Massive hippos deserve names that echo their legendary power and playful spirit. These iconic mammals amaze with their barrel-shaped bodies, mighty jaws, and surprising grace in water. Choosing the right hippopotamus names adds character, turning your gentle giant into a symbol of strength, charm, and joy.
This 2025 guide brings you 400+ hippo monikers with style and meaning. Explore cute baby hippo names, funny hippopotamus names, and badass hippo names that highlight unique personality characteristics. From cultural significance to physical traits, find male hippo names and female hippo names that feel timeless and creative. Explore adorable nicknames that make your hippo truly unforgettable.
Best Hippo Names with Meaning
- Titan: Massive strength
- Luna: Calm moon
- Brutus: Bold power
- Aurora: Gentle dawn
- Atlas: World bearer
- Rex: Regal king
- Cleo: Graceful charm
- Thor: Thunder god
- Echo: Lasting presence
- Gaia: Earth mother
- Hercules: Mighty hero
- Zephyr: Gentle breeze
- Maverick: Free spirit
- Nyx: Dark night
- Boulder: Solid rock
- Odin: Wise leader
- Seraph: Angelic light
- Delta: Water land
- Neptune: Sea ruler
- Iris: Rainbow flower
- Apollo: Sun god
- Sable: Dark elegance
- Griffin: Myth beast
- Zara: Blossoming strength
- Summit: Highest point
- Nala: Gifted queen
- Solace: Comfort peace
- Storm: Fierce force
- Hugo: Bright mind
- Vesta: Hearth goddess
- Indigo: Deep purple
- Everest: Tall peak
- Phoenix: Reborn firebird
- Aurorae: Shining lights
- River: Flowing life
Cool Names for Hippos
- Blaze: Fierce fire
- Shadow: Mysterious vibe
- Rogue: Bold rebel
- Steel: Unbreakable force
- Jet: Fast mover
- Drift: Smooth flow
- Axel: Strong axis
- Nitro: Explosive energy
- Slash: Sharp cut
- Rider: Fearless traveler
- Phantom: Ghostly presence
- Viper: Deadly strike
- Razor: Cutting edge
- Spike: Tough point
- Onyx: Black stone
- Cobra: Venomous power
- Crash: Loud impact
- Venom: Poison force
- Frost: Icy cool
- Stormer: Wild surge
- Rebel: Defiant spirit
- Crusher: Heavy strength
- Bolt: Quick flash
- Scorch: Burning heat
- Volt: Electric power
- Breaker: Force destroyer
- Titanus: Giant beast
- Roguewave: Massive surge
- Inferno: Fiery blaze
- Fang: Sharp bite
Hippo Male Names
- Brandon: Strong protector
- Carter: Skilled helper
- Logan: Brave fighter
- Mason: Builder spirit
- Trent: River strength
- Victor: Bold winner
- Xander: Defender man
- Derek: Fierce leader
- Colt: Young warrior
- Gavin: Hawk life
- Darius: Rich possessor
- Ethan: Firm strength
- Lance: Sharp spear
- Caleb: Loyal heart
- Julian: Youthful soul
- Marcus: Brave warrior
- Troy: Strong city
- Omar: Long life
- Damien: Bold spirit
- Felix: Lucky charm
- Ivan: God’s gift
- Quinn: Wise counsel
- Raymond: Protector guide
- Travis: Brave path
- Shawn: Gift of God
- Ezekiel: God strengthens
- Jared: Descending power
- Ronan: Little seal
- Cedric: Battle leader
- Nikolai: People’s victory
Hippo Female Names
- Amara: Eternal grace
- Celeste: Heavenly sky
- Dahlia: Bright flower
- Elara: Shining star
- Freya: Love goddess
- Helena: Light bringer
- Ivy: Evergreen plant
- Juniper: Youthful tree
- Kaia: Pure earth
- Lyra: Harp constellation
- Mira: Admirable wonder
- Nova: New star
- Opal: Precious gem
- Pearl: Ocean jewel
- Quilla: Moon goddess
- Raina: Queenly power
- Selena: Moonlight glow
- Talia: Dew from heaven
- Uma: Splendid goddess
- Viola: Purple flower
- Willow: Graceful tree
- Xenia: Hospitable spirit
- Yvette: Archer’s gift
- Zinnia: Vibrant bloom
- Adele: Noble kind
- Bianca: Pure white
- Coral: Sea beauty
- Delilah: Delicate charm
- Esme: Beloved one
- Flora: Flower life
Baby Hippo Names
- Pebble: Tiny stone
- Binky: Baby charm
- Sprinkle: Small drop
- Tootsie: Little sweet
