Choosing the perfect name for your hippo can be an exciting adventure! Explore over 297 creative hippo names with meanings, perfect for a plush toy, story character or any purpose. We sort these names into fun categories and themes, each with a special meaning and plenty of emoji flair. Let’s dive into the world of hippo names!
Best Hippo Names with Meaning
Here are some of the best names for hippos, combining strength, charm, and a touch of fun.
- Tank – Strong and unstoppable
- River – Where hippos love to spend their time
- Herb – Hippos are plant-eaters, after all!
- Harmony – For a hippo with a peaceful vibe
- Boulder – Solid and powerful
- Chubby – Cute and chunky, perfect for a hippo!
- Grizzly – Like a bear, hippos are tough but can be gentle
- Mighty – A name for a big, strong hippo
- Splash – Loves being in the water
- Savannah – The hippo’s natural habitat
- Cliff – Strong and unmovable
- Lotus – Named after the water flower
- Oasis – A hippo’s favorite place to cool down
- Sir Hippo – A classy name for a refined hippo
- Zephyr – A gentle breeze, like a calm hippo
- Autumn – A peaceful, calm name for a laid-back hippo
- Lucky – Fortunate and loved
- Storm – A powerful, fast-moving hippo
- Tide – Always on the move, like the waves
Funny Hippo Names
These funny hippo names will bring a smile every time!
- Hippo-Potato – A mash-up of everyone’s favorite carb and mammal
- Hippy the Hippo – For a laid-back, peace-loving hippo
- Big Mac – Named after the iconic sandwich
- Chunk-a-Lunk – A cute, funny name for a chunky hippo
- Hippo-Crunch – For a hippo with a strong bite
- Waddleton – Perfect for a hippo with a waddle
- Chubbs McFluff – The cuddliest name around
- Hungry Hank – Hippos are always hungry, right?
- Hip-HOP-potamus – A name with a musical twist
- Dunkin’ – Loves to dunk in the water
- Blubber – A name for a big, adorable hippo
- Floaty – Always floating in the water
- Sugar Puff – Sweet and a little round
- Honey Buns – For a hippo that’s sweet and cuddly
- Mr. Fluff – Soft and loveable
- Banana Belly – For a hippo with a big appetite
- Sir Oinks-a-Lot – A silly, funny name
- Chunkzilla – A giant, loveable hippo
- Bearly There – A sleepy, relaxed hippo
- Hipponator – The unstoppable hippo
- Fluffybutt – For a hippo that’s adorably soft
- Donut Hole – A small but sweet name
- Hippo H. Hoppity – A classy, hopping hippo
Cute Names for Hippos
For a hippo that melts hearts, these cute names will perfectly capture their adorable personality!
- Bubbles – Always bouncing around
- Muffin – Sweet and cuddly
- Petal – Soft and delicate
- Rainbow – Bright and colorful
- Lemon Drop – Sweet with a hint of sour
- Tulip – Pretty and gentle
- Ice Cream – Sweet and everyone’s favorite
- Squishy – Soft and loveable
- Sugar Plum – Sweet and small
- Pinky – Cute and playful
- Apple – Fresh and adorable
- Pineapple – Tropical and unique
- Balloon – Light and floaty
- Jelly Bean – Small, colorful, and sweet
- Cake Pop – A sweet and tiny treat
- Chocolate – Rich and sweet
- Snuggles – Loves to cuddle
- Twinkle – Bright and sparkly
- Buttercup – Soft and sweet
- Honeybee – Sweet and gentle
- Frosting – The sweetest part of the cake
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Cool Names for Hippos
If your hippo has a bit of swagger, these cool names are just the thing!
- Shady – Always chill, always cool
- Wave – Loves the water
- Inferno – Hot and fierce
- Rockstar – A hippo with star power
- Groovy – A hippo with cool vibes
- Lionheart – Brave and cool
- Cosmos – Out of this world cool
- Iceberg – Cool and unmovable
- Volt – Fast and powerful
- Falcon – Quick and strong
- Jet – Sleek and fast
- Twister – Reckon with this force!
