Hippo — Dog Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
Hippo (HIP-oh), 2 syllables — Greek for 'horse', often used for the animal.. Verified by the Pets In The City editorial team, with real popularity data from our Auckland community.
Last updated:
What does Hippo mean?
Greek: Greek for 'horse', often used for the animal.. Hippo is derived from the Greek word 'hippos', meaning 'horse', and is often associated with the animal itself.
Our editors checked this meaning before publishing. Names with several genuine origins are shown as separate senses rather than a single claim.
Is Hippo a good dog name?
Hippo has not been formally rated for calling yet. As a rule of thumb, one or two clear syllables work best for recall. With 2 syllables, it is quick to say — a practical length for recall.
Before you commit, say it out loud a few times and check it does not clash with a household name or a training cue like "sit" or "no".
Hippo popularity in the Pets In The City community
Hippo is uncommon in our community — fewer than 5 dogs share it, so we do not publish exact counts. If you want a name few dogs answer to at the park, that is a point in its favour.
Popularity comes from anonymised, aggregated records of dogs at our 5 Auckland centres. It reflects our community, not a national census.
What kind of dog does Hippo suit?
It suits any dog — it is used across the board in our community. Owners often pick Hippo for its funny, nature feel. Treat these as suggestions — plenty of dogs happily wear names that break every rule.
Names similar to Hippo
- Basil — The royal herb; from basileus, "king".
- Maple — The tree of golden autumn leaves and sweet syrup.
- Olive — The Mediterranean tree and its fruit, a symbol of peace.
- Flake — Refers to a small, thin piece or layer, often associated with snow.
- Sage — The aromatic herb; also means "wise".
- Acorn — Small now, mighty oak later.
- Alpine — Of the high mountains.
- Amber — Golden fossilised tree resin — warm and glowing.
Collections featuring Hippo
See all curated collections.
Like Hippo? Find names that fit your dog
The Dog Name Matchmaker learns your taste and picks eight names that suit your dog's character — each with a reason it fits.
Naming a new puppy?
A great name is step one. Step two is a great start: our force-free puppy training classes build confidence and recall (that new name gets a workout). New to Pets In The City? Register your dog for a temperament assessment and meet the pack.
By the numbers
- 2 syllables — quick to call
- Meaning and pronunciation verified by our editors
- Data from 5 Auckland Pets In The City centres
Find names like Hippo Browse all names A–Z
Our Services
Our 5 Auckland Locations
About & Help
Pets In The City — Auckland's premier pet care since 2006, with 5 Auckland locations open 7 days. Email hello@petsinthecity.co.nz.