Who named lions?

Answer 1

Nobody generally discovered The Lion King because it is a film created by Disney. But, the late Thomas Disch came up with a treatment titled "King of the Kalahari" which Roger Allers, Don Hahn, Rob Minkoff, Kirk Wise, Gary Trousdale, and many others turned into a movie. So, you can say Thomas Disch came up or "discovered" the idea which would become The Lion King.

Answer 2

Anyone can name a lion. Just identify one (preferably one that you can easily tell apart from others) and think of a name that suites it. It can be based on physical appearance, personality, or in honour of someone. Or it can be totally random. You can't go wrong!!

As for specific lions, I have no idea who has credit for all of those. Many zoos have naming contests where visitors can vote on a name out of a list of suggestions for many new animals. I would think the same would apply to lions. Others are named by their zookeepers, handlers, or owners. Most of them do not really know their names... meaning they might not respond if you call for them.

Most of the characters in Disney's The Lion King were given African names or words, the vast majority of them being from the Swahili language. For instance 'Simba' means "lion" in Swahili (a pretty obvious name to give the main character). Nala's name appears in many cultures, but her name is typically believed to mean Swahili for "gift." I think the creators believed it to be Irish and simply gave it to the character because they liked the way it sounded. Timon's name is unique in NOT being African in origin; it is Greek or Hebrew in origin and means "he who respects" (ironic given Timon's character!). Ed also has a non-African name, but everyone notices that right away. Lastly Vitani's name is not found in any language. It was completely made up! The creators just liked the way it sounded. However it is based on a few Swahili words meaning 'demon' or 'devil' (her original name was Shentani which does mean 'devil;' Disney later changed it) and 'war' (the vita- in her name means 'war'), so you can translate her name as 'demon of war.' Also some sources claim her name means 'at war.' Personally I think the creators take a vote on the names or let the character's main artist/creator name them.

Here are some of the other names from The Lion King (all are Swahili unless noted):

• Mufusa: the last king of the Baganda people prior to English colonization of Kenya; hence it is often translated as "king, ruler, etc."
• Sarabi: "mirage" or "illusion"
• Rafiki: "friend"
• Pumbaa: "simpleton
• Banzai: "skulk" or "lurk"
• Shenzi: "uncouth"
• Ed: shortened form of 'Edward', 'Edmound', 'Edgar', etc. meaning "defender" (English, French, various others) or "delightful place" (ie 'Eden'-- Hebrew)
• Zazu: "movement" (Hebrew-- oddly enough it's considered a girl's name!)
• Sarafina: "bright star"
• Kiara: "shinning light" (African?) or "light, luminosity, shine" (Italian?); can also mean "black" (from the Irish Gaelic word "ciar")
• Kouvo: "scar"
• Nuka: "little stinker" or "bad smell"
• Zira: "hate"
• Scar: take a guess
• Taka: supposedly Scar's birthname though it isn't used in the movies; means "dirt, rubbish, want" (it is also a girl's name in Japanese, but that one doesn't apply)

The only other popular lion I can think of is Kimba from Kimba the White Lion (or Leo as he is known in Japan). His name, like Simba's, is based on the Swahili word for 'lion.' That's why their names are so similar! I have no idea why the English translaters chose to change it slightly. I guess they just liked how it sounded. His Japanese name Leo also means 'lion'.... just in Latin instead.

If you want Swahili or other African names or words to name lions, run a search online for them or look for books about African languages at the library. One of my favourite online sources is http://www.behindthename.com. It includes the meanings of names from many cultures. 20000names.com is also interesting; however their names and definitions might not be 100% reliable (some of their Native American names were made up in popular novels for instance). But if it's all in fun and for an animal or character, don't worry about it. Those should provide you with plenty of ideas.

Don't think you have to go African either just because the lion is an African animal. You can give them any name or word. Sometimes that's easier to remember, esp. if you have mutliple lions named. Plus not all lions are from Africa. Another subspecies comes from India! Try Indian names for those guys instead! Or just use names from your own culture. Like I've said before, it doesn't really matter.

I hope this has been of some help... though I wasn't really able to answer your question completely.

Answer 3

The scientific name for lions, Panthera leo, was given by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. The common name "lion" likely has origins in Latin and Old French languages.