Snakes come in all different shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns. With over 3,000 species of snakes in the world, there is great diversity in the names used to identify these reptiles. Some snake names refer to physical appearance, behavior, habitat, or mythology. Understanding the meaning and origin of different snake names can provide insight into the natural history of these creatures.
Summary:
| Type of Name | Examples |
|---|---|
| Physical Appearance | Corn snake, black mamba |
| Behavior | Hognose snake, king cobra |
| Habitat | Water snake, desert kingsnake |
| Mythology | Rainbow serpent, feathered serpent |
When naming snakes, people have drawn inspiration from the snakes’ coloring, patterning, size, shape, habitat, behavior, mythology, and more. Some names are descriptive while others reference history and folklore. Getting familiar with common snake names and terminology can aid identification and appreciation of these reptiles.
Names Describing Physical Appearance:
Many snakes are named after their most obvious physical characteristics. Color and patterning are common inspirations for snake names. For example:
- Corn snake – Named for the orange-red checkerboard pattern resembling Indian corn
- Rainbow boa – Boa constrictor with iridescent sheen in sunlight
- Speckled brown snake – Small snake with speckled brown pattern
Size and shape also influence some snake names:
- Black mamba – One of world’s longest venomous snakes, reaching over 14 feet
- Threadsnake – Tiny, pencil-thin snakes under 4 inches long
- Hognose snake – Named for upturned rostral scale resembling a pig’s snout
The appearance of some snakes can vary significantly between juveniles and adults. Their names may reflect life stage:
- Redbelly snake – Juveniles have bright red undersides that fade with age
- Yellow anaconda – Young are yellow before darkening to green
Names Reflecting Behavior:
Snake names often describe distinctive behaviors or tendencies:
- King cobra – World’s longest venomous snake, known for “hooding” when threatened
- Hognose snake – Plays dead by rolling on back with mouth agape when threatened
- Egg-eater – Specializes in eating bird and reptile eggs, swallowing them whole
- Rat snake – Excellent climbers and rodent hunters found near barns and crops
Some names focus on interactions or rivalry with other species:
- Kingsnake – Immune to venom, so preys on rattlesnakes
- Mongoose – Its speed and agility enable it to kill cobras and other venomous snakes, creating a fierce rivalry
Names Reflecting Habitat:
Names of certain species indicate habitat preferences or geographic ranges:
- Water snake – Found near ponds, lakes, and rivers hunting for fish and frogs
- Vine snake – Arboreal species that lives in trees and shrubs of tropical rainforests
- Desert kingsnake – Small snake native to the Sonoran and Mojave deserts
- African rock python – One of Africa’s largest snakes, at home in rocky savannas
Sometimes a name simply states where the snake occurs:
- Indian cobra – Venomous cobra native to India and surrounding regions
- Peruvian racer – Fast-moving species from South America
Names Derived from Mythology and Symbolism:
Mythology and symbolism have inspired some poetic snake names:
- Rainbow serpent – Symbol of fertility and life-giving rains in Aboriginal folklore
- Feathered serpent – Important deity found in Aztec, Mayan and other Mesoamerican cultures
- Flowerpot snake – Alludes to Chinese legend of snakes transforming into women
Other symbolic names include:
- King snake – Named for legendary combat with rattlesnakes, reflecting bravery
- Copperhead – Poisonous pit viper said to give a toxic “kiss” like that of Judas Iscariot
These names reveal how snakes have been both feared and revered in human history. Their ties to water, fertility, stealth, danger and transformation have inspired many mystical names.
