We all know the names of Santa's reindeer, but very few know that they all might be female.

A Twitter user sent social media into a frenzy with a post claiming Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph are female and not male, as they are often depicted.

Twitter user Cat Reynolds shared: 'Male reindeer lose their antlers in winter and females don't therefore Santa's sleigh is actually pulled by a team of strong, powerful, underrated women!!!!! You go, girls!! I see you!!! [sic]'

Interesting: A theory that has recently resurfaced on Twitter claims that all of Santa's elves are actually female, and not male, as many people believe

Important detail: Male reindeer lose their antlers in the winter, but female reindeer do not. This would indicate that Santa's reindeer, who are typically represented with antlers, are female

The theory has proven a hit on Twitter, and Reynolds' message has been retweeted more than 202,000 times while receiving more than 667,000 likes.

Women replied that it made them feel 'empowered' while others said it made sense as the reindeer always knew which way to go.

When reindeer lose their antlers The Chicago Zoological Society wrote: 'Reindeer lose and grow a new rack of antlers every year, but when the antlers fall off differs by the sex and age of the reindeer. 'Adult male reindeer will lose their antlers in early December, so we are certain, scientifically speaking, Santa’s reindeer aren't adult males. 'Female reindeer will keep their entire rack until the summer. Their rack stays longer so they can protect their babies from predators.' Advertisement

The theory has been backed up by scientists.

The nine reindeer are nearly always depicted as male and are seen with a full set of antlers on their heads.

However male reindeer shed their antlers before the winter.

In a blog post, the Chicago Zoological Society explained the science behind the post: 'Reindeer lose and grow a new rack of antlers every year, but when the antlers fall off differs by the sex and age of the reindeer.

'Adult male reindeer will lose their antlers in early December, so we are certain, scientifically speaking, Santa’s reindeer aren’t adult males.

'Female reindeer will keep their entire rack until the summer. Their rack stays longer so they can protect their babies from predators.'

However others have pointed out that castrated male reindeer keep their antlers and have ones similar to females, meaning Santa's helpers could still be male.