300+ Hippopotamus Names with Meanings

Naming a hippopotamus is no small feat! Whether for a beloved plush toy, a character, or simply an imaginary friend, hippos have inspired many delightful, powerful, and whimsical names. Known for their massive size yet endearing qualities, hippos captivate the imagination and bring out unique naming ideas. This guide explores over 300 hippopotamus names thoughtfully categorized and infused with personality, origin, and charm.

Contents

1 How to Choose the Perfect Hippopotamus Name
2 Most Popular Hippopotamus Names
3 Top Hippopotamus Names with Meanings
4 Names Inspired by Nature and Water
5 Strong and Majestic Hippopotamus Names
6 Cute and Playful Hippopotamus Names
7 Mythological and Ancient Hippopotamus Names
8 Names Based on Famous Hippos in Pop Culture
9 Exotic and Rare Hippopotamus Names
10 Male Hippopotamus Names
11 Female Hippopotamus Names
12 Unisex Hippopotamus Names
13 Unique Hippopotamus Names by Personality Type
14 Historical and Cultural Names for Hippopotamuses
15 FAQs About Hippopotamus Names
- 15.1 What is the modern name of hippo?
16 Conclusion
- 16.1 Related Animal Names:

How to Choose the Perfect Hippopotamus Name

When naming a hippo, it’s fun to consider their unique traits: their semi-aquatic nature, sturdy build, and sometimes unexpectedly gentle behavior. The name should reflect not only the hippo’s strength but also their playful side. Here are a few ideas to help you pick a name that fits:

Personality Traits: Is the hippo bold, shy, or quirky?
Physical Appearance: Think about their distinct features, like their large, sturdy body or broad mouth.
Cultural and Mythological References: There’s a rich cultural history surrounding hippos, with names inspired by mythology, folklore, and historical figures.

Most Popular Hippopotamus Names

Top Hippopotamus Names with Meanings

Bubba	Tubs	Hazel
Tank	Puddles	Marsh
Muddy	Hippo	Splash
Chompers	Biggie	River
Goliath	Blossom	Chubby
Bulky	Blubber	Waffles
Thunder	Humphrey	Mocha
Jumbo	Lagoon	Willow
Plumpy	Bubbles	Snort
Bogart	Tater	Lagoon
Sumo	Brutus	Tofu

Names Inspired by Nature and Water

Delta – Named after river deltas, where many animals thrive.
Aqua – Perfect for a hippo, symbolizing water, which they adore.
Rain – Simple and calming for a gentle hippo.
Coral – A fitting name inspired by aquatic life.
River – A natural choice for a water-loving hippo.

Strong and Majestic Hippopotamus Names

Titan – For a truly massive hippo with a powerful presence.
Brutus – A strong name reflecting the hippo’s hardy nature.
Goliath – A classic choice for a larger-than-life hippo.
Atlas – Named after the titan who held up the sky.
Maverick – For a hippo who’s an independent spirit.

Cute and Playful Hippopotamus Names

Bubbles – A lighthearted name perfect for a playful hippo.
Poppy – A sweet and fun name for a cheerful hippo.
Squishy – Ideal for a hippo with a soft side.
Waddles – Inspired by the way hippos sometimes move.
Muffin – For a hippo, that’s cute and lovable.

Mythological and Ancient Hippopotamus Names

Anuket – Named after the Egyptian goddess of the Nile.
Horus – Inspired by the ancient Egyptian god, symbolizing power.
Hippolyta – A strong female figure from Greek mythology.
Sobek – The crocodile god, linked with the Nile and water.
Zephyr – A name derived from Greek mythology, representing the west wind.

Names Based on Famous Hippos in Pop Culture

Gloria – Inspired by the hippo character in Madagascar.
Moto Moto is another fun character from Madagascar 2.
Flavio – From Animaniacs, a hippo with flair.
Hyacinth – From Fantasia, elegant and timeless.
Hippo Harry – A playful character name that adds familiarity.

Exotic and Rare Hippopotamus Names

Chuma – A Swahili name meaning “rich.”
Bahati – Another Swahili name, translating to “luck.”
Akia – A beautiful, unique name with an exotic feel.
Nzinga – A regal name from African royalty.
Nubia – A name that harks back to ancient African civilizations.

Male Hippopotamus Names

Thor – A name inspired by the Norse god, symbolizing strength.
Maximus – Strong, bold, and fitting for a male hippo.
Diesel – A name exuding power and toughness.
Rocky – For a hippo with a rugged edge.
Baxter – A classic name with a friendly touch.

Female Hippopotamus Names

Luna – Meaning “moon,” ideal for a peaceful hippo.
Ruby – A precious and vibrant name.
Daisy – A simple, charming name.
Cleo – Short for Cleopatra, a majestic choice.
Willow – Inspired by the gentle and graceful tree.

Unisex Hippopotamus Names

Echo – A lovely, versatile name suitable for any hippo.
Blue – Reflecting the color of water, perfect for a hippo.
Storm – For a hippo with a strong, dynamic personality.
Phoenix – A powerful name with mythical roots.
River – Equally fitting for any hippo, male or female.

Unique Hippopotamus Names by Personality Type

Giggles – For a hippo with a fun, playful spirit.
Lazy Lou – Perfect for a laid-back hippo.
Jumbo Joy – For a hippo who brings happiness to others.
Grumpy Gus – A name for a sometimes moody hippo.
Smarty – Ideal for an intelligent hippo with a curious mind.

Historical and Cultural Names for Hippopotamuses

Alexander – Inspired by the famous conqueror, fitting for a leader.
Cleopatra – A name that’s as grand as it is historical.
Zambezi – Named after the famous African river.
Napoleon – For a hippo with a powerful presence.
Victoria – After Queen Victoria, strong and stately.

FAQs About Hippopotamus Names

What is the nickname of the Hippopotamus?

Often nicknamed “hippo” or affectionately called “river horse.”

What are the different names for hippos?

Common names include hippo, river horse, and, in some cultures, “Nile horse.”

What is the name of the famous hippo?

Gloria, from the Madagascar movies, is a popular one.

What is the hippo’s name?

Many hippos are affectionately named based on their personalities.

What is the full name of hippo?

Hippopotamus amphibious, often shortened to “hippo.”

What is the new hippo’s name?

Zoos frequently name new hippos uniquely; check their websites for updates.

What is the modern name of hippo?

Hippo or Hippopotamus is the most widely used term.

What do you call baby hippos?

A baby hippo is called a calf.

Who is hippo man?

Hippo Man isn’t a commonly known term but may refer to characters in folklore.

What is the cutest pet name?

Names like “Poppy” or “Bubbles” are endearing.

What do people call hippos?

“Hippo” is most common, and “river horse” is used.

What is a hippo slang?

“Hippo” is the main colloquial term.

What is the fancy name for a hippo?

Some may use “river horse” as an elegant term.

What is another word for hippo?

“River horse” or “Hippopotamus.”

What is the Indian name of Hippopotamus?

The Hindi word is Jalashwayi.

Conclusion

Selecting a name for a hippo is a delightful task, and with so many unique options, you’re sure to find a perfect match. Whether you’re drawn to strong, nature-inspired names or want something cute and playful, each name in this list adds character and charm. Naming a hippo lets us celebrate the wonder of these incredible animals and the joy they bring to our imaginations.

Dr. Erica Irish

University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, 2013 — Erica is a doctor of veterinary medicine and practices at a 24/7 small animal hospital with a focus on cardiology, dentistry, dermatology, and integrative medicine. When she’s not working or writing, Erica enjoys spending time with her husband, their son, and their six cats and three dogs.

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