Gorilla Names That’ll Make Your Primate Stand Out

Choosing the perfect Gorilla Names is no monkey business! Whether you’re naming a baby gorilla, a fictional character, or just looking for a fun nickname, you want something that reflects strength, personality, and maybe a bit of humor.

From fierce and cool to downright adorable, we’ve got a jungle full of options for you. 

Let’s swing into it!

Baby Gorilla Names 🍼

Baby gorillas are bundles of energy and mischief! These names capture their playful and adorable nature.

• Koko – A tribute to the famous talking gorilla
• Bobo – A cute, playful classic
• Momo – Fun and easy to say
• Nugget – Because they’re small but precious
• Peanut – A tiny name for a tiny gorilla
• Zuzu – Full of energy and charm
• Chiku – Swahili for “talkative”
• Bubbles – Inspired by Michael Jackson’s famous pet chimp
• BamBam – Always full of energy
• Doodle – A fun and silly name
• Jojo – Playful and lively
• Sprout – Growing fast and full of life
• Pogo – Can’t sit still for a second!
• Rolo – Sweet like the candy
• Tiki – A tropical and fun vibe

Gorilla Names for Fictional Characters 📖

If you’re creating a gorilla character for a book, show, or game, these names will give them a strong identity.

• Brutus – A tough and powerful leader
• Zorgo – A futuristic and fierce name
• Grizzle – Rough and rugged
• Mongo – Big and strong
• Rufus – A wise and respected elder
• Thud – Because every step is heavy!
• Khan – A warrior’s name
• Rumble – Always making noise
• Drake – Mysterious and cool
• Balthazar – Majestic and commanding
• Grax – Sounds like a sci-fi villain
• Gordo – Big and lovable
• Titan – Unmatched in strength
• Fang – A name with bite
• Kongor – Inspired by King Kong

African Gorilla Names 🌍

Since gorillas are native to Africa, why not give them a name that honors their roots?

• Zuberi – Swahili for “strong”
• Jabari – Means “brave” in Swahili
• Mosi – Meaning “firstborn”
• Kwame – A Ghanaian name meaning “born on Saturday”
• Tano – Swahili for “five,” perfect for a fifth-born gorilla
• Bantu – A nod to African languages and culture
• Simba – Swahili for “lion” but still mighty for a gorilla
• Omari – Means “God is the highest”
• Zane – A cool and simple African name
• Bahari – Meaning “ocean”
• Kazi – Swahili for “hard worker”
• Chuma – Meaning “steel”
• Rafiki – Means “friend” in Swahili
• Kifaru – Swahili for “rhino,” strong and powerful
• Azizi – Meaning “precious”

Zoo Gorilla Names 🏛️

If you’re naming a gorilla in a zoo, these friendly and well-known names are perfect!

• Charlie – A classic name for a gentle giant
• Benny – Fun and approachable
• Maxwell – A dignified and wise gorilla
• Samson – As strong as the biblical figure
• Milo – Playful and endearing
• Harvey – A name with charm
• Rocky – Always ready for action
• Apollo – Majestic and grand
• Dexter – Smart and observant
• Otis – A relaxed and cool name
• Lenny – A friendly and gentle gorilla
• Hugo – Short but powerful
• Bruno – A strong yet lovable choice
• Wilson – Sophisticated and unique
• Teddy – Soft and huggable

Badass Gorilla Names 💪

Gorillas are the kings of the jungle—these names bring out their raw power.

• Kong – The most iconic gorilla name ever
• Titan – A true heavyweight
• Thor – God of thunder, perfect for a mighty beast
• Goliath – Unstoppable strength
• Rex – Latin for “king”
• Fury – Because he’s got an intense presence
• Beast – Simple, yet terrifying
• Tank – Nothing can take him down
• Blitz – Moves fast and hits hard
• Knox – Strong as a fortress
• Raptor – Quick and fierce
• Havoc – Brings chaos wherever he goes
• Bruno – Tough but charming
• Crusher – Because he dominates everything
• Shadow – Mysterious and intimidating

Gorilla Names That Start with G 🦍

Alliteration makes names more fun and memorable!

• Gizmo – Clever and inventive
• Goliath – Massive and mighty
• Grizzly – Rough and rugged
• Gunner – A warrior’s name
• Gambit – For a strategic mind
• Ghost – Mysterious and elusive
• Gonzo – Wild and unpredictable
• Gustav – A strong European touch
• Gordo – Big and lovable
• Grimm – Dark and mysterious
• Gator – Snappy and fierce
• Galaxy – Large and limitless
• Gryphon – Mythical and powerful
• Glitch – For a quirky, unique gorilla
• Gage – Tough and cool

Nicknames for Gorilla 🏷️

Looking for a fun nickname? These short and catchy options are perfect!

• Big G – Short and cool
• Chunky – If your gorilla is on the hefty side
• Smokey – Mysterious and chill
• Jumbo – For a truly massive gorilla
• Boss – Because he’s in charge
• Tiny – Ironically funny for a huge gorilla
• Rambo – Ready for action
• Hank – Casual yet strong
• Chubbs – A playful name
• King G – Short for King Gorilla
• Tanky – Built like a tank
• Mojo – Full of energy
• BamBam – A wild and energetic name
• Duke – A name of nobility
• Congo – A nod to gorillas’ natural habitat

Famous Gorilla Names 🌟

These gorillas have left their mark on history, movies, and pop culture.

