1000+ Gorilla Names: Famous, Funny, Cute, and Cool Names

February 27, 2025 by Talha

Gorillas are majestic creatures with unique personalities that can inspire countless name ideas.

If you’re naming a stuffed animal, a pet, or looking to learn more about famous gorilla names in history, we’ve got you covered.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find over 1000 gorilla name ideas tailored to various themes.

Table of Contents

Famous Gorilla Names

Many gorillas have made history, winning hearts worldwide. Here are some of the most iconic names:

Koko – Known for her ability to communicate using sign language.
Harambe – A gorilla from the Cincinnati Zoo who became an internet sensation.
King Kong – The fictional yet legendary giant gorilla from movies.
Snowflake – The only known albino gorilla in history, residing at the Barcelona Zoo.
Binti Jua – The heroic gorilla from Brookfield Zoo who saved a child.
Magilla Gorilla – Classic cartoon character
Gargantua – Famous circus gorilla from the 1930s
Titus – Legendary silverback from Rwanda
Mandrill – Inspired by the mandrill species, often confused with gorillas
Jambo – The gorilla who protected a boy who fell into his enclosure
Albert – One of the first gorillas in space experiments
Colo – First gorilla born in captivity
Ozzie – One of the oldest gorillas in captivity
Kwame – A beloved silverback from Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Imani – A famous mother gorilla at the San Diego Zoo
Ndume – Koko’s companion gorilla
Shabani – The “handsome” gorilla that went viral in Japan
Bobo – A well-known gentle giant at Ape Action Africa
Yola – Popular young gorilla at Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo
Zura – A longtime resident of the San Francisco Zoo
Little Joe – Famous escape artist gorilla from Franklin Park Zoo
Patrick – The gorilla known for his unique personality at the Dallas Zoo
Mjukuu – A beloved gorilla at the London Zoo
Babec – A western lowland gorilla famous for his artistic skills
Massa – One of the longest-living gorillas on record
Trudy – One of the oldest gorillas in North America
Peppy – A gorilla who lived at the National Zoo for decades
Charlie – The “smiling” gorilla from the Johannesburg Zoo
Kiburi – A well-known gorilla at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Kesho – A gorilla who reunited with his brother at a UK zoo
Jumoke – A famous mother gorilla at Woodland Park Zoo
Taz – A dominant silverback at Zoo Atlanta
Zawadi – A beloved gorilla at the Oregon Zoo
Winston – A longtime resident of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Fatou – One of the world’s oldest gorillas, residing in Germany
Mosi – A young gorilla at the Columbus Zoo
Makoko – A famous gorilla at the Loro Parque Zoo in Spain
Motuba – A western lowland gorilla at the Philadelphia Zoo
Amani – A well-known gorilla at the Cincinnati Zoo
Mbeli – A silverback in the Republic of the Congo
Koga – A dominant male at the Buffalo Zoo
Baraka – A blind gorilla at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C.
Zuri – A well-loved gorilla at the Denver Zoo
Moja – One of the first gorillas to learn sign language like Koko

Male Gorilla Names

Looking for strong and masculine names? Here’s a list:

Max
Brutus
Thunder
Caesar
Rocky
Titan
Leo
Duke
Apollo
Samson
Titan
Brutus
Kong
Maximus
Caesar
Apollo
Goliath
Thunder
Rocky
Samson
Diesel
Hugo
Magnus
Rocco
Atlas
Tank
Jett
Nero
Onyx
Rex
Bruno
Kodiak
Zeus
Sumo
Maverick
Thor
Blaze
Duke
Shadow
Vortex
Hunter
Storm
Ace
Jagger
Fang
Titanus
Vulcan
Baron
Raptor
Knox

Famous Male Gorilla Names

Some male gorillas are so famous they’ve become household names:

Ivan – The “Shopping Mall Gorilla,” whose life inspired books and movies.
Digit – A beloved gorilla studied by Dian Fossey in Rwanda.
Jambo – Known for protecting a child who fell into his enclosure.
Colossus – One of the largest silverbacks ever documented.
Gargantua – Famous circus gorilla from the 1930s
Titus – Legendary silverback studied in Rwanda
Harambe – The Cincinnati Zoo gorilla who became an internet icon
Ozzie – One of the oldest gorillas in captivity
Kwame – A beloved silverback from Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Ndume – Koko’s companion gorilla
Shabani – The “handsome” gorilla that went viral in Japan
Bobo – A gentle giant at Ape Action Africa
Little Joe – Famous escape artist from Franklin Park Zoo
Patrick – Known for his unique personality at the Dallas Zoo
Babec – A gorilla with artistic skills
Massa – One of the longest-living gorillas on record
Baraka – A blind gorilla at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C.
Moja – One of the first gorillas to learn sign language like Koko
Makoko – A famous gorilla at the Loro Parque Zoo in Spain
Motuba – A western lowland gorilla at the Philadelphia Zoo
Zawadi – A beloved gorilla at the Oregon Zoo
Rafiki – A famous Ugandan gorilla killed by poachers
Silver Joe – A legendary gorilla from the early 20th century
Albert – One of the first gorillas in space experiments
Samson – A giant gorilla from the Milwaukee County Zoo
Colo – The first gorilla born in captivity
Trudy – One of the oldest gorillas in North America
Fatou – One of the oldest gorillas in the world, residing in Germany
Jambo – A gentle silverback who protected a child in his enclosure

Female Gorilla Names

Female gorillas exude elegance and strength. Here are some lovely options:

Bella
Nala
Maya
Rosie
Lulu
Zara
Mia
Queenie
Jade
Ruby
Koko
Ndume
Fatou
Trudy
Zuri
Amani
Mbeli
Jumoke
Shinda
Mjukuu
Imani
Malaika
Binti
Moka
Kamari
Nyota
Tamu
Sable
Kejana
Zawadi
Nia
Lulu
Sienna
Amara
Kira
Nayla
Jemma
Safiya
Nuru
Zahara
Laila
Ayana
Malia
Tasha
Indigo
Suri
Aziza
Anaya
Sarabi
Kalina

Good Gorilla Names

Need reliable and straightforward names? These might work:

Coco
Charlie
Gizmo
Tasha
Benny
Daisy
Bruno
Elsa
Milo
Olive
Titan
Zulu
Kairo
Jaxx
Onyx
Brutus
Vega
Nyx
Koda
Thunder
Sable
Nero
Rocco
Azari
Bane
Kovu
Tundra
Blaze
Makari
Zephyr
Orion
Drax
Xander
Jengo
Zayden
Nova
Kodiak
Sabre
Valko
Kairo
Storm
Mace
Kanoa
Riven
Drago
Vex
Tarzan
Kuno
Titanus
Kyro

Funny Gorilla Names

Want something humorous? Here are some light-hearted picks:

Bananas
Chunky
Mr. Fuzzy
Bongo
Chewbacca
Giggles
Bigfoot
Hairy Harry
King Banana
Monkey Business
Banana Bandit
Sir Chomps-A-Lot
Chunky Kong
Hairy Potter
King Chonky
The Grape Ape
Mr. Bananapants
Chewbacca Jr.
Bigfoot’s Cousin
Coco Loco
Captain Chestbeater
Furry Fury
Kongzilla
Snack Attack
Wobble Wookie
Fluffy McGrowl
Sir Hugs-a-Lot
Mighty Mango
Bubbles the Bruiser
Grumpy Gibbon
Banana Beard
Sassy Sasquatch
Monkey Business
The Funky Gorilla
Choco Chimpy
Jiggly Jungle
Tater Tot Titan
Donkey Wrong
Wacky Wookie
Snickersnap
The Ape Escape
Fluffzilla
Roly Poly Rilla
Chest Thump Champ
Giggles the Gorilla
Banana Overlord
Jabba the Ape
Mellow Munchkin
Hairicane
Chubby Chimp

Famous Gorilla Names in Movies

Gorillas have starred in some of our favorite films. Here are a few:

