Santa’s eight reindeer named in the Library of Congress-hosted text of A Visit from St. Nicholas are Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder and Blitzen. Many later versions use Donner instead of Donder. Rudolph was created later, in 1939, and is not one of the poem’s original eight.
For a quick list, use the spellings in the source text: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder and Blitzen. Below are the spelling and history notes, followed by creative name ideas that are suggestions rather than traditional lore.
Santa’s eight reindeer names
- Dasher
- Dancer
- Prancer
- Vixen
- Comet
- Cupid
- Donder
- Blitzen
The Library of Congress-hosted poem prints the final pair as “Donder and Blitzen.” Because many later editions and popular retellings use “Donner,” it helps to name the source when giving the list. Read the Library of Congress edition.
Is it Donner or Donder?
Donder is the spelling in the Library of Congress-hosted poem text; Donner is a common later rendering. Use “Donder” when quoting that text and “Donner” when referring to the familiar spelling in later versions. The dossier does not establish that Dunder was used in the first printing, so it should not be presented as the definitive original spelling.
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Was Rudolph one of the original reindeer?
No. Robert Lewis May created Rudolph for a Montgomery Ward holiday promotional story in 1939. Rudolph is a later addition to the familiar team, not one of the eight named in the poem. The Chicago History Museum reports that Montgomery Ward distributed roughly 2.4 million copies during that holiday season; that figure is the museum’s report, not a current count. Read the Chicago History Museum’s account.
The Smithsonian notes that Rudolph beat several alternative names, including Romeo, Rodney and Reginald. These are documented examples, not an exhaustive list of names considered. See the Smithsonian’s Rudolph history.
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Who wrote “A Visit from St. Nicholas”?
The poem appeared anonymously in the Troy Sentinel on December 23, 1823. Clement Clarke Moore later claimed authorship, and Henry Livingston Jr. has also been proposed as the author. The Library of Congress describes the authorship history; Moore’s authorship should not be presented as undisputed. Consult the Library of Congress edition and historical notes.
Creative reindeer name ideas
These are new ideas for a pet, story character, classroom activity or game avatar—not traditional names from the poem or the Rudolph story.
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| Style | Name ideas | Good fit |
|---|---|---|
| Classic winter | Frost, Holly, Snowdrop, Evergreen | A seasonal or gentle character |
| Playful | Bounce, Jingles, Noodle, Tinsel | A lively or comic character |
| Personalized | Choose a name based on a trait, color or role | A pet or story character with a distinctive feature |
For a pet or a child’s character, choose a name that is easy to read aloud and remember. Keeping invented ideas separate from the traditional eight avoids confusing suggestions with folklore.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Frequently Asked Questions
What are the original eight reindeer names?
The Library of Congress-hosted text names Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder and Blitzen.
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Is Donner or Donder correct?
Donder is the spelling in the Library of Congress-hosted text. Donner is a common later spelling. Identify the edition or tradition when the distinction matters.
Is Rudolph one of the original eight?
No. Robert Lewis May created Rudolph in 1939 for a Montgomery Ward holiday promotional story. Rudolph is a later addition.
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What are some creative names for a reindeer?
Try Frost, Holly, Snowdrop or Evergreen for a winter theme, or Bounce, Jingles, Noodle and Tinsel for a playful feel. These are suggestions, not traditional reindeer names.
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