400+ Dinosaur Names: Discover Fun, Cute & Famous Dino Names

Dinosaurs have fascinated people for generations, capturing our imaginations with their immense size and variety. From the towering Brachiosaurus to the ferocious Tyrannosaurus rex, these ancient creatures roamed the Earth millions of years ago.

In this article, we’ll explore some captivating dinosaur names, categorize them into different types, and reveal their meanings.

Interesting Facts About Dinosaur

• Dinosaurs Lived Long Ago: Dinosaurs roamed the Earth millions of years ago, during a time called the Mesozoic Era, which lasted from about 252 to 66 million years ago.
• They Were Not All Huge: While many dinosaurs were big, not all of them were! Some, like the compsognathus, were about the size of a chicken.
• Dinosaurs Came in Many Shapes: Dinosaurs came in various shapes and sizes. Some had long necks, like Brachiosaurus, while others had sharp teeth for eating meat, like Tyrannosaurus rex.
• They Were Land Animals: Dinosaurs lived on land. They were not mammals or birds, even though birds are considered their closest living relatives.

Popular Dinosaur Names

Let’s kick off with some of the most popular dinosaur names that everyone recognizes!

• Tyrannosaurus rex – “Tyrant lizard king”
• Stegosaurus – “Roofed lizard”
• Triceratops – “Three-horned face”
• Brachiosaurus – “Arm lizard”
• Velociraptor – “Swift thief”
• Allosaurus – “Different lizard”
• Diplodocus – “Double beam”
• Ankylosaurus – “Fused lizard”
• Spinosaurus – “Spine lizard”
• Pteranodon – “Toothless wing”
• Iguanodon – “Iguana tooth”
• Parasaurolophus – “Near crested lizard”
• Baryonyx – “Heavy claw”
• Carnotaurus – “Meat-eating bull”
• Pachycephalosaurus – “Thick-headed lizard”
• Giganotosaurus – “Giant southern lizard”
• Therizinosaurus – “Scythe lizard”
• Ornithomimus – “Bird mimic”
• Carcharodontosaurus – “Shark-toothed lizard”
• Saurornithoides – “Lizard bird form”
• Megalodon – “Large tooth”
• Deinonychus – “Fearsome claw”
• Plesiosaurus – “Near lizard”
• Pachyrhinosaurus – “Thick-nosed lizard”
• Amphicoelias – “Double hollow”
• Nodosaurus – “Knobbed lizard”
• Styracosaurus – “Spiked lizard”
• Choyrodon – “Choy’s tooth”
• Microceratus – “Small horned”
• Uteodon – “Ute tooth”

Herbivorous Dinosaur Names

Herbivores were primarily plant-eaters, and many of them have fascinating names reflecting their characteristics.

• Brachiosaurus – “Arm lizard”
• Stegosaurus – “Roofed lizard”
• Triceratops – “Three-horned face”
• Ankylosaurus – “Fused lizard”
• Iguanodon – “Iguana tooth”
• Parasaurolophus – “Near crested lizard”
• Diplodocus – “Double beam”
• Gallimimus – “Chicken mimic”
• Hadrosaurus – “Bulky lizard”
• Corythosaurus – “Helmet lizard”
• Pachycephalosaurus – “Thick-headed lizard”
• Nodosaurus – “Knobbed lizard”
• Stegoceras – “Roofed horn”
• Hippodraco – “Horse dragon”
• Camarasaurus – “Chambered lizard”
• Matheronodon – “Matheron tooth”
• Hypsilophodon – “High-crested tooth”
• Irritator – “Annoyance”
• Bactrosaurus – “Bactrian lizard”
• Rhabdodon – “Rod tooth”
• Eotrachodon – “Dawn rough tooth”
• Astrodon – “Star tooth”
• Fukuiraptor – “Fukui thief”
• Rhabdodon – “Rod tooth”
• Acanthopholis – “Spiny shield”
• Eotrachodon – “Dawn rough tooth”
• Rhabdodon – “Rod tooth”
• Lurdusaurus – “Heavy lizard”
• Lepidotes – “Scale tooth”
• Rhabdodon – “Rod tooth”

Carnivorous Dinosaur Names

Now let’s explore some fearsome carnivores, known for their predatory nature.

