Zebras are mammals with black and white stripes. There are three species of zebras namely the plains zebra, grevy’s and mountain zebras. These herbivores have good hearing and eyesight which helps them stay clear of predators. We have compiled good, cute and cool zebra names.
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Why Animals Should Be Named
History has taught us that naming animals has positive effects on us as well as on the animals we name. Giving animals names also improves our relationship with them whether the animals are wild or domesticated. Zoos, aquariums, and marine parks, have started to appreciate the powerful effect naming the animals they keep has on them. Also, these places have also realised how naming animals can positively affect how visitors interact with these animals together with those that tend to the animals. Nowadays, it is common for zoos to hold events or contests naming a new born animal or to refer to them by their name or nickname before their species. As such, the issues concerning how we should name these animals should be done properly and with careful consideration whether we are naming a pet or a wild animal at the zoo or game park. Naming animals affects us all emotionally and makes us look at an animal with empathy. Also, it creates an emotional experience, that draws in more people more than a science-minded one. It has been proven that animals with names can be star attractions. Giving an animal a name, even if they are not our pets such as zebras, generally means nothing for the animals themselves, but it positively affects the way we regard these animals. Especially at a time when a lot of animals are mistreated by the cruel side of human nature, it is more important than ever to stop being strangers towards these animals.
Good Zebra Names
Rayas: The name Rayas is Spanish and it translates to stripes. This name complements the zebra’s appearance.
Dummy: Zebras are said to have short attention spans and are not good at retaining information. Therefore, the name Dummy is appropriate for your zebra.
Bitey: Zebras can inflict nasty wounds on each other and on people too when they are habituated and people get too close.
Aurelia: Aurelia is a good feminine name which will suit your pet zebra.
Chewy: Chewy is a good name for an animal that spend most of their time chewing; this name is apt for your zebra.
Iris: You can name your zebra after the beautiful iris flower. The name will suit its beautiful stripes.
Ada: The name Ada means happy and it is a good name to give to a zebra that makes you happy.
We have listed other good names which might suit your zebra.
- Louis
- Tobias
- Axel
- Charlie
- Caleb
- Zachary
- Jayden
- Miles
- Atlas
- Soren
- Emmett
- Eli
- Julian
- Jude
- Arlo
- Theo
- Liam
- Ethan
Zebra Species
There are three types of zebra species, namely plains, mountain zebra and the grévy’s zebra. Plains zebra are the most common type of zebra, that can be found throughout sub-saharan Africa. These zebras can be found from southern Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania all the way down to Botswana as well as South Africa. The plains zebra is the most popular of 3 species of zebra, that inhabit the east and southern Africa mostly. When it comes to appearance plains zebras are much smaller than the other two species. These zebras range in height from 1-1.5 m (3.5-5 ft.) and can weigh about 450 kg. Plains zebras also have a unique stripe pattern when compared to the other species. The second type of zebra is the less common, mountain zebra which can be found in large numbers in Angola, Namibia and South Africa. Mountain zebras prefer slopes and plateaus and can they can be found as high as 2,000 metres above sea level. Mountain zebras, however, migrate lower in the winter season. These zebras live in dry, stony, mountainous, and hilly habitats too. The third type of zebra is the grévy’s zebra. This zebra is the largest and most rare of the zebra species. Also, the grévy’s zebra is also the most endangered zebra species with only an estimated 3,000 members left in the wild. This type of zebra is distinguished by its unique stripes, which are as unique as human fingerprints. The Grevy’s zebra is more closely related to the wild ass than the horse, while the plains zebra is related to the horse. In addition, Grevy’s zebras are also much taller, have large ears, and have narrower stripes compared to the other types of zebras.
Zebra Baby Names
Foals is what baby zebras are called and they are cute, hence we have listed the best names to give to a baby zebra.
Frolicker: Naming your baby zebra Frolicker is cute. Frolicking means playing and so, if your baby zebra loves to play, name him Frolicker.
Cookie: A baby zebra is cute and the name Cookie will suit her.
Asha: Asha is a befitting name for your baby zebra. This name means hope in Sanskrit. Asha is also a perfect name for a Hartmann’s mountain zebra as they are a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and hunting.
Payton: You can name your beautiful foal, Payton, which means royal.
Valentino: Valentino is a sweet name for your charming male foal. This name means healthy, therefore, it is best for a strong baby zebra.
Boss Baby: Young Animals take the position of the mother in the hierarchy, therefore, Boss Baby is an appropriate name for a foal of a dominant mare.
Munchkin: The name Munchkin is perfect for your cute little foal.
Below is a list of more baby zebra names which you might like.
