Lion Names – 330+ Awesome Lion Name Ideas with Meanings

These majestic animals are deserving of an epic name. You good choose from an already famous lion name or even choose a name that means “lion”.

Either way, we have put together a list of over 330 of the best Lion Names.

We also have gender specific lion names for both Male and Females.

There are roughly 6,500 languages spoken today in the world. There’s no way we could come up with that many meanings of lion names. But we did get 36 names that mean “lion” in different languages.

Name	Meaning	Origin
Kiara	Lion	Japanese
Ari	Lion	Hebrew
Hari	Brown, Yellow, Tawny (and by extension, Lion)	Sanskrit
Leo	Lion	Latin
Leonardo	Lion	Russian
Aslanbek	Lion	Turkish
Asad	Lion	Arabic
Leandra	Lion (Feminine Form of Leo)	Afrikaans
Luan	Lion	Albanian
Leonard	Brave Lion	Germanic
Kesari	Lion	American
Usamah	Lion	American
Sarabi	Lion	American
Hamza	Lion	Arabic
Usama	Lion	Arabic
Aslan	Lion	Turkic
Scar	Lion	Egyptian
Tau	Lion	Tswana
Leonidas	Lion	Greek
Kesar	Lion Cub	Indian
Ariel	Lion of God	Hebrew
Lionel	Lion	Welsh
Sher	Lion	Persian
Nada	Lion	Old German
Kefir	Lion	Hebrew
Dilan	Like a Lion	French
Abbas	Lion	Arabic
Haidar	Lion, Warrior	Arabic
Amra	The Lion God	Egyptian/African
Simba	Lion	Swahili
Lavi	Lion	Hebrew
Mufasa	Lion	American
Moomba	Lion	Indian
Lev	Lion	Polish
Leon	Lion	Italian
Kefira	Young Lion	Indian

Lion Names in “The Lion King”

• Simba (He is the son of Mufasa and Sarabi. The name “Simba” comes from the Swahili word for lion.)
• Nala (Sarafina’s daughter and Simba’s best friend.)
• Sarafina (Nala’s mother.)
• Mufasa (Simba’s father. The first Lion King of Pride Rock featured.)
• Vitani (Zira’s daughter and sister of Nuka and Kovu.)
• Kovu (Zira and Scar’s son and chosen heir and Kiara’s mate. His name means “scar” in Swahili.)
• Kiara (Simba and Nala’s daughter and therefore princess of the Pridelands.)
• Nuka (Zira’s elder son, brother of Vitani and Kovu.)
• Zira (Mother of Nuka, Vitani and Kovu. “Zira” means “hate” in Swahili.)
• Scar (Mufasa’s brother.)
• Sarabi (Simba’s mother.)

We have all 20 lion king names here.

Other Famous Lion Names

• Zuba (Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa)
• Larry (Father of the Pride)
• Parsley (The Herbs)
• Ryan (The Wild)
• Gregory (My Gym Partner’s a Monkey)
• Martin (Wild Kratts)
• Granite (Jewelpet)
• Bibi
• Gold (Majuu Sensen: The Apocalypse)
• Kimba (Kimba the White Lion)
• Fred (Super Chicken)
• Samson (The Wild)
• Socrates (Animals United)
• Christian
• Bobby (My Gym Partner’s a Monkey)
• Cecil
• Chris (Wild Kratts)
• Kion (The Lion Guard)
• Alex (Madagascar)
• Lippy The Lion (Lippy the Lion & Hardy Har Har)
• Leo (Merrie Melodies)
• Elsa
• Aslan (Narnia)
• Makunga (Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa)
• Reginald (64 Zoo Lane)
• Bester (Kateikyoushi Hitman Reborn!)
• Montana Jones (Montana Jones)
• Prince John (Robin Hood)
• Erma (Tenchi Muyo! GXP)
• Lil’ Cubby (Wild Kratts)
• Lambert (Lambert the Sheepish Lion)

