400+ Creative Turtle Names: Perfect Choices Hard-Shelled

Did you know that turtles can live for over 100 years? This stunning lifespan emphasizes the importance of choosing a perfect name that will last a lifetime! Picking a name for your new shelled companion can be tricky, especially if their personality isn’t immediately apparent.

In this article, we’ll explore an array of turtle names — cute, funny, and downright unique — to help you find the ideal fit for your new pet.

Table of Contents

Turtle Names

When it comes to picking the perfect turtle name, tapping into your pet’s personality can open a treasure trove of inspiration. Many turtle owners find that observing their new companion’s quirks — like a slow, thoughtful walk or a quirky head bob — can lead to delightful options. For instance, a turtle that consistently explores its enclosure with determination might earn the name “Explorer” or “Questor,” while a more relaxed and contemplative shell-dweller could be dubbed “Zen” or “Chillie.”

If distinct markings or behaviors aren’t jumping out at you, consider drawing from nature or pop culture. Names like “Mossy” or “River” can evoke the natural habitats these creatures thrive in, while references to beloved characters, such as “Yoda” or “Gandalf,” add a touch of whimsy.

Boy Turtle or Tortoise Names

Achilles
Apollo
Atlas
Balboa
Baldwin
Bowser
Bruno
Bubbles
Charles
Duke
Emmet
Frank
Fergus
Harley
Hercules
Hermes
Hunter
Kai
Lemmy
Leo
Malcolm
Melvin
Albert
Apollo
Atlas
Balboa
Barney
Beethoven
Bernard
Bert
Bob
Bobby
Bodhi
Bruno
Cecil
Charlie
Chester
Chip
Cobbles
Darwin
Dave
Dennis
Dozer
Duke
Edwyn
Ernie
Fergus
Frankie
George
Gerry
Hercules
Herman
Houdini
Humphrey
Hummer
Kenny
Malcolm
Melvin
Molasses
Mortimer
Mungo
Mustafa
Nelson
Nick
Oscar
Ozzy
Paulie
Peanut
Percy
Popeye
Rambo
Ronnie
Rufus
Samson
Spartacus
Spike
Stomper
Taco
Tarquin
Thaddeus – meaning a courageous heart
Theodore
Mikey
Mustafa
Oogway
Oscar
Ozzy
Popeye
Paulie
Pickle
Poke
Popeye
Ramone
Romeo
Rufus
Taco
Waddles

Girl Turtle or Tortoise Names

April
Arcadia
Ariel
Aspen
August
Bertie
Beryl
Chartreuse
Cherry
Dolores
Donna
Elphaba
Emma
Fran
Francesc
Analiese
April
August
Blossom
Bronwyn
Buttercup
Cherry
Daisy
Dee
Delilah
Denise
Doris
Ellie-Mae
Georgina
Ginger
Goldie
Hilda
Hollie
Hope
Imogen
Ivy
Jade
Kenya
Kiwi
Lady Boxworthy
Lilian
Lily
Mariam
Maureen
Milly
Mindy
Minnie
Muriel
Myrtle
Nancy
Opal
Penny
Petunia
Poppy
Ruby
Sienna
Sugar
Spice
Tallulah
Tilly
Francine
Giada
Ginger
Goldie
Holly
Ivy
Jade
Kelly
Kenya
Kiwi
Lady Boxworthy
Lana
Lily
Michelle
Myrtle
Molasses
Olive
Opal
Penny
Raffaella
Ramona
Ruby
Sabrina
Sienna
Tammy

