The common name for the species of Eubalaena glacialis whales. The name was originally given by whalers who thought the marine mammals the right whales to kill because they favoured shallow coastal waters close to ports, moved slowly, and often lingered on the surface. Such traits made them easy targets to harpoon, and they often conveniently floated after they died, thanks to their exceptionally thick blubber layer. As such, they were nearly hunted to extinction during the active years of the whaling industry.

Research has shown that right whales are very friendly to humans.