• King Kong – The ultimate gorilla icon
• Harambe – The legendary gorilla that sparked a meme revolution
• Koko – The gorilla who learned sign language
• Magilla Gorilla – A beloved cartoon character
• Donkey Kong – The video game legend
• Gargantua – The fierce circus gorilla from the 1930s
• Caesar – The intelligent leader from Planet of the Apes
• Bobo – The famous gorilla from the 1950s Seattle zoo
• Snowflake – The only known albino gorilla
• Joe Young – From Mighty Joe Young, a classic gorilla movie
• Cheeta – Tarzan’s loyal primate companion
• Patrick – A celebrity gorilla from the Dallas Zoo
• Willie B. – A beloved zoo gorilla who became a local legend
• Ishmael – From Daniel Quinn’s novel Ishmael
• Zura – A famous gorilla from the San Francisco Zoo

Best Gorilla Names 🏆

If you’re looking for the absolute best, these names are top-tier choices!

• Simba – A strong African name
• Ragnar – Fierce like a Viking
• Baloo – Inspired by The Jungle Book
• Diesel – Tough and powerful
• Jett – Fast and smooth
• Maverick – For a gorilla with a rebellious spirit
• Tornado – Always on the move
• Jumbo – Big and bold
• Echo – A name with a mysterious touch
• Rocco – A strong and reliable name
• Duke – A name of nobility
• Axel – Rock-and-roll energy
• Zorro – Mysterious and cool
• Ranger – A natural leader
• Draco – Inspired by dragons and power

Funny Gorilla Names 😂

For a gorilla with a big personality, these names will bring the laughs.

• Banana Joe – Because gorillas and bananas go hand in hand
• Sir Chonks-a-Lot – Perfect for a hefty gorilla
• Monkey Business – Ironic and hilarious
• Bigfoot Jr. – Because he’s got big feet!
• Bubbles – Fun and bubbly personality
• Chewbacca – Hairy and lovable
• Gorillaz – Inspired by the famous band
• Mister Furry – Self-explanatory
• King Thicc – If he’s extra stocky
• Hairy Potter – A magical and fuzzy name
• Gorilla McGorillaface – Because why not?
• Donkey Wrong – A play on Donkey Kong
• Funky Kong – The coolest primate around
• Chimp-in-Chief – The boss of the jungle
• Sasquatch – A legendary hairy beast

Cute Gorilla Names 🥰

Soft, sweet, and perfect for an adorable gorilla!

• Peanut – A tiny but lovable name
• BooBoo – Playful and endearing
• Teddy – Soft and cuddly like a teddy bear
• Muffin – Sweet as can be
• Snickers – Makes you smile!
• Choco – Short for chocolate
• Pudding – Soft and sweet
• Coco – Cute and classic
• Pumpkin – Adorable and affectionate
• Marshmallow – Fluffy and soft
• Toffee – A sweet name for a sweet gorilla
• Binky – Fun and playful
• Cupcake – Full of sweetness
• Sprinkles – Cute and lively
• Lulu – A bubbly and lovable name

Cool Gorilla Names 😎

For a gorilla with effortless style and swagger.

• Blaze – Always making an impact
• Storm – A force to be reckoned with
• Ace – Always number one
• Frost – Cool and mysterious
• Rider – Has a free spirit
• Phantom – A shadowy and sleek name
• Jax – Short and edgy
• Diesel – Tough and strong
• Legend – Because he’s unforgettable
• Onyx – Dark and mysterious
• Rogue – Wild and unpredictable
• Maverick – A true individualist
• Shadow – Cool and mysterious
• Knox – Strong and confident
• Zane – Short, cool, and unique

Unique Gorilla Names ✨

For gorillas that stand out from the crowd!

• Zephyr – A gentle breeze, yet strong
• Nyx – Mysterious and powerful
• Orion – Inspired by the stars
• Zenith – The peak of greatness
• Caspian – no native and noble
• Quasar – Out of this world
• Tundra – Cool and untamed
• Obsidian – Dark and powerful
• Eclipse – Mysterious and striking
• Solstice – A name full of mystery
• Sable – Elegant and dark
• Yuki – Meaning “snow” in Japanese
• Aziel – A rare, angelic name
• Indigo – A deep and rich color
• Rune – A name with magical vibes

Gorilla Names in Movies 🎬

Gorillas have been legendary in film history!

• King Kong – The king of all gorillas
• Donkey Kong – Nintendo’s most famous gorilla
• Caesar – The intelligent leader in Planet of the Apes
• Mighty Joe Young – From the classic gorilla film
• Kong Jr. – A playful nod to King Kong
• Grape Ape – The big purple gorilla from cartoons
• Ape Lincoln – From The Simpsons’ Planet of the Apes parody
• Terk – Tarzan’s best friend in Disney’s Tarzan
• Bongo – From Disney’s Bongo the Gorilla
• Igor – From The One and Only Ivan
• Giganto – The massive ape from Giganto and Friends
• Roscoe – The tough ape from The Jungle Book
• Clyde – The orangutan sidekick from Every Which Way But Loose
• Bonzo – From Bedtime for Bonzo
• Mr. Teeny – The smoking monkey from The Simpsons

Male Gorilla Names 🦍♂️

Strong and bold names for a mighty male gorilla!