- Muffin: Soft treat
- Cuppy: Mini cup
- Pipkin: Small seed
- Niblet: Tiny bite
- Flicker: Small spark
- Snappy: Quick bite
- Guppy: Little fish
- Bubbles: Floating fun
- Wiggly: Always moving
- Chirpy: Happy sound
- Tinker: Tiny fixer
- Squeaky: Small squeal
- Mopsy: Fluffy look
- Twinkle: Little shine
- Lolly: Sweet candy
- Jellybean: Cute candy
- Popsy: Fun baby
- Fuzzy: Soft touch
- Giggles: Happy laugh
- Squishy: Soft hug
- Button: Small charm
- Pudding: Sweet baby
- Doodle: Playful mark
- Nugget: Tiny treasure
- Cuddly: Love hug
- Pixie: Tiny fairy
Funny Hippo Names
- HippoPotato: Chubby mix
- ChubbyCheeks: Round face
- SnortySnout: Cute snorts
- TubTub: Big belly
- SplashyPants: Loves water
- MudMuffin: Mud lover
- WaddleBoss: Funny walk
- HippoHopper: Jumping hippo
- SquashFace: Silly look
- PuddlePaws: Wet feet
- BellyBounce: Bouncy belly
- WallowWizard: Loves mud
- ChompChomp: Biting fun
- GiggleGuts: Laughing belly
- FloatyFred: Always floating
- YawnKing: Big yawner
- HippoHaha: Silly laugh
- BubbleButt: Round back
- GrinnyHippo: Big smile
- SnackAttack: Always hungry
- FlopTop: Clumsy move
- RiverRoller: Loves rivers
- NoodleNose: Funny snout
- TubbyTusks: Big teeth
- MuddyBuddy: Mud friend
- QuackHippo: Acts ducky
- PorkyPotamus: Piggy twist
- Slurpster: Loud eater
- SillySnappy: Goofy snap
- GooberGape: Funny mouth
Cute Names for Hippos
- Daisyboo: Sweet bloom
- Snugglebug: Cozy friend
- Popsydoo: Playful charm
- CocoaPop: Sweet treat
- CherryPie: Lovely dessert
- Peachy: Soft fruit
- Bunnykins: Tiny bunny
- Sweetpea: Gentle flower
- Cupcakey: Cute cake
- Lovey: Warm affection
- Petal: Soft flower
- Mopsyboo: Fluffy cutie
- Glitter: Sparkly joy
- Honeybun: Sugary love
- Lulu: Adorable vibe
- Rosy: Blush pink
- Cherrybliss: Joyful fruit
- Cuddlekins: Hug buddy
- Twinkie: Fun snack
- Pinky: Soft pink
- Biscuit: Sweet bite
- Snuggles: Loving hug
- Jellydrop: Cute candy
- Sparkleboo: Bright shine
- Tinkerbell: Fairy charm
- Angelpie: Sweet angel
- Buttercup: Golden flower
- Fuzzykins: Soft hugger
- Cherrybean: Tiny cherry
- Gumdrop: Candy treat
Hippo Names That Start with H
- Hazel: Gentle tree
- Harvey: Battle strong
- Harmony: Peaceful spirit
- Helix: Spiral twist
- Hope: Bright faith
- Hector: Brave warrior
- Holly: Winter plant
- Harlow: Army hill
- Haven: Safe place
- Hunter: Bold seeker
- Harper: Music player
- Hendrix: Ruler’s son
- Halo: Sacred ring
- Hero: Noble savior
- Hera: Queen goddess
- Huxley: Intelligent one
- Hickory: Strong wood
- Hershey: Sweet chocolate
- Hopper: Playful jumper
- Havenly: Peaceful charm
- Hollis: Near holly trees
- Heston: Brave stone
- Hymn: Sacred song
Hippo Names Madagascar
- Gloria: Main Madagascar hippo
- Moto Moto: Flirty hippo star
- Alex: Lion friend
- Marty: Zebra buddy
- Melman: Giraffe pal
- King Julien: Lemur ruler
- Maurice: Julien’s aide
- Mort: Tiny lemur
- Nana: Old lady fighter
- Stevie: Circus animal
- Gia: Circus jaguar
- Vitaly: Circus tiger
- Stefano: Circus seal
- Makunga: Rival lion
- Zuba: Alex’s father
- Florrie: Madagascar stage hippo
- Okapi: Zoo animal cameo
- Teetsi: Lemur character
- Foosa: Wild predator
- Classy Hippo: Madagascar toy line
Nickname For Hippopotamus
- Hippy: Cute short form
- Potty: Playful twist
- Mossy: Swamp vibe
- Hipster: Trendy style
- Pota: Simple cut
- Hippoo: Sweet sound
- Momo: Fun rhythm
- Poto: Quick short
- Bloaty: Big body
- Hopsy: Jumper feel
- Snorty: Funny breath
- Gape: Wide mouth
- Waddy: Waddle walk
- Chompy: Loves bites
- Splashy: Water fan
- Tussy: Tusk inspired
- Yawny: Big yawns
- Muddy: Loves mud
- RiverKing: Water ruler
- Tubby: Round body
- Puddle: Water buddy
- Huff: Strong breath
- Tusky: Big teeth
Hungry Hippo Names
- Chomper: Big biter
- Munchie: Snack lover
