Written by Roger R. Henderson
There’s a moment every horse owner knows well – that instant when you first meet your horse and realize you need the perfect name. Maybe it’s a newborn foal taking its first wobbly steps, or a rescue horse cautiously accepting their first treat from your hand. Whatever the circumstances, finding the right name feels like capturing a piece of magic. Names beginning with ‘B’ have a wonderful boldness to them, a certain strength that seems to suit horses particularly well. From the brave “Blaze” to the beautiful “Belle,” these names carry weight and character.
I remember standing in a dusty barn years ago, watching a friend struggle to name her new gelding. “He needs something strong,” she said, “but not too serious.” We went through dozens of possibilities before landing on “Bandit” – perfect for his mischievous habit of stealing carrots from pockets. That’s the thing about naming horses: the right name just clicks, like finding the missing piece of a puzzle you didn’t know was incomplete.
This comprehensive guide brings together 200 carefully chosen horse names starting with ‘B,’ each with its own meaning and personality. I’ve organized them into categories to help you navigate, whether you’re drawn to classical names steeped in history, nature-inspired choices that echo the outdoors, or something completely unique that nobody else at the barn will have. Some names might make you laugh, others might touch something deeper, but all of them have the potential to become part of your horse’s story.
Traditional and Time-Honored Names
Let’s start with the classics – names that have graced horses for generations. These are the names you might have heard called across show grounds for decades, and there’s a reason they endure. They’re strong, clear, and carry a sense of heritage.
- Beauty – Classic name for an attractive horse
- Black Beauty – After the famous novel’s hero
- Blaze – White marking on face, also means flame
- Buck – Spirited male horse, or deer
- Buddy – Friendly companion, perfect for a gentle horse
- Baron – Nobleman, dignified and regal
- Belle – Beautiful in French, feminine elegance
- Blue – Often for gray horses, also melancholy beauty
- Brandy – Warm, amber spirit, sophisticated
- Beau – Handsome in French, boyfriend or admirer
Strong and Powerful Names
Some horses just command respect the moment they enter a space. Their presence fills the area, their movements speak of barely contained power. These names are for those magnificent creatures that make everyone stop and stare.
- Bullet – Fast as a speeding bullet
- Bronco – Wild, untamed horse
- Blade – Sharp, cutting edge
- Bolt – Lightning fast, sudden movement
- Bruiser – Tough, strong fighter
- Bravo – Excellent, well done
- Brigadier – Military commander
- Brutus – Heavy, strong (Roman name)
- Battlestar – Warrior of the cosmos
- Bomber – Powerful, explosive force
Nature-Inspired Names
The natural world offers endless inspiration, especially for animals as connected to the earth as horses. These names draw from landscapes, plants, weather, and the wild beauty that surrounds us.
- Birch – Elegant white-barked tree
- Brook – Small stream, gentle flowing
- Breeze – Gentle wind, easy movement
- Bramble – Wild thorny shrub, spirited
- Blossom – Flower, blooming beauty
- Boulder – Large rock, solid and strong
- Bay – Body of water, also horse color
- Bamboo – Strong, flexible plant
- Barley – Golden grain
- Basil – Aromatic herb, also means royal
Playful and Whimsical Names
Not every horse needs a serious name. Some horses have personalities that demand something fun, something that makes people smile. These names are for the comedians of the horse world.
- Bubbles – Light, floating, cheerful
- Biscuit – Sweet treat, comforting
- Boots – Footwear, often for white markings
- Buttercup – Yellow flower, sweet nature
- Bounce – Energetic movement
- Bumble – Buzzing like a bee, busy
- Binky – Playful, childlike
- Boomerang – Always comes back
- Butterscotch – Sweet candy color
- Banana – Yellow, quirky, fun
Elegant and Sophisticated Names
For horses that move like poetry, that carry themselves with an innate grace that can’t be taught. These names whisper rather than shout, but they leave a lasting impression.
- Ballerina – Graceful dancer
- Belladonna – Beautiful lady, also a plant
- Bianca – White, pure (Italian)
- Beatrice – She who brings happiness
- Bijou – Jewel in French
- Bella – Beautiful (Italian/Spanish)
- Bethany – House of figs, biblical
- Brigitte – Exalted, strength
- Blanche – White, fair
- Benedetta – Blessed (Italian)
International and Cultural Names
The world is full of beautiful languages, each offering unique sounds and meanings. These international names bring diversity and cultural richness to your choice.