Names of Lions in Zoos

• Kendi
• Zarina (gold)
• Cabara
• Kumar
• John
• Rudo (means “love” in Zulu)
• Kya
• Amani (desires, wishes)
• Rashmi (moonbeam)
• Joanna
• Willa
• Kamali
• Angalia
• Amara (immortal)
• Oregon
• Fintan
• Zuri
• Mara
• Lemon
• Sabrina
• Pelo (means “heart” in Sotho)
• Timmy
• Cersei
• Jabari (meaning the brave one)
• Emery
• Inesh (strong king)
• Zuri (means “beautiful” in Swahili)
• Lelie (Afrikaans for “lily”)
• Binti
• Joco
• Jari (powerful, brave)
• Baruti (an African name meaning “teacher”)
• Amaris (child of the moon)
• Asha (meaning life)
• Sabal (with strength)
• Ruaha
• Tobias
• Mena
• Rex
• Karishma (miracle)
• Myrcella
• Kali (meaning fierce)
• Tatu
• Imani
• Zalika
• Jungle
• Alice
• Lusaka
• Zola
• Kunwar (prince)
• Serafina
• Neliah
• Sebastian
• Fahari (means “magnificent” in Swahili)
• Karoo
• Shera
• Sahar
• Busela (means “happy and independent” in Zulu)
• Uma
• Sikara (brave one)
• Chobe
• Roberta

African Lion Names

• Kenya
• Jira
• Kamili
• Namib
• Namibia
• Kodjo
• Armani
• Sudan
• Kalahari
• Morocco
• Unika
• Kazi
• Zahara
• Sahara
• Zambia

Check the full list of African lion names

Cool Lion Names

• Bruno
• Akiva
• Cleopatra
• Ozzie
• Gus
• Winston
• Duchess
• Elsa
• Pandora
• Hulk
• Oliver
• Bubba
• Butch
• General
• Wesley
• Zeus
• Kong
• Aurora
• Tyson
• Beau
• Nova
• Jumbo
• Amaris
• Gemini
• Fang
• Hugo
• Sabrina
• Fergie
• Queen
• Hunter
• Harley
• Hercules
• Django
• Vega
• Clifford
• Boots
• Rocky
• Medea
• Huntress

• Bathsheba
• Kaya
• Olympia
• Shandy
• Asia
• Rori
• Conan
• Leonidas
• Romeo
• Attila
• Fluffy
• Lexie
• Hera
• Luna
• King
• Amber
• Xena
• Shiva
• Jake
• Caesar
• Thor
• Athena
• Montana
• Loki
• Sheba
• Goliath
• Apollo
• Leo
• Lolita
• Leah
• Sampson
• Savannah
• Malibu
• Duke
• Yukon
• Skip
• Liberty
• Scout
• Maximus
• Venus
• Brutus
• Theodore

Female Lion Names

Here are some of our top picks for the female lion or lioness names that you should consider when naming a lioness. 

• Sabrina
• Bathsheba
• Xena
• Duchess
• Leah
• Aurora
• Vega
• Cleopatra
• Lexie
• Queen
• Nova
• Jabari
• Kendi
• Amani
• Aaliyah

Male Lion Names

If we have lioness names, then here also have our top picks of male lion names for the kings of the wildlife.

• Scout
• Beau
• Hunter
• Rebel
• Harley
• General
• Loki
• Leo
• Maximilion
• Leonidas
• Apollo
• Zeus
• King
• Fang
• Jake

Swahili Lion Names

We have a lot more of our Swahili lion names that have good meanings too. 

• Kuume (Friend)
• Kamikazi (Queen)
• Djembe (West African drum)
• Akeen (Brave)
• Rufaro (Joy)
• Leki (Little brother)
• Tindo (Active)
• Kanzi (Treasure)
• Amar (Long life)
• Simba (Lion)
• Tandi (Fire)
• Duma (Lightning)
• Olee (Happy moment)
• Enyi (Friend)
• Bheka (To watch)

White Lion Names

Here are some of the white lion names that we like for this rare lion species. 

• Lilith
• Pelo
• Lelie
• Rashmi
• Snowflake
• Alba
• Jari
• Oregon
• Frostine
• Mara

Japanese Lion Names

Check out these cool Japanese lion names with their meanings. 

• Akira (intelligent)
• Masumi (clarity)
• Amaya (night rain)
• Yuri (lily)
• Kimi (noble)
• Asami (morning beauty)
• Adzuki (red bean)
• Sora (sky)
• Nori (seaweed)
• Ryuu (dragon)
• Pochi (a classic dog name like “Spot”)
• Haru (sunlight)
• Aki (spring)
• Yuki (good fortune)
• Momo (peach)

Unique Lion Names

Here are other unique lion names that are meaningful.