Cute Turtle Names

Names	Details
Alfie	This adorable name comes courtesy of children’s author Roald Dahl, whose book “Esio Trot” features a small tortoise named Alfie.
Apple	Actress Gwyneth Paltrow chose this cute name for her daughter. Assuming it’s Granny Smith-inspired, it’s also perfect for a green turtle!
Avocado	The fan-favorite veggie has a signature green color.
Bubbles	A perky name for your bubble-blowing bestie.
Edamame	Fun to say and fun to eat, this soybean snack gets the green light.
Flips	Only sea turtles have true flippers, but this cute name works for any species.
Guacamole	If Avocado is a little too plain for your pal, consider the spicier Guacamole.
Honeydew	The light green melon has a sweet name to match its sweet taste.
Jolly	If your turtle is on the larger side, the Jolly Green Giant might be an oversize fit.
Kermit	Kermie’s a frog, but we think he’d be happy to lend his name to a fellow green pond dweller.
Kiwi	A cheery green fruit—and cute to boot!
Lucky	Many cultures view turtles as symbols of good luck.
M&M	Like the candy, turtles have hard outer shells and sweet spirits.
Nibbles	One of the cutest things about turtles? Their teeny-tiny nibbles!
Nixie	The nixie is a mischievous water spirit.
Nugget	An itty-bitty cutie for itty-bitty cuties.
Peek-a-Boo	A turtle’s flexible neck provides protection from predators, allowing it to retract safely into its sturdy shell. Of course, the unique feature is also fun for a game of peek-a-boo.
Pickle	Sweet or spicy, Pickle is turtle-approved.
Pistachio	Small, green and nutty, Pistachio is perfect for turtles with a silly side.
Pokey	“Poke” a little fun at your slow-moving friend with this endearing name.
Pop-Tart	Is there anything cuter than a turtle head pop?
Poppy	This cheery girl’s name has plenty of turtle appeal.
Puddles	An aquatic-inspired cutie for water-loving friends.
Saffi	A cutie-pie Greek name meaning “wisdom.”
Sandy	A classic girl’s name, Sandy is also a cute reference to the beach.
Scooter	A precious pick for little waddlers.
Shamrock	Add some color commentary with this lucky name.
Shelbow	In “The Little Mermaid,” Shelbow is a goofy sea turtle who plays drums in The Catfish Club Band.
Soleil	The French word for “sun,” Soleil is a sweet way to reference your turtle’s fondness for sunbathing.
Splash	For turtles who like to splish-splash while they take a bath.
Sprout	Adorable and green, just like turtles.
Sunny	An optimistic name for sweet sun worshippers.
Tammy	Some names are just plain fun to say. Case in point: Tammy Turtle!
Tank	In “My Little Pony,” Tank is Rainbow Dash’s sweet pet tortoise.
Tilly	Get ready to awww! Tilly the Turtle is as cute as they come.
Tommy	Like Tilly, Tommy is tailor-made for terrapins.
Tuck	On Nickelodeon’s “Wonder Pets!” series, Tuck was the loveable, hug-obsessed young turtle.
Waddles	Although graceful in water, turtles have an endearingly awkward waddle on land.
Wobbles	For Waddles’ sillier, clumsier brother.
Yertle	Created by Dr. Seuss, Yertle the Turtle is a magnificent moniker.
Yoda	As “The Mandalorian” has proved, Baby Yoda is the cutest creature in the universe.
Zippy	If you were a Beanie Babies collector, you’ll recognize Zippy as the name of the cuddly turtle.

Famous tortoise names

Esio Trot: Tortoise spelt backwards – Esio Trot is the famous book turned into film, by Ronald Dahl. The story centres around Alfie the tortoise, who brings together his owner Mrs Trotter and her neighbour Mr Hopper, in an adorable love story.
