Bird Names - Comprehensive List

  1. Penelope
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "weaver"
    • Description:

      Penelope is an unlikely 21st century baby name success story. Off the Top 1000 for 25 years, Penelope jumped back on in 2001 and has been heading uphill ever since, propelled by the trend for mythological names, Spanish actress Penelope Cruz, and some high-profile celebrity babies.
  2. Peregrine
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "traveler, pilgrim"
    • Description:

      Peregrine is considered to be an elegantly aristocratic name in England, but has never made it to the U.S., where it has been seen as extravagantly eccentric. In the new naming climate, though, it's not beyond consideration — in fact it's already been chosen by at least one Berry.
  3. Peregrine
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "traveler, pilgrim"
    • Description:

      Peregrine is considered to be an elegantly aristocratic name in England, but has never made it to the US, where it has been seen as extravagantly eccentric. In the new naming climate, though, it's not beyond consideration — in fact it's already been chosen by at least one Berry.
  4. Perlita
    • Description:

      Perlita is a charming feminine name of Spanish origin, functioning as a diminutive of 'perla,' meaning 'pearl.' This endearing name conveys preciousness and delicate beauty. In Hispanic cultures, Perlita has been used as both a given name and an affectionate nickname. The name evokes the lustrous, rare quality of pearls, symbolizing purity and uniqueness. While not among the most common Spanish names, Perlita maintains consistent usage in Spanish-speaking communities and diaspora populations. The name offers a blend of femininity and distinctiveness, making it appealing to parents seeking a name that is both recognizable and uncommon.
  5. Petronia
    • Description:

      Petronia is the feminine form of Petronius, a Roman family name derived from the Latin 'petros' meaning 'rock' or 'stone.' With ancient Roman origins, it shares its roots with more common names like Peter and Petra. Petronia carries an air of classical dignity and strength. While never widely popular, the name has historical significance and has been used intermittently throughout European history, particularly in regions with strong Roman influence. The name possesses a formal, somewhat aristocratic quality with its classical roots and rhythmic three-syllable pronunciation. Petronia might appeal to parents interested in history or seeking a feminine name with substance and gravitas that remains relatively uncommon in contemporary usage.
  6. Philemon
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "kiss"
    • Description:

      Rarely heard New Testament name -- he was a friend of Saint Paul -- that might conceivably stand up to modern usage.
  7. Philomel
    • Description:

      Philomel is a rare feminine name derived from Greek mythology, referring to Philomela who was transformed into a nightingale in Ovid's Metamorphoses. The name combines 'philo' (loving) and 'melos' (song), literally meaning 'lover of song' or 'lover of melody.' With strong poetic and literary associations, Philomel appears in works by Shakespeare, T.S. Eliot, and other prominent writers as a reference to the nightingale and its beautiful song. Though extremely uncommon as a given name, it appeals to parents with literary interests seeking a name with classical roots and artistic significance. Philomel carries connotations of music, poetry, and transformation.

  8. Philomela
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "lover of songs"
    • Description:

      Philomela, the name of a mythological Athenian princess who was transformed into a nightingale, is rarely heard outside the Greek community. The mellifluous Philomela might make a more distinctive and prettier update for Pamela or Phyllis. Philomela may also be a good choice for a music-lover's daughter. Try Pippa or Millie for short.
  9. Phoebe
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "radiant, shining one"
    • Description:

      Bubbly, bright, and versatile, Phoebe is a name with mythological, biblical, and literary ties. Used since the 17th century, it fell out of fashion in the US during the '60s, only to be revived after it appeared in the 90's TV favorite, Friends.
  10. Phoenix
    • Origin:

      Arizona place-name and Greek
    • Meaning:

      "dark red"
    • Description:

      Effortlessly cool with a hint of the mystical, Phoenix rolls a lot of trends into one: it's a place-name and a bird name, it ends in the stylish letter x, it's got in-built nicknames, and it's unisex too. Familiar but not over-popular, Phoenix ranks in the US and UK Top 1000s.
  11. Phoenix
    • Origin:

      Arizona place name and Greek
    • Meaning:

      "dark red"
    • Description:

      Phoenix is a New Age name symbolizing rebirth and immortality. It's also a place name, a color name, a mythological name, AND an animal name, combining several of today's hottest trends in one appealing package.
  12. Piaf
    • Origin:

      French surname
    • Meaning:

      "sparrow"
    • Description:

      Possible musical tribute name to the waiflike, husky-voiced midcentury French singer who was given this last name because of her birdlike quality.
  13. Piper
    • Origin:

      English occupational name
    • Meaning:

      "pipe or flute player"
    • Description:

      Piper is a bright, musical name that entered the list in 1999, one year after the debut of the TV series Charmed, which featured a Piper, and it's been a consistent riser since. Piper Kerman is the memoirist whose prison experiences provided the basis for the hit Netflix series Orange is the New Black.
  14. Polly
    • Origin:

      English variation of Molly
    • Description:

      An alternative to the no-longer-fresh Molly, the initial 'P' gives Polly a peppier sound, combining the cozy virtues of an old-timey name with the bounce of a barmaid.
  15. Ptarmigan
    • Origin:

      Scots Gaelic
    • Meaning:

      "name of a bird species"
    • Description:

      Ptarmigan is the common English name for the genus Lagopus, in the grouse family of birds. The name is derived from the Scottish word for the bird, tàrmachan (meaning unknown), with the initial P- added by erroneous association with the Greek pteron ("wing").
  16. Pandion
    • Passerina
      • Passero
        • Patagonia
          • Pavo