Why Are Killer Whales Called Killer?

Quick Facts

Attribute	Details
Type	Marine mammal
Family	Cetacea
Habitat	Oceans worldwide
Conservation	Protected in most countries
Research Status	Ongoing scientific study

The Short Answer

Killer whales earned their fearsome name from 18th-century Spanish sailors who witnessed them hunting and killing large whales. The original Spanish term was “asesina de ballenas” (whale killer), but when translated to English, the words were reversed to “killer whale.” Despite their intimidating name, orcas have never fatally attacked humans in the wild.

The Etymology of “Killer Whale”

Historical Timeline of the Name

Era	Term Used	Language	Meaning
Ancient	”Orca”	Latin	Barrel (body shape) or “demon from hell”
1700s	”Asesina de ballenas”	Spanish	Whale killer
1700s	”Ballena asesina”	Spanish	Killer whale (alternative)
1800s	”Killer whale”	English	Reversed translation
1960s+	“Orca”	Scientific/Modern	Preferred by researchers
Present	Both terms	International	Used interchangeably

The name transformation occurred when English-speaking sailors and naturalists encountered Spanish accounts of these predators. The phrase “asesina de ballenas” (killer of whales) became inverted to “killer whale” in English—a translation quirk that stuck.

Names for Orcas Around the World

Language	Name	Literal Meaning
Spanish	Orca / Ballena asesina	Orca / Killer whale
Japanese	Shachi (シャチ)	Killer whale
Russian	Kosatka (Косатка)	Scythe (dorsal fin shape)
Norwegian	Spekkhogger	Blubber chopper
German	Schwertwal	Sword whale
Icelandic	Háhyrningur	High-horned one
Inuit	Aarluk	Killer whale
Chinese	Hǔjīng (killer whale)	Tiger whale

Many cultures developed names based on the orca’s hunting behavior or distinctive dorsal fin shape, reflecting widespread observation of their predatory nature.

Why the Name Fits: Orca Hunting Behavior

Prey Species Hunted by Orcas

Prey Category	Examples	Hunting Method
Large whales	Gray whales, humpbacks, minke	Pack hunting, exhaustion
Small cetaceans	Dolphins, porpoises	High-speed chase
Pinnipeds	Seals, sea lions	Beach hunting, wave washing
Sharks	Great whites, makos	Flip to induce tonic immobility
Fish	Salmon, herring	Carousel feeding, stunning
Rays	Stingrays	Extraction from sand
Sea birds	Penguins, seabirds	Surface ambush

Research published by the Center for Whale Research confirms that orcas are among the most versatile predators on Earth, with different populations specializing in different prey types.

Documented Whale Kills

Target Species	Location	Typical Outcome
Gray whale calves	California coast	3-4 hour hunts, 30% success
Minke whales	Antarctic	Common prey for Type A orcas
Humpback calves	Specific prey items	Targeted during migration
Blue whale calves	Rare	Documented in Monterey Bay
Sperm whales	Open ocean	Extremely rare, adults defended

In 2019, researchers documented the first confirmed orca attack on an adult blue whale—the largest animal on Earth—demonstrating why early sailors named them “whale killers.”

The Case for “Orca” Instead

Why Scientists Prefer “Orca”

Reason	Explanation
Accuracy	”Killer whale” implies danger to humans (unfounded)
Taxonomy	Orcas are dolphins, not true whales
Public perception	”Killer” creates unnecessary fear
Conservation	Negative names can harm protection efforts
Cultural sensitivity	Indigenous names often more respectful

The scientific name Orcinus orca derives from Latin, with “Orcinus” meaning “of the kingdom of the dead” or “belonging to Orcus” (Roman god of the underworld). This name referenced their perceived ferocity but without the misleading “killer” designation.

Taxonomy: Orcas Are Actually Dolphins

Classification Level	Orca Classification	Notes
Order	Cetacea	All whales, dolphins, porpoises
Suborder	Odontoceti	Toothed whales
Family	Delphinidae	Oceanic dolphins
Genus	Orcinus	Orcas only
Species	O. orca	Killer whale

Technically, orcas are the largest members of the dolphin family (Delphinidae), not true whales. The name “killer whale” predates modern taxonomy, when all large marine mammals were called “whales.” Learn more about whether killer whales are actually whales.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did sailors really see orcas killing whales?

Yes, 18th-century sailors regularly observed orcas hunting large whales, particularly gray whales during their annual migrations. These dramatic hunts—which could last hours and involve multiple orcas working together—made a strong impression. Whalers also noted that orcas would scavenge from their catches, sometimes attacking harpooned whales.

Are killer whales dangerous to humans?

In the wild, there are no confirmed fatal orca attacks on humans. While there have been a few non-fatal incidents (usually cases of mistaken identity), wild orcas generally show curiosity rather than aggression toward humans. Captive orcas have caused deaths, but this likely reflects the stress of captivity rather than natural behavior. See our article on do killer whales eat people.

Why don’t we just call them orcas?

Many scientists, educators, and conservation organizations now prefer “orca,” but “killer whale” remains common in popular usage. Both names are technically correct. The shift toward “orca” reflects efforts to improve public perception and acknowledge that these animals pose no threat to humans despite their predatory nature.

What’s the difference between an orca and a killer whale?

There is no difference—“orca” and “killer whale” refer to the same species (Orcinus orca). “Orca” comes from the scientific name, while “killer whale” is the traditional English common name. The choice is largely a matter of preference, though “orca” is increasingly favored in scientific and conservation contexts.

Do orcas really kill great white sharks?

Yes, orcas have been documented killing great white sharks, particularly off South Africa and California. Orcas target sharks for their nutrient-rich livers, sometimes leaving the rest of the carcass. When orcas appear in an area, great white sharks often flee and may not return for months. Learn more at do killer whales eat sharks.

Cultural Perspectives on Orcas

Indigenous Names and Beliefs

Culture	Name/Belief	Significance
Coast Salish	Qwe’lhol’mechen	Supernatural being, respected
Haida	Skaana	Ocean wolf, spiritual power
Tlingit	Kéet	Protector, clan symbol
Nuu-chah-nulth	Kakaw’in	Powerful ocean spirit
Māori	Maki	Respected predator

Many indigenous Pacific Northwest cultures view orcas as spiritual beings rather than “killers,” emphasizing their intelligence, family bonds, and importance to ocean ecosystems. These perspectives offer an alternative to the fear-based European naming tradition.

The Name’s Impact on Conservation

The “killer whale” name has complicated conservation efforts:

Impact	Description
Negative perception	Some people fear orcas unnecessarily
Historical persecution	Fishermen killed orcas as “competition”
Capture industry	Name may have reduced public sympathy
Modern shift	”Orca” helps rebrand as intelligent, social animals

During the 1960s-70s, orcas were captured for marine parks—a practice enabled partly by their perceived “killer” nature. Today, growing appreciation for orca intelligence and social complexity has shifted public opinion dramatically.

For more on orca biology, see how long orcas live, what orcas eat, and orca classification.

Related Questions

• Are Killer Whales Whales?
• Do Killer Whales Eat People?
• Do Killer Whales Eat Sharks?
• How Old Do Orca Whales Live?