Armani	This is another African name. It also happens to be the name of a major
Nessie	This is a nickname based on the lion-ness.
Vitani	This is another Lion King name.
Hunter	Lions are known for being exceptionally good hunters.
Ahadi	This lion name comes from a character in the Lion King.
Romeo	Romeo needs his Juliet. You might need to get a second lion.
Surabi	This lion name comes from the popular Lion King film.
Bathsheba	This is an awesome name for a lion.
Kazi	This is a hip sounding name that is African in origin.
Boots	This is adorable name for a kitten. As the lion grows up, such a cute name
Snickers	This is another great name for a lion who reminds you of a pet cat.
Cubby	Because a lion has cubs.
Aaliyah	This is such a pretty name for a lion.
Sudan	This is a country in Africa, but it would also be a great name for a lion.
Sprinkles	This is a kitten name that was stolen for baby lions.

‘Lion’ names in different languages

How about we learn ‘lion’ in different languages that can be used as a lion name? 

leon	Filipino
intare	Kinyarwanda
singa	Sundanese
simba	Swahili
Lew	Polish
tau	Sesotho
leão	Portuguese
Ljón	Icelandic
raiona	Maori
lauva	Latvian
liūtas	Lithuanian
liona	Hawaiian
leòmhann	Scots Gaelic
leone	Corsican
mkango	Chichewa

Lion Names Inspired by Mythology or Literature

Name	Origin	Meaning/Reference
Aslan	Literature	C.S. Lewis’ “The Chronicles of Narnia”
Gryffindor	Literature	J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series
Nemean	Mythology	Greek mythology, slain by Heracles (Hercules)
Manticore	Mythology	Persian mythology, creature with lion body and scorpion tail
Simba	Literature/Film	Disney’s “The Lion King,” Swahili for “lion”
Leo	Mythology/Astrology	Latin for “lion,” astrological sign
Kamadhenu	Mythology	Hindu mythology, divine cow with lion body/head
Griffin	Mythology	Mythical creature with lion body and eagle head
Tumnus	Literature	C.S. Lewis’ “The Chronicles of Narnia”
Raja	Mythology	Sanskrit for “king”
Hercules	Mythology	Greek mythology, legendary hero
Bast	Mythology	Egyptian goddess with lioness body
Berlion	Literature	Medieval French poem “Roman de Renart”
Grylion	Mythology	Mythical hybrid of lion and griffin
Lannister	Literature	George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire”
Parsifal	Literature	Arthurian legend
Rajah	Mythology	Indian/Sanskrit for “king”
Saroosh	Mythology	Persian divine lion
Unicorn Lion	Mythology	Mythical combination of lion and unicorn
Zalim	Mythology	Turkish mythological lion

Factors To Consider When Choosing a Lion Name

When naming a lion, it’s essential to consider various factors to find the perfect fit. Here’s a breakdown of some key considerations:

Subspecies

Lions can be classified into African or Asiatic subspecies.

African lions are typically larger with longer manes, while Asiatic lions are smaller in size and have shorter, darker manes.

Considering the lion’s subspecies can add specificity and authenticity to their name choice.

Personality traits

Lions are renowned for their remarkable traits like strength, courage, and protectiveness.

A name that reflects these characteristics can be fitting, such as “Courage,” “Protector,” or “Strength.”

These names honor the lion’s majestic qualities and signify their noble nature.

Appearance

Lions possess distinct physical features, including their mane, spots, and powerful build.

A name inspired by their appearance, like “Spot,” “Maned,” or “Powerful,” can capture their unique attributes.

These names highlight the lion’s impressive stature and striking appearance.

Habitat

Lions inhabit various ecosystems, including grasslands, savannas, and forests.

Choosing a name that reflects their habitat, such as “Grassland,” “Savanna,” or “Forest,” connects the lion to its natural environment.

These names evoke images of the lion’s native landscape and enrich their identity.

Behavior

As social animals, lions live in pride and exhibit complex social behavior.

A name that reflects their social nature, like “Pride,” “Social,” or “Group,” acknowledges their strong bonds and cooperative dynamics within the pride.

These names celebrate the lion’s communal lifestyle and emphasize their sense of unity.

Hunting style

Lions are apex predators known for their cooperative hunting style.

A name inspired by their hunting behavior, such as “Hunter,” “Pack,” or “Team,” underscores their prowess as skilled hunters and effective collaborators.

These names evoke the lion’s strategic approach to hunting and emphasize their role as apex predators.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! From fierce fighters to slumbering royalty, lion names reflect their strength, majesty, and even a touch of their playful side.

Whether you choose a name steeped in history, inspired by a lion’s physical attributes, or simply one that resonates with you, remember, that your chosen name becomes a part of this incredible creature’s story.

P.S. We also have a Lion Name generator to get a name personalized on the gender, size, personality and more of your lion.

If you prefer the visual experience we hand-selected our favorites from this list in this video.