Unicorns are mythical creatures that have captured people’s imaginations for centuries. Though unicorns themselves are fictional, the babies of unicorns do have established names. In this article, we’ll explore what baby unicorns are called according to mythology and popular culture.
The Origin of Unicorns
Unicorns first appeared in ancient Greek and Roman texts, where they were described as elusive woodland creatures with a single horn protruding from their forehead. The earliest accounts simply called them “one-horned asses.” The name unicorn comes from the Latin word unicornis, meaning “one-horned.” Unicorns were later incorporated into medieval European folklore and heraldry, where their magic horn was believed to neutralize poison and provide protection.
During the Middle Ages, unicorns became a Christian symbol of purity, which is likely why they remain associated with innocence and virginity in modern times. They were sometimes depicted in medieval tapestries being hunted by maidens or resting in a maiden’s lap. Their affinity for young virgins led to the modern misconception that only a maiden can tame a unicorn.
Baby Unicorn Names in Mythology
Since unicorns themselves are mythical, there are no definitive historical names for baby unicorns. However, writers and storytellers have imagined what unicorns’ offspring might be called based on the folklore surrounding these magical creatures.
Some suggested names for baby unicorns include:
- Foal – A baby horse is called a foal, so this name aligns with the unicorn’s equine anatomy.
- Hornling – Focuses attention on the signature horn.
- Cabble – Plays on “colt” and “fable.”
- Corno – From the Italian word for horn.
- Alicorne – From the French word for unicorn (licorne).
Additional mythical names that evoke magic and innocence include Mythlet, Enchantlet, Starlet, and Celestlet.
Baby Unicorn Names in Pop Culture
Creatures like unicorns that feature heavily in fantasy works have spawned many fictional baby unicorn names in books, movies, video games, and other media. Here are some of the more whimsical baby unicorn names from popular culture:
- Flurryheart – From My Little Pony.
- Rarity – Also from My Little Pony.
- Breezie – From the game Wizard101.
- Sunny – From the book series Unicorn Academy.
- Moonbeam – From the movie Last Unicorn.
The sparkly, rainbow-filled realm of children’s entertainment has given us other cute options like Starshine, Featherfoot, Pearl, Bubble, Frost, Iris, Willow, and Dash.
Should Baby Unicorns Have Distinct Names?
Since unicorns only exist in myths and stories, there are no strict naming conventions for their offspring. However, giving baby unicorns unique names can help storytellers distinguish them as separate characters and add depth to the fictional universe they inhabit.
For example, in the popular book series Unicorn Academy, each young unicorn has their own name reflecting their personality – Sunny has boundless optimism, Scarlet has a daring streak, Sage is wise beyond her years, and so on. The specific names enrich the characters.
That said, more generic names like “unicorn foal” still work perfectly well in contexts where the baby unicorn is not a main character. Writers ultimately have creative liberty when naming fictional creatures.
Can You Have a Baby Unicorn as a Pet?
Sadly, keeping a baby unicorn as a real-life pet is currently impossible because unicorns are mythical creatures not known to exist in the natural world. The concept arises mainly in fantasy stories.
However, people can purchase unicorn stuffed animals or figurines to imagine what having a pet baby unicorn might be like. Build-A-Bear Workshop even offers customizable unicorn plushies. Apps like My Unicorn – Cute Pet Game allow users to adopt a virtual baby unicorn and care for it online.
While you can’t physically interact with it, adopting a fantasy pet unicorn can let your imagination run free. Just make sure to pick a suitably magical name for your mythical companion!
Famous Fictional Unicorns
Unicorns have starred in stories for centuries. Here are some of the most iconic unicorns of myth and legend:
| Name | Story Origin | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pegasus | Ancient Greek myths | A winged white unicorn ridden by the hero Bellerophon. |
| Kirin | Chinese mythology | A benevolent unicorn-like creature representing justice and harmony. |
| Re’em | The Bible | A powerful unicorn-like creature mentioned in the Old Testament. |
| Pony Icon | My Little Pony | A unicorn pony and one of the franchise’s leading characters. |
These famous unicorns demonstrate the prevalence of the unicorn myth across different ancient cultures. They continue to enchant audiences today.
Conclusion
While unicorns themselves are mythical, human creativity has birthed many possibilities for what their offspring could be named. Traditional mythical names emphasize the unicorn’s magical essence, while pop culture names add a playful, whimsical touch. Ultimately, unicorn babies can be called whatever storytellers wish, since unicorns inhabit the realm of imagination.
The allure of the unicorn myth persists because it represents ideals we aspire to, like purity, innocence and hope. Dreaming up baby unicorns allows us to envision a world not as it is, but as we wish it could be – full of radiant magic and wonder.