Glimmerhorn
A horn that glimmers like a star, for a unicorn who lights up the meadow at dusk.
- Secret power
- ?
- Scared of
- ?
- Always says
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Unicorn name generator for kids
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Make your own hero and they join every card as a friend.
For grown-ups: every name, printables for class, the curriculum and questions
What your child practises: making up a character (a name, a power, a worry and what they say), then writing their first adventure. National Curriculum, Years 3 and 4, Writing – composition: “in narratives, creating settings, characters and plot”.
Press the button for a unicorn name and what it means. Pick sparkly unicorns, wild forest and mountain unicorns or funny ones, or join two word parts to build your own. Every name is hand-picked and child-safe, with unicorn naming tips for KS1 and KS2 and a sample story opening.
72 unicorn names with their meanings
Sparkly
Shimmering, rainbow-bright names for gentle unicorns who glow in the sunshine and sparkle in the moonlight.
- Glimmerhorn · A horn that glimmers like a star, for a unicorn who lights up the meadow at dusk.
- Rainbowmane · For a unicorn whose mane shows every colour of the rainbow after a summer shower.
- Starlace · Lace is a delicate thread, and this unicorn's mane is strung with tiny stars.
- Dewshimmer · For a unicorn who shines with morning dew on the grass before the sun is up.
- Pearlhoof · For a unicorn whose hooves gleam as smooth and creamy as a pearl.
- Sunglint · A glint is a quick flash of light, for a unicorn who sparkles whenever the sun catches it.
- Petalmoon · For a unicorn who glows softly like the moon, with petals drifting from its mane.
- Silverlark · A lark is a songbird, and this unicorn's silvery voice rings out at sunrise.
- Prismia · Named after a prism, the glass that splits sunlight into a rainbow of colours.
- Twinklemane · For a unicorn whose mane twinkles on dark nights like a sky full of stars.
- Lustrehoof · Lustre means a soft shine, and this unicorn's hooves catch the light with every step.
- Velvetglow · Velvet is soft and rich, and this unicorn's coat glows like a warm, velvety evening.
- Shimmerdew · For a unicorn who shimmers like dew drops on a spider's web in the early morning.
- Auralin · From aurum, Latin for gold, for a unicorn whose coat shines like a golden sunrise.
- Iridell · From iris, the Greek word for rainbow, for a unicorn who shows every colour at once.
- Pearlwhisk · For a unicorn whose pale tail swishes like a whisk and gleams like a pearl.
- Hornlight · For a unicorn whose spiral horn gives off a gentle light to guide friends home.
- Cloudsilk · For a unicorn with a mane as soft and silvery as a cloud drifting over the hills.
- Stardrift · To drift is to float slowly, and this unicorn glides across the sky like a shooting star.
- Opaline · Like an opal, the milky gemstone with flashes of rainbow colour, for a gentle unicorn.
- Lumenmane · Lumen is Latin for light, for a unicorn whose mane glows brightly in the dark.
- Rosegleam · For a unicorn with a soft pink glow, like the sky just before a summer sunset.
- Dawnhorn · For a unicorn whose horn lights up at dawn to wake the sleepy forest animals.
- Opalmist · A misty morning shimmers with pale colours, just like this unicorn's opal-coloured coat.
Forest and mountain
Earthy names for wild unicorns who gallop through glens, woods and high Scottish hills.
- Thistlecrest · The thistle is Scotland's national flower, and this unicorn wears a crown of purple thistles.
- Glenhorn · A glen is a narrow Scottish valley, where this unicorn gallops with the wind.
- Lochmane · A loch is a Scottish lake, and this unicorn's mane drifts like waves on the water.
- Cairnhoof · A cairn is a pile of stones on a hill, a good home for a sure-footed unicorn.
- Fernhoof · For a unicorn who treads softly through the ferns on the forest floor.
- Heathermane · For a unicorn whose mane is purple like heather on a windy Highland moor.
- Rowanhorn · Rowan trees have bright red berries, and this unicorn's horn glows the same vivid red.
- Mosscrest · For a unicorn with a soft crest of green moss growing along its neck.
- Burnhoof · A burn is a Scottish word for a stream, and this unicorn splashes through every one.
- Snowcrag · A crag is a steep rock, and this brave unicorn climbs the snowy mountain peaks.
- Highcorrie · A corrie is a bowl-shaped hollow in the mountains, where this unicorn likes to rest.
- Fellmist · A fell is a high hill, and this unicorn wanders through the misty tops.
