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Whether welcoming our days with cheerful music, brightening a dull afternoon with captivating beauty, or adorning the golden sky flying in myriads of forms, birds make the world more beautiful. Birds have long been linked to ideas like freedom, love, and hope in different cultures. Many parents pick bird-inspired names to represent these positive qualities and to honor their love for nature. Our feathered friends are a treat to the eyes, music to the ears, and a soothing balm to our souls. If you are looking for chirpy bird names for babies, this post is for you. We have explored multiple trusted websites, social media forums, and baby name databases to list names inspired by birds that symbolize freedom, peace, and more.
Key Pointers
- Bird names generally have an air of beauty and celebrate the free spirit of birds.
- Some of the shortest bird names for boys are Wren, Hawk, and Jay; for girls, they are Ava, Dove, and Tori.
- You can choose hunting, colorful, and even mythical birds as inspiration for bird names.
Bird Names For Boys
Everything about birds, from their distinctive plumage to their ability to soar high and hunt, seems wonderful. Giving your child a bird name for boys can associate him with all these qualities. Whether you are looking for names that reflect the power of an eagle, the gentle nature of a dove, or the intelligence of a raven, the list below has something for everyone.
1. Robin
Robin, the name of a bird with features such as an orange chest and cheery song, originated as a nickname for Robert. It became a top name for girls in the 60s, but we think this name suits guys more, probably because of its association with Robin Williams. Blogger and activist Robin Julian Greenfield shares why he was given this name: “I was named after the robin bird. While my mom was pregnant with me there was a robin nesting next to our small house in the countryside near Lake Superior. As this mother robin was nurturing her babies, so, too, was my mom nurturing a Robin of her own. She was about six months pregnant with me in May of 1986 when she first noticed this nesting robin bird and soon after decided to call me Robin (i).”
2. Hawk
This name is inspired by the hawk, a majestic hunting bird with rounded wings and a stocky build (1). When the name was coined for babies, hunting was considered an aristocratic sport. Hawk is heard more as a surname than a first name.
3. Crane
Crane is the name for the genus of large birds known for their long necks and legs and the ability to reach heights of 4,900–8,000 meters (2). Its literal meaning is ‘to extend one’s neck.’ For the nickname, you can opt for Cray.
4. Merle
Merle comes from the surname Muriel. It is also an Old French word for Turdus Merula, the Eurasian blackbird with a vibrant yellow bill and glossy body (3). This name was favored hugely in the 1910s and 1920s.
5. Wren
This is one of the most famous avian-inspired baby names. It is the name of a small brown bird with a short tail and sharp beak (4).
6. Phoenix
There is no real bird named Phoenix. But it has been a powerful symbol of rebirth for millennia. Some cultures even have a phoenix-like bird in their traditional stories.
Here is why mom Jala Anderson-McKee found the name Phoenix fascinating: “As I began to heal through the grieving process and rebuilding my life, I realized that I was like the Phoenix rising from the ashes. I knew I had to incorporate the Phoenix into my book as it focuses on overcoming life’s obstacles and proactively rebuilding.” Jala was matched with a birthmother who had named her baby Phoenix. This is how she feels about that: “I thanked her for her selflessness and strength to do what she felt was best for Phoenix. We continue to call, text message and email, and we just know we are finding our way… all for the love of Phoenix (ii).”
7. Sparrow
Here’s a name borrowed directly from the bird species that has chestnut brown backs with black markings and short and chunky beaks. Joel Madden and Nicole Richie chose this name for their son. But it would work well for a baby girl too!
Trivia8. Swift
Here’s an active bird baby boy name for you. It is inspired by the fastest flying bird swift, which boasts of over a 100 species. We think it would make an intriguing middle name.
9. Byrd
Byrd is a variation of the straightforward name, Bird. It was also the name of the teenage son in the television show “Huff”. Sargent James Byrd, the anthropomorphic penguin from the game “Spyro the Dragon”, is also a namesake.