- Bruno – Brown (German/Italian)
- Boris – Fighter (Slavic)
- Bjorn – Bear (Scandinavian)
- Bao – Treasure (Chinese)
- Bodhi – Enlightenment (Sanskrit)
- Batu – Rock (Mongolian)
- Benicio – Blessed (Spanish)
- Bahir – Dazzling (Arabic)
- Biko – People’s favorite (African)
- Baptiste – Baptist (French)
Mythology and Legend Names
Stories of gods and heroes have always captured our imagination. These mythological names carry the weight of ancient tales and timeless adventures.
- Balius – One of Achilles’ immortal horses
- Brigid – Celtic goddess of fire
- Baldur – Norse god of light
- Bacchus – Roman god of wine
- Boreas – Greek god of north wind
- Bellerophon – Greek hero who tamed Pegasus
- Bragi – Norse god of poetry
- Brunhilde – Valkyrie warrior
- Basilisk – Legendary serpent
- Banshee – Irish spirit
Western and Cowboy Names
The American West has its own mythology, filled with dusty trails, endless skies, and the romance of the frontier. These names capture that rugged spirit.
- Bronco – Untamed western horse
- Buffalo – American bison, powerful
- Bandito – Outlaw, rebel
- Buckaroo – Cowboy, rider
- Bonanza – Sudden wealth, good fortune
- Branding – Ranch marking
- Barrel – Rodeo racing event
- Brazos – Texas river
- Badlands – Rugged terrain
- Bootlegger – Prohibition outlaw
Color-Inspired Names
Sometimes a horse’s coloring is so striking it demands recognition in their name. These color-based options work beautifully for horses with distinctive coats or markings.
- Blackjack – Card game, black horse
- Blanco – White in Spanish
- Burgundy – Deep red wine color
- Bronze – Copper-tin alloy color
- Beige – Light brown neutral
- Buff – Yellowish-beige
- Bisque – Peachy-beige
- Brunette – Dark brown
- Blonde – Light yellow
- Blue Roan – Blue-gray coat pattern
Musical and Artistic Names
For horses that move like music or owners who appreciate the arts, these culturally enriched names celebrate creativity and expression.
- Beethoven – Famous composer
- Ballet – Classical dance
- Ballad – Narrative song
- Blues – Music genre, emotion
- Banjo – String instrument
- Bass – Low musical tone
- Baroque – Ornate artistic style
- Beat – Musical rhythm
- Brahms – Classical composer
- Bossa Nova – Brazilian music style
Speed and Athletic Names
Built for speed or blessed with athletic prowess, some horses are natural athletes. These names celebrate movement, speed, and competitive spirit.
- Blazer – One who blazes trails
- Breakaway – Quick escape
- Burst – Sudden speed
- Blitz – Swift attack
- Ballistic – High-speed projectile
- Booster – Power increaser
- Breakneck – Dangerously fast
- Burnout – Tire-spinning speed
- Blastoff – Rocket launch
- Breakdance – Athletic dance style
Royal and Noble Names
These regal names suit horses with commanding presences, those who carry themselves like they know they’re special.
- Baroness – Female baron
- Buckingham – Royal palace
- Byzantine – Ancient empire
- Bourbon – Royal French dynasty
- Britannia – Personification of Britain
- Bavarian – German royalty
- Boyar – Russian nobility
- Baronet – Hereditary title
- Bastion – Stronghold, fortress
- Burgess – Town citizen
Adventure and Travel Names
For horses that seem ready to explore the world, these names evoke distant places and the thrill of discovery.
- Bermuda – Island paradise
- Boston – Historic city
- Brooklyn – New York borough
- Brisbane – Australian city
- Bali – Indonesian island
- Barcelona – Spanish city
- Berlin – German capital
- Bangkok – Thai capital
- Budapest – Hungarian capital
- Bristol – English city
Gemstone and Precious Names
Like precious stones, these names suggest rarity, beauty, and value.
- Beryl – Precious stone
- Bloodstone – Dark green gem
- Brass – Copper-zinc alloy
- Bronzite – Bronze-colored mineral
- Bismuth – Metallic element
- Barite – Mineral
- Basalt – Volcanic rock
- Benitoite – Rare blue gem
- Brazilianite – Yellow-green gem
- Brookite – Titanium mineral
Literary and Historical Names
For the well-read horse owner, these names reference literature, history, and cultural figures.
