A hippo’s full name is hippopotamus, a Greek word translating to ‘river horse.’ It is a large, round half aquatic African mammal. A hippopotamus is an amphibious animal and if you are thinking of keeping one as your pet, here are cute names which will suit your pet hippo.
Contents
Why Naming Your Pet Is Important
Giving names to animals, even those that are not our pets, may mean nothing for the animals themselves, but it does change the way we regard these animals significantly. Your pet’s name is an essential signal you will use when you want to communicate with it. At its most basic, to your pet it means that your pet should pay attention to whoever said its name and if you want it to work at its best, it may mean that your pet should pay attention to whoever calls its name and maybe get a yummy treat. Whether your animal is domesticated or wild, naming it will make people become more empathetic towards it. Even if your hippo is wild, naming it will result in it being watched and tended to more carefully and as a result, it will make the animal less stressed. Overall, naming a hippo whether wild or domesticated is good for the animal’s welfare. It has been proven that giving names to animals moves people to better conserve the animals and care more for them. Pets can easily gain access to our affection and endearment that is often reserved only for our own kind once we name them.
Cute Hippo Names
Hippy: Hippy is a cute pet name derived from the word Hippo and the name will definitely suit your pet.
Biggy: hippos are the third largest living land mammal, therefore, the name Biggy makes a cute name for a male hippo.
Diva: This name suits your female hippo, especially if she is sassy.
Becky: The name Becky will also suit your female hippo. This name is derived from the name Rebecca.
Goliath : A strong and powerful name that reflects the hippo’s size and strength.
Mr Gnasher: Hippos have huge tusk-like teeth which they use to gnash food as well as to protect themselves from predators. The name Mr Gnasher definitely suits your pet hippo.
Hercules : A strong and powerful name that reflects the hippo’s size and strength.
Mad Mike: You can consider naming your hippo Mad Mike, a perfect name for your aggressive pet.
Thunder : A name that evokes feelings of awe and power.
Vegan: Basically, hippos are vegans since their diet is largely plant-based.
If you did not get the right name for your hippo above, choose from the cute hippo names listed below.
- Heli
- Snoopy
- Gimmy
- Jemmy
- Smurfy
- Hi-ho
- Roxie
- Moby
- Connor
- Bren
- Chevy
- Tammy
- Bono
- Kai
- Kobo
- Guiness
- Faya
- Ernie
- Bagel
- Alvin
Tips For Naming A Hippo
When naming a hippo, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure that you choose a name that is fitting and meaningful for the animal. First, consider the individual personality and characteristics of the hippo. Observing the hippo’s behavior and personalities over time can give you a better understanding of who they are and help you choose a name that truly reflects who they are. Second, take into account the hippo’s size and strength, as well as its natural habitat. These elements can provide inspiration for a fitting name that acknowledges the hippo’s impressive physical characteristics and environment.
Third, it is also important to consider the cultural significance of the name, as well as its pronunciation and spelling. Choose a name that is easy for both you and the hippo to pronounce and remember. Lastly, It’s a good idea to ask for the opinion of the caretakers of the hippo, as they may have observed the hippo for a longer period. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect name for your hippo companion.
Baby Hippo Names
Hippos birth squishy, adorable babies called calves. A calf weighs 23 to 50 kilograms at birth and is nursed until it is eight months. We have chosen a number of names that might suit your baby hippo.
Gummy Bear: A little hippo is as squishy as gummy bears, therefore, you can name him Gummy Bear; the name will suit him.
Hearty: The name Hearty is derived from the word heart. The heart is associated with love, therefore, this is a cute name to give to the calf you love.
Mammoth : A name that emphasizes the hippo’s large size and weight.
Daisy: Daisy is a good name to give to your hippo. This name is derived from the beautiful daisy flower and it will suit your adorable baby hippo.
Sunny: Sunny sounds like a name for a small cute animal, however giving your huge pet a name that sounds small and dainty is cute. You can name your baby hippo Sunny.
Smoochies: This name is perfect for your calf because though she looks big, she is delicate to an extent that she can be crushed or seriously injured when caught in the middle during a fight between two adults.
Scuba Diver: You can consider naming your baby hippo Scuba Diver. The name will suit it since it is able to dive underwater to suckle, having closed its nose and ears to block out water.
Razor: The name Razor is apt for your baby hippo, though it might not be as big as the older hippos, it is equally dangerous.
Here are other baby hippo names which you can consider.
