Hippos are remarkable creatures that spend most of their time in water and are renowned for being one of Africa’s most formidable animals.
These gentle giants have become popular as exotic pets in some places, and if you’re lucky enough to have a pet hippo, choosing the perfect name is super important! Your hippo’s name should match their big personality and lovable nature.
Whether you want something cute, funny, or strong, picking the right name helps create a special bond with your new friend. In this blog post, we’ll share 240+ creative hippo name ideas that will help you find the perfect match for your amazing pet companion.
Fun Facts About Hippos
Hippos are full of surprises! These incredible animals are more closely related to whales than to other large land mammals.
Despite weighing up to 4,000 pounds, hippos can run 30 miles per hour on land – faster than most humans! They spend up to 16 hours a day in water to keep their skin from drying out in the African sun.
Here’s something cool: hippos can’t swim or float, but they walk along the bottom of rivers and lakes. Baby hippos are born underwater and can close their ears and nostrils while nursing. Their sweat is red and acts like natural sunscreen!
5 Quick Tips For Choosing The Right Hippo Name
- Keep It Simple: Choose a name that’s easy to say and remember. Short names with 1-2 syllables work best, like “Hugo” or “Bella,” so you can call your hippo quickly.
- Match Their Personality: Watch how your hippo acts. Are they playful, calm, or energetic? Pick a name that fits their unique character, like “Splash” for a water-loving hippo.
- Consider Their Size: Hippos are big and mighty! You can choose strong-sounding names like “Tank” or “Goliath,” or go with cute contrast names like “Peanut” for fun.
- Think About Their Looks: Look at your hippo’s color, shape, or special features. Gray hippos might suit names like “Storm” or “Smokey.”
- Test It Out: Say the name out loud several times to make sure it feels right and flows well when you call your hippo.
Cute Hippopotamus Names
Adorable and charming names perfect for these lovable, chunky water giants that capture their sweet and playful nature.
- Belle
- Bubbles
- Puddles
- Marshmallow
- Buttercup
- Peanut
- Muffin
- Snuggles
- Cupcake
- Honey
- Biscuit
- Dumpling
- Sweetpea
- Pickles
- Nibbles
- Giggles
- Pumpkin
- Cookie
- Jellybean
- Sprinkles
- Waffles
- Bumble
- Daisy
- Pip
- Rosie
- Luna
- Sunny
- Poppy
- Penny
- Ruby
Male Hippopotamus Names
Strong and masculine names that reflect the powerful presence and mighty character of male hippos.
- Kaiser
- Thor
- Bruno
- Max
- Oscar
- Duke
- Rex
- Zeus
- Atlas
- Tank
- Chief
- Bear
- Rocky
- Hunter
- King
- Titan
- Caesar
- Leo
- Boss
- Storm
- Diesel
- Ranger
- Baron
- Viking
- Admiral
- Commander
- Major
- Prince
- Marshal
- Captain
Female Hippopotamus Names
Elegant and graceful names that celebrate the feminine beauty and nurturing nature of female hippos.
- Evangeline
- Bella
- Luna
- Rosie
- Daisy
- Grace
- Pearl
- Ruby
- Lily
- Sophie
- Emma
- Stella
- Willow
- Ivy
- Hazel
- Violet
- Poppy
- Iris
- Charlotte
- Olive
- Jasmine
- Penelope
- Victoria
- Isabella
- Anastasia
- Seraphina
- Magnolia
- Clementine
- Genevieve
- Cordelia
Baby Hippopotamus Names
Tiny and adorable names perfect for little hippo calves that capture their innocent charm and playful spirit.
- Angel
- Pebbles
- Tiny
- Pip
- Button
- Sprout
- Jellybean
- Nibbles
- Giggles
- Dimples
- Pudding
- Squeaky
- Tickles
- Bubbles
- Sniffles
- Waddles
- Wiggles
- Patches
- Binky
- Poppy
- Skippy
- Bambi
- Chipper
- Twinkle
- Sunny
- Happy
- Cuddles
- Snuggles
- Peaches
- Sweetie
Nicknames For Hippopotamus
Affectionate and playful nicknames that highlight the lovable and endearing qualities of these gentle water giants.