• Tyrannosaurus rex – “Tyrant lizard king”
• Velociraptor – “Swift thief”
• Allosaurus – “Different lizard”
• Spinosaurus – “Spine lizard”
• Giganotosaurus – “Giant southern lizard”
• Carcharodontosaurus – “Shark-toothed lizard”
• Deinonychus – “Fearsome claw”
• Megalosaurus – “Great lizard”
• Dromaeosaurus – “Running lizard”
• Troodon – “Wounding tooth”
• Carnotaurus – “Meat-eating bull”
• Ornitholestes – “Bird robber”
• Albertosaurus – “Alberta lizard”
• Saurornithoides – “Lizard bird form”
• Therizinosaurus – “Scythe lizard”
• Pachyrhinosaurus – “Thick-nosed lizard”
• Nodosaurus – “Knobbed lizard”
• Megaraptor – “Great thief”
• Piatnitzkysaurus – “Piatnitzky lizard”
• Alectrosaurus – “Non-fearsome lizard”
• Saurornithoides – “Lizard bird form”
• Dromaeosaurus – “Running lizard”
• Sinraptor – “Chinese thief”
• Masiakasaurus – “Vicious lizard”
• Carcharodontosaurus – “Shark-toothed lizard”
• Terror Birds – “Fearsome bird”
• Raptorex – “Thief king”
• Dryptosaurus – “Torn lizard”
• Bistahieversor – “Bistahi destroyer”
• Utahraptor – “Utah thief”

Unique Dinosaur Names

Here are some unique dinosaur names that are less well-known but equally fascinating.

• Choyrodon – “Choy’s tooth”
• Eotrachodon – “Dawn rough tooth”
• Zalmoxes – “Zalmoxis”
• Shunosaurus – “Shuno lizard”
• Jianchangosaurus – “Jianchang lizard”
• Astrodon – “Star tooth”
• Pachycephalosaurus – “Thick-headed lizard”
• Dreadnoughtus – “Fearless”
• Lurdusaurus – “Heavy lizard”
• Therizinosaurus – “Scythe lizard”
• Yutyrannus – “Feathered tyrant”
• Pachyrhinosaurus – “Thick-nosed lizard”
• Heterodontosaurus – “Different tooth lizard”
• Kritosaurus – “Critical lizard”
• Matheronodon – “Matheron tooth”
• Minmi – “Small”
• Alectrosaurus – “Non-fearsome lizard”
• Oviraptor – “Egg thief”
• Troodon – “Wounding tooth”
• Xiaosaurus – “Small lizard”
• Bactrosaurus – “Bactrian lizard”
• Saurornithoides – “Lizard bird form”
• Agilisaurus – “Agile lizard”
• Lufengosaurus – “Lufeng lizard”
• Eustreptospondylus – “Good curved vertebra”
• Saurophaganax – “Lizard eater”
• Hippodraco – “Horse dragon”
• Kritosaurus – “Critical lizard”
• Fukuiraptor – “Fukui thief”
• Notohypsilophodon – “Not high crest tooth”

Funny Dinosaur Names

Dinosaurs can have names that sound quite silly or amusing. Here are some of the funniest dinosaur names that will make you chuckle!

Cute Dinosaur Names

Dinosaurs can also be adorable! Here are some cute dinosaur names that will make you smile.