- Willowhorn · For a gentle unicorn who rests under the willows beside the river.
- Larchmane · Larch trees turn golden in autumn, the same colour as this unicorn's flowing mane.
- Birchglen · Birch trees have pale silver bark, for a unicorn who lives in a sunny, quiet glen.
- Oakshadow · An oak tree is strong and old, for a unicorn who rests in its wide, cool shade.
- Juniperhoof · Juniper is a hardy evergreen shrub that grows on Scottish hills, just like this unicorn.
- Peatglow · Peat is dark, soft earth from the Scottish moors, for a unicorn who loves a muddy hillside.
- Elderhorn · Elder trees bloom with creamy flowers in summer, for a wise and gentle unicorn.
- Hazelgleam · For a unicorn who nibbles hazelnuts under the trees and shines in the autumn light.
- Stagmere · A mere is a small, still lake, where this unicorn likes to drink beside the deer.
- Pinehollow · For a unicorn who makes its home in a hollow among the tall Scots pine trees.
- Sorrelmane · Sorrel is a warm reddish-brown colour, the same shade as this unicorn's mane.
- Brackenhoof · Bracken is a tall fern that grows on hillsides, and this unicorn trots through it happily.
Funny
Silly, cosy names for unicorns who sneeze glitter, wobble like jelly and love a porridge breakfast.
- Wobblehoof · For a young unicorn whose legs wobble like jelly on its very first day out.
- Porridgemane · For a unicorn who insists on porridge for breakfast and always has oats in its mane.
- Puddlehorn · For a unicorn who loves stamping in puddles until its horn is covered in mud.
- Snortlemane · For a unicorn whose snorts make its mane flutter every single time it laughs.
- Hiccupglitter · For a unicorn who hiccups sparkles, leaving glitter all over the classroom floor.
- Sneezeglitter · For a unicorn whose sneezes puff out glitter over everyone standing nearby.
- Crumblemane · For a unicorn who always has biscuit crumbs tangled in its mane.
- Tumblehoof · For a clumsy unicorn who trips over its own hooves at least twice before lunch.
- Fudgehoof · For a unicorn who leaves sticky fudge prints in the grass wherever it trots.
- Giggleglow · For a unicorn whose horn glows pink and wobbles every time it giggles.
- Mudpiemane · For a unicorn who makes mud pies in the garden and wears a few in its mane.
- Doodlemane · For a unicorn who draws curly doodles in the sand with the tip of its horn.
- Pancakehorn · For a unicorn who flips pancakes with its horn on Shrove Tuesday, the day of pancakes.
- Jellyhoof · For a unicorn who wobbles like jelly when it dances at a birthday party.
- Snuggleflop · For a unicorn who flops down for a snuggle the moment it spots a cosy blanket.
- Wigglemane · For a unicorn who cannot keep still, so its mane wiggles even while it sleeps.
- Biscuithoof · For a unicorn who taps a happy rhythm with its hooves whenever a biscuit appears.
- Sockmane · For a unicorn who always has a stray odd sock caught in its mane.
- Tickleflick · For a unicorn who flicks its tail to tickle its friends and make them giggle.
- Noodlemane · For a unicorn who loves slurping noodles, with a few stuck in its long mane.
- Bobblehorn · For a unicorn whose horn bobs up and down whenever it nods along to the music.
- Muffinhorn · For a unicorn who bakes blueberry muffins and balances one on its horn for a snack.
- Wafflehoof · For a unicorn who stamps neat waffle patterns in the snow with every happy step.
- Bubblehoof · For a unicorn who blows bubbles through its nose and pops them with its hooves.
Character cards for class
Press Big screen above the card to make one character together on the board: the class votes A, B or C for the power, the worry and the catchphrase. Then print the class set below: eight names with their meanings, with the rest left blank for each child to finish and draw.
A finished card is a small character plan. The worry gives the story its problem, the power gives the way out, and the catchphrase is the first line of dialogue. The printed card comes with a page to write the character’s first adventure.