- Byron – Romantic poet
- Bronte – Literary sisters
- Beowulf – Epic hero
- Bilbo – Hobbit adventurer
- Bennet – Pride and Prejudice
- Beatrix – Author Potter
- Baldwin – Crusader king
- Bismarck – German statesman
- Bonaparte – Napoleon’s surname
- Boleyn – Anne Boleyn
Food and Flavor Names
Sweet, savory, or somewhere in between, these culinary names add flavor to your choice.
- Berry – Small fruit
- Brandy – Distilled wine
- Brie – Soft cheese
- Brownie – Chocolate dessert
- Butterbean – Lima bean
- Basil – Aromatic herb
- Baguette – French bread
- Baklava – Sweet pastry
- Bourbon – Whiskey
- Brioche – Sweet bread
Weather and Sky Names
These atmospheric names capture the moods of weather and the vastness of the sky.
- Blizzard – Severe snowstorm
- Breeze – Gentle wind
- Bright – Full of light
- Beacon – Guiding light
- Borealis – Northern lights
- Bluster – Windy weather
- Balmy – Pleasantly warm
- Barometer – Pressure measurer
- Billowing – Swelling clouds
- Brume – Mist, fog
Unique and Modern Names
For those seeking something contemporary, these modern names bring a fresh perspective.
- Binary – Computer code
- Blockchain – Digital technology
- Beta – Second version
- Bandwidth – Data capacity
- Browser – Internet navigator
- Bluetooth – Wireless technology
- Backup – Safety copy
- Biotech – Biological technology
- Broadband – High-speed internet
- Bitcoin – Digital currency
Spiritual and Meaningful Names
Names with deeper significance, perfect for horses that touch something profound in their owners.
- Blessing – Divine favor
- Believe – Have faith
- Balance – Equilibrium
- Benevolent – Kind-hearted
- Boundless – Without limits
- Beacon – Guiding light
- Beloved – Deeply loved
- Blissful – Perfectly happy
- Bountiful – Generous, abundant
- Brotherhood – Fellowship
Final Ten Favorites
These last ten names are personal selections that deserve special mention, each unique in its own way.
- Brigadoon – Mystical Scottish village
- Bespoke – Custom-made
- Bohemian – Free-spirited artist
- Blacksmith – Iron worker
- Ballantine – Scottish origin
- Belvedere – Beautiful view
- Blackthorn – Thorny shrub
- Bramblewood – Thorny forest
- Bridgewater – Water crossing
- Byzantium – Ancient city
Finding Your Perfect ‘B’ Name
After exploring these 200 names, you might already have a favorite, or perhaps you’re more confused than when you started! That’s perfectly normal. Choosing a name is deeply personal, and what sounds perfect to one person might not resonate with another. I’ve seen people agonize for weeks over naming their horse, while others know instantly what to call their new companion.
Consider trying out a few names for size. Spend a day calling your horse different names and see which one feels natural. Watch how they respond – while horses learn any name we consistently use, sometimes they seem to perk up more at certain sounds. The letter ‘B’ has a nice, bold sound that carries well across a pasture, making these names particularly practical for daily use.
Remember too that many horses end up with nicknames that have nothing to do with their official names. I knew a registered “Brigadier’s Bold Beauty” who everyone simply called “Beebs.” The formal name looked impressive on show entry forms, but the barn name was what really mattered in daily life.
Think about your horse’s personality, appearance, and your own interests. Are they bold like a “Bronco” or gentle like a “Breeze”? Do they have distinctive markings that suggest “Blaze” or “Boots”? Are you a music lover who’d enjoy calling “Beethoven” every evening? The best name is one that makes you happy every time you say it.
A Final Thought
Names have power. They shape how we see our horses and how others perceive them. A horse named “Bruiser” might be approached differently than one named “Buttercup,” even if their temperaments are identical. Choose a name that reflects not just who your horse is now, but who they might become with your love and training.
Whether you’ve chosen “Baron” for your noble stallion, “Belle” for your graceful mare, or “Biscuit” for your sweet-natured pony, remember that the best part isn’t the name itself – it’s the relationship you’ll build with the horse who bears it. Years from now, you won’t just remember the name; you’ll remember all the moments, adventures, and quiet companionship that came with it.
The ‘B’ names listed here are just the beginning. Some might inspire variations, combinations, or completely new ideas. Maybe “Blaze” becomes “Blazing Star,” or “Brook” inspires “Brooklyn Bridge.” Let your creativity flow, and don’t be afraid to choose something that makes you smile.
Happy naming, and may your ‘B’-named horse bring you boundless joy, whether they’re bold or bashful, brilliant or just beautifully themselves.