Types of Monkeys: Complete Guide with Baby Names

Every type of monkey — New World, Old World, apes, and pet breeds — with baby names and facts.

🐵 What Is a Baby Monkey Called?

A baby monkey is called an infant. Baby apes (gorillas, chimps, orangutans) are also called infants. Unlike many animals, monkey infants are highly dependent — they cling to their mother's belly for the first few months, then ride on her back.

Baby Name: Infant
Dependence: 1-9 years depending on species
Monkey vs Ape: Monkeys have tails; apes don't
New World vs Old World: Americas vs Africa/Asia

🌎 New World Monkeys (Americas)

Capuchin Monkey

Baby: Infant

Smartest New World monkey — used in movies and as service animals

Howler Monkey

Baby: Infant

Loudest land animal — call heard 3 miles away

Spider Monkey

Baby: Infant

No thumbs — uses tail as a 5th limb

Squirrel Monkey

Baby: Infant

Most common lab monkey — tiny and social

Tamarin

Baby: Infant

Lion tamarin has a golden mane — critically endangered

🌍 Old World Monkeys (Africa/Asia)

Baboon

Baby: Infant

Largest monkey — males weigh up to 80 lbs

Macaque

Baby: Infant

Most widespread primate genus — lives in snow and cities

Colobus Monkey

Baby: Infant

No thumbs — "colobus" means "mutilated" in Greek

Mandrill

Baby: Infant

Most colorful mammal — blue and red face

Vervet Monkey

Baby: Infant

Has different alarm calls for leopards, eagles, and snakes

🦍 Great Apes (Not Monkeys!)

Chimpanzee

Baby: Infant

Our closest relative — 98.7% DNA match with humans

Gorilla

Baby: Infant

Baby gorillas ride on mother's back for 3 years

Orangutan

Baby: Infant

Most dependent baby — stays with mother 6-9 years

Bonobo

Baby: Infant

"Make love not war" — resolves conflict through affection

🏠 Pet Monkey Breeds

Marmoset

Baby: Infant

Smallest monkey — adults weigh just 4 oz

Capuchin

Baby: Infant

Most popular pet monkey — but needs 24/7 care

Squirrel Monkey

Baby: Infant

Small and social — but illegal in many states

Macaque

Baby: Infant

Hardy and adaptable — but can live 25+ years