Titles to add and word parts for building a name
Titles to add
Goes after the name
- the Rainbow Hearted
- · for a unicorn who brings colour to every grey day
- the Gentle
- · for a unicorn who never tramples the flowers
- the Brave
- · for a unicorn who stands up for its friends
- the Kind
- · for a unicorn who shares its last carrot
- of the Glen
- · for a unicorn who knows every path through the valley
- the Bright
- · for a unicorn whose horn lights up the dark
- the Swift
- · for the fastest gallop across the meadow
- the Wise
- · for an old unicorn full of good advice
- the Cloud Dancer
- · for a unicorn who twirls through the clouds
- the Moonlit
- · for a unicorn who comes out when the stars appear
- the Helper
- · for a unicorn who lends a hoof to anyone in trouble
- the Storyteller
- · for a unicorn who remembers every tale of the forest
- the Hill Walker
- · for a unicorn who climbs the highest hills
- of the Highlands
- · for a unicorn who roams the Scottish hills
- the Shy
- · for a unicorn who hides behind the tallest trees
- the Dreamer
- · for a unicorn who gazes at the sky all day
- the Lantern Bearer
- · for a unicorn who lights the way home
- the Golden
- · for a unicorn whose coat shines in the sunshine
- the Good Listener
- · for a unicorn who hears every worry
- the Puddle Jumper
- · for a unicorn who loves a muddy splash
- the Ever-Hungry
- · for a unicorn who is always ready for a snack
- the Giggler
- · for a unicorn who laughs at every joke
- the Explorer
- · for a unicorn who finds new paths in every wood
- the Snuggler
- · for a unicorn who loves a cuddle at bedtime
- the Rainbow Keeper
- · for a unicorn who guards the colours of the sky
Word parts for building a name
Join one from each list
- Glimmer (a soft, shining light)
- Moss (soft and green)
- Thistle (Scotland's prickly purple flower)
- Glen (a green Scottish valley)
- Rainbow (every colour at once)
- Dew (fresh morning drops)
- Pearl (smooth and creamy)
- Star (a twinkling night light)
- Cloud (soft and drifting)
- Rose (gentle and pink)
- Honey (sweet and golden)
- Silver (a cool gleam)
- Sun (warm morning light)
- Moon (calm and silvery)
- Heather (purple moorland flowers)
- Fern (a woodland hideaway)
- Lilac (a soft purple shade)
- Mist (quiet and dreamy)
- horn (a shining spiral horn)
- mane (a long, flowing mane)
- hoof (a dancing hoof)
- tail (a swishing tail)
- glow (a warm, gentle light)
- glint (a quick flash of light)
- shimmer (a soft shimmer)
- dream (a sleepy, peaceful nature)
- whisk (a quick flick of the tail)
- gleam (a bright, polished shine)
- light (a light to guide friends home)
- crest (a tuft of colour on the head)
- song (a voice that rings out)
- dance (a happy twirl)
- twinkle (a sparkle that comes and goes)
- lustre (a soft, lovely shine)
How to invent a name for an unicorn
Before you choose a unicorn name, decide what kind of unicorn you are writing about. A sparkly unicorn who lives in a rainbow meadow, a wild unicorn who gallops through a Highland glen and a silly unicorn who cannot stop giggling all need very different names. This generator sorts names into sparkly, wild and funny, because those three moods cover most unicorns in children's stories, and the right mood helps a reader picture the unicorn before it has said a word.
The word unicorn comes from the Latin unicornis, which means one horn. Uni means one and cornu means horn, so the name itself tells you the most famous thing about these creatures. Scotland's national animal is the unicorn, and it has been a Scottish symbol for hundreds of years. Many Scottish names, such as Glenhorn or Cairnhoof, take their sound from the Scottish landscape around them, so a unicorn can be given a name that feels truly at home in Scotland.
The easiest unicorn names for young writers are compound words: two ordinary words pushed together. Pair something soft or bright, such as moss, dew or star, with a unicorn body part, such as horn, mane or hoof. Starlace and Dewshimmer are easy for a Year 1 child to read because each half is a word they can already decode, yet together they sound like a magical creature. Build mode on this page works in exactly this way.
Sound matters as much as meaning. Names with soft s, l and m sounds, like Starlace or Velvetglow, feel gentle and dreamy. Names with crisp k and t sounds, like Cairnhoof or Wobblehoof, feel sturdy or bouncy. Funny names often borrow everyday things, such as porridge, crumpets and biscuits, because the gap between a magical unicorn and a bowl of porridge is what makes children laugh.
A name can also set up the plot. A unicorn called Hornlight who is afraid of the dark already has a problem to solve, and a child could write about the night the horn finally shines. Many stories give unicorns a secret second name that only close friends know, and a child could write about the day a friend learns it. Keep the magic kind and cosy, and let the unicorn's gifts help others, such as lighting the path home or cheering up a sad friend.