Ainsley: Are you a bit of a chef at heart? Then why not name your nearest and dearest after a famous chef….
Ant and Dec: The famous comic duo, who found fame in the late 1980’s children’s drama, Byker Grove, and later I’m a Celebrity, Get me Out of Here.
Bert and Ernie: A love/hate relationship which may sound familiar! Two of Sesame Street’s most famous characters, from the long running children’s show. Ernie would drive Bert crazy with his chatter, but they were still best of friends. Does this sound like your pair?
Bonnie and Clyde: The famous criminal couple from 1930’s America. If your tortoise duo are partners in crime, this may be the name to choose!
Bowser (or King Kooper): If you like your games, then you may remember Bowser, from Super Mario Bros.
Chip and Dale: Do you remember these adorable chipmunks from your childhood? Then you may want to name your tortoises after them!
Flash and Gordon: Were you a fan of Flash?
Florence, Dougal and Zebedee from the Magic Roundabout: Another iconic tv show from the 1970’s, featuring young and sensible Florence, her best friend Dougal the Dog, who only eats sugar lumps and the magical, jack-in-a-box Zebedee.
Which character is your tortoise?
George Clooney: Why leave George Clooney in Hollywood, when he can be roaming around in your back garden?
Hermoine: Harry Potter fan’s will love this name.
Harry Potter: ….And you can’t have Hermoine without Harry
Harry and Meghan: Which brings us onto a famous couple within the Royal family. The very gorgeous Harry and Meghan.
Indiana and Jones: As hero’s go, Indiana Jones is up there with the best. Is your tortoise fit for a hero’s name?
Jasmine from Aladdin: If you love Disney, this could be the name for your tortoise.
Laurel and Hardy: You may not remember this duo, but some of of here at ExoticDirect do! In the era of silent and black and white TV, they were the accident prone duo, getting into scrapes. Does this remind your of your tort?
Leonard, Penny, Sheldon and Amy from The Big Bang Theory: Need we say more?
Mercury: Could your tortoise carry the name of the legendary lead singer of Queen?
Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, Donatello: The story of four teenage mutant ninja turtles, who protected the citizens of New York from criminals and alien invaders. As superhero’s go, these were legendary.
Patsy and Eddie: The best friends from Absolutely Fabulous. Do your tortoises take after them?
Pebbles and Bam Bam: The two cute children featuring in the Flintstones.
Romeo and Juliette: The star crossed lovers from the play by Shakespeare. Are your tortoises’ a love story?
Sherlock, Watson and Moriarty: Another very popular choice for tortoise names, from on the private detective stories based era Edwardian and Victorian England.
Thelma and Louise: Are your tortoises’ feisty, adventurous females? Then Thelma and Louise may be the names for them.
Thomas Shelby: Peaky Blinders – the gangster from the Peaky Blinders, Thomas Shelby. Not only is his name a play on words, but his notoriety will mean your tortoise won’t be left in the shadows.
Tinkerbell: If your tortoise is dainty enough, then Tinkerbell maybe the right name for her.
Tom and Jerry: We all love a classic, and what’s more classic than Tom and Jerry. You’ll just need to decide which tortoise is which…. Tom, the determined, tenacious one, or Jerry, the mischievous, ‘mouse/tortoise with 9 lives’.
Mork and Mindy: Remember these? Featuring the fantastic Robin Williams

