Find the Perfect Fit: Unique Bird Names for Cats

Do you find yourself captivated by both the playful antics of cats and the graceful flight of birds? If you share a love for these fascinating creatures, you might be searching for the perfect name that bridges both worlds. Look no further! We’ve curated a diverse flock of Bird Names For Cats, offering inspiration for your unique feline friend.

Living near a bird preserve provides a constant awareness of the avian life just beyond our windows. Our own cats are avid birdwatchers, enjoying the sights and sounds safely from their catio and various window perches throughout the house. This setup ensures our cats remain protected from outdoor dangers like coyotes, while also keeping the local bird population safe. They truly are dedicated little ornithologists-in-training! Ready to find a name that reflects this unique intersection of interests? Explore our list below.

Calico cat looking thoughtfully out a window, considering bird names for cats

Cute Bird Names for Cats

These names are sweet, charming, and perfect for an adorable kitten or a cat with a playful personality.

• Big Bird: Ideal for a larger cat, a yellow-furred feline, or simply a cat with a big personality!
• Bird or Birdie: A classic and endearing choice. Birdie has roots as a nickname in both English and Swedish traditions.
• Bryd: This English surname offers a sophisticated twist on “Bird,” pronounced the same way but adding a touch of flair.
• Chicky: While it might evoke thoughts of chickens, Chicky is also a diminutive of the Spanish girl’s name Chiquita, meaning “little girl.”
• Chirpy: Reflecting a bird’s cheerful sounds, this name also suits an upbeat, happy kitten with a consistently positive attitude.
• Foghorn Leghorn: Fans of Looney Tunes will recognize this famously talkative rooster – perhaps a fitting name for a vocal cat, like a Siamese, who always has something to say!
• Ducky or Duckie: An affectionate term for ducks, this word also signifies something pleasing or delightful – perfect for a charming cat.
• Polly: Forget the cracker; this Polly probably wants catnip! The name Polly itself means “star of the sea.”
• Pretty Boy: Often associated with talking parrots, this makes a fun and slightly ironic name for a handsome male cat.
• Tweety: An iconic name thanks to the beloved Looney Tunes character, Tweety Bird.

Strong Flyers: Hawk and Eagle Names for Cats

For a cat with a commanding presence, sharp eyes, or impressive agility, consider these names inspired by powerful birds of prey.

• Adler: A strong German name that simply means “eagle.”
• Aquila: This Latin name translates to “eagle.” It also holds significance as a Biblical name and the name of a constellation.
• Arno: Similar to Arnold, this name (also famous as the river flowing through Florence, Italy) signifies “eagle.”
• Arnold: Derived from an Old German word meaning “eagle power” or “eagle ruler.”
• Gavin: This Welsh name means “white hawk,” making it a potentially great choice for a white or light-colored cat.
• Hawkins: An English surname meaning “little hawk.”
• Talon: Named after the sharp claws of raptors, this could be an apt name for a kitten whose tiny claws feel surprisingly formidable!

Feline Names That Literally Mean Bird

If you want a name with a direct avian connection embedded in its meaning, explore these options from various linguistic origins.

• Ava: A popular girl’s name with origins suggesting “birdlike.”
• Bertrand: This name combines two German elements, meaning “bright raven.”
• Bran: A Welsh male name that directly translates to “raven.”
• Callum: This Scottish boy’s name is derived from the word for “dove.”
• Crawford: A Scottish surname meaning “ford where crows gather.”
• Culver: This male name comes from an Old English word for “dove.”
• Fiachra: An Irish name (traditionally male, but beautiful for any cat) from the legend of the Children of Lir, where Fiachra was turned into a swan. This legend inspired the “Swan Lake” ballet.
• Halcyon: Meaning “calm,” this name originates from a mythological sea bird said to nest on the sea, calming the waves.
• Jena: With Arabic roots, Jena means “little bird.”
• Linette: A French female name signifying a “small songbird,” like the linnet.
• Mavis: Tracing back to French, Mavis means “songbird,” specifically the song thrush.
• Muriel and Merle: These names are derived from the Latin word for “blackbird.”
• Paloma: A beautiful Spanish girl’s name meaning “dove.”
• Sequoia: While often associated with giant trees, this Native American name also means “sparrow.”
• Vega: Derived from Arabic, this name means “swooping eagle” and is also the name of a bright star.
• Zamir: This Hebrew name can mean either “songbird” or “nightingale.”

Feathered Friends from the Big Screen

Cinema has given us many memorable bird characters. Naming your cat after one of these avian stars adds a touch of pop culture fun.

• Archimedes: Merlin’s highly educated pet owl in Disney’s The Sword in the Stone.
• Blu: The main character, a Spix’s macaw (a species now extinct in the wild), in the animated movie Rio.
• Bubo: The mechanical owl guide in Clash of the Titans. Bubo is also the genus name for horned owls.
• Hedwig: Harry Potter’s loyal and intelligent Snowy Owl.
• Iago: The sarcastic and cunning parrot sidekick from Disney’s Aladdin.
• Jareth the Goblin King: Though famously played by David Bowie, Jareth first appears as a barn owl in the movie Labyrinth.
• Jewel: Blu’s counterpart, another Spix’s macaw voiced by Anne Hathaway in Rio.
• Longclaw: The wise owl guardian from the Sonic the Hedgehog movies.
• Nico: A cheerful yellow canary in Rio. The name Nico means “victory of the people.” (A fun alternative spelling is Neko, the Japanese word for cat!)
• Nigel: The villainous cockatoo character in Rio.
• Pigwidgeon: Ron Weasley’s hyperactive miniature owl in the Harry Potter series; the name suggests something small.
• Rafael: A romantic and wise Toco toucan character in Rio.
• Rocko: An Adélie penguin voiced by James Belushi in The Pebble and the Penguin.
• Scuttle: The eccentric seagull friend of Ariel in Disney’s The Little Mermaid.

Fun Fact: Did you know there’s a bird species called the Catbird? They earned their name because one of their calls distinctly sounds like a cat’s meow!

Cat Names Inspired by Bird Species

Sometimes, the simple, elegant name of a bird species itself makes a wonderful name for a cat.

• Crane: Evokes grace and height.
• Crow: A strong, intelligent choice.
• Cuckoo: Quirky and unique.
• Dove or Dovey: Perfect for a peaceful, gentle cat.
• Falcon: Suggests speed and sharp focus.
• Heron: This name for the tall, stately bird also carries the meaning “hero.”
• Jay: Short, bright, and lively.
• Lark: Implies cheerfulness and song.
• Myna: For the chatty cat who seems to respond to everything you say.
• Phoebe: A gentle, common bird name that’s also a popular human name.
• Robin: A familiar and friendly choice.
• Swan: Ideal for a graceful, elegant cat.
• Wren: Small, energetic, and melodious.
• Zenaida: The genus name for Zenaida doves; the name itself means “life of Zeus.”

Collage graphic featuring cats and birds, summarizing bird names for cats inspiration

Choosing the Right Avian Name

We’ve explored a wide range of Bird Names For Cats, from the cute and cuddly to the strong and majestic, drawing inspiration from meanings, movies, and the species themselves. Whether your cat reminds you of a wise owl, a cheerful songbird, or a powerful eagle, there’s likely an avian-inspired name that fits their unique look and personality. Consider your cat’s appearance, temperament, and perhaps even their meow when making your final choice. We hope this list helps you find that perfect name that truly takes flight!