81 Best Animal Team Names (Curated & Ranked) + Generator

Animals have always made great team names and mascots.

The use of animal mascots in sports dates back to at least the 1880s, when a good-luck goat was known to follow Cincinnati’s baseball team around.¹

Today, some of the most iconic and successful teams have animal names, including the Seahawks, Rams, Bears, Cardinals, Cubs, and Bulls.²

Animal-themed team names can be great for sports teams, as well as other types of groups.

Regardless of what type of team you’re naming, turn to nature for inspiration and choose a favorite or unusual animal to create your name around.

We have more than 80 ideas in our list below, plus tips to help you create your own names if you’d prefer!

Jump Links

Animal Team Names

For more ideas, see our lists of cat- and dog-themed group/team names!

If you’d like to create your own animal-related team name, use the following tips to get ideas flowing:

Choose an unusual animal! Animal team names don’t have to draw inspiration from common creatures like dogs and horses. For a unique and interesting team name, look for a strange or lesser-known animal. A quick search for “unusual animals” on your favorite search engine will bring up options like the okapi, poodle moth, aye-aye, and pangolin. Combine the animal’s name with other quirky words to express your creativity!
Combine a favorite animal with a descriptive word. For example, if you really want to name your team after horses, add a descriptor like “wild” or “unbridled” to give your team a fierce and cool vibe.
Combine a favorite animal and favorite color. This is a simple way to create a cool team name! Just choose an animal and a color. You can use the team leader’s favorites or have each team member submit options. Bonus points if the color and animal start with the same letter, such as our list’s example of “Purple Pandas.”
Choose an animal that pairs well with the name of your city or town. Many professional sports teams have animal-themed names, such as the Chicago Bulls and St. Louis Cardinals. Take inspiration from these teams by pairing the name of your city or town with an animal. You can choose an animal you like, one that’s native to the area, or one that just sounds good when paired with your city’s name!