When getting a new pet, one of your first priorities is to give them a name. Sometimes, a little inspiration helps. Tortoises live for a long time so its important you get this right; ideally, you do not want to change their name further down the line. So, to help you, I would like to provide you with an extensive list of some of the best names for tortoises; both for male and females.
First, we will begin by walking through some ideas and how to find inspiration for choosing a name for your new pet. Then, we will provide you with some winning names. Spoiler: my favorite is Astotort so keep reading to find your favorite!
How To Choose A Good Name For Your Tortoise
Whеn it comes to choosing a name for your new tortoise, you’ll want to consider that a tortoise can live upwards of 50 years (depending on the species you adopt).
With this in mind, you’ll want to give them a name that you will be happy with for many years to come. Remember, you’ll need to use this name in front of a vet and when talking to friends, family and perhaps even neighbors. Make sure the name is not embarrassing, as this can put you in quite an awkward position time and time again.
From there, you can begin to brainstorm. Sometimes, a tortoise will have some distinct traits, markings on their shells, behaviors or their general temperament/personality; these often help owners make a decision. Its good to look for something unique and this can help set them apart from other tortoises. So, this is always a good place to start.
Otherwise, you can think about some of your favorite T.V and movie characters, consider famous and historical people, or make something up entirely. Sometimes, its great to inject a bit of humor and do a wordplay on their name.
Lastly, consider the sex of the tortoise; its very important to find out before you name them. Thankfully when buying a tortoise you will be told, but you can always ask your vet if you forgot to ask or this information was not provided!
You may even want to name your tortoise after an event or action, or you may even want to give them a human name to make them more endearing.
With all that being said, its a good idea to look at a list for inspiration. Let us now take a look at some of the best options!
Best Tortoise Names
Here is a selection of some of the best names you should consider call your tortoises. Please note, my personal favorites are bolded at the top.
- Voldetort
- Astrotort
- Shelly
- Sheldon
- Michelle
- Acorn
- Albus
- Austin Powers
- Bounty
- Chompy
- Colonel Mustard
- Elvis
- Mario
- Michelle
- Moisty
- Pace
- Slowmo
- Snappy
- Speedy
- Swirly
- Torsche
- Tortalitarian (for bossy tortoises)
- Tortellini
- Tortilla
- Wander
- Zelda
- Zoomy
Boy Tortoise Names
- Arnold
- Baldwin
- Bob
- Borat
- Bruno
- Bugs
- Bugsy
- Buzz
- Brynne
- Cadbury
- Charles
- Chester
- Dale
- Denver
- Dillan
- Donald
- Douglas
- Drake
- Edmund
- Eggbert
- Eric
- Fiesty
- Frederick
- George
- Hamish
- Hardy
- Harold
- Holt
- Humperdink
- Humphrey
- Kevin
- Lionel
- Logan
- Luigi
- Marlon
- Minstrel
- Mushy
- Pascale
- Paulo
- Pheobus
- Pierre
- Plum
- Quintin
- Raymond
- Remus
- Rex
- Ronald
- Rufus
- Salazard
- Sebastian
- Shallot
- Sid
- Sinclair
- Stilton
- Tarquin
- Terence
- Tim
- Timmy
- Trevor
- Tristan
- Truffle
- Trump
- Twiglet
- Twix
- Wayne
- Winston
- Wolly
- Woody
Girl Tortoise Names
- Angel
- Arial
- Bella
- Betty
- Bluebell
- Brenda
- Carrie
- Celeste
- Cheyenne
- Cinderella
- Cindy
- Clarissa
- Clio
- Daisy
- Fleur
- Galaxy
- Galilei
- Galileo
- Gwyneth
- Harlequin
- Hilary
- Kelly
- Kiwi
- Lady
- Lorraine
- Magdalena
- Mariah
- Matilda
- Nancy
- Nessa
- Nina
- Nula
- Octavia
- Pansy
- Patty
- Peaches
- Sabrina
- Samantha
- Shandra
- Shania
- Sheila
- Sponge
- Stella
- Summer
- Tallulah
- Tefa
- Tiara
- Tina
- Tortola
- Trixie
- Twinkle
- Twirl
Can Tortoises Learn Their Name?
Unfortunately, tortoises are unable to learn their name in the traditional sense. They do not hear like we do as humans.
However, tortoises are very intelligent reptiles and in time, are known to recognize and even respond to specific vibrations.
This is because, tortoises actually have a very unique sense of hearing; where they feel the vibrations of sound. In fact, they only respond to specific sound frequencies altogether.
So, while a tortoise cannot ‘learn’ their name, they can become familiar with and begin to recognize the vibrations in your voice, and respond accordingly.
In time, your tortoise will also become familiar with other vibrations you make; including your footsteps and any made while you feed them. Along with a keen sense of smell, your tortoise will begin to greet you when you visit their enclosure.
Tortoises therefore can recognize their owners; specifically via sight, smell and vibrations.
Now, just because your tortoise cannot learn their name does not mean that they do not deserve one! They need a name so that you can refer to them and equally, its nice to call and speak to them with their name; even if they are unable to recognize it!
Final Words
Choosing your tortoise’s name can be a challenge and can be time-consuming.
But remember, while it is also fun, your tortoise is likely going to be around for a long time.
Be sure you are happy with the name before you make a final decision. Think for the long-term.
Always read the name aloud, and see if it fits well with your tortoise’s personality.
Lastly, we wish you all the best for you and your new tortoise; whatever their name shall be!
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I am a practiced pet owner with decades of experience owning a number of different pets. I am also the main writer and chief editor here at Pet Educate; a site I created to share everything I’ve learned about pet ownership over the years and my extensive research along the way.