Nature: Birds

With related choices such as Lark and Phoenix gaining popularity, why not Sparrow? Though it's usually thought of as a female name, Nicole Richie and Joel Madden chose it for their son.

Animal names are on the rise, especially more of the aggressive Hawk-Fox-Wolf variety than cute little Bunnys or Robins, and Hawk is a prime example.

There is a whole new species of bird names open to the baby namer, from the light and feminine Lark to the sleek and powerful Falcon.

A bird name from the same Latin root as Aurelia, Oriole is extremely rare as a name: No babies were given the name in the US in 2022. But most people are aware of the Oriole bird, which makes this name uncommon yet possible.

Feather, though it was used for a character in a Walter Mosley novel, seems too light and fluttery for a real-life girl.

A name that's unusual in that changing the i to a y -- as in Byrd -- makes it more masculine.

Solemn but soaring name with patriotic symbolism.

Weaver, which made an appearance as a first name on the U.S. Top 1000 in the late 19th century and then vanished, may rise again along with its occupational brethren, from already-popular choices such as Cooper and Parker to au courant ones like Archer to occupational hotties of the future, including Booker and Sayer.

This elegant surname has great potential to turn into an unusual first name, especially with its literary associations to both Stephen and Hart Crane.

Suggests the salty, windswept air of the seashore.

A bird name that could be thought of as an animated spin on Garrett.

Lory is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It can be a diminutive of Dolores (from Spanish, meaning 'sorrows'), Lorraine (a French place name), or Laura (from Latin, meaning 'laurel'). The name may also relate to the colorful lorikeet bird, giving it a bright, natural association. Lory has a light, playful quality with its simple two syllables and friendly sound. Though more common as a nickname, Lory can stand independently as a full given name. It enjoyed modest popularity in the mid-20th century but remains relatively uncommon today. The name has an approachable, unpretentious character that balances femininity with simplicity. Lory offers a vintage charm while still feeling contemporary enough for modern use.

The meaning is kind of silly, but the name might make a distinctive update of Janet.