A List of Santa's Reindeer Names and Their Personalities
In this article, you'll learn all the reindeer names. We'll also examine their different personalities.
All About Santa's Reindeer: Names and Personalities
There are Santa's reindeer, and then there are Santa's reindeer. What are they like? Are they mischievous? Are they funny?
Clement C. Moore used secretive means to reveal the names of eight reindeer in his poem "Twas the Night Before Christmas." But once the world found out, people began making songs about them, and Santa started using their names every time he took off in the sled.
How Many Reindeer Does Santa Have?
Traditionally, there are eight reindeer:
- Dasher,
- Dancer,
- Prancer,
- Vixen,
- Comet,
- Cupid,
- Donner,
- and Blitzen
Rudolph is the ninth addition (made famous by the song about his red nose). And then there's Olive, the other reindeer.
What are these reindeer like, and what do they do during their time off? Find out more about their histories and personalities below.
Are Santa's Reindeer Female or Male?
Santa's reindeer are typically portrayed as male in pop culture (Rudolph is referred to as a "him" in the song), 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. In contrast, female reindeer retain their antlers, and Santa's reindeer are always depicted with antlers. Male reindeer also lose nourishment and vitality during winter, so only the females are strong and healthy enough to pull a sleigh full of toys and a 260-lb man.
Quick Look at All the Reindeer
| Reindeer | Personality Trait | Skill |
|---|---|---|
Dasher | He loves to go fast! | Sewing |
Dancer | Completely extroverted | All kinds of dance |
Prancer | A bit vain, though affectionate | Prancing |
Vixen | Slightly tricky | Magic |
Comet | Handsome and easy-going | Good with kids |
Cupid | Affectionate | Bringing people together |
Donner | Loud | Singing |
Blitzen | Fast as a bolt! | Can electrify others |
Rudolph | A little down on himself | Nose glows |
Olive | Admits when she's wrong | Good at hide-and-go-seek |
Dasher's the fastest of them all!
Dasher: The Speed Demon
Who hasn't heard of Dasher? He's one of the fastest reindeer in Santa's herd. He's always ready to dash out the door. For that reason, he excels at track and field during the off-season.
After his yearly tenure at the North Pole, he might find himself at a high school track and field meet, trying to run the 800-yard dash. You can bet he's usually the first to finish.
"Dasher" originally came from a German name, Dascher, meaning "purse-maker." Whoa! He can sew! One has to wonder if he is the Father of the Modern Handbag.
Are You Like Dasher?
- Loves to be social
- Good at sports; prefers track and field
- Doesn't mind the cold
- Aware of fashion
- Loves to party
- Happy
- Has a big heart
Dancer loves all kinds of dancing, from salsa to ballroom!
Dancer: The Salsa Phenom
Dancer is a reindeer with a unique personality. He’s completely extroverted. When he’s not helping Santa, he’s having dance parties.