10. Falcon
Falcon would make a powerful and sleek bird name for your baby boy. After all, it is a powerful bird that people have trained to hunt for years (5). It could work for a girl, too! Falcon Heene, fondly known as the “balloon boy,” would be its namesake.
11. Gull
This moniker conjures images of salty and windswept air of the beach. The name is inspired by the seagull, a bird with the ability to drink both fresh and saltwater. As a name, Gull has Celtic origins and means ‘long-winged swimming birds’.
12. Eagle
Eagle is a soaring name with patriotic symbolism. This bird has such sharp eyesight that researchers developed a deep learning model based on its eye structure (6). We do not have a real life namesake of this name, but in “Old St. Paul’s”, a novel by W. H. Ainsworth, Solomon Eagle was a character. It’s also the name of a rock band.
13. Finch
The meaning of Finch is ‘to swindle’. But its similarity with pinch would be a turnoff for some parents. Did you know, in the medieval times, Finch was believed to be a foolish bird?
14. Chelidon
Chelidon, the Greek name for swallow, (the bird) would make a different name for your son. In Greek mythology, Chelidon was the loving sister to Philomela.
15. Corvus
Corvus is the Latin word for ‘crow,’ a bird known for its problem solving abilities. It could be the ideal baby name for your smart guy.
16. Corbin
Here’s another baby name inspired by the crow. We bet no one can even guess that it’s inspired by our black feathered friend. It’s also the name of the castle where the Holy Grail is believed to be hiding.
17. Bran
Bran is a Celtic name meaning ‘crow’. It is associated with Bendigeidfran, the Raven god of battle. You can also keep it as a short form of Branwen or Branok.
18. Fechine
Fechine is an Irish name derived from the word ‘fiach’, which means ‘raven.’
19. Wulfram
If you want something fierce and bold for your son, name him Wulfram, which means ‘wolf raven’.
20. Colm
Colm is an Irish name meaning ‘dove’. You can even use it as a nickname for the name Colman, which means the same.
21. Callum
We’ve got another baby name meaning ‘dove’. Callum is the Scottish form of the name Columba and is a huge hit in Scotland, England, and Ireland.
22. Heron
Heron is the moniker of the long-legged wading bird with a bright yellow bill and a black eyestripe (7). It has a soft yet robust sound to it and could be the ideal option for your son. Herron is another spelling variation.
23. Jay
This name is inspired by the Jaybird, a breed of woodland birds that have pinkish-buff, black tail, white rump, and black-and-white wings with a vibrant blue patch (8). It may seem like a modern name, but has been in use for centuries.
24. Columba
This moniker, developed in the Late Latin, means ‘dove’. This popular Irish name could easily immigrate, given its peaceful meaning.
25. Lonan
Lonan is an Irish name, meaning ‘blackbird.’ We think it would make a fresher alternative to Conan and Logan. For the nickname, you can choose Lonin or Loni.
26. Manu
Manu is a Polynesian baby name, meaning ‘bird of the night’. It’s also a Sanskrit name, meaning ‘man’.This is one of the cute baby girl names admired for its simple yet exotic sound. Manu Chao, the musician, is its most famous namesake.
27. Talon
Talon, meaning ‘the large claw of a bird of prey’ has its origin in the French language. Despite its slightly disturbing meaning, Talon has been chosen by a number of parents in the past few years.
28. Nesta
Nesta, a variation of the name Agnes, brings to mind the intricate nests built by the birds. It was originally a girl’s name, but was put on the maps for boys when Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale used it for their son.
29. Nestor
Here’s another name inspired by the nest. Nestor was actually a wise ruler of Greek legend who helped the Greeks win the Trojan War. Nestor Carbonell, the American actor, is its most famous bearer.
30. Altair
Altair is an Arabic name, meaning ‘falcon’. It’s also the name of the 11th brightest star in the sky.
31. Culver
Culver is the English variant of the name Columba and means ‘dove’. It’s a solid and serious two-syllable name for you to consider. Cully would make a cute nickname.
32. Efron
Efron is Hebrew for ‘bird’. This Biblical name has an extremely pleasant sound, just like its meaning. Zac Efron is the famous bearer of this name.