- Tumi
- Ella
- Maya
- Indigo
- Dido
- Doodlwe
- Mona
- Nate
- Lola
- Fifi
- Pygmy
- Squimmy
- Maddox
- Safina
- Carla
- Sonia
- Gab
- Milo
- Little Hippy
- Pola
- Hazel
Types of Hippos
There are two species of hippos namely the large or common hippo and the smaller relative, the pygmy hippo. Both hippos are the third-largest living land mammals, after elephants and white rhinos. The common hippopotamus is slightly larger than the pygmy hippopotamus. The common hippo can be found mainly around water bodies such as lakes, rivers, and mangrove swamps. These hippos prefer areas with shallow, slow-moving water where they can float all day. This type of hippo has stocky trunks and weighs about 1.5 and 3 tons. Their skin is hairless and gray or brownish red with pink areas on the face. The pygmy hippopotamus, the other type of hippo shares a lot of features with the common hippo. They both have stocky bodies, hairless gray or brownish skin, long sharp canines, and nocturnal habits. On the other hand, pygmy hippos are a bit smaller compared to the common hippos and an adult pygmy hippo can weighs between 397 lbs and 606 lbs. Another notable difference is that Pygmy hippos’ eyes and nostrils do not protrude from the head such as those of the common hippos and Pygmy hippos live near forests and swampy areas.
Famous Hippo Names
If you want to give your hippo a famous name, here are a number of names inspired by fictional characters.
Hyppo: Hyppo is a perfect name for your hippo. The name is inspired by the character from the animated film ‘Hyppo and Thomas.’
Peter Potamus: You can give this famous and cool name to your pet hippo. The name is adapted from Peter Potamus the hippo character who travels the world on his air balloon.
Gloria: Gloria is a common character in the series, ‘Madagascar,’ who is also a tourist attraction. If people love to watch your hippo, why not name her Gloria.
Buttons: You can consider naming your hippo Buttons, the name of the hippo character from the book ‘Belly Buttons,’ who loved his belly button.
George: George is a good name for your hippo. This name is inspired by the adventurous hippo character from ‘Children’s Comic Series.’
Hugo: You can consider naming your hippo Hugo, a cute name inspired by the famous character, Hugo the Hippo.
Pat: Pat is a short and sweet name for a female hippo. You will have named your Hippo after Pat, the protagonist of ‘Pat and Stan.’
Here are other famous names perfect for your hippo.
- Mali
- Martha
- Zola
- Hungry Hippo
- Pink Pippo
- Zawadi
- Moto Moto
- Alika
- Hippo the Superhero
- Flavio
- Penelope
- Zuri
- Dolph
- Marita
- Zsa Zsa
Hippos’ Diet
Hippos can eat an average of 65–100 pounds of grass and foliage each night. These animals have multiple-chambered stomachs, like cows, but they do not chew a cud because of their huge sized jaws. However, fermentation takes place inside their fore-stomachs. Because a hippo has an enormous mouth it can open up its mouth to an almost 150-degree angle. Their diets certainly have a lot to do with that. This two-ton mammal needs to eat a lot of food to sustain its metabolism. Also, sexual selection also plays huge role. Apparently, opening one’s mouth very widely is a good way to impress the female hippos as well as deter competing males during the mating season. This is also one of the reasons why males are equipped with large incisors, which would not make sense given their vegetarian menus. Interestingly, hippos do not even use their incisors to eat, instead they use them to pluck plant parts with their lips and chew on them with their molars. In addition, a hippo can chomp down on branches and leaves with great force.
Good Hippo Names
When naming your hippo, you will want a name you will be comfortable sharing with family and friends. We have listed a few names to help you decide on what to name your hippo.
Hydra: You can pun the term hydro a little, so that it becomes Hydra, a masculine name for your hippo.
Gizmo: The name Gizmo is a good name which has no meaning but it suits a male hippo anyway.
Tusker : A name that reflects the hippo’s physical features such as its large tusks.
Gregarious: This is a good name for your hippo since hippos are social beasts who hang out in groups.
Beasty: You can name your hippo, Beasty. This name will suit it since it is a hefty and humongous critter, with an average weight of 3000 pounds.
Bulky : A name that reflects the hippo’s strong and heavy appearance.
Muddy: The name Muddy is perfect for your hippo, considering that hippos spend almost all their time submerged in muddy pools and swamps.
Grumpy : A name that reflects the hippo’s sour disposition.
Below are more good names for your hippo.
- Hulky
- Aqua
- Snorty
- Smurf
- Hipstrepotomus
- Danger
- Water Cow
- Chewbacca
- Miss Teeny
- Dawdly Doo
- Sluggy
- Vero
- Angry Arnold
- Vegan
- Rose
- Hector
- Cessa
- Bagel
- Ernie
- Faya
- Beck
- Jemma
- Bono
- Bobbafett
Hippos Are A Vulnerable Species
Hippos are found exclusively in sub-Saharan Africa but they once had a more widespread distribution all over the continent. Their population has been declining mostly in the Congo in central Africa, where poachers and hungry soldiers have left only an estimated 1,000 hippos standing. This is out of a previous population of about 30,000. Unlike elephants, which are needed for their ivory mostly, hippos do not have much to offer traders, except their large teeth which can be sold as ivory substitutes. The ivory ornaments and accessories that can be made from a hippo’s teeth commands lower prices in the world market than the elephant task because it remains valid for many countries to import teeth. A hippo’s tooth is also much easier to smuggle than ivory dubs. The extent of the hippo tooth trade and the significance of other endangered species can accelerate their extinction. Another threat hippos are faced with is the loss of habitat. These animals need water, or mudholes, all year round to take care of their delicate skin. Grazing land is just as essential, and the existing patches are in danger of disappearing as a result of climate-change-driven desertification.