• Baby Brachiosaurus – “Little arm lizard”
• Microceratus – “Small horned”
• Hypsilophodon – “High-crested tooth”
• Gryposaurus – “Hooked-nosed lizard”
• Saurornitholestes – “Lizard bird thief”
• Maiasaura – “Good mother lizard”
• Iguanodon – “Iguana tooth” (adorable little tooth!)
• Pachycephalosaurus – “Thick-headed lizard” (with a cute round head!)
• Oviraptor – “Egg thief” (cute little thief!)
• Pachyrhinosaurus – “Thick-nosed lizard” (cute little nose!)
• Eotrachodon – “Dawn rough tooth” (sweet morning smile!)
• Lurdusaurus – “Heavy lizard” (but it has a big heart!)
• Pterosaur – “Winged reptile” (imagine flying with tiny wings!)
• Zalmoxes – “Zalmoxis” (a name that sounds charming!)
• Fukuiraptor – “Fukui thief” (the tiniest thief around!)
• Troodon – “Wounding tooth” (the most adorable little predator!)
• Ankylosaurus – “Fused lizard” (adorably armored!)
• Astrodon – “Star tooth” (shining brightly!)
• Oviraptor – “Egg thief” (cuddly yet mischievous!)
• Gallimimus – “Chicken mimic” (imagine a cute little dino chasing you!)
• Amphicoelias – “Double hollow” (a sweet little dino!)
• Corythosaurus – “Helmet lizard” (adorably dressed for battle!)
• Nodosaurus – “Knobbed lizard” (with little knobs of cuteness!)
• Saurornithoides – “Lizard bird form” (a little bird-like dino!)
• Camarasaurus – “Chambered lizard” (charming with its chambers!)
• Eustreptospondylus – “Good curved vertebra” (a friendly little shape!)
• Notohypsilophodon – “Not high crested tooth” (a charming little name!)
• Hippodraco – “Horse dragon” (a blend of cute and fierce!)
• Sinosauropteryx – “Chinese dragon wing” (the tiniest little dragon!)
• Pachycephalosaurus – “Thick-headed lizard” (its round head is adorable!)

Cool Dinosaur Names

Some dinosaurs just have names that sound incredibly cool! Checkout a list of the coolest dinosaur names around.

• Tyrannosaurus rex – “Tyrant lizard king” (the ultimate predator!)
• Spinosaurus – “Spine lizard” (with its awesome sail!)
• Velociraptor – “Swift thief” (the agile hunter!)
• Giganotosaurus – “Giant southern lizard” (one massive creature!)
• Carcharodontosaurus – “Shark-toothed lizard” (a name to intimidate!)
• Terror Birds – “Fearsome bird” (they sound frightening!)
• Deinonychus – “Fearsome claw” (the hunter with style!)
• Pachycephalosaurus – “Thick-headed lizard” (a warrior of the dinosaur world!)
• Baryonyx – “Heavy claw” (the fish-catching expert!)
• Megalosaurus – “Great lizard” (the giant of the lizards!)
• Saurophaganax – “Lizard eater” (the name packs a punch!)
• Ornithomimus – “Bird mimic” (the fastest dino on foot!)
• Therizinosaurus – “Scythe lizard” (with killer claws!)
• Allosaurus – “Different lizard” (the classic predator!)
• Megalodon – “Large tooth” (a fearsome giant!)
• Dreadnoughtus – “Fearless” (an intimidating presence!)
• Ankylosaurus – “Fused lizard” (the armored tank of the dinosaurs!)
• Corythosaurus – “Helmet lizard” (a dino that’s dressed for battle!)
• Rhamphorhynchus – “Beak snout” (an elegant flyer!)
• Troodon – “Wounding tooth” (intelligent and dangerous!)
• Irritator – “Annoyance” (sounds like trouble!)
• Masiakasaurus – “Vicious lizard” (a fierce little creature!)
• Bactrosaurus – “Bactrian lizard” (with a wild name!)
• Suchomimus – “Crocodile mimic” (a cross between a dino and a croc!)
• Pteranodon – “Toothless wing” (the great flyer!)
• Dilophosaurus – “Two-crested lizard” (with a double style!)
• Tarbosaurus – “Alarming lizard” (definitely a fearsome name!)
• Heterodontosaurus – “Different tooth lizard” (diverse in style!)
• Xenoceratops – “Strange horned face” (a unique character!)
• Choyrodon – “Choy’s tooth” (the one with the weirdest name!)

Best Dinosaur Names

When it comes to the best dinosaur names, some are more renowned than others. Here’s a selection of the best!