- Kong – Mighty and cool
- DJ Hip-Hop – A hippo with rhythm
- Shadow – Mysterious and cool
- Stellar – Always shining bright
- Vulcan – As strong as a volcano
- Level Up – Always on top of the game
- Skater – Loves to roll with style
- Pirate – For a rebellious hippo
- Cosmo – Cool as the stars
- Flash – Fast and electrifying
- Mystic – Mysterious and cool
- Storm breaker – Nothing can stop this hippo!
Hippo Female Names
These names are perfect for a strong, lovely female hippo!
- Rosie – Sweet and classic
- Lily – Graceful and elegant
- Bella – Beautiful and charming
- Dahlia – Sophisticated and lovely
- Ruby – Bright and precious
- Pearl – Rare and beautiful
- Violet – Delicate and stunning
- Blossom – Full of life and beauty
- Selene – Like the moon, glowing and mysterious
- Stella – A star, shining bright
- Angel – Sweet and kind
- Jade – Elegant and unique
- Lila – Radiant and graceful, embodying elegance and charm
- Amber – Warm and radiant
- Poppy – Fun and lively
- Ivy – Strong and beautiful
- Peach – Sweet and lovable
- Grace – Elegant and poised
- Flora – Full of life and nature
- Gemma – Precious and rare
- Celeste – Heavenly and serene
- Scarlett – Bold and beautiful
- Cleo – Strong and regal
- Maya – Full of charm and grace
- Tia – Bright and lively
- Aurora – Radiant like the dawn
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Hippo Male Names
These strong and majestic names are just right for a male hippo, showcasing their power and grandeur!
- Leo – Strong and brave
- Maximus – Great and mighty
- Poseidon – Ruler of the water
- Rocky – Tough and reliable
- Thor – Powerful and unstoppable
- Bruno – Strong and protective
- Kingston – Regal and noble
- Titan – An unshakable force
- Forrest – Strong and grounded
- Rex – King of his domain
- Duke – Regal and poised
- Simba – Majestic and fierce
- Hercules – A name for a hero
- Brutus – Strong and determined
- Hunter – Always on the prowl
- Zeus – Leader of the gods
- Bear – Strong and cuddly
- Dash – Quick and full of energy
- Ace – The best of the best
- Maverick – Independent and bold
- Valor – Courageous and noble
Famous Hippo Names
Take inspiration from well-known hippos in pop culture and history with these iconic names.
- Gloria – From Madagascar, confident and sassy
- Moto Moto – Another beloved hippo from Madagascar, smooth and charming
- Peter Potamus – Classic cartoon hippo, fun and adventurous
- Hippolyta – Named after the Amazon queen, strong and regal
- Fiona – The famous hippo from Cincinnati Zoo, beloved worldwide
- Harry – Inspired by Harry the Hippo from children’s stories
- Bertha – The legendary hippo from the UK’s ZSL London Zoo
- Henry – One of the oldest hippos in captivity
- Hubert – The famous hippo from Fantasia
- Muffin – A famous hippo from British children’s books
- Obi – Famous in Australia’s Taronga Zoo
- Otis – Known for his leadership among hippos
- Patti – From Patti the Hippo, a charming character
- Tilly – The well-loved hippo at San Diego Zoo
- George – The hippo from the children’s classic George the Hippo
- Zuzu – Known from TV specials
- Betty – A famous hippo from Betty’s Hippo Show
- Billy – From classic cartoon fame
- Milo – The beloved zoo hippo from Milo the Hippo
- Humphrey – The hippo from the film The Little Hippo
- Polly – A famous hippo with a colorful personality
- Bonnie – Known for her adventures in Bonnie the Hippo
- Rufus – The hippo from classic animations
- Jumbo – Famous in historical accounts of hippos
- Harriet – A well-loved zoo hippo from Harriet’s World
- Oscar – The hippo from Oscar the Hippo Show
- Elsa – Known from wildlife documentaries
- Pablo – The famous hippo from TV series Pablo and Friends
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Hungry Hippo Names
Hungry hippos deserve names that reflect their enormous appetites and love for food!