- Bali
- Barbie
- Ruby
- Benjamin
- Ferb
- Jo
- Declan
- Elinor
- Miles
- Afro
- Bobby
- Bambi
- Cutie
- Oreo
- Mac
- Ezra
- Liam
- Kai
- Caleb
- Honey
Interesting Facts About Zebras
One of the most interesting fact about zebras is that like many large African herbivores, they are constantly on the move. Zebras are constantly on the move in search of food and water. In East Africa, zebras make up a significant part of the “Great Migration”. The great migration is an annual event where millions of zebras, wildebeest and antelope together with other animals travel on a 500 mile circuit in Tanzania and Kenya, across the Serengeti, Maasai Mara and Ngorongoro Crater. In Southern Africa, it has been recorded that zebras travel even further, 300 miles on a straight line across Namibia and Botswana. While this may be shorter than the overall Great Migration circuit, it is longer in one single direction, and this makes it the longest migration among most African mammals. Another interesting fact about zebras is the age old question about them being white animals with black stripes? or black animals with white stripes? For a number of years, scientists have believed that zebras are white with black stripes since many zebras have white underbellies, genetic research has proven that zebras are black animals with white stripes.
Famous Zebra Names
If you want popular names for your zebra, here are famous names which you might like.
Marty: Marty is a good name to give to your zebra. The name is inspired by the character in the cartoon ‘Madagascar.’
Dhahabu: You can name your zebra after the golden zebra character from the ‘Lion King,’ Dhahabu. The name will suit a charismatic leader.
Here are more famous names which will suit your zebra.
- Duchess
- Hamu
- Obi
- Muhimu
- Kwato
- Candace
- Phineas
- Ferb
- Thurston
Can Zebras Be Tamed
Many people wonder why zebras have never been used or domesticated by humans the same way that horses and donkeys are used. Surprisingly, this has been tried before. According to writer Francis Galton, a Dutch Boers, among many tried to tame zebras but failed. He tried using zebras as a form of transportation. According to him and other people that tried taming zebras, the personality and character of zebras makes it difficult to train them. It has been recorded that the animals regularly escaped their enclosures, and thwarted the training of their masters. The untrainable behaviour may be the result of evolution. Because zebras live in large groups in an environment full of predators, their survival instincts make it difficult to train them and less friendly to humans than their horse and donkey cousins.
Female Zebra Name
If you own a female zebra, also known as a mare, here are nice names to give her.
Confusee: You can name your female zebra Confusee, from the term confuse, since their colouration is not about camouflage but to confuse insects from landing on them.
Abayomi: Abayomi is a cute feminine Nigerian name which refers to one who brings joy. it is a good name for your zebra.
Queen: This is a good name for your female zebra, especially one who is the most dominant female.
Nadine: You can name your female zebra Nadine; a cute feminine name for your pet.
Barbie: This name is best for your young female zebra. The name is inspired by the Barbie doll.
If you still haven’t found the right name for your mare, here are more female zebra names.
- Luna
- Chloe
- Anmelia
- Amara
- Eleanor
- Genevieve
- Ivy
- Rose
- Aurelia
- Violet
- Hazel
- Esme
- Mia
- Clara
- Jane
- Isabella
- Liz
- Audrey
- Imogen
Behavioural Patterns Of Zebras
Zebras have adapted to their habitats in so many ways. Some of these adaptations are in their anatomy, physiology as well as their behaviour. Some of these adaptations help to discourage predators and parasites whilst others help them eat as well as take advantage of food sources. These adaptations include their stripes, to more subtle adaptions, such as their herding behaviour. The stripes of a zebra serve many purposes. The dazzle camouflage, for example does not hide the zebra but it breaks up its outline and makes it harder for predators to judge distance thus, throwing off their strikes when hunting. Also the stripes may confuse certain parasitic flies, because the zebra’s patterns do not resemble those of other mammals from a fly’s-eye-view. Zebras also have large, high-crowned grinding teeth, this way the zebras teeth will not wear out due to a high silica content that many of the grasses they eat have. In addition, males have enlarged canine teeth which are useful for fighting.
Male Zebra Names
A male zebra is called a stallion and if your zebra is male, here is what you can name him.
Defender: Male zebras are defenders of the herd; once a predator is spotted, females and babies run and the male trail behind to defend them. The name Defender is appropriate for your stallion.
Barack: The name Barack is a cute Swahili name which translates to blessings. It is a good name to give to your pet zebra if you value him.
Sergei: Sergei is a traditional Russian name which means protector. It is a good name for a male zebra.
Marcello: This name is taken from the mythological god of war. It means to be manly, therefore, it is a good name for your stallion.
Ace: You can name your stallion Ace, a good name for a black and white pet.