King Kong – The ultimate movie gorilla.
Mighty Joe Young – The gentle yet powerful gorilla from the classic movie.
George – From the action movie Rampage.
Kerchak – Tarzan’s father figure in Disney’s Tarzan.
Ape – The witty gorilla from George of the Jungle.
Kong – From Godzilla vs. Kong
Donkey Kong – The iconic video game gorilla featured in movies
Kiko – From the 1933 film Son of Kong
Professor Bobo – The comedic gorilla from Mystery Science Theater 3000
Grape Ape – The giant purple gorilla from The Great Grape Ape Show
Magilla Gorilla – The classic cartoon gorilla from The Magilla Gorilla Show
Bebop – The mutant warthog from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, often mistaken for a gorilla
Titano – The giant ape from Superman: The Animated Series
Congorilla – The superhero gorilla from DC Comics
Caesar – The leader of the apes in Planet of the Apes
Aldo – The rebellious gorilla from Battle for the Planet of the Apes
Zira – The intelligent gorilla from Planet of the Apes series
General Ursus – The war-hungry gorilla from Beneath the Planet of the Apes
Mandrill – The villainous primate from The Spectacular Spider-Man series
Grodd – The telepathic gorilla from DC Comics and The Flash
Solovar – The noble leader of Gorilla City in DC Comics
Spanky – The mischievous gorilla from Spymate
Joe – The star gorilla from Mighty Joe Young
Lulu – The lovable primate from Channing Tatum’s Dog movie
Clyde – The orangutan sidekick in Every Which Way But Loose (mistaken for a gorilla at times)
Bluebeard – The talking ape from The Talking Magpies
Moonwatcher – The ape from 2001: A Space Odyssey
Kala – Tarzan’s adoptive gorilla mother in Disney’s Tarzan
Tarro – A gorilla character from the Dragon Ball series
Glenda – The gorilla from Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls
Snowflake – The albino gorilla from the movie Snowflake, the White Gorilla
Inky – The animated gorilla from Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures
Monster Gorilla – The fierce ape from The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms
Gargantua – The monster gorilla from The War of the Gargantuas
Goliath – The evil ape from Robot Monster
Bo Bo – The gorilla from Bedtime for Bonzo
Igor – The trained gorilla in Murders in the Rue Morgue
Bonzo – Ronald Reagan’s co-star in Bedtime for Bonzo
Zombo – The gorilla from The New Addams Family
Bobo – The comical gorilla from The Muppet Show
Samson – The heroic gorilla from The Wild
Bluto – The gorilla-inspired villain from Popeye
Prince Koura – The villain from The Golden Voyage of Sinbad who summons an ape demon
The Missing Link – The goofy ape-like creature from Monsters vs. Aliens

Gorilla Names in Tarzan

Tarzan’s world introduced us to some memorable gorilla characters:

Kala – Tarzan’s adoptive mother.
Kerchak – The fierce but protective leader.
Terk – Tarzan’s playful and loyal friend.
Tarzan – The iconic jungle hero raised by gorillas
Kerchak – The strong and authoritative silverback leader
Kala – Tarzan’s loving and protective adoptive mother
Terk – Tarzan’s mischievous and loyal gorilla friend
Bolgani – A fierce gorilla mentioned in Tarzan of the Apes
Zugash – A powerful gorilla in Tarzan and the Lost Empire
Manu – A small, playful monkey often depicted in Tarzan stories
Gobu – A young gorilla from The Legend of Tarzan animated series
Muviro – A gorilla warrior in some Tarzan adaptations
Akut – A wise and battle-hardened gorilla from The Legend of Tarzan (2016)
Mangani – The fictional great apes that raised Tarzan
Chulk – A giant, aggressive gorilla in Tarzan the Terrible
Gaunt – A menacing gorilla from Tarzan and the Lion Man
Goro – A godlike gorilla figure in some Tarzan lore
Numgo – A peaceful gorilla from The Beasts of Tarzan
Toog – A boastful and competitive gorilla from Tarzan and the Golden Lion
Teeka – A female gorilla and Tarzan’s childhood companion
Nkima – Though a monkey, he is Tarzan’s close ally in many stories
Gobu’s Father – An unnamed but respected gorilla in The Legend of Tarzan series
Tublat – An aggressive and rebellious gorilla in Disney’s Tarzan

Cute Gorilla Names

Want a name as adorable as a baby gorilla? Try these:

Poppy
Snickers
Mocha
Peanut
Tootsie
Coco
Jellybean
Sprinkles
Muffin
Nibbles
Bubbles
Coco
Niblet
Fuzzy
Pudding
Peanut
Snickers
Mocha
Waffles
Choco
Biscuit
Muffin
Cupcake
Jellybean
Tater Tot
Poppy
Pebbles
Cuddles
Fudge
Sprout
Noodle
Marshmallow
Giggles
Pipsqueak
Binky
Tofu
Buttons
Fluffy
Honey
Boomer
Doodle
Wiggles
Pumpernickel
S’mores
Tinker
Pogo
Ziggy
Fifi
Skittles
Snuggles