- Big Mac – Always craving a big meal
- Doughnut – Sweet and round
- Whopper – Named after a big, juicy burger
- Toastie – A name for a warm, comfy hippo
- Snacker – Always munching on snacks
- Melon – Sweet and juicy
- Pizzaholic – Can’t resist a slice
- Drumstick – For a hippo that loves food
- Cupcake – Always sweet and delicious
- Honey Bun – A sticky, sweet name
- Scoops – Loves ice cream
- Sugar Rush – Always looking for sweets
- Biscuit – Crumbly and lovable
- Burger King – Reigning over the food world
- Nacho – Spicy and full of flavor
- Turkey Leg – For the biggest eater around
- Steak – For a hippo with a big appetite
- Fries – Always craving more
- Guacamole – Green and delicious
- Wings – Always snacking
- Brownie – Sweet and satisfying
- Cheddar – Cheesy and lovable
Names that Mean Hippo in Different Languages
For an international touch, these names mean “hippo” in various languages, each with unique flair.
- Nilpferd (German) – Meaning “river horse”
- Hippopotame (French) – Derived from ancient Greek
- Hippopotamo (Spanish) – The classic name in Spanish
- Hipopótamo (Portuguese) – Similar to the Spanish version
- Hippopotamus (Latin) – The original name for the species
- Nilsson (Swedish) – Meaning “son of the river”
- Flodhest (Danish) – Literally “river horse”
- Nijlpaard (Dutch) – The Dutch word for hippo
- Kuda Nil (Indonesian) – Meaning “horse of the Nile”
- Flodhestur (Icelandic) – River horse in Icelandic
- Hippopótamos (Greek) – The English word derives from this
- Hipopótamo (Italian) – Italian translation of hippo
- Hippopotame (Romanian) – Another close version of the name
- Zèbre de l’eau (French Creole) – A playful name meaning “water zebra”
- Vandens arklys (Lithuanian) – Meaning “water horse”
- Vasivatsa (Sanskrit) – Meaning “child of the water”
- Nilgai (Hindi) – A name for a river-dwelling animal
- Kawacha (Chichewa) – Hippo in the African language
- Maji Farasi (Swahili) – Meaning “water horse”
- Suijou Uma (Japanese) – “Horse of the water”
- Nīru Kudure (Kannada) – Meaning “horse of the Nile”
- Nílïnus Híppos (Ancient Greek) – River horse of the Nile
- Suyeongma (Korean) – Translating to “swimming horse”
- Hipopótama (Filipino) – The Filipino version of hippo
- Vodný kôň (Slovak) – Meaning “water horse”
- Vattenhäst (Finnish) – Meaning “horse of the water”
- Nil Pferd (Swiss German) – A blend of “Nile” and “horse”
- Hippopotamós (Modern Greek) – The modern Greek version
- Hipopótam (Turkish) – Derived from the ancient word
- Sungai Kuda (Malay) – Meaning “river horse”
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Purple Hippo Names
For the rare and whimsical, these names capture the fun and vibrant spirit of a purple hippo!
- Plum – Sweet and vibrant
- Violet – A beautiful shade of purple
- Amethyst – Named after the purple gemstone
- Eggplant – Quirky and fun
- Lavender – Soft and fragrant
- Periwinkle – A lovely light purple color
- Lilac – A soft and beautiful name
- Aubergine – The fancy name for eggplant
- Orchid – Elegant and rare, symbolizing beauty and strength
- Purple Rain – Inspired by the famous song
- Mauve – Soft and elegant
- Magenta – A bright shade of purple
- Fig – Sweet and rich
- Mulberry – Dark and delicious
- Indigo – Deep and mysterious
- Pansy – A pretty purple flower
- Violette – A French twist on violet
- Blackcurrant – Rich and bold
- Ultraviolet – A unique and vibrant name
- Haze – Mysterious and enchanting
- Hyacinth – A beautiful purple bloom
- Zinfandel – Named after the deep-colored wine
- Bilberry – A rare and wild name
- Fuchsia – A bright and bold shade
- Lilith – Mythical and alluring
- Boysenberry – Rich and flavorful
- Elderberry – Soft and whimsical
- Iris – Named after the vibrant flower
Strong and Adventurous Names
“Strong and Adventurous Names” embody the bold and daring spirit of a hippo, highlighting their strength and love for exploration.
