The Secret Language of Dolphins: Calling Each Other by Name

    One of the most remarkable discoveries about dolphins is that they can call each other by “name.” But how can dolphins have names? Who gives them these names? Surprisingly, dolphins create their own names. A few months after they are born, each dolphin develops a signature whistle, a unique sound pattern that becomes its individual identity. This whistle functions like a personal acoustic name used throughout its lifetime.

    Researchers have found that dolphins frequently use these signature whistles to call specific members of their group. When a dolphin produces its own whistle, it is essentially announcing “This is me!” to the others. Studies from the University of St. Andrews show that dolphins recognize and respond only to their own name-like whistle. When scientists played recordings of various dolphins’ whistles underwater, each dolphin responded mainly when its own signature whistle was played—typically by repeating the same whistle back, signaling recognition.

This behavior is strikingly similar to human naming interactions. Just as people call each other by name to get attention, dolphins use these unique whistles to identify, locate, and communicate with members of their social group.

Why Is This Ability So Unique?

Unlike most animal communication systems, dolphin signature whistles are not genetically programmed. Instead, they are heavily shaped by vocal learning, a rare skill found in only a few species such as humans, songbirds, and parrots. Dolphins keep refining and using their signature whistle for their entire life. They also copy the whistles of close companions—often as a social signal, not imitation.

This ability is especially crucial because dolphins live in an environment where the ocean is noisy and visibility is low. Sound travels efficiently underwater, making vocal identity essential for maintaining contact in complex social groups. Through signature whistles, dolphins can stay connected, coordinate movement, and maintain bonds even when they cannot see one another.

Examples of Social Uses

• When dolphins lose sight of one another, they often call out their own signature whistle as a contact call.

• When two groups meet, dolphins commonly “introduce themselves” by exchanging their unique whistles.

• Close allies—especially males that form long-term bonds—sometimes copy each other’s whistles as a sign of social closeness.

• During stressful situations, such as when a member goes missing, dolphins call out that individual’s signature whistle, much like calling someone’s name to find them.

This demonstrates that a dolphin’s “name” is far more than a simple vocalization—it is a key part of their identity and central to their social world.

 Source

• National Geographic – Dolphins respond only to their own signature whistles, similar to humans recognizing their name.

• National Geographic – Dolphins exchange signature whistles when meeting at sea.

• Smithsonian Magazine – Dolphins use unique whistles that function like names.

• University of St. Andrews – Research confirming dolphins create their own signature whistles in infancy.

• EarthSky – Explanation of how dolphin identity whistles differ from other species' communication signals.