• Tyrannosaurus rex – “Tyrant lizard king” (the king of dinosaurs!)
• Stegosaurus – “Roofed lizard” (with its iconic plates!)
• Brachiosaurus – “Arm lizard” (the long-necked gentle giant!)
• Triceratops – “Three-horned face” (the three-horned defender!)
• Velociraptor – “Swift thief” (the clever predator!)
• Ankylosaurus – “Fused lizard” (the armored tank!)
• Spinosaurus – “Spine lizard” (the water-loving giant!)
• Allosaurus – “Different lizard” (the fierce hunter!)
• Diplodocus – “Double beam” (with a long tail!)
• Iguanodon – “Iguana tooth” (the herbivorous giant!)
• Pachycephalosaurus – “Thick-headed lizard” (the domed head warrior!)
• Therizinosaurus – “Scythe lizard” (the clawed dino!)
• Pterosaur – “Winged reptile” (the fliers of the skies!)
• Megalodon – “Large tooth” (the ancient predator of the seas!)
• Ornithomimus – “Bird mimic” (the fastest runner!)
• Carcharodontosaurus – “Shark-toothed lizard” (the fearsome predator!)
• Deinonychus – “Fearsome claw” (the agile hunter!)
• Tarbosaurus – “Alarming lizard” (the giant of Mongolia!)
• Oviraptor – “Egg thief” (the clever little thief!)
• Gigantoraptor – “Giant thief” (a huge bird-like dino!)
• Maiasaura – “Good mother lizard” (the nurturing dinosaur!)
• Hippodraco – “Horse dragon” (an amazing mix!)
• Fukuiraptor – “Fukui thief” (the playful little hunter!)
• Nodosaurus – “Knobbed lizard” (the unique armored dinosaur!)
• Saurornithoides – “Lizard bird form” (the agile bird-like dino!)
• Astrodon – “Star tooth” (shining among the dinosaurs!)
• Suchomimus – “Crocodile mimic” (the best fish catcher!)
• Rhabdodon – “Rod tooth” (the small but mighty!)
• Eotrachodon – “Dawn rough tooth” (the ancient herbivore!)
• Choyrodon – “Choy’s tooth” (the uniquely named dino!)

A-Z Dinosaur Names

Here’s a comprehensive A-Z list of dinosaur names, showcasing the diversity of these ancient creatures:

• A – Astrodon – “Star tooth”
• B – Brachiosaurus – “Arm lizard”
• C – Carcharodontosaurus – “Shark-toothed lizard”
• D – Diplodocus – “Double beam”
• E – Eotrachodon – “Dawn rough tooth”
• F – Fukuiraptor – “Fukui thief”
• G – Gallimimus – “Chicken mimic”
• H – Hypsilophodon – “High-crested tooth”
• I – Iguanodon – “Iguana tooth”
• J – Jianchangosaurus – “Jianchang lizard”
• K – Kritosaurus – “Critical lizard”
• L – Lurdusaurus – “Heavy lizard”
• M – Maiasaura – “Good mother lizard”
• N – Nodosaurus – “Knobbed lizard”
• O – Oviraptor – “Egg thief”
• P – Pachycephalosaurus – “Thick-headed lizard”
• Q – Qianzhousaurus – “Qianzhou lizard”
• R – Rhamphorhynchus – “Beak snout”
• S – Spinosaurus – “Spine lizard”
• T – Tyrannosaurus rex – “Tyrant lizard king”
• U – Uteodon – “Ute tooth”
• V – Velociraptor – “Swift thief”
• W – Wuerhosaurus – “Wuerho lizard”
• X – Xenoceratops – “Strange horned face”
• Y – Yutyrannus – “Feathered tyrant”
• Z – Zalmoxes – “Zalmoxis”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Conclusion

Dinosaurs, with their cool names and interesting features, still amaze us today. From the scary Tyrannosaurus rex to the gentle Brachiosaurus, each name has a story behind it. Whether you like funny, cute, or serious-sounding dinosaur names, they all remind us of how amazing these ancient creatures were.

Learning about these names and what they mean helps us understand the variety and history of life on Earth. So, the next time you hear a dinosaur name, think about the rich history it carries and let your imagination run wild!