- Armored – As tough as they come
- Majestic – A regal presence
- Powerhouse – Strong and unstoppable
- Sentinel – Always watching over
- Champion – A true winner
- Ridge – Strong and dependable
- Gallop – Always on the move
- Blitz – Quick and full of energy
- Voyager – Always exploring
- Trekker – Ready for an adventure
- Wave Rider – Loves the water
- Guardian – Protects and defends
- Victor – Always comes out on top
- Bullseye – Hits the mark every time
- Gold Medal – Shines above the rest
- Dragon heart – Courageous and strong
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Playful and Sweet Names
Playful and Sweet Names” are charming and lively, capturing the joyful and delightful essence of a hippo’s personality.
- Jamboree – Always ready for a celebration
- Lucky Charm – Bringing joy wherever it goes
- Sparkle – Bright and full of life
- Bubblegum – Sweet and bouncy
- Circus – Full of fun and excitement
- Berry Sweet – As sweet as can be
- Applejack – Fresh and delightful
- Sprinkles – Adds a touch of sweetness
- Honeydew – Sweet and refreshing
- Lemonade – Tart and lively
- Enigma – Mysterious and intriguing
- Nebula – Cosmic and vast
- Stardust – Magical and shimmering
- Crystal – Clear and enchanting
- Merlin – Magical and wise
- Sprout – Fresh and full of potential
- Cascade – Constantly flowing
- Autumn – Warm and inviting
- Meadow – Peaceful and serene
- Fantasia – Full of imagination
- Party Popper – Brings joy and fun
- Palette – A splash of colors
- Sunbeam – Bright and cheerful
- Flutter – Graceful and light
- Cuddlebug – Loves to snuggle
- Bloom – Full of life and color
- Paw Prints – Leaves a mark wherever it goes
- Ladybug – Small but charming
- Dandelion – Bright and resilient
- Fairy – Enchanting and delicate
- Unicorn Sparkle – Unique and magical
- Moonbeam – Illuminates the night
- Celestial – Heavenly and divine
- Lightning – Quick and electrifying
- Fiesta – Always in a festive mood
- Blossom – A burst of beauty
- Kaleidoscope – Full of color and life
- Watermelon – Refreshing and fun
- Melody – Sweet and harmonious
Fun Facts About Hippos
- Semi-Aquatic Life: Hippos stay cool in water, holding their breath for up to 5 minutes.
- Natural Sunscreen: Their skin secretes a reddish substance that acts as both sunscreen and antibiotic.
- Surprisingly Fast: Hippos can run up to 30 mph (48 km/h) on land!
- Dangerous Animals: Despite their calm appearance, hippos are highly territorial and dangerous, especially in water.
- Underwater Walkers: Hippos don’t swim but walk along riverbeds, using buoyancy to move.
- Huge Mouths: Their mouths can open 150 degrees, with teeth over a foot long.
- Born Underwater: Baby hippos are born underwater and quickly swim up to breathe.
- Whale Relatives: Hippos’ closest living relatives are actually whales!
FAQs
1. How do I choose the perfect name for my hippo?
When picking a name for your hippo, consider its personality, appearance, or behavior. You can also look for names that reflect their traits, like being strong, gentle, or playful. Find inspiration in categories like funny, cute, or famous hippo names.
2. How can I come up with my own unique hippo name?
Combine elements like your hippo’s behavior, favorite colors, or cultural inspiration. Mix different words, add fun twists, or use a name generator to spark new ideas!
3. Can I name my hippo based on its gender?
Absolutely! You can choose from female hippo names like Bella or Zara, and male hippo names such as Maximus or Otis. Gender-specific names add a personal touch to your hippo’s identity.
4. Can I choose a name that means ‘hippo’ in another language?
Yes, Names like Kiboko (Swahili) or Hippopotame (French) offer your hippo international flair and direct meaning.
Conclusion
Choosing a name for your hippo can be a delightful journey. With 297+ hippo names and meanings, you’ll find the perfect match for your hippo’s personality or cultural significance. Whether you prefer cute, funny, or meaningful names, there’s something here for everyone. Embrace the fun of naming and celebrate your hippo’s unique identity!
Martin David is a seasoned blogger and content creator behind Names Vaults. With a passion for uncovering the stories and meanings behind names, Adam combines deep research with engaging writing. His extensive experience in the blogging world allows him to deliver insightful, well-crafted articles that captivate and inform readers. When he’s not exploring the rich world of names, Martin enjoys traveling and photography.