Pet Hippo Names
If you have thought of owning a hippo as your pet, read on for some cute and funny pet names.
Coolio: The name Coolio is a funny name to give to your hippo since hippos are aggressive creatures which are not cool at all.
Smiley : A name that reflects the hippo’s cheerful and happy nature.
Water Cow: Water Cow is a cute pet name for your female hippo.
Nimble : A name that reflects the hippo’s energy and agility.
Hippodrome: You can consider naming your pet hippo, Hippodrome, that will be cute.
Flippa the Hippo: Flippa the Hippo sounds like a cute name to give to your pet.
Grazer : A name that reflects the hippo’s love for eating.
Polly: The name Polly sounds like a parrot’s moniker but it will suit your hippo too.
We have suggested more names which are good pet hippo names.
- Tank
- Sprinkles
- Wiggles
- Gem
- Trix
- Whiz
- Fido
- Fabio
- Beast
- Maximus
- Thrash
- Trouser
- Herpo
- Cupcake
- Nessie
- Cookie
- Orpheus
Choosing a Name that Reflects the Hippo’s Individual Personality
Choosing a name that reflects the hippo’s individual personality is a great way to personalize your relationship with the animal and give it a unique identity. Some examples of names that reflect personality are “Grumpy” for a hippo with a sour disposition, “Smiley” for a hippo with a cheerful and happy nature or “Nimble” for a hippo with a lot of energy and agility. You can also use names that reflect their behavior, such as “Grazer” for a hippo that likes to eat a lot or “Explorer” for a hippo that likes to wander around. Additionally, you may want to observe the hippo’s behavior and personalities over time before deciding on a name that truly reflects who they are. It is also a good idea to ask for the opinion of the caretakers of the hippo, as they may have observed the hippo for a longer period.
Male Hippo Names
A male hippo is called a bull. Bulls appear to continue to grow throughout their lives. We have listed a number names which might suit your male hippo.
Ham: The name Ham is short and appropriate for your bull. Ham is short for Hamilton, a common male given name.
Explorer : A name that reflects the hippo’s love for wandering and exploring.
Goliath: You can name your hippo after the giant Goliath from the bible.
King: King makes a good name for the dominant bull who leads the group of hippos.
River : A name that reflects the hippo’s natural habitat near water.
Apollonia: The first part of this name sounds like hippo, so you can consider naming your hippo, Apollonia.
Lake : A name that reflects the hippo’s natural habitat near water.
Trouser: Males wear trousers and so this is a good name for a bull though he wears no trouser.
Metal: Metal is a strong raw material used in making many things. You can name your hippo after it and the name will complement your pet’s strength.
Mud : A name that reflects the hippo’s love for wetland environments.
Beast: A hippo is said to be one of the biggest earth’s living mammals, therefore the name Beast is appropriate for it.
Here are other male hippo names for your bull.
- Thor
- Shrubs
- Dingdong
- Smacky
- Potty
- Alpine
- Theo
- Trample
- Tomtom
- Grumpy
- Shornel
- Victor
- Humus
- Moody
- Hercules
- Andy
- Shawn
- Philip
Reflecting Size and Strength in a Hippo’s Name
Reflecting a hippo’s size and strength in its name is a great way to acknowledge the animal’s impressive physical characteristics. Names such as “Goliath” or “Hercules” are fitting for a large and powerful hippo. “Thunder” also evokes feelings of awe and power. Other options include “Mammoth” or “Jumbo” which emphasizes their large size and weight. You can also use names that reflect the Hippo’s physical features such as “Tusker” for a hippo with large tusks or “Bulky” for a hippo that looks very strong. These names not only reflect the hippo’s physical characteristics, but they also convey a sense of respect and admiration for the animal.
Female Hippo Names
A female hippo is a cow and if you want a feminine name for your hippo, here are names that are apt for your pet.
Queen: You can name your female hippo Queen; she is after all a feared creature.
Savannah : A name that reflects the hippo’s natural habitat in the African grasslands.
Swimmy: Swimmy is a great name for your female semi-aquatic pet.
Rainforest : A name that reflects the hippo’s natural habitat in the jungle.
Missy: The name Missy is perfect for your cow as it complements its gender. This name is derived from the term Miss.