33. Faulkner
Faulkner is an occupational name, meaning ‘falcon trainer’. This moniker was introduced in the medieval times, when falconry was a popular sport. It’s also associated with William Faulkner, the Nobel Prize winner.
34. Vireo
Vireo is the name of a beautiful bird that has a gray and olive hue on top and a yellow vent. It sings melodious rollicking songs during summer (9). The name is unusual, but very pleasant.
35. Gawain
Gawain is a Welsh name, meaning ‘may hawk’. It belonged to the courteous Knight of the Round Table. Gawain Vincent, the British handball player, is its namesake.
36. Griffon
The name Griffon is inspired by the Griffon vulture. The Griffon vulture is known for its long neck and is identified by its sand-colored to dark brown body and white head, neck, and ruff (10). Griffon is a variation of Griffin and means ‘strong lord’.
37. Shahaf
Shahaf is a lovely sounding Hebrew name, meaning ‘seagull’.
38. Akos
If you want something unusual for your baby boy, name him Akos, the Turkish for ‘falcon’.
39. Horus
Horus is the falcon-headed Egyptian sun god (11). This moniker sounds a lot like Horace, but means ‘different’.
40. Merlin
This name is associated with a type of falcon. It’s also the name of the fifth century mentor and sorcerer of King Arthur.
Did you know?41. Hula
Hula is a Native American name, meaning ‘eagle’. We think it would make an unusual choice for parents looking for an original H name.
42. Arvid
This Scandinavian name, meaning ‘eagle tree’, is virtually unknown in the United States.
43. Arnold
Arnold, meaning ‘eagle power’, has not really been a parents’ favorite despite some reputed namesakes.
44. Whistler
The Australian golden whistler is a species of bird found in Australia. This English occupational name is associated with James Abbott McNeill Whistler, of “Whistler’s Mother”.
45. Jonah
Jonah is a popular Hebrew name, meaning ‘dove’. It is associated with the Abrahamic prophet who was swallowed by a large fish. This name is currently represented by Jonah Hill, the famous actor.
Bird Names For Girls
From the sweet melodies of songbirds to the graceful flights of swans, these avian creatures mirror the beautiful aspects of nature. Birds are also seen as symbols of grace, freedom, and beauty—qualities that align with feminine traits. If you’re looking for a name that embodies these qualities, here are some unique bird names for girls.
46. Ava
Ava comes from the Latin word ‘avis’ and means ‘bird’. The moniker ranked fourth in the United States in the year 2014. Ava boasts of an unobtrusively modern feel, which makes it oh-so-appealing.
47. Gannet
Its meaning (goose) would look slightly silly to a few parents, but we think it would make an unconventional update of Janet. For boys, it would be a spin of Garret.
48. Teal
Yes, we all know that Teal is a bluish-green shade. But did you know this color came from the duck? The Eurasian teal is renowned for its greenish-blue markings.
49. Sarika
Sarika is a Sanskrit word for the Mayna bird (12). We think it’s a thoroughly exotic name and would make a lovely name for your daughter.
50. Aya
Simple names have an appeal of their own. Aya, a Hebrew name, meaning ‘bird’ would make a lovely alternative to Anya and Maya. Aya Hirano, the Japanese pop singer and Aya Jones, the French-Jamaican model are its famous bearers.
51. Deryn
Deryn is a Welsh name, meaning ‘bird’. This 50s name sounds a lot less dated than Robin. It’s also associated with Deryn Lake, the English historical novelist.
52. Rhea
Rhea is the name of the large and flightless bird that is the cousin to the ostrich. Besides, Rhea is also the name of a goddess, the mother of Zeus (13).
53. Starling
Starling is a creature found in every corner of the Earth. This fanciful name is associated with Clarice Starling, the FBI agent from the “Silence of the Lambs”, a role, which got Jodi Foster an Academy Award for Best Actress.
54. Swan
Swans are large waterfowls known for their long and slender necks. This surname has been borne by two fictional heroines: Bella Swan of “Twilight” and Elizabeth Swan of “Pirates of the Caribbean”. Swan could be the ideal first or middle name for a beautiful baby boy.