Lets take a look at some of the Snake Names that you can use:
General Snake Names:
Snake Names:
Choosing a name for your snake can be a fun and creative process. You might want to consider names that reflect your snake’s appearance, behavior, or unique characteristics. Here are some unique snake names to inspire you:
- Slither
- Hiss
- Fang
- Scales
- Viper
- Python
- Cobra
- Rattle
- Boa
- Serpent
Female Snake Names:
If you have a female snake, you might want to give her a name that reflects her elegance and grace. Here are some unique female snake names:
- Medusa
- Cleopatra
- Athena
- Venus
- Seraphina
- Ophelia
- Bella
- Ivy
- Luna
- Aurora
Cool Snake Names:
If you’re looking for a name that’s as cool as your snake, consider these options. They’re sure to make your snake the coolest reptile in the room:
- Venom
- Blaze
- Shadow
- Thunder
- Phantom
- Eclipse
- Storm
- Ghost
- Onyx
- Titan
Good Snake Names:
A good snake name is one that suits your snake’s personality and appearance. Here are some good snake names to consider:
- Basilisk
- Draco
- Orion
- Hydra
- Jafar
- Nagini
- Salazar
- Slytherin
- Voldemort
- Zephyr
Funny Snake Names:
If you have a sense of humor, you might want to give your snake a funny name. Here are some funny snake names that are sure to get a laugh:
- Hissy Elliot
- Sir Hiss-a-lot
- Slitherin
- Hiss-terical
- Hiss-tory
- Hiss Majesty
- Hiss-teria
- Hiss-terious
- Hiss-terectomy
- Hiss-terically
Pet Snake Names:
Choosing a name for your pet snake can be a fun process. Here are some pet snake names that you might like:
- Noodle
- Slinky
- Zigzag
- Wiggles
- Squiggles
- Twisty
- Curly
- Swirly
- Spiral
- Coils
Best Snake Names:
The best snake names are those that reflect your snake’s unique characteristics and personality. Here are some of the best snake names:
- Asp
- Mamba
- Rattler
- Viper
- Python
- Cobra
- Anaconda
- Serpent
- Boa
- Adder
Cute Snake Names:
If you’re looking for a cute name for your snake, consider these options. They’re sure to make your snake the cutest reptile in the room:
- Snuggles
- Cuddles
- Wiggles
- Squiggles
- Slinky
- Noodle
- Curly
- Swirly
- Twisty
- Coils
Girl Snake Names:
If you have a female snake, you might want to give her a name that reflects her elegance and grace. Here are some unique girl snake names:
- Daisy
- Lily
- Rose
- Violet
- Jasmine
- Iris
- Poppy
- Daisy
- Tulip
- Sunflower
Famous Snake Names:
There are many famous snakes in literature, mythology, and popular culture. Here are some famous snake names:
- Nagini (Harry Potter)
- Kaa (The Jungle Book)
- Jafar (Aladdin)
- Medusa (Greek Mythology)
- Hydra (Greek Mythology)
- Basilisk (Harry Potter)
- Salazar Slytherin (Harry Potter)
- Voldemort (Harry Potter)
- Asmodeus (Redwall)
- Sir Hiss (Robin Hood)
Unique Snake Names:
If you’re looking for a unique name for your snake, consider these options. They’re sure to make your snake stand out:
- Zephyr
- Orion
- Draco
- Hydra
- Basilisk
- Eclipse
- Phantom
- Onyx
- Titan
- Blaze
Boy Snake Names:
If you have a male snake, you might want to give him a name that reflects his strength and power. Here are some unique boy snake names:
- Thor
- Zeus
- Apollo
- Ares
- Hercules
- Odin
- Loki
- Atlas
- Mars
- Jupiter
White Snake Names:
If you have a white snake, you might want to give it a name that reflects its unique color. Here are some white snake names:
- Snowflake
- Frost
- Blizzard
- Ice
- Ghost
- Ivory
- Pearl
- Diamond
- Crystal
- Moon
Good Female Snake Names:
If you have a female snake, you might want to give her a name that reflects her elegance and grace. Here are some good female snake names:
- Athena
- Venus
- Seraphina
- Ophelia
- Bella
- Ivy
- Luna
- Aurora
- Cleopatra
- Medusa
Red Snake Names:
If you have a red snake, you might want to give it a name that reflects its unique color. Here are some red snake names:
- Ruby
- Scarlet
- Crimson
- Cherry
- Rose
- Fire
- Blaze
- Ember
- Flame
- Phoenix
Scary Snake Names:
If you’re looking for a scary name for your snake, consider these options. They’re sure to make your snake the most intimidating reptile in the room:
- Venom
- Viper
- Cobra
- Python
- Anaconda
- Rattler
- Mamba
- Asp
- Serpent
- Boa
Good Corn Snake Names:
If you have a corn snake, you might want to give it a name that reflects its unique characteristics. Here are some good corn snake names:
- Maize
- Kernel
- Popcorn
- Cob
- Husk
- Silk
- Stalk
- Grain
- Harvest
- Corny
Clever Snake Names:
If you’re looking for a clever name for your snake, consider these options. They’re sure to make your snake the smartest reptile in the room:
- Sir Hiss-a-lot
- Hiss-terical
- Hiss-teria
- Hiss Majesty
- Hiss-terectomy
- Hiss-terious
- Hiss-terically
- Hiss-teria
- Hiss-terectomy
- Hiss-terious
Brown Snake Names:
If you have a brown snake, you might want to give it a name that reflects its unique color. Here are some brown snake names:
- Mocha
- Cocoa
- Espresso
- Caramel
- Toffee
- Nutmeg
- Hazel
- Chestnut
- Walnut
- Pecan
Weird Snake Names:
If you’re looking for a weird name for your snake, consider these options. They’re sure to make your snake the most unique reptile in the room:
- Hiss Majesty
- Hiss-terectomy
- Hiss-terious
- Hiss-terically
- Hiss-teria
- Hiss-terectomy
- Hiss-terious
- Hiss-terically
- Hiss-teria
- Hiss-terectomy
Top Snake Names:
The top snake names are those that are popular among snake owners. Here are some of the top snake names:
- Slither
- Hiss
- Fang
- Scales
- Viper
- Python
- Cobra
- Rattle
- Boa
- Serpent
Fun Snake Names:
If you’re looking for a fun name for your snake, consider these options. They’re sure to make your snake the most entertaining reptile in the room:
- Wiggles
- Squiggles
- Slinky
- Noodle
- Curly
- Swirly
- Twisty
- Coils
- Zigzag
- Spiral
Small Snake Names:
If you have a small snake, you might want to give it a name that reflects its size. Here are some small snake names:
- Tiny
- Mini
- Little
- Shorty
- Peanut
- Button
- Pixie
- Titch
- Pipsqueak
- Midget
Silly Snake Names:
If you have a sense of humor, you might want to give your snake a silly name. Here are some silly snake names that are sure to get a laugh:
- Hissy Elliot
- Sir Hiss-a-lot
- Slitherin
- Hiss-terical
- Hiss-tory
- Hiss Majesty
- Hiss-teria
- Hiss-terious
- Hiss-terectomy
- Hiss-terically
Different Snake Names:
If you’re looking for a different name for your snake, consider these options. They’re sure to make your snake stand out:
- Orion
- Draco
- Hydra
- Basilisk
- Eclipse
- Phantom
- Onyx
- Titan
- Blaze
- Zephyr
Common Snake Names:
The common snake names are those that are popular among snake owners. Here are some of the common snake names:
- Slither
- Hiss
- Fang
- Scales
- Viper
- Python
- Cobra
- Rattle
- Boa
- Serpent
Ancient Snake Names:
If you’re looking for an ancient name for your snake, consider these options. They’re sure to make your snake the most historic reptile in the room:
- Medusa
- Hydra
- Basilisk
- Asp
- Serpent
- Python
- Cobra
- Viper
- Rattler
- Mamba
Biblical Snake Names:
If you’re looking for a biblical name for your snake, consider these options. They’re sure to make your snake the most holy reptile in the room:
- Eve
- Adam
- Eden
- Serpent
- Leviathan
- Asp
- Viper
- Adder
- Basilisk
- Cockatrice
Pink Snake Names:
If you have a pink snake, you might want to give it a name that reflects its unique color. Here are some pink snake names:
- Rose
- Blush
- Flamingo
- Coral
- Peony
- Blossom
- Petal
- Fuchsia
- Bubblegum
- Strawberry
Giant Snake Names:
If you have a giant snake, you might want to give it a name that reflects its size. Here are some giant snake names:
- Titan
- Goliath
- Hercules
- Atlas
- Colossus
- Behemoth
- Leviathan
- Juggernaut
- Mammoth
- Monster
Mythical Snake Names:
Mythical Female Snake Names:
If you have a female snake, you might want to give her a name from mythology. Here are some mythical female snake names:
- Medusa
- Echidna
- Lamia
- Scylla
- Hydra
- Python
- Delphyne
- Amphisbaena
- Ophion
- Tiamat
Mythical Snake Names:
There are many snakes in mythology that have unique and powerful names. Here are some mythical snake names:
- Hydra
- Python
- Basilisk
- Jormungandr
- Quetzalcoatl
- Nidhogg
- Ouroboros
- Typhon
- Ladon
- Apep
Mythical Male Snake Names:
If you have a male snake, you might want to give him a name from mythology. Here are some mythical male snake names:
- Typhon
- Ladon
- Jormungandr
- Nidhogg
- Ouroboros
- Apep
- Quetzalcoatl
- Python
- Basilisk
- Hydra
Unique Snake Names:
Unique Male Snake Names:
If you have a male snake, you might want to give him a unique name that reflects his strength and power. Here are some unique male snake names:
- Orion
- Draco
- Hydra
- Basilisk
- Eclipse
- Phantom
- Onyx
- Titan
- Blaze
- Zephyr
Unique Female Snake Names:
If you have a female snake, you might want to give her a unique name that reflects her elegance and grace. Here are some unique female snake names:
- Athena
- Venus
- Seraphina
- Ophelia
- Bella
- Ivy
- Luna
- Aurora
- Cleopatra
- Medusa
Badass Snake Names:
Badass Snake Names:
If you’re looking for a badass name for your snake, consider these options. They’re sure to make your snake the most intimidating reptile in the room:
- Venom
- Viper
- Cobra
- Python
- Anaconda
- Rattler
- Mamba
- Asp
- Serpent
- Boa
Badass Pet Snake Names:
If you’re looking for a badass name for your pet snake, consider these options. They’re sure to make your snake the most intimidating pet in the room:
- Blaze
- Shadow
- Thunder
- Phantom
- Eclipse
- Storm
- Ghost
- Onyx
- Titan
- Zephyr
Culture Inspired Snake Names:
Latin Snake Names:
Latin names can add a touch of sophistication and mystery to your snake. They can reflect the snake’s characteristics or simply sound cool. Here are some Latin snake names:
- Serpens
- Vipera
- Draco
- Anguis
- Coluber
- Crotalus
- Python
- Boa
- Echis
- Natrix
Mythological Snake Names:
Mythology is a rich source of snake names, with many cultures featuring snakes in their myths and legends. Here are some mythological snake names:
- Medusa
- Hydra
- Jormungandr
- Quetzalcoatl
- Apep
- Ladon
- Typhon
- Echidna
- Ouroboros
- Nidhogg
Japanese Snake Names:
Japanese culture has a unique way of naming snakes, often reflecting their characteristics or the elements. Here are some Japanese snake names:
- Hebi
- Orochi
- Yamata
- Uwabami
- Mamushi
- Ja
- Kuchinawa
- Riu
- Yato
- Yama
Norse Snake Names:
Norse mythology features several snakes and serpents, making it a great source of snake names. Here are some Norse snake names:
- Jormungandr
- Nidhogg
- Fafnir
- Goin
- Moin
- Grabak
- Grafvollud
- Ofnir
- Svafnir
- Hogni
Snake Names From Media:
Pokemon Snake Names:
The Pokemon franchise features several snake-like creatures, making it a great source of snake names. Here are some Pokemon snake names:
- Ekans
- Arbok
- Seviper
- Onix
- Steelix
- Serperior
- Zygarde
- Milotic
- Gyarados
- Eelektross
Kill Bill Snake Names:
The Kill Bill movies feature characters named after snakes, making them a great source of snake names. Here are some Kill Bill snake names:
- Black Mamba
- Cottonmouth
- Copperhead
- Sidewinder
- California Mountain Snake
- Asp
- Cobra
- Viper
- Rattler
- Python
Ninjago Snake Names:
The Ninjago series features several snake-like characters, making it a great source of snake names. Here are some Ninjago snake names:
- Pythor
- Skales
- Fangtom
- Acidicus
- Skalidor
- Slithraa
- Mezmo
- Rattla
- Fangdam
- Fang-Suei
Descriptor Snake Names:
Snake Names That Start With S:
If you’re looking for snake names that start with the letter S, consider these options. They’re sure to make your snake stand out:
- Slither
- Scales
- Serpent
- Shadow
- Sapphire
- Silver
- Storm
- Star
- Stripe
- Sparkle
Long Snake Names:
If you’re looking for long snake names, consider these options. They’re sure to make your snake stand out:
- Serpentine
- Slithering Shadow
- Sapphire Scales
- Silver Serpent
- Storm Striker
- Star Shimmer
- Stripe Streak
- Sparkle Shine
- Sizzling Sun
- Silent Stalker
All Snake Names:
If you’re looking for a comprehensive list of snake names, consider these options. They’re sure to make your snake stand out:
- Asp
- Boa
- Cobra
- Draco
- Echidna
- Fang
- Gorgon
- Hydra
- Ivy
- Jormungandr
Fantasy Snake Names:
If you’re looking for fantasy snake names, consider these options. They’re sure to make your snake stand out:
- Basilisk
- Dragon
- Leviathan
- Naga
- Ouroboros
- Quetzalcoatl
- Seraphim
- Typhon
- Unicorn
- Wyvern
Anime Snake Names:
If you’re a fan of anime, you might want to name your snake after a snake-like character. Here are some anime snake names:
- Orochimaru
- Kabuto
- Kaa
- Medusa
- Echidna
- Cobra
- Anaconda
- Viper
- Rattlesnake
- Python
African Snake Names:
If you’re looking for African snake names, consider these options. They’re sure to make your snake stand out:
- Mamba
- Asp
- Cobra
- Python
- Viper
- Adder
- Boomslang
- Puff Adder
- Gaboon Viper
- Bushmaster
Milk Snake Names:
If you have a milk snake, you might want to give it a name that reflects its unique characteristics. Here are some milk snake names:
- Milky
- Cream
- Latte
- Cappuccino
- Vanilla
- Snow
- Frost
- Ice
- Pearl
- Diamond
Albino Snake Names:
If you have an albino snake, you might want to give it a name that reflects its unique color. Here are some albino snake names:
- Snowflake
- Frost
- Blizzard
- Ice
- Ghost
- Ivory
