The Naming Process: How Thoroughbred Foals Get Their Names
Every Thoroughbred racehorse has a name that’s as unique as their pedigree, personality, and future on the track. But naming a foal isn’t as simple as picking something that sounds good—The Jockey Club has strict rules about what names are allowed, and the best names often have a special meaning tied to the horse’s lineage or story.
At Horse Husband Stables, naming our foals is an exciting process, and Foal Circle members get to be part of it! Let’s explore how Thoroughbreds get their names and what makes a great racehorse name.
The Jockey Club’s Naming Rules
The Jockey Club, which oversees all Thoroughbred registrations in North America, has a long list of rules for naming a horse. Some of the key guidelines include:
✔ 18 characters or fewer (including spaces & punctuation).
✔ No duplicate names—once a name is taken, it can’t be used again for years.
✔ No naming after famous horses (unless permission is granted).
✔ No trademarks, vulgarities, or human celebrity names.
✔ No names that sound too similar to existing ones.
📌 Want to see the full list of naming rules? 🔗 Check out The Jockey Club’s Official Guidelines
Where Do Racehorse Names Come From?
Racehorse names are often inspired by:
🏇 Pedigree Connections – Many names reference the sire or dam (e.g., Justify is by Scat Daddy).
🏆 Owner’s Creativity – Some names reflect personal meaning, humor, or pop culture.
📜 Historical or Mythological Ties – Names from history, literature, or mythology (e.g., Medina Spirit, Secretariat).
🎭 Wordplay & Puns – Creative plays on words make memorable names (e.g., Hoof Hearted).
Examples of Famous Racehorse Names & Their Origins:
✔ American Pharoah – A unique spelling twist on "Pharaoh" with Egyptian royalty influence.
✔ Zenyatta – Named after a Police album, chosen by owners Jerry & Ann Moss (of A&M Records).
✔ California Chrome – "Chrome" refers to the horse’s flashy white markings.
📌 Want to submit name ideas for our foals? 🔗 Join The Foal Circle
The Foal Circle Naming Process
At Horse Husband Stables, we invite Foal Circle members to help name our foals!
🔹 How It Works:
1️⃣ Members submit name suggestions based on the foal’s pedigree, personality, or story.
2️⃣ Top names are selected and checked against The Jockey Club’s database to ensure availability.
3️⃣ Members vote on their favorite name!
4️⃣ The winning name is submitted for registration.
This process makes naming our foals an interactive experience—and you can be part of it!
📌 Want to help name our 2025 foals? 🔗 Join The Foal Circle
Meet Our 2024 Foals & Name Inspirations
🔹 Lord Paycasso (2024)
Sire: Paynter | Dam: Lady Dyanaformer
📜 Name Inspiration:
"Lord" follows the theme of nobility from his dam, Lady Dyanaformer.
"Paycasso" is a creative blend of his sire, Paynter, and the legendary artist Picasso, highlighting both his pedigree and an artistic flair.
🔹 Emperor Caesarion (2024)
Sire: Outwork | Dam: Empress Luciana
📜 Name Inspiration:
"Emperor" follows his dam’s regal title (Empress Luciana).
"Caesarion" references his birth by C-section, drawing inspiration from the historical Caesarion, the son of Julius Caesar and Cleopatra.
These names reflect both pedigree & historical influence, making them meaningful while following naming rules.
📌 Want to see name options for our upcoming foals? 🔗 Join The Foal Circle
Why Naming a Racehorse Matters
A great racehorse name isn’t just about creativity—it can impact fan engagement, marketing, and even a horse’s identity in the sport.
🏆 Memorable Names Stick with Fans – Think Secretariat, Zenyatta, Seabiscuit.
🎤 Broadcasters Love Unique Names – A catchy name makes for great race calls.
💰 Successful Horses Make Their Name Valuable – If a horse becomes a champion, its name holds history.
📌 Want to be part of Thoroughbred history? 🔗 Join The Foal Circle
Join Us & Help Name Our 2025 Foals!
Foal Circle members get exclusive access to the naming process, including:
✅ Submitting name ideas for our foals.
✅ Voting on final name selections.
✅ Behind-the-scenes updates on foal personality & development.
✅ Watching the foal grow from birth to training.
🐴 Want to leave your mark on a future racehorse? 🔗 Join The Foal Circle
