What is the Scientific Name of a Rabbit?

Scientific name of rabbit: Rabbits are far more than just the fluffy stars of backyard gardens or the iconic symbols of springtime festivals. In the world of biology, these creatures are high-performance survivalists with a history that spans millions of years. 

Despite the common misconception that they belong to the rodent family, rabbits have a distinct lineage that scientists track with precision. Rabbits are more than just cute little animals that live in backyards or are famous for springtime festivals. 

In biology, these animals are highly skilled at staying alive and have been around for millions of years. People often think that rabbits are rodents, but scientists can tell exactly where they came from.

There are more than 300 recognized breeds of rabbits around the world, from the tiny Netherland Dwarf to the huge Flemish Giant. But scientists and vets use the same botanical name for rabbits. 

The first step to understanding these complicated, social animals is to learn their scientific name and where they fit in the animal kingdom. This is true whether you're studying for a biology quiz or are a first-time pet owner who wants to learn more about your bunny's roots.

What is the Scientific Name of a Rabbit?

Oryctolagus cuniculus is the most common scientific name for rabbits you would come across. This name refers to the European rabbit, which is the ancestor of all the domestic breeds we see today. 

The terminology comes from the Greek word "Orycto," which means "to dig," and the Latin word "lagos," which means "hare." It also comes from the Latin word "cuniculus," which means "burrow" or "tunnel."

While Oryctolagus cuniculus covers pet rabbits, the term rabbit actually encompasses several different genera within the same family. For example:

• Cottontail Rabbit: Sylvilagus floridanus (Common in North America).

• Amami Rabbit: Pentalagus furnessi (A rare, dark-furred rabbit found in Japan).

• Sumatran Striped Rabbit: Nesolagus netscheri.

Classification of Rabbit

The biological hierarchy of the rabbit shows its clear distinction from other mammals. According to the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) and credible biological databases, the classification is as follows:

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What does a Rabbit Family Tree Look Like? 

The rabbit family tree belongs to the order Lagomorpha, a group it shares exclusively with hares and the tiny, mountain-dwelling pikas. 

Historically, rabbits were grouped with rodents because of their ever-growing teeth. However, modern genetics has placed them in their own branch.

A key difference in the family tree is between rabbits and hares. While they look similar, rabbits are typically born altricial, meaning they are hairless and blind at birth and require a burrow for safety. In contrast, hares are born precocial, with fur and open eyes, ready to run across open fields. 

The family tree also shows that while there are dozens of wild species, only one, the European rabbit, was successfully domesticated by humans roughly 1,400 years ago.

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What are Most Common Breeds of Rabbits? 

People have been selectively breeding pet rabbits for hundreds of years, which has led to a huge range of shapes and sizes. The American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) says that some breeds are always at the top of the popularity charts because of how they look and act:

• Holland Lop: Famous for its sweet lopped ears and compact size, weighing around 4 lbs.

• Mini Rex: Known for its velvety fur that feels like plush carpet, thanks to a unique genetic mutation.

• Flemish Giant: Often called the Gentle Giant, these can weigh over 20 lbs and are as large as some dogs.

• Netherland Dwarf: One of the smallest breeds, featuring a round head and tiny, upright ears.

• Lionhead: Easily identified by the mane of wool around its head, resembling a miniature lion.

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Knowing the scientific name of a rabbit shows how different these mammals are. They are important for ecosystems and medical research. Interestingly, recent wildlife surveys from 2026 show that while domestic populations are doing well, some wild species, like the Riverine Rabbit, are still critically endangered, with fewer than 250 left in the wild.