King: A herd of zebras consists of one male and many mares and foals, so you can name that one male zebra, King.
We have listed other male zebra names for you to select from.
- Felix
- Wyatt
- Ethan
- Oliver
- Silas
- Jasper
- Liam
- Jude
- James
- Arthur
- Eli
- Sebastian
- Miles
- Bodhi
- Zachary
- Jayden
- Declan
- Tobias
- Thomas
Cute Zebra Names
Zebras are exotic pets and the best name for them, are cute names. Here are cute zebra names based on their appearance and habits, which you can give to your pet.
Zoom: Zebras have a very good eyesight, which helps them spot a predator from afar, therefore the name Zoom will suit them.
Kicker: A zebra can deliver a powerful kick when defending itself, hence the name Kicker is apt for your zebra.
Sprinter: You can name your zebra Sprinter, since it has a record of running 56km/h.
Watchman: Watchman is a funny name to give to your zebra. Watchmen are people who guard something even through the night and they are always on alert. Zebras too behave like watchmen, they sleep while standing, so the name will fit.
Kilimanjaro: If you want to name your zebra something that reflects its African heritage, the name Kilimanjaro will do. You will have named your zebra after the tallest mountain in Africa. This name is apt for a zebra who belongs to the largest species of zebras.
Bahati: If you adopted a cute zebra who makes you happy, so much that you feel like to have it, name it Bahati; which translates to lucky or fortunate.
Nomi: Nomi is a cute name to give to your zebra. This name means beautiful, and it suits your beautiful pet.
Below are other cute names to consider.
- Sahara
- Jack
- Atticus
- Bella
- Finn
- Henry
- Oscar
- Zeke
- Wyatt
- Zebby
- Milo
- Zanzabar
- Arthur
- Eliza
- Arlo
- Jude
- Ethan
Funny Zebra Names
If you want a silly and funny name for your zebra, here are some names to consider.
Ref: Ref is a funny name to give to your zebra; this name is short for referee. Since a referee’s attire is usually black and white striped, the name Ref is suiting for your zebra.
ZigZag: You can name your zebra ZigZag, a name matching its striped body.
Zonkey: Zebras do look like striped donkeys, so you can add a Z to the term donkey, you get a Zonkey, a funny zebra name.
Mr Eats-A-Lot: Mr Eats-A-Lot is a funny name which will suit your zebra since it spends the majority of its day eating.
Teether: The name Teether is a funny name to give to your zebra, but it suits because, zebras’ back teeth continue to grow throughout their lives.
Barcode: Naming your zebra Barcode is silly but it’s the best funny zebra name you can give to your pet.
Charcoal: The black stripes on a zebra look like they have been drawn using charcoal, so this name is perfect for your zebra.
Here are more funny zebra names to select from.
- Convict
- Zippy
- Z
- Cray Cray
- Jorge
- Zigg
- Spot
- Bitey
- Zapper
- Bruce Lee
- Killer
Pet Zebra Names
Any pet that is not a cat or dog is considered an exotic pet; here are good pet names for your zebra.
- Molly
- Sheila
- Mia
- Mavy
- Leo
- Kia
- Streaks
Zebra Nicknames
Stripy: Stripy is a good byname to give to your zebra; the name alludes to the zebra’s black and white lines.
Oreo: You can name your zebra Oreo; it is a good moniker for your black and white pet.
Equiferus: This is a Latin name that translates to wild horse; an apt name for your zebra,
Cool Zebra Names
Asha: The name Asha is cool and it is a perfect name for your spirited zebra. Asha means lively woman.
Everett: Everett is a cool zebra name meaning one who is brave like a wild boar. Zebras display a lot of bravery when they circle around to help protect an attacked zebra from their predator.
Gregor: Gregor is a Russian diminutive of Gregorius meaning watchful; an excellent name for your pet, given how alert zebras are.
Silas: You can name your zebra Silas; a name which means one who is of the forest.
Killer Kick: You can name your zebra after its killer kick. The name suits your zebra because there have been recorded cases of zebras killing lions with a kick to its head.
African Zebra Names
Africa is the natural homer for zebras and if you want to give your pet an African name, we have compiled a list with the best names for your zebra.
- Kinshasa
- Tunis
- Kenya
- Madagascar
- Alexandria
- Sahara
- Boma
- Tungwe
- Ivory
- Oran
- Zahara
- Bamako
Can Zebras Be Ridden?
Zebras are aggressive mainly because they have not evolved in tamer temperate regions, instead they evolved to survive as a species in a jungle where lions are their main predator. This entails that ridding them or training them to be so is not ideal. Another reason why Zebras cannot be ridden is that they are small animals and their backs are not strong enough to support the weight of man.