Trivia55. Circe
In Greek mythology, Circe was the name of the sorceress who tangled with Odysseus on his wanderings (14). This name comes from the Greek word ‘kirke’, which means ‘bird’.
56. Loa
Loa is the name of a bird in the Icelandic language. This name falls somewhere between Lola and Noa.
57. Jarita
Jarita is the name of a mother bird in the Mahabharata, a Hindu mythological text (15). It has Sanskrit origins, and the emphasis falls on the first syllable when pronounced.
58. Sephora
Sephora is the simplified form of the name Tzipporah, Moses’ wife. It is Hebrew for ‘bird’.
59. Luscinia
This nightingale name would fit with the Lucy related name. Technically, Luscinia is a genus that includes nightingale and other several related feathered friends.
60. Philomela
In Greek mythology, Philomela was turned into a nightingale to protect her from a lecherous kind. It comes from the Greek words for ‘love’ and ‘song’, thereby meaning ‘lover of song’.
61. Dove
Dove is a beautiful bird name with peaceful undertones. One of the surname associations of this name is Rita Dove, the former United States Poet Laureate and Pulitzer Prize winning poet. You can drop the ‘e’ for a masculine feel.
62. Laraline
Laraline is a Latin word, meaning ‘seagull’. It may not have much history as a first name, but we think it would wear well. And it’s one of the rarest names too!
63. Kestrel
This is one of the least common and most intriguing names of all. It’s derived from the name of a type of falcon, known for its smooth flight.
64. Drora
Drora and Derora is a Hebrew name, meaning ‘sparrow’.
65. Alouette
Alouette, the French word for ‘skylark’, first featured in a children’s song “Alouette, gentile alouette”. We think Alouette would make a bold, middle name choice for your girl.
66. Jemima
Here’s another dove baby name for you. In the Old Testament, Jemima was the name of one of Job’s daughters. This name appealed greatly to the Puritan parents.
67. Parastoo
Parastoo is an utterly exotic Iranian name, meaning ‘swallow’. Pari or Parisa would make cute nicknames for Parastoo.
68. Celandine
Celandine is the name of a flower, but is derived from a Greek word, meaning ‘swallow’.
69. Branwen
Branwen is a subtle, bird-inspired name for your baby girl. Bran means ‘raven’ and wen means ‘fair’. Branwen is also the name of one of the main characters in the Mabinogion, a collection of Welsh prose stories (16).
70. Paloma
Paloma, the Spanish word for ‘dove’ has lately found major favor with the Americans. Pacifist and actor Pablo Picasso was the first one to use this name for his baby girl, followed by David Caruso and Ana Ortiz.
71. Avis
Just like Ava, even Avis is considered one of the bird-inspired names, probably because of its association with Ava. Daniel Baldwin gave this name to his daughter in the year 2013.
72. Aderyn
Aderyn is a Welsh name, meaning ‘bird’. In this name, the emphasis is on the middle syllable. You can shorten it to Addie.
73. Lark
Lark is the name of a bird with a long hind claw and is known to run or freeze crouch when it senses danger (17). Andre Previn and Mia Farrow gave this name to their daughter in 1973. But Lark gained popularity via Agnes Lark, the daughter of Paul Bettany and Jennifer Connelly.
74. Tori
Tori is often used as a nickname for Victoria, in Japanese. It means ‘bird’. But like most of the Japanese names, even Tori’s meaning depends on the kanji used for writing this name.
75. Birdie
Birdie, the short form of Bernadette, Barbara and Elizabeth is a strong name with B. It would work great as both first and middle names. Busy Philips welcomed her little Birdie in the year 2008.
76. Raven
The raven bird has an entirely black body, including the legs, eyes, and beak (18). This name was a huge hit in the 90s, when the young television actress Raven Simon appeared in the spotlight. But it is all set to make a comeback, possibly because of the parents’ affection with the bird names.