- Gobble: Eats fast
- NomNom: Food joy
- Chewy: Loves chewing
- Scoops: Ice cream fan
- Taco: Tasty wrap
- Burger: Juicy bite
- Pickles: Tangy snack
- Donut: Sweet round
- Cookie: Crunch treat
- Popcorn: Snack pop
- Pretzel: Twisty treat
- Waffles: Breakfast love
- Chili: Spicy dish
- Brownie: Sweet square
- Marshy: Marshmallow soft
- Pancakey: Fluffy cake
- Jellyroll: Sweet swirl
- Cupcake: Tiny cake
Famous Hippo Names
- Harry: KidsTV123 hippo
- Hilda: CoComelon baby hippo
- Hippo Barney: Purple Barney friend
- George: From George and Martha
- Martha: From George and Martha
- Tasha: Backyardigans hippo
- Murray: Sly Cooper hippo
- Peter Potamus: Retro cartoon hippo
- Hypno-Potamus: Comic villain hippo
- Mrs. Hippo: TV hippo mom
- Big H: Cartoon hippo nickname
- Bob Burrows: Fictional hippo
- Demby: Cartoon hippo character
- Hippo KiiYii: Animated hippo
- Hippo We Baby Bears: Cartoon series hippo
- Hipponoid Commander: Fictional warrior hippo
- Hippopotamus VinciGenius: Learning cartoon hippo
- Otis: Back at the Barnyard hippo
- Huberta: Famous South African hippo
- Jessica: Tame hippo from South Africa
- Basi: Hippo in Lion Guard
- Beshte: Another Lion Guard hippo
- Henry: Beloved Cincinnati Zoo hippo
- Obaysch: First zoo hippo in London
- Bertha: Oldest known hippo in captivity
Badass Hippo Names
- Ragnar: Fierce warrior
- Blitz: Fast strike
- Havoc: Wild chaos
- Vortex: Swirling force
- Dreadnought: Mighty power
- Berserk: Fearless rage
- Overlord: Supreme ruler
- Anarchy: Total rebellion
- Venator: Fierce hunter
- Warlock: Dark magic
- Predator: Ruthless hunter
- Rampage: Violent rush
- Oblivion: Endless void
- Ironhide: Strong shield
- Juggernaut: Unstoppable force
- Hellfire: Fiery wrath
- Stormbreaker: Power hammer
Names that Mean Hippo in Different Languages
- Hippopotame: French word for hippo
- Nilpferd: German word for hippo
- Behemot: Russian word for hippo
- Hipopótamo: Spanish word for hippo
- Hipopotam: Polish word for hippo
- Nilpferdli: Swiss German hippo
- Hipopotam: Romanian word for hippo
- Ipopótamo: Italian version for hippo
- Hippopotamus: English term “river horse”
- Kiboko: Swahili word for hippo
- Ibhe: Zulu word for hippo
- Mvuu: Chichewa word for hippo
- Timbavati: Shangaan name for hippo
- Ngwenya: Tsonga word for hippo
- Mvubu: Xhosa word for hippo
- Tembwa: Shona name for hippo
- Mvubuzi: Ndebele word for hippo
- Epopo: Greek-inspired term for hippo
- Potamios: Ancient Greek “river horse”
Hippo Names in Movies
- Hippity: Cartoon hippo from Who Framed Roger Rabbit
- Hyppo: From Hyppo and Thomas movie series
- Henrietta: Animated hippo in Animaland
- Happy Hippo: Mascot from Kinder Surprise commercials
- Hippo Harold: Character in old short films
- Henry Hippo: From Irish Bank commercials turned films
- Harry O’Hippo: From children’s movie shorts
- Pinky Hippo: Animated film extra
- Tango Hippo: From South American cartoon film
- Bongo Hippo: Musical film animal
- Roxy Hippo: Circus movie character
- Vinny Hippo: Mafia-styled hippo role
- Toto Hippo: From comedy skits in film
- Queenie: Elegant hippo in stage-to-film adaptations
- Rosetta: Hippo dancer in old Disney film
- Monty Hippo: Minor film role in 1990s cartoon movie
- Ella Hippo: Gentle hippo in children’s movie
- Billy Hippo: Funny hippo in slapstick films
Unique Hippo Names
- Aurelius: Golden strength
- Zephyra: Gentle wind
- Quillon: Sword guard
- Isolde: Ice ruler
- Draven: Shadow hunter
- Thalassa: Sea spirit
- Orionis: Star light
- Lyric: Song soul
- Balthor: Mighty warrior
- Cyrene: Mythical nymph
- Eryx: Strong fighter
- Nerida: Sea maiden
- Oberon: Fairy king
- Veyra: Rare charm
- Tivor: Brave heart
- Callisto: Star nymph
- Riven: Torn edge
- Azura: Sky blue
