & Powerful Horse Names
- Tejas – “Radiance” or “sharpness.”
- Veer – “Brave.”
- Agniveer – “Warrior of fire.”
- Rudra – A fierce form of Shiva.
- Bajirao – Inspired by the legendary Maratha warrior.
- Sher – “Lion” (for a fearless horse).
- Garud – The mighty eagle, symbolizing speed.
- Dhruva – “Pole star,” representing steadfastness.
- Yodha – “Warrior.”
- Viraat – “Gigantic” or “majestic.”
Beautiful & Graceful Horse Names
- Lavanya – “Grace” or “beauty.”
- Mohan – “Charming.”
- Madhur – “Sweet.”
- Neel – “Blue” (great for a dark or dappled horse).
- Chandni – “Moonlight.”
- Megha – “Cloud.”
- Priya – “Beloved.”
- Shanti – “Peace.”
- Sundar – “Beautiful.”
- Tara – “Star.”
Fast & Energetic Horse Names
- Vayu – “Wind.”
- Jwala – “Flame.”
- Tez – “Fast.”
- Shakti – “Power.”
- Chandan – “Sandalwood” (smooth and swift).
- Bhadra – “Gentle yet strong.”
- Gati – “Speed.”
- Hamsa – Mythical swan (symbolizing grace and speed).
- Raftaar – “Speed.”
- Zorawar – “Mighty and powerful.”
Nature-Inspired Horse Names
- Neeraj – “Lotus.”
- Arnav – “Ocean.”
- Himmat – “Courage.”
- Pavan – “Wind.”
- Vriksha – “Tree” (for a strong, grounded horse).
- Ambar – “Sky.”
- Nadi – “River.”
- Agni – “Fire.”
- Samudra – “Sea.”
- Vanya – “Wild” or “forest-born.”
Sanskrit/Hindu Inspired Names
These names often draw from Hindu mythology, nature, and positive attributes.
- Ashva (अश्व): Sanskrit for “horse.” This is a classic and direct name.
- Hayagriva (हयग्रीव): An avatar of Vishnu depicted with a horse’s head, revered as the god of knowledge and wisdom.
- Uchchaihshravas (उच्चैःश्रवस्): The mythical seven-headed horse that emerged during the churning of the ocean, considered the king of horses.
- Surya (सूर्य): Meaning “sun,” symbolizing brightness and power. In mythology, Surya’s chariot is pulled by seven horses.
- Chandra (चंद्र): Meaning “moon,” representing calmness and beauty.
- Vayu (वायु): Meaning “wind,” symbolizing speed and agility.
- Agni (अग्नि): Meaning “fire,” representing energy and power.
- Pavan (पवन): Meaning “breeze,” representing swiftness and lightness.
- Megh (मेघ): Meaning “cloud,” representing gentleness and mystery.
- Nila (नील): Meaning “sapphire” or “blue,” symbolizing clarity and depth.
- Swarna (स्वर्ण): Meaning “gold,” suitable for a horse with a golden coat.
- Rajat (रजत): Meaning “silver,” suitable for a grey or silver horse.
- Veer (वीर): Meaning “brave” or “hero.”
- Shakti (शक्ति): Meaning “power” or “strength.”
- Gati (गति): Meaning “speed” or “pace.”
- Aman (अमन): Meaning “peace.”
- Jyoti (ज्योति): Meaning “light” or “flame.”
- Tarun (तरुण): Meaning “young” or “youthful.”
Native American Inspired Names:
Given the history and deep connection between Native American cultures and horses, these names are also a significant part of the “Indian” context in some discussions. These names often draw inspiration from nature, animals, and spiritual concepts.
- Tala: (Sioux) Meaning “wolf.”
- Mato: (Sioux) Meaning “bear.”
- Nashoba: (Choctaw) Meaning “wolf.”
- Chayton: (Sioux) Meaning “falcon.”
- Kangi: (Sioux) Meaning “crow.”
- Maka: (Sioux) Meaning “earth.”
- Kiona: Meaning “brown hills”.
- Hinto: Meaning “blue”.
- Dakota: (Sioux) Meaning “friend.”
- Takoda: (Sioux) Meaning “friend to all.”
- Aiyana: Meaning “eternal blossom”.
- Sakari: (Inuit) Meaning “sweet.”
- Winona: Meaning “first born daughter”.
- Yuma: Meaning “son of the chief”.
- Tasunka: (Sioux) Meaning “horse”.
Indian Horse Breeds & Their Characteristics
India has a rich heritage of indigenous horse breeds, each known for their strength, endurance, and cultural significance. Below is a list of Indian horse breeds along with suitable names inspired by their origins, traits, and mythology.
Marwari
- Origin: Rajasthan
- Known for: Distinctive inward-curving ears, bravery, and loyalty.
- Names: Rajvir (Brave King), Tejasi (Radiant), Veer (Hero), Chandramukhi (Moon-Faced).
Kathiawari
- Origin: Gujarat (Kathiawar region)
- Known for: Hardiness, resilience in deserts, and curved ears.
- Names: Surya (Sun), Dhwani (Echo), Agni (Fire), Rudra (Storm God).
Manipuri Pony
- Origin: Manipur
- Known for: Polo, agility, and endurance.
- Names: Polo King, Laiyen (Graceful), Sanathoi (Swift), Thangal (Warrior).
Zanskari
- Origin: Ladakh (Zanskar region)
- Known for: Cold-weather endurance, sure-footedness in mountains.
- Names: Himal (Himalaya), Norbu (Gem), Yaksha (Mythical Guardian).
Bhutia
- Origin: Sikkim & Bhutan border
- Known for: Strength, used in high-altitude trekking.
- Names: Sherpa, Druk (Thunder Dragon), Kanchen (After Mt. Kanchenjunga).
Spiti Horse
- Origin: Himachal Pradesh (Spiti Valley)
- Known for: Small but tough, survives extreme cold.
- Names: Barfi (Snow), Lahaul (Region), Gompa (Monastery).
Deccani
- Origin: Maharashtra & Deccan Plateau
- Known for: Light cavalry use, endurance.
- Names: Shivaji, Asha (Hope), Maratha (Warrior Clan).
Traditional & Mythological Horse Names
- Uchchaihshravas (Divine 7-headed horse from Hindu mythology)
- Hayagriva (Horse-headed avatar of Vishnu)
- Ashva (Sanskrit for “horse”)
- Balaha (Mythical flying horse in Buddhist tales)
- Saptapadi (Symbolic seven steps in Hindu weddings, representing loyalty)
Modern & Stylish Names for Indian Horses
- Zorawar (Brave)
- Jhilmil (Sparkling)
- Aarav (Peaceful ruler)
- Myra (Swift)
- Viraj (Resplendent)
Important Considerations
- Cultural Sensitivity: When choosing a Native American name, it’s vital to be respectful of the specific tribal origins and meanings. Some names may carry cultural significance that requires careful consideration.
- Pronunciation: Ensure you are comfortable with the pronunciation of the name you choose.
- Meaning and Connection: Select a name whose meaning resonates with your horse’s personality or appearance.