Top Turtle or Tortoise Names

Donatello: One of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Flippy: From the book Flippy the Turtle by Edward Frymer
Leonardo: One of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Mack: From Yertle the Turtle by Dr. Seuss
Michelangelo: One of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Mock Turtle: From Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Pokey: A reference to turtles being slow, as in slowpoke
Raphael: One of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Shelly: A reference to your turtle’s shell
Snappy: A reference to snapping turtles
Squirt: A sea turtle in Finding Nemo
Tank: The tortoise in My Little Pony
Turbo: A Ty Beanie Babies turtle
Yertle: From Yertle the Turtle by Dr. Seuss
Zippy: From Frogger

Funny Tortoise Names

Names	Details
Achilles	When it comes to funny turtle names, speed (or lack thereof) is always good for a giggle. In Greek mythology, Achilles was a warrior known for his swiftness.
Aristurtle	For a playful name with plenty of wisdom, consider this punny play on the famous philosopher.
Bolt	In honor of sprinting superstar Usain Bolt.
Bowser	Although it sounds like a dog’s name, Bowser is a turtle-like creature in Nintendo’s “Mario” franchise. When you want to switch things up, Bowser’s alias, King Koopa, is an equally hilarious name for a turtle.
Broccoli	Even if you don’t like eating it, Broccoli is a fun name for a turtle.
Cheetah	Cheetahs are the world’s fastest land animals, making this an ironically funny name for your turtle.
Comet	Although a common name for dogs, Comet is unexpected for turtles (considering comets can streak through the sky at thousands of miles per hour!)
Cruiser	This slow-and-steady name is perfect for pets who aren’t in a rush.
Ferrari	Famous for its speed and flashiness, the luxury sports car could learn a few things from the humble turtle.
Fiona	As “Shrek” fans know, Princess Fiona turns green after the sun sets.
Flash	The DC Comics superhero is the fastest man alive—another ironic name for your not-so-speedy buddy.
Gallop	Gallop is the ironically named turtle in the children’s series “Babar and the Adventures of Badou.”
Godzilla	Naming your pet after a nuclear-powered prehistoric sea monster is always a good idea.
Grand Master Oogway	In “Kung Fu Panda,” Grand Master Oogway is a wise, elderly tortoise and creator of kung fu.
Grinch	Remember, this greenie isn’t a meanie! The Grinch is simply misunderstood.
Gumby	A retro reference to the green Claymation character.
Hermes	With his signature winged sandals, Hermes was able to fly like the wind, according to Greek mythology.
Houdini	Houdini didn’t have a turtle shell to hide in—but the master illusionist did famously make an elephant “disappear” from the stage.
Hulk	The green-skinned superhero is a comically large namesake.
Indy	This cute name winks to the Indianapolis 500.
Jet	Another ironically fast name. (We’re truly sorry about all the slow jokes, turtle friends. We’re laughing with you, not at you!)
Kale	A favorite snack among turtles, Kale also makes for a fun and silly name.
Lenny Turteltaub	On “BoJack Horseman,” Lenny Turteltaub is a business-minded Hollywood producer who wears an unconvincing toupee.
Lightning	As in “lightning fast,” which your turtle is decidedly not.
Mary Shelley	For a punny literary reference, “Frankenstein” author Mary Shelley has a turtle-ready surname.
Michael Phelps	Or perhaps it should be Michael Shellps?
Mike Wazowski	The “Monsters, Inc.” jokester has a lime green hue.
Mock Turtle	In “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” the Mock Turtle is a turtle-like mixture of creatures. As a lover of puns, Lewis Carroll named him after mock turtle soup, a popular dish in Victorian England (which did not, incidentally, contain turtle).
Molasses	Sweet as sugar and slow moving, just like your pet.
Mustang	Unlike the cars and horses, Mustang the Turtle won’t be known for his speed.
Neptune	As the powerful and vengeful sea god of Roman mythology, Neptune is a funny choice for low-key creatures.
Nessie	The Loch Ness Monster probably isn’t a turtle, but Nessie is a fun name for any pond dweller.
Ninja	Clunky and slow-moving, there’s not very much ninja-like about turtles (with the exception of a few teenage mutants, of course).
Nitro	When you mention your pet Nitro, no one will suspect a turtle.
Poseidon	Similar to his Roman counterpart Neptune, Greek god Poseidon is a powerful, ill-tempered, earthquake-causing sea king.
Salad	Your turtle will like this cute name so much, he might eat it right up.
Rocky Balboa	In the film “Rocky,” Sylvester Stallone’s title character has two pet turtles, Cuff and Link.
Shrek	The green-skinned ogre takes a little warming up to, but he’s a sweetheart to share a name with.
Slimer	The “Ghostbusters” slimy ghost is famous for his eerie green glow.
Sloth	Known for taking their time, sloths are kindred turtle spirits.
Snappy	Snappy the turtle will never “make it snappy.”
Sonic	More appropriate for an energetic hedgehog, but funny for a pokey turtle.
Stretch	Some scientists believe that turtles’ stretchy necks evolved as a way to quickly snatch prey.
Superman	For the pet that’s definitely not faster than a speeding bullet.
Tardy	On quirky puppet show “Greg the Bunny,” Tardy is the name of a perpetually late turtle.
Taylor (Not So) Swift	Taylor Swift may be a loud and proud cat lady, but her last name lends itself ironically well to turtles.
Tucker	This English name is also a funny allusion to turtles’ necks.
Turbo	A supercharged name for a super laidback pet.
Zoom	Want to be the office hero? Bring Zoom the Turtle on your next Zoom call.

Funny Tortoise Names

Darth Maul
Harry the Herman
Herbet Sherbert
Kitkat
Little foot
Mr Taco
Mr Waffles
Mrs Potato Head
Spud and Sprout
Mr Humps
Abraham Lincoln
Donnashello
Grease lightening
King George
Lady Bertha
Mr. Wigglesworth
Poptart
Sexytoes
Sir Hides-a-lot
Sir Lancelot
Thunderdome
Turtle neck
Turtle Recall
Turtleneck

Conclusion

Naming your turtle can be a delightful and rewarding experience that reflects their unique personality and characteristics. With over 400 creative options at your disposal, there’s sure to be a name that resonates perfectly with you and your shelled companion.

Whether you prefer whimsical, classic, or quirky names, the possibilities are practically endless. Remember that the right name can create a bond and make your pet feel even more special. Dive into our list and find that perfect name today!

FAQs

How many turtle names do you offer?

We provide over 400+ unique and creative names for your hard-shelled friend!

Are the names categorized in any way?

Yes, the names are organized into various themes, such as food, nature, and pop culture.

Can I suggest a name that’s not listed?

Absolutely! We welcome suggestions and are always looking to add new names.

Are names suitable for all types of turtles?

Yes, our names are versatile and perfect for all types of turtles, including aquatic and land varieties.

How can I choose the best name for my turtle?

Consider your turtle’s personality, appearance, and any themes you connect with to find a fitting name.