At home, press the button a few times and read each name aloud in a happy, gallopy voice, then try a soft, whispery one. In class, give pairs a name card and ask them to design a unicorn to match: colour, mane, home and one surprising habit. Then swap cards and compare, and talk about which designs fit the name best and why. Older children can add a short fact file on where the word unicorn comes from. The fantasy story starters page has openings ready for any of these names.
Writing tips
KS1 (Years 1–2)
- Make a unicorn name by joining two words you know, like star and mane. Clap the two parts, then write them as one word with a capital letter: Starmane.
- Draw your unicorn and label it with its name and two describing words, such as “Glimmerhorn: small and sparkly”. Check that each label starts with a capital letter.
- Use “and” to say more about your unicorn: “Puddlehorn is pink and he is very kind.” Say the sentence aloud before you write it down.
- Ask a question about the name: why is this unicorn called Dawnhorn? Write your answer as the first sentence of your story.
KS2 (Years 3–6)
- Build an expanded noun phrase around the name: “Lochmane, the shy grey unicorn with reeds tangled in her mane”. Choose adjectives that match the name’s sound.
- Let the name set up a surprise. A unicorn called Hornlight who is scared of the dark gives your story a problem in the very first paragraph.
- Show how other characters feel about a unicorn through the way they say its name and title, from a cheerful “Morning, Muffinhorn!” to a respectful “Welcome, Thistlecrest of the Highlands.”
- Find out where the word unicorn comes from, then use the Latin and Greek root words to explain your unicorn’s name in a fact file. Mention that the narwhal is called the unicorn of the sea.
A story opening using names from the list
Glimmerhorn Finds a Friend
Written for this page, at the level of KS1 (Years 1–2)
Glimmerhorn was a small silver unicorn. She lived in a meadow full of flowers. When the sun went down, her horn began to glow.
One evening, Glimmerhorn heard a sad sniff. It was Puddlehorn, who was stuck in a muddy puddle. “Oh no,” said Glimmerhorn. “What can I do?”
Glimmerhorn lit up her horn, bright and warm. The light showed the way, and Thistlecrest came down from the hills to help. Together they pulled Puddlehorn out, and everyone laughed. “Thank you,” said Puddlehorn. “Your light helped me find my way.”
Names in the National Curriculum
“using a capital letter for names of people, places, the days of the week, and the personal pronoun ‘I’”
Year 1, Writing – vocabulary, grammar and punctuation (statutory)
“expanded noun phrases to describe and specify [for example, the blue butterfly]”
Year 2, Writing – vocabulary, grammar and punctuation (statutory)
“in narratives, creating settings, characters and plot”
Years 3 and 4, Writing – composition (statutory)
“in narratives, describing settings, characters and atmosphere and integrating dialogue to convey character and advance the action”
Years 5 and 6, Writing – composition (statutory)
About this page
How it works · Sources
Sources
The quotations above are copied word for word from this document, with the year and section each applies to. The names, meanings, tips and story opening are Litsee’s own.
How it works
Every name comes with its meaning and is shown on this page, so you always know what your child will see. The generator runs in your browser, and nothing your child chooses is sent anywhere. A card is kept on this device only if they press “Keep it”.
Last updated: .
Questions parents and teachers ask
Why is the unicorn Scotland's national animal?
The unicorn has been a symbol of Scotland for hundreds of years and is Scotland's national animal. It appears in the royal arms of Scotland, alongside the lion. Children can use this history to give a Scottish unicorn a name such as Glenhorn or Thistlecrest.
Where does the word unicorn come from?
Unicorn comes from the Latin unicornis, which means one horn. Uni means one and cornu means horn. This is why unicorn names often mention a horn, such as Hornlight or Glimmerhorn, and why the word is such a good start for a story.
What are some good names for a sparkly unicorn?
Sparkly unicorns suit names that shine, such as Starlace, Pearlhoof, Velvetglow and Rainbowmane. Try joining a soft word, like dew, pearl or star, to a unicorn body part, like horn, mane or hoof. Short, shiny names are easy for younger children to read and remember.
Are there real unicorns?
There are no unicorns living on land, but the narwhal is called the unicorn of the sea. Male narwhals have a long, twisted tusk that looks like a single horn. Children who love unicorns could write a story about a narwhal named Silverlark, who swims beneath the icy waves.
Give the name a story: your child creates the hero and chooses what happens next.
In Litsee, your child creates the hero, picks the world and chooses what happens next in an illustrated story that is read aloud.
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