- Pearl
- Diamond
- Crystal
- Moon
Green Snake Names:
If you have a green snake, you might want to give it a name that reflects its unique color. Here are some green snake names:
- Emerald
- Jade
- Olive
- Fern
- Moss
- Clover
- Sage
- Mint
- Forest
- Ivy
Witchy Snake Names:
If you’re looking for witchy snake names, consider these options. They’re sure to make your snake stand out:
- Hex
- Spell
- Charm
- Potion
- Enchant
- Mystic
- Magic
- Sorcery
- Rune
- Talisman
Venomous Snake Names:
If you have a venomous snake, you might want to give it a name that reflects its dangerous nature. Here are some venomous snake names:
- Venom
- Viper
- Cobra
- Mamba
- Rattler
- Adder
- Asp
- Fang
- Poison
- Toxic
Poisonous Snake Names:
While no snakes are technically poisonous, the term is often used interchangeably with venomous. Here are some poisonous snake names:
- Poison
- Toxin
- Venom
- Viper
- Cobra
- Mamba
- Rattler
- Adder
- Asp
- Fang
Advantages:
- Allows better identification of species based on name origins
- Provides information about appearance, behavior, habitat preferences
- Fosters appreciation for diversity of snakes globally
- Enhances understanding of snake natural history and mythology
- Facilitates communication between herpetologists and snake enthusiasts
Disadvantages:
- Vernacular names can create confusion between regional differences
- Many types of snakes share the same common name
- Names may perpetuate stereotypes about venomous snakes
- Focusing solely on names overlooks need for conservation
- Does not replace need for scientific classification
Tips to Consider:
- Learn scientific names as well as common names
- Understand regional differences in common names
- Use context clues from name origins as identification aid
- Avoid assumptions based solely on name associations
- Consider symbolism and folklore behind mythological names
Main Takeaways:
- Snake names reveal insights about appearance, behavior and habitat
- Both common and scientific names serve important functions
- Name origins aid identification but don’t replace full classification
- Respectful use of names fosters appreciation and conservation
- Regional variations in naming conventions need consideration
Final Thoughts:
As we have seen, the great diversity in snake names often provides insight into key attributes of these reptiles. By learning the symbolic, descriptive and habitat-related meanings behind names, we gain a deeper appreciation for snakes’ natural history across different cultures.
Both common and scientific names serve important functions for education and conservation of these captivating yet often misunderstood creatures. With improved understanding fostered by their names, we can better coexist with the snakes we encounter.
Sources:
FAQ’s:
Snakes often get their common names from their appearance, behavior, habitat, mythology, or regional differences. For example, a hognose snake is named for its upturned snout, while a vine snake lives in tropical trees.
Yes, some juvenile snakes look different from the adults and therefore have descriptive common names referring to their youthful coloration or patterns that change as they mature. Examples include redbelly snakes and yellow anacondas.
Snakes have appeared in many myths and legends across different cultures. This has led to symbolic snake names like the rainbow serpent, an Aboriginal symbol of fertility, or the feathered serpent deity found in Aztec mythology.
The common name for a snake species sometimes varies by region. The same kind of snake may have distinct common names used in different parts of the world where it occurs.
While common names can provide helpful descriptions, only scientific Latin names definitively identify species. Also, different species share some common names, creating potential confusion.
Sean W, a versatile blogger, has a keen interest in naming across various niches, including businesses, products, and brands. His expertise extends beyond just business names, offering valuable insights into the art of naming in different sectors. At Free Business Name, Sean combines his extensive blogging experience with a passion for exploring how names shape identities and perceptions. He guides entrepreneurs and creatives in choosing names that truly resonate with their vision and audience. With Sean’s help, readers can navigate the complex world of naming and create powerful, memorable identities for their ventures.
