Panthers have long been symbols of strength, mystery, and silent power, inspiring names that feel bold and unforgettable. One of the most iconic examples is the Jungle Book panther, Bagheera, which has shaped how people perceive black panthers in stories, films, and culture. Alongside famous fictional names, many people are also curious about the black panther’s scientific name and how real-world traits influence popular names for black panthers. Whether you’re naming a pet, a character, or exploring panther lore, choosing the right name adds depth, personality, and meaning.
Below, you’ll find a carefully curated list of panther names inspired by nature, mythology, and legendary jungle themes—organized to help you find the perfect fit quickly.
Jungle Book Panther Name
There was only one panther in the Jungle Book named Bagheera, but its name variants that are here, and those assigned to the Jungle Book panther:
- Bagira
- Baghira
- Bagira the Panther
- Bagheera the Black Panther
Black Panther Scientific Name
The term Black Panther is not a separate species. Instead, it refers to melanistic (black-colored) individuals of certain big cats. Scientifically, black panthers belong to the Panthera genus, but their exact scientific name depends on the animal’s original species.
Scientific Classification Explained
- Genus: Panthera
- Family: Felidae
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Class: Mammalia
Black panthers appear black due to a genetic condition called melanism, which causes excess dark pigmentation in the fur.
Main Scientific Names Associated With Black Panthers
- Panthera pardus
Used when the black panther is a melanistic leopard, commonly found in Asia and Africa. - Panthera onca
Used when the black panther is a melanistic jaguar, mainly found in Central and South America.
Even though they look completely black, their original spotted patterns can still be seen under strong light.
Famous Panther Names
- Bagheera
- Panthera
- Raven
- Jet
- Thunder
- Storm
- Cinder
- Ash
- Ebony
- Hades
- Phantom
- Nox – You may also know about the Chipmunk Names
- Noir
- Jaguar
- Zorro
- Nero
- Thunderclaw
- Vesper
- Mystic
- Nero
- Cyclone
- Grim
- Talon
Panther Female Names
- Zara
- Cleo
- Jade
- Ravenna
- Bella
- Xena
- Queenie
- Isis
- Selene
- Diva
- Hera
- Kira
- Stella
- Raven
- Venus

- Sasha
- Zara
- Kali
- Astraea
- Lyra
- Misha
- Talia
- Leia
- Spirit
- Huntress
- Circe
- Panthera
Mythical Panther Names
- Fenrir
- Cerberus
- Bastet
- Apollo
- Athena
- Ra
- Osiris
- Sphinx
- Hecate
- Typhon
- Hydra
- Griffon
- Minerva
- Orion
- Medusa – You can learn about the Mammoth Names
- Argus
- Nemean
- Chimera
- Valkyrie
- Loki
- Zephyr
- Morrigan
- Erebus
- Ulysses
- Circe
- Phoenix
- Ares
- Sable
- Fury
- Sekhmet
Black Panther Animal Names
- Obsidian
- Coal
- Pitch
- Sable
- Charcoal
- Ink
- Velvet
- Dusk
- Nocturne
- Ash
- Ebony
- Darkling
- Smudge
- Phantom
- Cinder
- Raven
- Eclipse
- Stygian
- Prowler
- Bane
- Fang
- Bruin
- Obscura
- Shady
- Sablefang
- Tempest
- Slate
- Grimshade
Panther Names in Movies
- Bagheera (The Jungle Book)
- Panthera (Marvel)
- Shere Khan (The Jungle Book)
- T’Challa (Black Panther)
- Challa
- Claw (Inspector Gadget)
- Scar (The Lion King)
- Aslan (Narnia)
- Simba (The Lion King)
- Luna (Harry Potter)
- Nala (The Lion King)
- Shenzi (The Lion King)
- Pride (Lion King-inspired)
- Sabor (Tarzan)
- Apollo (Rocky series)

- Zira (The Lion King II)
- Tai Lung (Kung Fu Panda)
- Stripes (Racing Stripes)
- Fang (Harry Potter)
- Salem (Sabrina)
- Raiju (Pacific Rim)
- Snape (Harry Potter)
- Mowgli (The Jungle Book)
- Baloo (The Jungle Book)
- Shasta (Narnia)
- Shade (Dark Series)
- Vitani (The Lion King II)
- Sarabi (The Lion King)
- Khan (Star Trek)
- Caesar (Planet of the Apes)
Panther Names That Start with P
- Panthera
- Phantom
- Prowler
- Pluto
- Puma
- Poseidon
- Pearl
- Pantheress
- Pixel
- Pasha
- Pippa
- Pirate
- Pepper
- Phobos
- Puck
- Perdita
- Pandora
- Pluto
- Pounce
- Pip
- Prism
- Prue
- Polaris
- Pina
- Pirate
- Prowl
- Pascal
- Paris
- Persephone
- Pheonix
Panther Names For Cats Male
- Nero
- Sable
- Phantom
- Jet
- Raven
- Zorro
- Maverick
- Blaze
- Onyx
- Fang
- Storm
- Bolt
- Dusk
- Ember – You may need to know about the Name White Horse
- Caesar
- Talon
- Stark
- Titan
- Magnus
- Bruiser
- Rocky
- Thunder
- Ace
- Rex
- Jinx
- King
- Bane
- Saber
- Grizzly
Conclusion
Selecting a name for a panther is about more than just a title; it’s about capturing the essence of an extraordinary creature. By choosing names inspired by strength and stealth, you pay homage to the panther’s qualities and give it a name that resonates with its mystique and power. Whether it’s a famous panther name, a mythical choice, or something deeply personal, the best panther names embody the qualities that make these animals so awe-inspiring.
What is a good name for a panther?
A good name could be Shadow, Bagheera, or Nyx, all capturing the panther’s stealth and elegance.
What is the name of a black panther?
Popular choices include Obsidian, Midnight, and Luna, each emphasizing the panther’s dark allure.
What are the ancient names for panthers?
Ancient names like Bastet, Anubis, and Sekhmet (from mythology) carry timeless and mystical associations fitting for a panther.



