Nature: Birds

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.

Heron may feel like a very usable nature name -- the heron is a long-legged wading bird -- but it was also the name of a 1st century Greek inventor and of an Egyptian saint. Highly unusual yet easy to understand and meaningful on several levels, Heron is a fantastic choice.

Though this feels like a modern invention, Jay has been in use for centuries. Early Jays often were named in honor of founding father John Jay, whose surname derived from the jaybird. A popular mid-century choice, Jay was in the Top 100 from 1956 to 1970. In the last couple of decades he was replaced by such more elaborate forms as Jayden, Jaylen, and Jayce. But Jay could make a comeback in tandem with cousins May, Kay, Fay, and Ray.

Lark is getting some new and well-deserved attention as a post-Robin and Raven bird name. Although it was first recorded as a name in the 1830's, it has never appeared on the Social Security list.

As Doris is to Dora, Loris is to Laura. It's virtually never used for babies of either sex. That said, it's not a bad name and might make a good honor name for an ancestral Laura or Lawrence.

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.

This name of the famous fifth-century sorcerer and mentor of King Arthur may or may not be a bit wizardy for a real-life modern child. Its most noted modern bearer: football star turned actor Merlin Olsen, whose father was named Merle.

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.

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.