Why We Name Our Llamas (and What Their Names Mean)
At our ranch, naming llamas is never random. It’s relational, creative, and honestly—one of the most joy-filled traditions we have. Names matter. They carry story, humor, memory, and identity. Over the years, we’ve discovered something surprising: our llamas seem to grow into their names.
We name our llamas in cohorts—groups connected by a shared theme, season, or chapter of life. It gives us a way to mark time, remember stories, and invite our whole family into the process. Naming is rarely a solo decision; it’s often loud, full of laughter, and always meaningful.
Here’s a look at some of our favorite naming cohorts—and what their names mean to us.
The Pandemic Cohort: Finding Humor in a Hard Season
Like so many families, the pandemic marked a strange and heavy chapter of life. When several llamas were born during that season, naming them became a way to process the moment—with a little levity and a lot of family humor.
Wuhan – A marker of the moment history shifted.
Covid – A reminder of a season we won’t forget.
QuaranTina – Because my daughter really wanted a llama named Tina.
Rona – Short, sassy, and unforgettable.
ElVira – A playful twist that brought some flair to an otherwise serious time.
These names don’t make light of hardship—but they do remind us that even in difficult seasons, life continues, joy shows up, and sometimes laughter is an act of resilience.
The Hells Canyon Cohort: Inspired by Place and the Land
Some cohorts are named to honor places that have shaped us. Our Hells Canyon cohort reflects the beauty, geology, and grit of wild country.
Emerald – For the deep greens and hidden beauty of the canyon.
Crystal – Clear, strong, and quietly striking.
Hibbs – A nod to local geography and history.
Cuprum – Latin for copper, grounding this group in the earth itself.
These llamas carry names that feel solid and timeless—just like the landscapes that inspired them.
The Tractor Cohort: Built to Work
Some llamas are born packers—strong, steady, and ready to work. It felt only right to name this cohort after dependable farm machinery.
Massey Ferguson
Pasquali
New Holland
Allis Chalmers
These names fit llamas who show up ready to pull their weight. There’s something satisfying about calling a hardworking llama by the name of a tractor known for reliability.
The Classic Car Cohort: Style, Power, and Personality
This is one of our most iconic groups. Classic car names carry nostalgia, character, and unmistakable presence—much like the llamas themselves.
Chevelle
Nova
Vega
Hemi Cuda
Catalina
Shelby GT
Maverick
Monte Carlo
LeMans
Some are sleek. Some are bold. Some are a little quirky. All of them have presence—and their names fit them better every year.
The Hiking Boot Cohort: Born for the Trail
Given our love for the backcountry, it’s no surprise that one of our favorite cohorts is inspired by hiking boots. These names belong to llamas bred and trained for the trail—sure-footed, athletic, and ready to go.
Schnee
Keen
Oboz
Kenetrek
Zamberlan
Teva
Merrell
Lowa
Crispi
Salomon
Danner
These llamas embody what their names suggest: endurance, reliability, and comfort over long miles.
Why Cohorts Matter
Naming in cohorts helps us remember when a llama came into our story and why they matter. It strengthens our connection to them and to each other. Our kids remember the stories. Visitors remember the names. And somehow, over time, the llamas live into them.
A Maverick becomes independent. A Massey Ferguson proves unshakeable. A Danner finds his stride on the trail.
Names shape narrative—and at our ranch, every llama has one worth telling.
If you ever visit, ask us about a name. Chances are, there’s a story behind it.