• Brutus – Fierce and powerful
• Rex – Latin for “king”
• Atlas – Carries the world on his shoulders
• Thor – The god of thunder
• Maximus – Latin for “greatest”
• Samson – As strong as the biblical hero
• Diesel – Full of power
• Titan – A true giant
• Rocky – Tough and determined
• Jagger – Moves like Mick Jagger
• Zorro – Mysterious and heroic
• Gunner – A fighter’s name
• Apollo – Majestic and grand
• Kaiser – Meaning “emperor”
• Hulk – Big, strong, and unstoppable

Interesting Facts About Gorillas 🦍

Gorillas are more than just mighty primates—they’re intelligent, emotional, and fascinating creatures! Here are some incredible facts that will make you appreciate these gentle giants even more.

1. Gorillas Share 98% of Their DNA with Humans 🧬

That’s right! Gorillas are one of our closest relatives, making them almost like distant cousins. They even laugh, grieve, and form deep emotional bonds.

2. They Can Learn Sign Language 🤟

Koko, the famous gorilla, learned over 1,000 signs and could communicate with humans! She even expressed emotions like sadness and humor.

3. Gorillas Live in Close-Knit Families 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

A gorilla “troop” is led by a dominant silverback male who protects and guides the group. Family is everything to these gentle giants!

4. They Are Mostly Vegetarian 🌿

Despite their intimidating size, gorillas mainly munch on leaves, fruits, stems, and bamboo. Occasionally, they snack on insects for protein.

5. A Silverback Can Lift Over 1,800 Pounds! 💪

That’s almost 10 times the strength of the average human. If gorillas hit the gym, they’d break every record!

6. Gorillas Build New Nests Every Night 🛖

Unlike humans who love their cozy beds, gorillas make fresh nests from leaves and branches every night to sleep comfortably.

7. They Have Unique Nose Prints 👃

Just like human fingerprints, no two gorillas have the same nose pattern. Scientists use this to identify individuals in the wild.

8. Gorillas Are Shy and Peaceful 🕊️

Despite their massive size, gorillas are gentle and avoid conflict. They only show aggression when threatened.

9. They Can Walk on Two Legs (But Prefer Four) 🚶‍♂️

While they mainly walk on all fours (knuckle-walking), gorillas can stand and walk short distances on two legs!

10. Gorilla Moms Are Super Protective 🤱

Mother gorillas are incredibly nurturing and take care of their babies for up to four years.

11. They Have a Unique Way of Communicating 🗣️

Gorillas use grunts, hoots, roars, and chest beats to communicate emotions like excitement, danger, or playfulness.

12. Chest Beating Isn’t Always a Threat 💥

Silverbacks pound their chests not just to show dominance but also as a way to attract mates or just show off.

13. Gorillas Can Feel Sadness and Mourning 😢

They grieve for lost loved ones, just like humans do. Some have even been observed staying by the bodies of deceased troop members.

14. They Have a Shorter Lifespan Than Humans ⏳

In the wild, gorillas live about 35–40 years, but in captivity, they can reach their 50s. The oldest recorded gorilla lived to be 61!

15. They Are Critically Endangered 🚨

Due to habitat destruction, poaching, and disease, gorilla populations are at risk. Conservation efforts are crucial to their survival.

Gorillas are truly incredible creatures with personalities as big as their muscles! What’s your favorite gorilla fact? 🦍✨

FAQs About Gorillas 🦍

1. What do gorillas eat? 🍃

Gorillas are mostly herbivores, munching on leaves, fruits, stems, and bamboo. Occasionally, they eat insects for extra protein.

2. How strong is a gorilla? 💪

A silverback gorilla can lift over 1,800 pounds, making them almost 10 times stronger than an average human!

3. Are gorillas aggressive? 😠

Not really! Gorillas are peaceful and shy creatures. They only become aggressive if they feel threatened, especially when protecting their troop.

4. How long do gorillas live? ⏳

In the wild, gorillas live 35–40 years, but in captivity, they can reach their 50s or even 60s with proper care.

5. Why do gorillas beat their chests? 🥁

Chest beating is not always a sign of aggression. It’s often used to communicate excitement, attract mates, or show dominance in a playful or serious way.

Final Words 🦍

Gorillas are more than just powerful primates—they’re intelligent, emotional, and deeply fascinating creatures. From their human-like bonds to their incredible strength, they continue to amaze us. Whether you’re naming a gorilla, learning fun facts, or just appreciating their uniqueness, one thing is clear—gorillas deserve our admiration and protection.

So, next time you see a gorilla at the zoo or in a documentary, remember: they’re not just animals, they’re gentle giants with big hearts! 💚✨