If you’re looking for a unique nature name, baby names inspired by birds offer a beautiful blend of strength, grace, and symbolism.
Birds hold deep significance in cultures around the world, often symbolizing freedom, wisdom, and a spiritual connection, so it’s no wonder many families turn to these majestic creatures for naming inspiration.
In many Native American traditions, birds like the eagle represent strength and are seen as messengers between the human world and the divine.
In Celtic mythology, the raven is known for its intelligence and in ancient Egypt, the sacred ibis is linked with wisdom and knowledge. In Egyptian and Greek lore, the mythical phoenix symbolizes renewal and immortality.
Birds of all species are revered for their ability to fly to great heights, making them powerful symbols of hope and aspiration. By choosing a bird-inspired name for your baby, you can connect your little one to these timeless qualities and give your child a name filled with meaning.
So let’s explore 40 beautiful baby names inspired by birds, complete with their origins and meanings, to help you find the perfect baby name for your little chick!
Top 20 boy names inspired by birds
1. Falco
Falco is a super cool name for boys that’s inspired by birds – the majestic falcon, in fact! It has Latin origins and is a great modern choice for little boys.
2. Colm
Pronounced ‘COL-UHM’, this unique Irish name for boys means ‘dove’.
3. Hawk
Hawk is an English name with a very obvious meaning! The hawk is a powerful bird of prey known for its sharp vision. It’s another super cool name for a brand new little boy in the family.
4. Tern
Tern is a graceful seabird and a modern name for little boys. It has English origins and is a very uncommon name in the US.
5. Drake
Drake is a celeb-inspired name, as well as a name inspired by birds! It’s an English name that means ‘male duck’. But if Drake thinks it’s cool…
6. Peregrine
Pronounced ‘PER-EH-GREEN’, this Latin name means wanderer, and it’s also a species of falcon. It’s a great choice for adventurous little ones!
7. Jay
Jay is an English name that represents a bold and vibrant bird. It’s an uncommon name in the US for little boys.
8. Griffin
Griffin is a Welsh name that means ‘strong lord’. It also references the mythical creature, the griffin, which is part eagle. It’s a very modern name for little boys!
9. Heron
A heron is a water bird. The name has Greek roots.
10. Corbin
Corbin means ‘raven’ and has Latin origins. It’s a very rare name for boys in the US!
11. Merlin
Merlin is a mythical name with Welsh roots. It means ‘sea fortress’ and is also a species of falcon. It’s the perfect choice for families looking for a magical boy’s name!
12. Arvid
Arvid means ‘Eagle tree’ and has Old Norse origins. It’s a powerful yet unusual name.
13. Sterling
Sterling is an English name that has a wonderful meaning: ‘little star’. It also has a link to starling, the bird species that’s very social and talkative!
14. Phoenix
Phoenix is an uber-cool name for boys that also has a mythical touch. The word has Greek origins and refers to the mythical bird associated with immortality and rebirth. It’s a boy’s name with strong links to growth and power.
15. Byrd
Byrd, pronounced ‘BIRD’, is an old English name that means ‘bird-like’.
16. Rook
Rook is a short and cool name for baby boys that has English origins. It references blackbirds. Whilst this bird species has negative connotations in some cultures, in others it symbolizes rebirth!
17. Efron
Efron (yes, like Zac!) is a Hebrew name that means ‘bird’. It’s an unusual name for boys that will surely stand out in the crowd!
18. Ibis
The Ibis is a sacred bird from ancient Egypt. These special birds live and travel in flocks, so they are super sociable animals.
19. Corvin
Corvin means ‘raven’ and has Latin roots. This bird species is often associated with prophecy, giving it a magical, mystical touch.
20. Fisher
Fisher references the kingfisher, a bright and vibrant bird. It has Old English origins and means ‘fishermen’.
Top 20 girl names inspired by birds
21. Aquila
Aquila is a Latin name that means ‘eagle’. It has Latin origins and is a very unusual name for little girls in the US.
22. Lark
Lark is an English word that references the songbird. It’s a great choice for musical families!
23. Paloma
Paloma is a celeb-inspired name (think singer Paloma Faith!) that means ‘dove’. It has Spanish origins and is a very elegant choice for little girls. The name is pronounced ‘PAH-LOH-MAH’.
24. Robin
Robin is a super sweet name for little girls that has English origins. It references the beautiful bird.
25. Wren
Wren, pronounced ‘REN’, is an English name that references the small and very energetic bird!
26. Merle
Merle is an elegant French name for little girls that’s inspired by birds. This unusual name means ‘blackbird’.
27. Deryn
Deryn is another unusual name in the US and has Welsh origins. It means ‘bird’.
28. Raven
Raven is a magical name for girls that has English roots. It references the large blackbird that’s often linked with intelligence and prophecy. We love that this name has a touch of mystery!
29. Kestrel
Kestrel is an English name that references a type of falcon. This species of bird is well known for its agility and grace – beautiful characteristics to pass on to a brand new baby girl in the family!
30. Alouette
Alouette is a name with Grench roots. It means ‘lark’ and is pronounced ‘AL-OOH-ET’.
31. Oriole
Oriole is a Latin name that means ‘golden bird’. It has Latin origins and is pronounced ‘OR-EE-OHL’. It’s a very rare name in the US.
32. Phoebe
Phoebe is a girl’s name with Greek roots. It has a beautiful meaning – ‘bright’ and ‘pure’ – and is a great choice if you’re looking for a girl’s name inspired by birds. The name also refers to a small songbird.
33. Avis
Pronounced ‘AY-VIS’, this Latin name means ‘bird’ and is very uncommon in the US.
34. Teal
The Eurasian Teal is a duck with a beautiful bright green patch on its eye. The name ‘Teal’ has English origins and is another very uncommon name for girls.
35. Starling
Starling is a name inspired by birds that can be given to both baby girls and baby boys. It has English origins and refers to a shimmering bird that’s super social.
36. Linette
Linette is an elegant French name that means ‘small songbird’, so it makes a great choice for musical families!
37. Honey
Honey is a name on this list that’s inspired by the honey buzzard, a rare bird of prey. The name itself has Old English origins and means ‘darling’ – the perfect meaning for a new baby girl!
38. Blue
Blue is a name made famous by Beyonce when she gave her first-born daughter the name back in 2012. The name appears on this list because it has links to bluebirds, which symbolize hope and happiness.
39. Cygna
Cygna – pronounced ‘SIG-NAH’ – is a Latin word that means ‘young swan’.
40. Ara
Ara is the Spanish word for ‘macaw’, an intelligent, vibrant and super social bird. We love this simple yet elegant name for girls that’s very uncommon in the US.
Conclusion
Choosing a baby name is a big and very important decision, and bird-inspired names offer a wonderful way to connect your child to the natural world and its power and beauty. Whether you’re drawn to the eagle’s strength, the wisdom of the raven, or the humble blackbird and its links to rebirth, these names carry profound meanings and offer unique choices.
Birds have long been admired for their grace, freedom, and spiritual significance, making them a popular source of inspiration for parents looking for a name that reflects both beauty and depth.
We hope you’ve found the perfect baby name in this list, but if you’re still looking for inspiration, don’t miss our roundup of the top unique names for boys and girls, baby names inspired by the ocean and names that mean ‘light’.
From our families to yours.