- Caspian: Sea wanderer
- Myrrh: Sacred resin
- Velora: Hidden beauty
- Kaelen: Mighty spirit
- Sylphine: Air spirit
- Noctis: Night power
- Elysian: Blissful place
Tips for Choosing a Good Hippo Name
- Check your hippo’s personality characteristics before making name selection.
- Pick funny hippopotamus names if the hippo shows a playful side.
- Use cute hippo names or adorable hippo names for gentle hippos.
- Choose badass hippo names if the hippo has strength and power.
- Add cultural significance or heritage influence for meaningful choices.
- Focus on physical traits like tusks, size, or color for inspiration.
- Keep naming considerations short and simple for easy recall.
- Follow natural naming factors so the hippo moniker sounds unique.
- Mix trendy names with rare names to stand out.
- Match temperament with style, such as calm hippos with sweet names.
Interesting Facts About Hippos
- Hippopotamus names come from the Greek words meaning “river horse.”
- Hippos spend most of their day in water to stay cool.
- Their physical traits include giant mouths and sharp teeth.
- Hippos can hold their breath underwater for five minutes.
- They show unique personality characteristics like aggression and playfulness.
- People call a group of hippos a bloat.
- Hippos mark territory with tail-swirling dung displays.
- Despite size, hippos run faster than humans on land.
- Hippo monikers often reflect their traits such as strength or calmness.
- In African culture, hippos carry deep cultural significance.
FAQs
Who is the famous hippo?
Fiona is the most famous hippo, born at the Cincinnati Zoo. People admire her survival story and celebrate her unique personality characteristics.
Which hippo name suits your pet best?
The best hippopotamus names match your pet’s personality characteristics. A playful one fits funny hippo names, while a calm one works with cute hippo names.
What makes people call hippos river horses?
The word hippopotamus comes from Greek. It means “river horse” because hippos live in rivers and move like horses.
What do African cultures call hippos?
Many African languages give unique hippo monikers. In Swahili, people say Kiboko, while Zulu speakers call them Ibhe.
Who is the hippo in The Lion King?
The Disney series Lion Guard features Basi and Beshte. These famous hippo characters protect the Pride Lands with strength and loyalty.
What’s a cute name for a baby hippo?
A baby hippo suits adorable hippo names like Bubbles, Pudding, or Pebbles. These charming names reflect their playful nature.
Do hippos sleep underwater?
Yes, hippos sleep underwater and surface to breathe without waking.
What do hippos eat at night?
Hippos graze on grass and travel miles for fresh plants.
Are hippos related to whales?
Yes, hippos share close heritage influence with whales in evolution.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect hippo names creates lasting memories with your gentle giant. These 400+ carefully curated options celebrate your hippo’s unique personality characteristics and majestic presence. From cute baby hippo names to strong and badass hippo names, each choice honors these incredible animals.
Your hippo’s spirit deserves a name that stands out. Whether you picked funny hippopotamus names, meaningful cultural names, or rare hippo monikers, you’ve found something special. These timeless suggestions help build stronger bonds between you and your beloved companion. Start exploring now and give your hippo a name they truly deserve.
Ethan Miller is a seasoned blogger at Namestrove. He specializes in names, meanings, and creative ideas. His work helps parents, writers, and creators find the perfect name. Ethan brings experience, insight, and passion to every post.