160+ Bird Names for Babies
- Sequoia
Origin:
Native American, CherokeeMeaning:
"sparrow"Description:
This name of a giant tree, itself named for a nineteenth-century Cherokee who invented a way to write his tribe's language, makes a strong, stately statement.
- Uguku
Origin:
CherokeeMeaning:
"hooting owl"Description:
Owls are revered and feared in Cherokee culture, thought of as witches in disguise. Uguku is one of multiple owl names in the Cherokee language. It is onomatopoetic with the owl's calls.
- Aquilla
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"eagle"Description:
Aquilla appears in the New Testament. The name carries powerful symbolism through its association with eagles, conveying qualities of strength, vision, and nobility. Despite its classical origins, Aquilla remains quite rare as a given name, offering distinction while still having historical precedent. The name has a commanding presence with its unusual letter combination and strong sound. For parents seeking a name with both gravitas and uncommon status, Aquilla provides a meaningful option with rich symbolic connections to one of the most majestic birds in cultural traditions.
- Cornell
Origin:
British from Latin, or Anglicized form of FrenchMeaning:
"corner or crow"Description:
This name has not one but two impressive cultural connections: collage artist Joseph Cornell and photographer Cornell Capa--not to mention Cornell University.
- Corbett
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"little raven"Description:
This British surname has a somewhat aristocratic air, which ties in to its association with the early American boxing champ "Gentleman Jim" Corbett. Also borne by actor and country singer John Corbett, it blends the sounds of the more popular Corbin, Cory, Barrett, Bennett, and Beckett.
- Cardinal
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"principal; bird"Description:
Whether you like Cardinal for its connections to the songbird, religious connotations, or even sports ties, this unique new name fits in with today's name landscape. Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden used it for their son, born in 2024, but it could just as easily be used on a daughter — perhaps with the nickname Cardi.
- Halcyon
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"kingfisher bird"Description:
This highly unusual name -- the Halycyone was a mythic bird who could calm the seas -- conjures up images of utter peace and tranquility because of the phrase "Halycon days"...and the sleeping pill.
- Ninox
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"hawk owl"Description:
An unexpected nature option with a bright, on-trend sound and a totally cool bird meaning, Ninox is the name of a genus of owls, including hawk-owls and boobooks. Said as NYE-noks, it could get you to nickname Nox (like Knox) or quirky Nye.
- Corvina
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"like a raven"Description:
Corvina sounds quite similar to a car model, although it has a gorgeous meaning and could be an interesting dramatic full name for the nickname Cora.
- Bartram
Origin:
ScandinavianMeaning:
"glorious raven"Description:
The raven was a holy bird in Norse mythology, giving this choice some resonance beyond other Bart variations.
- Yona
Origin:
Cherokee or variation of Jonah, HebrewMeaning:
"bear; dove"Description:
A name with a double animal connection via two distinct origins, one Native American and the other Hebrew and Biblical. Yona is rare in the US but not unknown: It was given to a dozen baby girls in 2021.
- Galvin
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"a sparrow"Description:
More common as a surname, Galvin is a possible alternative to Gavin and Calvin.
- Culver
Origin:
English variation of ColumbaMeaning:
"dove"Description:
In the currently popular solid, serious, two-syllable mold.
- Aquilina
Origin:
Feminine variation of Aquilo, LatinMeaning:
"eagle"Description:
A lot of parents claim to want a name that's different, but if you really do, Aquilina, modern-feeling but based on an ancient favorite, would be one good choice.
- Osman
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"baby bustard"Description:
Its most famous bearer was Prince Osman the First, founder of the Ottoman Empire, the third caliph of the Muslims, and a companion and son-in-law of Muhammad. Osman is sometimes written as Usman.
- Petronilla
Origin:
Roman and Italian feminine variation of PetroniusMeaning:
"yokel, woodpecker, stone"Description:
Petronilla is an ancient saint's name that relates to the Roman family name Petronius, thought to mean yokel or woodpecker, though some connect it with Petra or Peter, meaning stone. With the resurgence of so many ancient Roman names, the elaborate and pretty Petronilla or its French form Petronille seem more usable these days than they have in centuries.
- Enno
Origin:
German and FrisianMeaning:
"eagle"Description:
Popular in northern Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavian countries, Enno derives from names containing the element 'arn' meaning 'eagle.' In East Frisian tradition, Enno was a name borne by several rulers, giving it historical significance.
- Svala
Origin:
NordicMeaning:
"swallow (bird)"Description:
A striking Nordic name with ancient roots, Svala (and its less common variant form Svale) derive from the Old Norse name for the swallow. This could be a great choice for nature lovers and fans of Edith Piaf (piaf being a term for a swallow).
- Parastoo
Origin:
Iranian, PersianMeaning:
"swallow bird"Description:
The name Parastoo currently seems unusual to the Western ear, with that "too" ending rare in traditional English names. It is sometimes spelled Parastu. Pari or Parisa would make easier imports.
- Byrd
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"bird"Description:
The name of the teenaged son on the dear departed television show "Huff."
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