This December, we’ve chosen to focus on the North Pole’s most famous resident: Santa Claus. But what many people don’t know is that there is more than one Santa. The best-known and arguably the original Santa is Father Christmas (or Saint Nicholas), born in ancient Greece and later died in Turkey.
An essential Christmas tradition is Santa’s reindeer. In this article, you will learn all of the animals that help out Santa Claus at Christmas time, their names in various languages, as well as their origins.
Table of Contents
How Many Reindeer Does Santa Have?
Santa has a total of nine reindeer. Their names are Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and, of course, Rudolph. Santa’s reindeer are named after the letters in the Greek alphabet. The reindeer is the most famous group of horses in all of history. Yet, as it stands, there are very few people who know the names of all of Santa’s reindeer. The names of Santa’s reindeer have a little secret to them. Likewise, each name has a little hidden meaning. Some names have particular meanings, some have real-world origins, and some have color meanings.
Here is the list of Santa’s reindeer and the meanings found in them.
Santa’s Reindeer Personalities
| REINDEER | PERSONALITY TRAIT | SKILL |
|---|---|---|
| Dasher | fast and furious reindeer | Love Sewing |
| Dancer | Love to dance and she is extrovert | Dancing and stylish |
| Prancer | A bit vain, though affectionate | Provocative |
| Vixen | trick other reindeers | Mysterious and Magic |
| Comet | Charming and Attractive | Surround with kids and girls |
| Cupid | Affectionate | Spread the Love / Bring people together |
| Donner | Want to be center of attention | Singing skill |
| Blitzen | Fastest Reindeer, Lightning | infuse electric charge to others |
| Rudolph | Introvert, magical | Nose emits bright red glow |
| Olive | Acceptance, She accepts that she’s wrong | Excellent at hide-and-go-seek |
List of Names Santa’s Reindeers
1. Dasher – The Speed Demon
The fastest reindeer Dasher (Dášér) is the fastest reindeer, and he’s also the first to run at the sound of Santa’s sleigh bells. He was born in North America and was named in 1823 by Nicholas Breakold, who is known as the father of North American harness racing.
Dasher is the fastest reindeer, and he’s also the first to run at the sound of Santa’s sleigh bells. Dasher is a ball of energy. He’s always ready to go and extremely fast. Dasher enjoys being in the spotlight and loves to run at breakneck speeds. That said, he doesn’t always keep great control over his speed – he may weave recklessly or get himself into trouble if not overseen by his party members!
2. Dancer – The Salsa Phenom
Dancer (Dányér) is the second-fastest reindeer, with a speed of 100 mph. He’s always eager to run off and makes his way to the North Pole on his own accord. He was born in Sweden in 1784 and was named by Carl Sundman, an author, and trainer at the circus.
Dancer is known for his joyful spirit; Dancer is always ready to dance! Dancer is a very positive person who always sees the bright side of things. He enjoys being around other people when he’s not running fast with Santa and wants to be as involved in a party as possible. He doesn’t like staying in one place for very long – he’s constantly on the lookout for something new to do or see!
3. Prancer – The Fairest of Them All
The third fastest reindeer is Prancer (Práncer). He can run at speeds of 110 mph. Prancer was born in Canada, known for being his country’s first and most famous reindeer. He is used as the lead reindeer because of his great size – he stands at 5′ 6″ with a 4′ 5″ antler spread. Prancer is a gentle soul and one of the most loyal reindeer. Prancer loves his friends and family but also loves to play.
This reindeer enjoys being on his own and likes to be active. Sometimes he gets overexcited and can’t wait to get out of the sleigh – however, when he gets serious, he’s a great friend! Prancer is a very kind, sweet, and super affectionate guy! It’s no wonder that he excels at the role of the lead reindeer – he knows how to take charge and has excellent communication skills. However, Prancer is used to being the boss, so be aware of getting upset when he doesn’t have enough control over a situation or party.
4. Vixen – The Most Enchanting Reindeer
Vixen (Výčen) is the fourth fastest reindeer and was named by Norman L. Jacobs in 1894. Vixen is a clever reindeer, but she’s also the most enchanting. This reindeer is a strong-willed woman who has an inner strength that helps her get along with others. She can often be found caring for the other reindeer and giving them a break when they need it. Vixen is an experienced reindeer and can often help others with their problems.
He is highly loyal to her friends. She’s quick to understand what they want and knows when they need a break. Although she’s not afraid to get angry, she doesn’t like it when anyone tries to hurt anyone else at the party. Vixen is an extreme, confident, and strong-willed reindeer. She is a true leader and can get angry when others don’t listen to her.
5. Comet: An All-Around Wonderful Reindeer
Comet (Komet, Komét) reindeer named was Arthur G. Wright in 1851. Comet is the most friendly of all the reindeer and loves playing with others – especially with the other reindeer. Comets can be considered very hard workers. He’s always ready to go, but he also knows how to relax with his friends when they need it.
He is a very kind, sensitive, and loving reindeer. He’s always looking for ways to make others happy and loves to be around the other reindeer. When he’s not busy doing that, he likes to play games with his friends and family. This reindeer can be super charming – he’s very friendly with everyone at the party! But he also knows when it’s time to get serious and help out. Comets are the most compassionate of all the reindeer. He can be swift to understand how others feel, and he’s always ready to give his friends and family a hand.
6. Cupid: Loves Sharing Love
Cupid (Kúpint) is a reindeer that Leo Models named in 1930. Cupid’s love for everyone at the party is so strong that he’ll often make himself sick from hugging everyone. He can run at speeds of 120 mph, but he only wants to run when everyone’s ready to go and loves to stay close to his friends. Cupid loves everyone at the party and is always ready to help out. He’s quick to understand what his friends need and happy to help out when they need it. Cupid is a very laid-back guy and enjoys playing many games with his friends.
