Parrot Names
The other day as I perused bird videos on YouTube, I saw a cockatiel named Neelix. That's the name of my Blue-front Amazon, and I have to say it surprised me to see another bird with that name. My Neelix is 11-years-old, and for those who don't recognize it, it's the name of a gregarious alien on Star Trek Voyager. It led me to wonder about parrot names and which are the most common and how people decide what to name their pet birds.
How to Choose Your Parrot's Name
I don't know about you, but when I choose a name for my birds I want them to be unique. My first pair of cockatiels had names when I got them: Buddy and Billie. Billie was the girl, and I didn't really like the name so I went through the alphabet to find a sound-alike and decided on Millie—though in the end both names stuck and she became Millie Billie Bird.
Finding the right name for your bird is often a process. You can start out with a name, but it transforms into a moniker as you get to know the bird's personality. I named one of my birds Radar because of the way he sent out a cry to locate me. Another of my birds became Scrubber because he mimicked the sound of scrubbing vegetables, but he grew to be loved as Scrubber-bubber.
Popular Parrot Names Based on Color
Popular names are often based on colors. This includes names like:
- Aqua
- Blue
- Cinnamon
- Cocoa
- Kelly (for Kelly green)
- Kiwi
- Mango
- Patches
- Sunshine
Names Based on Interests
Other name options are based on personal interests, such as my bird Neelix's name and my interest in Star Trek. Names in this category are endless, but here are a few popular choices:
- Data
- Disney
- Elvis
- Gondalf
- Lady Di
- Mozart
- Piglet
- T-Bird
Names Based on Personality and Actions
Favorite parrot names are often based on the bird's personality or actions. For instance, my daughter owned an Amazon named Scooter because of the way he stuck his foot down through the grate and moved like he was riding a scooter.
- Cha Cha
- Giggles
- Houdini
- Scooter
Names for Parrot Pairs
If you have a pair of birds, it's fun to give them pair names. Some of the more popular choices include:
- Adam and Eve
- Bonnie and Clyde
- Fred and Ginger
- Romeo and Juliette
- Tarzan and Jane
Names and Meanings
If you want to give your bird a name with meaning, you can go to sites like Feathers N Hand where you can see the name and the meaning. For instance Sherman means woodcutter and could be the perfect name for a bird who loves to chew up those wood toys you provide.
Resources
Whether you want to choose a popular name or avoid using one, there are resources that list the top names based on current research. Here are a few of sources to help you in your quest for the right name:
Take Your Time
The possibilities for parrot names are endless. Don't feel like you have to name your bird the first day you bring them home. Give yourself a little time to find the name that fits. After all, parrots are long-lived, and their name will be around for a long time!