77. Phoebe
Phoebe, meaning ‘bright’, was the name of the goddess of the moon in Greek mythology. But it’s also the name of a type of bird found in America. This name currently ranks #298.
78. Chenoa
Chenoa is a Native American name, meaning ‘white dove’. It’s a great pick for people looking for a unique name for their daughters. You wouldn’t have to worry about her classmates having the same name.
79. Jaret
Jaret is a lacy and delicate name that does not emphasize much on the jar syllable. It was the name of the leading heroine in Barbara Cartland’s book “The Wild, Unwilling Wife”.
80. Aghavni
Aghavni is the Armenian baby name for ‘dove’.
81. Usoa
Usoa is a Basque name, meaning ‘dove’. This mid-century name is all set to make a comeback and we cannot wait for it.
82. Morrigan
In Irish mythology, raven is associated with Morrigan, the war goddess. So this name is related to both greatness and terror.
83. Faigel
Faigel is a sleek, smooth, and slightly understated Yiddish name, meaning ‘bird’.
84. Einin
Einin is a contemporary Irish name, meaning ‘little bird’.
85. Jae
While Jay is used for boys, its spelling variation Jae suits girls more, especially in the middle. Jae is a Latin name, meaning ‘a bird in the crow family’.
86. Evelyn
This Irish name, meaning ‘beautiful bird’ is one of the trendiest monikers right now. You can even go with Eileen, an uncommon variation of this name.
87. Oriole
Oriol is a beautiful, tiny blackbird native to North America. Meaning ‘golden’ in Latin, Oriole would make an unusual variant of Aurelia. Oriole is also the last name of an MLB team.
88. Palila
Palila is a rhythmic Hawaiian baby name, meaning ‘bird’. As a member of the Lila and Leila family, Palila would make a trendy name for your daughter.
89. Bird
This name would be a bit too flighty as a first name. So we’d suggest you use it as a middle name. It’s also associated with Lady Bird Johnson, the former First Lady, born Claudia.
90. Feather
The name Feather refers to the gorgeous flights of the bird. It was also used for a character in Walter Mosley’s novel. But in reality, this name would sound too fluttery for a girl.
91. Nydia
Nydia is a rarely used, Latin name, meaning ‘nest’. We think it would make a distinctive alternative to Lydia. It’s also associated with Nydia Velazquez, the first female Puerto Rican member of Congress.
92. Yonina
Yonina is the feminine variation of the name Jonah and means ‘dove’. This name would appeal to parents looking for a formal version of the name Nina.
93. Zippora
Zippora is the variation of the Hebrew name Tziporah and means ‘bird’. It got a glamorous update when Zippora Seven, the New Zealand model appeared at the forefront.
94. Linnet
Linnet is the small bird belonging to the finch family. The accent on the first syllable makes it sound very cool. Lynne would make a perfect nickname for it.
95. Branwen
Another Welsh import, and one of the more subtle avian names for girls. Bran means raven, and the -wen comes from gwen,meaning fair. There’s a Branwen in Welsh myth.
96. Rosella
Rosella is the name of one of the six species of Australian parrots, which has seven sub-species of varying colors, ranging from bright crimson to orange and yellow (19). It’s also the name of the Australian flower. For the nickname, you can use Rose.
97. Weaver
Baya weaver is a weaver bird native to Asia and India. This name made an appearance in the United States’ top 1000 in the 19th century, along with Parker and Cooper.
98. Gwylan
Gwylan is a Welsh name, meaning ‘seagull’.
99. Gwennol
Gwennol, the Cornish word for ‘swallow’ would make a great name for your daughter.
100. Suzume
Suzume is a Japanese name meaning ‘sparrow’. It will make a great variation for Susan.
101. Halcyon
Halcyon is the highly unusual name of one of the kingfisher birds. It’s related to Halycyone, the mythic bird who calms the seas.
We hope you liked our compilation. Which name would you select for your baby? Leave us a comment below!
Discover More Names
When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it common to give babies bird names?
Giving a bird-inspired name to a baby is not popular, but many parents do choose such a name, especially if they’re nature-love, loves birds or that name has a special meaning to them.
