Dolphins Have Names For Each Other

They don’t write them down on tiny, waterproof name tags, but dolphins do have unique whistles that function more or less as names, allowing individual dolphins to identify themselves across long distances. Researchers have found that dolphins not only recognize these signature whistles, but will also imitate them when trying to get the attention of a specific individual. In other words, a dolphin may effectively “call” another dolphin by reproducing its unique whistle.

A unique, high-pitched whistle might never perfectly translate to “Larry” or “Madonna,” but researchers have been working for years to decode dolphin language. And dolphins aren’t the only creatures found to have names. Sperm whales have special call signs as well, and research suggests elephants may also have name-like calls used for identification.