Cool Gorilla Names

For gorillas with swag, check out these cool names:

Blaze
Shadow
Storm
Diesel
Onyx
Phantom
Jet
Orion
Ace
Steele
Titan
Zephyr
Onyx
Kairo
Vortex
Jaxx
Thunder
Nero
Rocco
Blaze
Drago
Mace
Kodiak
Sabre
Xander
Orion
Dagger
Tundra
Shadow
Zulu
Drax
Kuno
Storm
Tarzanus
Koda
Apex
Phantom
Bronx
Viper
Riptide
Rampage
Everest
Valko
Obsidian
Sable
Titanus
Rumble
Havoc
Kyro
Inferno

Silverback Gorilla Names

Silverbacks deserve strong, dignified names. Here are some ideas:

Titan
Atlas
Goliath
Odin
Zeus
Sable
Conan
Thor
Grizzly
Everest
Titan
Maximus
Thor
Kong
Goliath
Zeus
Brutus
Onyx
Magnum
Rocco
Caesar
Atlas
Dagger
Nero
Vulcan
Avalanche
Tundra
Kodiak
Phantom
Sable
Kairo
Titanus
Vortex
Rampage
Obsidian
Blaze
Sabre
Drax
Thunder
Bronx
Orion
Apex
Tarzanus
Viper
Rumble
Havoc
Kuno
Shadow
Everest
Valko

San Diego Zoo Gorilla Names

The San Diego Zoo has housed some iconic gorillas:

Albert – A playful resident.
Winston – Known for his charisma.
Vila – One of the oldest gorillas ever recorded.
Mandazzi – A strong and intelligent silverback.
Zuberi – A wise and respected silverback
Kiano – A playful and energetic young gorilla
Tafari – Known for his leadership and strength
Mosi – The firstborn of his troop, full of curiosity
Nia – A gentle and nurturing mother
Jabari – A fearless and adventurous explorer
Sefu – Strong and protective of his family
Zola – A lively and mischievous youngster
Dakarai – A charismatic and social gorilla
Ayana – A graceful and intelligent female
Omari – A quiet but observant member of the troop
Tano – A fun-loving gorilla who enjoys play-fighting
Jengo – A bold and independent silverback
Kesi – A small but feisty gorilla with a big personality
Tumelo – A peaceful and wise elder
Baku – A strong and determined leader
Chiku – A playful and affectionate young gorilla
Razi – Always curious and exploring new things
Dalia – A protective mother known for her kindness
Baraka – A gentle and caring family member
Malik – A dominant and confident silverback
Imani – A loving and dedicated mother
Jafari – A quick and intelligent problem-solver
Sanaa – A calm and nurturing presence in the group
Zaki – A clever and resourceful young gorilla
Lela – A shy but observant female
Taye – A strong-willed and independent gorilla
Nuru – Known for his bright and curious nature
Zibu – A fun-loving and social gorilla
Rohan – A peaceful and wise troop member
Lulu – A playful and energetic young female
Enzo – A curious and intelligent gorilla
Kato – A fearless and protective silverback
Pendo – A loving and gentle mother

Columbus Zoo Gorilla Names

The Columbus Zoo has been home to many gorillas. Here are a few famous ones:

Colo – The first gorilla born in captivity.
Macombo – A powerful silverback.
Tamba – A beloved resident.
Betty – Known for her gentle nature.
Macombo – One of the earliest and most dominant silverbacks at Columbus Zoo.
Tamba – A playful and social gorilla known for his gentle nature.
Betty – A caring and nurturing female who helped raise multiple young gorillas.
Jabari – A curious and adventurous young male, always exploring.
Asha – A strong-willed female known for her leadership among the troop.
Ktembe – A powerful silverback and father to several generations.
Cassie – A beloved mother with a reputation for being incredibly protective.
Jamani – A young and energetic gorilla who loves to climb trees.
Sue – A recent first-time mother, showing excellent maternal instincts.
Mara – A young female named in honor of conservation efforts.
Sully – Originally thought to be male, later revealed to be a new mother.
Mumbah – A wise elder gorilla who lived to an impressive age.
Kambera – A nurturing mother who struggled at first but became an excellent caregiver.
Kamoli – Kambera’s offspring, known for his playful antics.
Macombo II – Named after the original Macombo, a tribute to his legacy.
Zuri – A social butterfly in the troop, always engaging with others.
Ndume – A strong and respected silverback, known for his protective nature.
Bakari – A mischievous and intelligent young male.
Imara – A wise and caring elder female, respected by the troop.
Kali – A bold and confident female who often takes charge.
Omari – A powerful and patient silverback, leading with strength.
Mosi – A curious and energetic young male, always learning.
Penda – A gentle and affectionate female who enjoys bonding with others.
Lela – A devoted mother with a strong maternal bond.
Quincy – A young and inquisitive male, full of personality.
Baron – Named after a past silverback, carrying on the legacy.
Tano – A gorilla with a strong and determined personality.
Nia – A graceful and kindhearted female who cares for the younger gorillas.
Jengo – A strong and independent young male with a bright future.
Zane – A playful and charismatic gorilla, loved by visitors.
Nyah – A beautiful and intelligent female, admired by the troop.
Kibo – A powerful silverback known for his calm yet commanding presence.
Teko – A clever and resourceful gorilla, always problem-solving.
Zahara – A motherly figure who watches over the younger members of the troop.
Razi – A bright and energetic young male, always on the move.
Hadi – A reserved but wise gorilla, keeping the peace in the troop.
Nuru – A social and friendly female, forming strong bonds with her peers.
Kiano – A silverback in the making, displaying early signs of leadership.

Famous Gorilla Names in History

Some gorillas have left a lasting mark on history:

Dian Fossey’s Digit – A symbol of conservation efforts.
Snowflake – The rare albino gorilla.
Koko – Revolutionized how we think about animal communication.
Harambe – Remembered for sparking global conversations about animal care.
Snowflake – The only known albino gorilla, who lived at the Barcelona Zoo.
Digit – A beloved mountain gorilla studied by Dian Fossey.
Jambo – Gained fame for protecting a young boy who fell into his enclosure.
Binti Jua – Saved a child who fell into her enclosure at Brookfield Zoo.
Titus – One of the most famous silverbacks in Rwanda, studied by conservationists.
Makoko – A legendary gorilla known for his strength and leadership in the wild.
Gargantua – A famous circus gorilla in the 1930s and 40s.
Guy – A beloved gorilla from the London Zoo known for his gentle nature.
Ndume – Companion to Koko, part of the Gorilla Foundation’s research.
Michael – Another gorilla who learned sign language alongside Koko.
Bushman – A popular gorilla from Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo in the mid-1900s.
Mandrill – A dominant silverback known for his role in the conservation of his species.
Shabani – A handsome gorilla from Japan’s Higashiyama Zoo who gained fame for his looks.
Gugas – One of Europe’s most famous zoo gorillas, inspiring conservation efforts.
Zura – A long-lived gorilla known for her intelligence at the San Francisco Zoo.
Oscar – A wild gorilla documented in the Disney film “Chimpanzee.”

How to Choose the Perfect Gorilla Name

Choosing a name can feel like a big task, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips:

Reflect Their Personality: Is your gorilla playful, calm, or majestic? Match their traits.
Keep It Simple: Choose something easy to remember and pronounce.
Consider Their Appearance: A silverback might suit a regal name, while a baby could have a cute one.
Use Pop Culture: Draw inspiration from famous gorillas in movies or history.
Have Fun With It: Don’t overthink—go with your gut!

Conclusion

If you’re naming a real gorilla, a stuffed animal, or simply exploring the fascinating world of gorilla names, this guide has everything you need.

From cool and funny names to historical legends, there’s something for every gorilla personality.

FAQs

1. What are the most famous gorilla names?
Some iconic names include Koko, Harambe, and King Kong.

2. What are good names for a baby gorilla?
Cute names like Poppy, Peanut, or Snickers are perfect for baby gorillas.

3. What are silverback gorilla names?
Strong names like Titan, Zeus, or Atlas suit a silverback.

4. Are there any gorilla names in movies?
Yes, names like King Kong, Mighty Joe Young, and George are from popular movies.

5. How do I pick a funny gorilla name?
Go for something playful like Bananas, Chunky, or Monkey Business.

Talha

I’m the creator of PickGoodName, where I dive into the world of unique and creative name ideas for online platforms, games, pets, and more. Naming things is my passion, and I love helping people find the perfect name that stands out. If you’re looking for something cool, funny, or meaningful So you can explore my amazing articles with unique ideas!

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