2. How do I choose the right bird name for a baby?
Just like choosing any other name, when choosing a bird-inspired name, look for its meaning, origin, any other meaning that might be inappropriate to use, etc. You can also consider the bird’s characteristics depending on the personality or traits you want your baby to have.
3. Are there any cultural or historical associations with bird names that parents should know?
Bird names represent and symbolize freedom, hope, and many other things across various cultures and historical periods. For instance, the eagle in the American flag symbolizes freedom and strength (20), while owls in Native American culture depict the afterlife (21). Therefore, when choosing a bird-inspired name, cultural and historical significance may also play an important role.
4. How do I incorporate a bird name into my baby’s overall name?
You may use a bird-inspired name for your baby as a first or middle name based on your preference. However, ensure that the bird name perfectly fits the other name and the surname and is easy to pronounce. /p>
5. Are there any popular trends or themes when choosing bird names for babies?
Some popular trends or themes when choosing bird names for babies include names inspired by hunter birds (Falcon), colorful birds (Cardinal), or mythical birds (Phoenix).
There is a feeling of liberation, peace, and amazement when we look at birds flying high in the sky. With this collection of chirpy bird names for babies with meanings, you now have a mixture of fierce, sweet, and calm names best for nature lovers. So if you are one of those and want your baby to resonate with the same energy and aura as the majestic and ever so elegant birds, pick one name from the above list for your little bundle of joy.
Infographic: Sweet Names Inspired By Birds For Boys And Girls
The soothing sounds of birds chirping, especially in the morning and evening, can revive one’s spirit amidst the cacophony of urban life. So, if you’re contemplating naming your little one after one of these majestic and lovely birds, take a look at the infographic below. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Illustration: Charming And Chirpy Bird Names For Girls And Boys
Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team
Personal Experience: Sources
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. My Name Is Robinhttps://www.robingreenfield.org/mynameisrobin/?utm_source
ii. Phoenix’s Adoption Story
https://cradle.org/story/phoenixs-adoption-story/?utm_source
References
- How to Spot the Differences Between Eagles and Hawks
https://www.coloradovirtuallibrary.org/resource-sharing/state-pubs-blog/how-to-spot-the-differences-between-eagles-and-hawks/ - Cranes
https://seaworld.org/animals/facts/birds/cranes/ - Eurasian Blackbird
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eurasian_Blackbird/overview - Wren
https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wren - Peregrine Falcon
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Peregrine_Falcon/overview - Yulong Shi et al.; (2023); EViT: An Eagle Vision Transformer with Bi-Fovea Self-Attention
https://arxiv.org/abs/2310.06629?utm_source - Grey Heron
https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/birds/herons-egrets-spoonbill-and-crane/grey-heron - Jay
https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/birds/crows-and-shrikes/jay - Warbling Vireo
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Warbling_Vireo/id - Griffon Vulture
https://4vultures.org/vultures/griffon-vulture/ - Horus
https://www.worldhistory.org/Horus/ - Sharika, Śārikā, Sārikā, Sarika, Sārika, Sarikā, Śārika, Śarika: 26 definitions
https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/sharika - Rhea
https://www.worldhistory.org/Rhea/ - Circe
https://www.worldhistory.org/Circe/ - Jarita, Jaritā: 8 definitions
https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/jarita - Branwen, Daughter of Llŷr
https://snowdonia.gov.wales/discover/history-and-heritage/mythology-and-folklore/branwen-daughter-of-llyr/#:~:text=Branwen%20was%20the%20sister%20of - BirdFacts Species Group
https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.bto.org/understanding-birds/bird-families/alaudidae-larks&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1736404823251986&usg=AOvVaw0pcixneEcU1BZzhzIieXCD - Common Raven
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Raven/id - Australian Parrots
https://www.australiaswonderfulbirds.com.au/parrots - The American Bald Eagle.
https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/celebrate/eagle.pdf - Owls In Native American Cultures.
https://centerofthewest.org/2018/08/06/owls-native-american-culture/
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