Nile : A name that reflects the hippo’s natural habitat near the Nile river.
Munchkin: You can consider naming your hippo Munchkin, a good name for your pet.
Here are other exciting names for your female hippo.
- Lily
- Flossy
- Ferny
- Hootie
- Tallullah
- Gladwell
- Candy
- Molly
- Lulu
- Marley
- Trixie
- Marigold
- Donna
Incorporating Natural Habitat into a Hippo’s Name
Incorporating the hippo’s natural habitat into its name is a great way to acknowledge the animal’s home and surroundings. Names such as “River” or “Lake” are fitting for a hippo that lives near water. “Mud” or “Swamp” are also fitting options that reflect the animal’s love for wetland environments. You can also use names that reflect the environment where the hippo lives such as “Savannah” for a hippo living in the African grasslands, or “Rainforest” for a hippo living in a jungle. These names not only reflect the hippo’s habitat, but they also convey a sense of connection to the animal’s natural surroundings. Additionally, you may want to consider the cultural significance of the habitat, as well as its pronunciation and spelling, to make sure it’s easy for both you and the animal to pronounce and remember.
Funny Hippo Names
Hip-Hop: Hip-Hop refers to a genre of music and it is a funny name to give to a hippo. The name is apt considering the fact that hippos are very loud.
Hornsby : A name that reflects the hippo’s physical features such as its long and sharp horns.
Moo: You can consider naming your hippo Moo; that will be funny. Moo is the sound made by a cow and so this name will suit a female hippo since she is also called a cow.
Biggie : This hippo name reflects the its large size and weight.
Sluggy: This is a funny name to give to your hippo, considering that hippos, run faster than a human on land.
Chunky : A name that reflects the hippo’s strong and heavy appearance.
Skull Face: The eyes, ears and nostrils of a hippo are placed high on the roof of the skull, so the name Skull Face suits your hippo.
Kong : A name that reflects the hippo’s large size and strength.
Sunscreen Factory: The name Sunscreen Factory is a good name for your hippo because its skin secretes a natural sunscreen substance which is red-coloured.
Floyd : A name that reflects the hippo’s strength and power
Vampire Tooth: Hippos have canine teeth that are 50cm long and it uses them to fight its prey and predators.
Pronunciation and Spelling of a Hippo’s Name
When choosing a name for your hippo, it’s important to pay attention to the pronunciation and spelling of the name. A name that is difficult to pronounce or spell can create confusion and make it hard for both you and the hippo to remember and use the name correctly. Therefore, it’s a good idea to choose a name that is easy to pronounce and spell, especially if you’re going to be interacting with the hippo regularly. Additionally, it’s helpful to choose a name that is phonetically similar to the animal’s natural vocalizations. This will make it easier for the animal to learn and respond to its name. Furthermore, consider the cultural significance of the name and make sure that it does not have any negative connotation or meaning in the culture where the hippo is living or where the audience is from.
What Sound do hippos make?
Hippos snort and they also wheeze and grumble; they are very loud animals. Their sounds measure to 115 decibels; the same volume you get when 15 feet from the speakers at a rock concert. These booming creatures also use subsonic vocalizations to communicate.
Are hippos dangerous to humans?
A hippo is considered the world’s deadliest large land mammal. It kills an estimated 500 people per year in Africa. Hippos are highly aggressive and well equipped to deliver considerable damage to anything that wanders into their territory.
Some Interesting Facts About Hippos
For animals that love the water, hippos cannot swim or float. Instead, these animals walk or stand on surfaces below the water like sandbanks. However, hippos spend most of their day in water in order to protect their skin from the sun because the skin is quite sensitive. Hippos also secrete an oily red substance that acts like a moisturiser or sunblock to protect the animal from germs. This may be mistaken for sweating blood. Even though hippos are able to hold their breath for about seven minutes, most of the adult hippos resurface every three to five minutes so that they can breathe plus hippos do this even whilst sleeping without waking up. It is as if the resurfacing to breath is an automatic process. Hippos are also able to close their nostrils and ears to prevent water from entering. As such a calf can suckle on land or underwater. Another interesting fact about hippos is that when they open their mouths they are not yawning but actually warning you off. You can only see a hippo yawning when it is in water because they are only territorial while in the water. In addition, a hippo can live up to 40 years and it is the third largest land mammal after an elephant and a white rhino.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Perfect Name for Your Hippo
In conclusion, choosing the perfect name for your hippo is an important task that should be approached with care and thought. Consider the individual personality and characteristics of the hippo, as well as its size and strength, natural habitat, and cultural significance. Additionally, make sure to pay attention to the pronunciation and spelling of the name, so that both you and the hippo can easily remember and pronounce it. Remember that the most important thing is to choose a name that you and the hippo will both love. With a little bit of creativity and thought, you’ll be sure to find the perfect name for your hippo companion.