- Squeaky
- Hippy
- Chubby
- Tubby
- Chunky
- Bubba
- Chubs
- Pudgy
- Fatty
- Rolly
- Squishy
- Bouncy
- Splashy
- Momo
- Lolo
- Bobo
- Tubs
- Dumbo
- Bumpy
- Lumpy
- Snorty
- Sleepy
- Lazy
- Huggy
- Cuddly
- Smooshy
- Fluffy
- Puddles
- Chomper
- Munchy
Funny Hippopotamus Names
Hilarious and witty names that celebrate the comical nature of hippos and will bring laughter to everyone who hears them.
- Hippo-potty
- Hippo-potamus Rex
- Sir Chonky
- Bubble Butt
- Wadsworth
- Chunky McChunkface
- Meatloaf
- Tubby McTuberson
- Hippo-critical
- Splashzilla
- Roly Poly
- Blubber Nugget
- Captain Chubs
- Pudding Pop
- Hippo-nator
- Belly Flop
- Chomp Chomp
- Sir Splashes-a-Lot
- Hippo-licious
- Thunder Thighs
- Snorkel Face
- Water Balloon
- Hippo-crates
- Professor Pudgy
- Bubbles McGillicuddy
- Chunkaroo
- Marshmallow Mike
- Hippo-campus
- Splish Splash
- Buttercup McWaddle
Badass Hippopotamus Names
Fierce and powerful names that capture the intimidating strength and untamed nature of these formidable river beasts.
- Annihilator
- Brutus
- Crusher
- Titan
- Venom
- Rampage
- Thunder
- Destroyer
- Savage
- Viper
- Warrior
- Reaper
- Dominator
- Fury
- Blaze
- Storm
- Havoc
- Rogue
- Beast
- Chaos
- Magnum
- Diesel
- Razor
- Phantom
- Spike
- Avalanche
- Goliath
- Vengeance
- Predator
- Inferno
Famous Hippopotamus Names
Well-known hippo names from movies, TV shows, zoos, and real-life celebrity hippos that have captured hearts worldwide.
- Hippo (Madagascar Live)
- Gloria (Madagascar)
- George (Rainbow)
- Moto Moto (Madagascar 2)
- Fiona (Cincinnati Zoo)
- Owen (Kenya orphan hippo)
- Humphrey (South African hippo)
- Mzee (tortoise friend to Owen)
- Bubbles (San Diego Zoo)
- Henry (Kilimanjaro Safari)
- Happy Hippo (Kinder mascot)
- Hippo (Fantasia)
- Martha (George’s friend)
- Sluggy (Pearls Before Swine)
- Peter Potamus (Hanna-Barbera)
- Hyacinth Hippo (Disney)
- Tasha (The Backyardigans)
- Hip and Hop (My Gym Partner’s a Monkey)
- Flavio (Animaniacs)
- Murray (Sly Cooper)
- Ellyvan (Jungle Junction)
- Henrietta (Zoo Tales)
- Hanna (Hanna’s Wild Life)
- Hugo (Hugo the Hippo)
- Roxy (My Friends Tigger & Pooh)
- Snorty (The Lion Guard)
- Beshte (The Lion Guard)
- Tuffy (St. Augustine hippo)
- Jessica (Jungle Junction)
- Hallie (Doc McStuffins)
Last Words
We hope you got your favorite name. Finding the perfect name for your pet hippo is an exciting journey that brings you closer to your amazing companion.
Whether you choose a strong name that shows their mighty nature, a cute name that highlights their lovable side, or a funny name that makes everyone smile, the most important thing is picking something that feels right to you.
Remember, your hippo’s name will be part of their identity for life, so take your time and choose wisely.
FAQs
Q: What makes a good hippo name?
A: A good hippo name is easy to pronounce, matches your pet’s personality, and feels special to you. Keep it simple and memorable.
Q: Should I choose a strong name or a cute name for my hippo?
A: It depends on your hippo’s personality! Strong names work for bold hippos, while cute names are perfect for gentle, playful ones.
Q: How long should a hippo name be?
A: Shorter names with 1-2 syllables work best because they’re easier to say and remember.
Q: Can I change my hippo’s name later?
A: Yes, but it’s better to choose the right name from the start so your hippo gets used to it.