Cupid loves being around other people and will do his best to help them if they need it. Cupid loves fun but is also a very serious and hard worker for his friends. He’s quick to understand how people feel and may try to do something to cheer them up to make them happy again. Cupid is a forgiving reindeer who always looks for a positive way out of situations.
7. Donner: Always a Party
Donner (Dóner) is a reindeer coming in at 125 mph. Donner (meaning “thunder”) is a very noisy reindeer, and his loudness makes him easy to notice when he’s running with Santa. Donner loves parties, and he’s always excited to go! He’s the most outgoing of all the reindeer and always wants to be the center of attention. He can often call out “Hey! Hey!” while dancing around and making people laugh. Donner loves to help out at all times and is always ready to go at a moment’s notice. He’s quick to understand how others feel and will do his best to help them if they need it – but he’s not afraid of getting angry, either.
Donner loves to hang out with his friends and family and is always ready to run alongside them. Although he may be noisy, he’s pretty sensitive and will try to help out when his friends get sad or upset. Donner can be a bit over-confident at times and sometimes says very inappropriate things – like “That one’s fast!” However, he doesn’t think this will come back to bite him in the rear end.
8. Blitzen: Fast as Lightning
Blitzen (Bličen) is a reindeer that reaches a speed of 135 mph. Blitzen is the only reindeer that runs between the lines, and he can be a bit naughty at times. He may do something that gets him in trouble, but it doesn’t last very long before he is back to being a good friend again. Blitzen loves to run and always wants to stay busy – even if it’s just with one of his friends or family members. Blitzen is quiet but not shy. He’s quick to understand how others feel and is always ready to give his friends and family a hand if they need it.
Blitzen has a bad habit of saying inappropriate things, but he can be very persuasive when needed, which can get him in trouble but not for long. Blitzen loves his friends and family – especially Santa – and is always happy to help them when they need it. Blitzen is a laid-back reindeer that’s quick to understand what’s going on and will do his best to make things better.
9. Rudolph: Santa’s Guiding Light
Rudolph (Rúdolfr) is a reindeer that reaches a speed of 140 mph. Rudolph is Santa’s most trusted reindeer with a red nose and a shiny patch on his forehead. He also has uniquely colored antlers that help him stand out from the others, but Rudolph loves to blend in and be one with the group. Rudolph loves running and racing, but he is also compassionate when it comes to other people’s feelings – especially when it comes to Santa Claus. Nevertheless, he does his best to make Santa happy and does what he can to help him. Rudolph is a very hard worker and loves to be busy doing something. He can sometimes be quiet, but he’s also always ready to go at a moment’s notice.
Rudolph loves being with his friends and family – especially Santa Claus – and is always ready to go when they need him. Rudolph can sometimes feel a bit insecure and nervous when around other reindeer. He wants to be a good friend but is afraid that his friends will laugh at him. Rudolph likes to try new things and can be a bit cocky at times – for example; he thinks he’s the best-looking reindeer in the bunch. However, Rudolph is sensitive to his surroundings and always tries to help out if someone needs it.
Our Santa’s Reindeer Female or Male?
The answer to this is that they’re both. Male reindeer are called bucks, and females are called does. They are larger than bucks, but they have similar wooly coats, short fur, and rounded bodies. There are also many different colors of reindeer; some have gold, black, and cherry shades to their coats, and many others like blue, green, or white beaded colors.
Reindeer are usually depicted with antlers, but according to two professors at the University of Edinburgh, Santa’s reindeer are actually all female because male reindeer shed their antlers during the winter. Male reindeer use their antlers for fighting and competing for mates during the mating season, while female reindeer use their antlers for defense against predators and for navigation through the snow. This is due to the fact that male reindeer lose their antlers during winter, while female reindeer retain their antlers
FAQs
What order does Santa call his reindeer?
Santa calls his reindeer by speed. A buck’s name is determined by its high-speed speed, measured in miles per hour (mph). So, Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer, is named for his fast running speed of 140 mph.
How can Santa tell them apart?
They all have red noses, big beaming smiles, and shiny patches on their foreheads. Also, they like to be seen together to help keep track of their whereabouts.
How do you remember the names of Santa’s reindeer?
There are several ways to remember the names of Santa’s reindeer, such as through the alphabet, by experience, or by a favorite color. For example, the reindeer with a black nose and white coat is called Blitzen. Also, another one of the reindeer’s names is Donner, which means “thunder” in German.
What is the meaning behind Santa’s reindeer?
Santa’s reindeer are his companions on Christmas Eve night. There are nine of them in all – however, this number can fluctuate slightly due to an occasionally lost reindeer. Santa chooses the reindeer, and each of them has a particular job. Each reindeer strives to be respectful, kind, and helpful in any way was Arthurneeded. Together, these nine reindeer pull a sleigh from which rides the jolly old elf, also referred to as Santa Claus. To ensure that everyone stays on course for Christmas Eve, the reindeer follow directions and different colored lights on their snouts.
What is Santa’s favorite reindeer?
Santa’s favorite reindeer is the one he rode in on that very first Christmas Eve – it was called Dasher. He likes to think of him as his first and only reindeer, as he was the only one to pull Santa’s sleigh from that night. Dasher is now the official mascot of the United States Air Force Academy.
References:
- A Visit from St. Nicholas, https://poets.org/poem/visit-st-nicholas
- Leroy The Redneck Reindeer, https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/joediffie/leroytheredneckreindeer.html