Introduction
I was curious to see which [name_m]Dutch[/name_m] bird names have been used in the Netherlands as first names. Some names are well known, like [name_m]Arend[/name_m], [name_m]Mees[/name_m] and [name_f]Merel[/name_f] but I was interested to see which names there are beyond those. It was a lot of work but I loved doing this project. I was happily surprised to count 45 names in total!
Method
I only looked at bird names from the [name_m]Dutch[/name_m] language. Names like [name_m]Robin[/name_m] are therefore not counted. I did count names that might only be coincidentalIy the same as a bird name, like [name_f]Lori[/name_f]. I did not count mythological birds. I looked at data from the NVB (Dutch given names database) and SVB (social insurance bank). The NVB database only has names up to 2017, and the SVB only publishes names given to 10 or more children a year, so names used a few times in the last years will be missed. I manually checked all bird names that looked like possible given names, so for that reason I also might have missed some.
Sources
https://nvb.meertens.knaw.nl/
https://www.svb.nl/nl/kindernamen/
https://cbgfamilienamen.nl/nfb/index.php
https://avibase.bsc-eoc.org/checklist.jsp
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/Dutch
Overview
Below I listed the names and some info and insights. I splitted them into three groups: common names (used more than 100 times), rare names (used between 5 and 100 times) and unique names (used less than 5 times). I added a flag to names of birds that live in the Netherlands in the wild. As a bonus, I listed some bird names that have never been used in the Netherlands, but that I can see working.
Common names (100+)
[name_m]Arend[/name_m] (m) 
Meaning eagle. Pronounced like 'aː rənt.
[name_m]Arend[/name_m] isn’t as common as it used to be, but last year it was still used for 13 baby boys. It’s a name with a long history. I think [name_m]Arend[/name_m] is a great name for modern babies because it doesn’t really feel dated and it’s a cool name.
[name_f]Lori[/name_f] (f)
Meaning lory. Pronounced like 'lɔ ri.
[name_f]Lori[/name_f] is actually a variation of [name_f]Laura[/name_f] but as an extra feature it’s a bird name as well! When I just started collecting bird names I completely forgot [name_f]Lori[/name_f], but it makes me happy to find a such a unexpectedly common bird name as given name. The name [name_f]Lori[/name_f] itself feels a bit dated, but I think the connection to the bird keeps it fresh.
Margrietje (f)
Meaning parrot of the Pionus genus. Pronounced like mɑr 'xri t͡ɕə.
Margrietje is a flower name, meaning marguerite but it also happens to be the name of a few parrot species. It’s a cute name and I love that I can include it on this list but I think it’s too dated to use for future generations.
[name_m]Mees[/name_m] (m/f)
Meaning chickadee. Pronounced like meːs.
[name_m]Mees[/name_m] is among the most popular boy names in the Netherlands. It started becoming popular about 30 years ago. It has some history as a short form for [name_m]Bartholomeus[/name_m]. Somtimes it’s used for girls. [name_m]Mees[/name_m] feels modern and cute.
[name_f]Merel[/name_f] (f)
Meaning blackbird. Pronounced like 'mɪː rəl.
[name_f]Merel[/name_f] is a polular name for girls. Its peak was in 2000 but it’s still in the top 100. Blackbirds are common in the Netherlands, both in forests and in gardens and parks within cities, so their beautiul songs can often be heard, making them great namesakes.
Raaf (m)
Meaning raven. Pronounced like raːf.
Raaf came into use only recently. Raaf is only used for boys now, but I see potential to use it for other genders as well. [name_f]Raven[/name_f] is also used, not only as a massculine name, but also feminine or gender neutral.
Rare names (5-100)
[name_f]Ani[/name_f] (f)
Meaning ani. Pronounced like 'aː ni.
[name_f]Ani[/name_f] is a multicultural name with multiple origins. The bird isn’t one of those though, as far as I know. [name_f]Ani[/name_f] doesn’t really feel like a [name_m]Dutch[/name_m] name. I think Ani’s internationality is actually what makes this an attractive option, besides the cool birds that share this name.
[name_f]Ara[/name_f] (m/f)
Meaning ara. Pronounced like 'aː raː.
This name is short and simple, but still substantial. It isn’t a very well known name, but it easily fits in with popular names, especially with girl names like [name_f]Yara[/name_f], [name_f]Sara[/name_f] and [name_f]Ava[/name_f].
Bokje (f)
Meaning jack snipe. Pronounced like 'bɔk jə.
This names is not really related to the name of the bird. Instead, it originated from a diminutive. Coincidentally, bokje can also mean small male goat.
Buizerd (m)
Meaning buzzard. Pronounced like 'bœy zərt.
A great option for parents that want the name of a bird of prey, who find [name_m]Arend[/name_m] too common.
Elfje (f)
Meaning Australasian wren. Pronounced like 'ɛlf yə.
Australasian wrens are beautiful birds that are definitely worth to be named after. However, Elfje also means fairy, which makes this name a bit cutesy.
Gent (m)
Meaning Sulid. Pronounced like ɣɛnt.
People associate Gent mainly with the Belgian city.
[name_m]Jery[/name_m] (m)
Meaning jery. Pronounced like 'dʒɛ ri.
People might use this as a variation of [name_m]Jerry[/name_m]? I’m not really sure. Anyway, it’s also a the name of a few species of warblers.
Maina (f)
Meaning myna. Pronounced like 'mɑi naː.
Maina sounds more like a human name than a bird name, making it worth considering for parents that like uncommon but subtle bird names.
Mus (m/f)
Meaning sparrow. Pronounced like mʏs.
Mus is similar to the popular [name_m]Mees[/name_m]: they are both names of small, common birds and the also share most sounds. Unlike [name_m]Mees[/name_m], Mus is not common as a name, maybe because Mus seems a bit more ‘fluffy’ than [name_m]Mees[/name_m]? Besides a nature name, Mus can be a short form of names ending in -mus, like [name_m]Erasmus[/name_m]
Roek (m)
Meaning rook. Pronounced like ruk.
As far as I know, Roek has no real history as a name. I assume this is one of the true bird names where parens really chose this name because of the bird. Besides this, it kind of fits in with the [name_m]Dutch[/name_m], short/nickname, old-fashioned/classic genre of names. I’m thinking of names like [name_m]Koen[/name_m], [name_m]Teun[/name_m], [name_m]Cor[/name_m], [name_m]Roel[/name_m], [name_m]Derk[/name_m]. If you told me Roek is some kind of regional short form of Roelof (Dutch form of Rudolf) I would almost believe you. [name_m]Long[/name_m] story short, Roek is a charming name: it’s expressly a bird name, uncommon, but fits in with other names.
Stern (m)
Meaning tern. Pronounced like stɛrn.
[name_f]Sterre[/name_f] is (or was some years ago) a popular girl name here. It’s based on the word ster, meaning star. Stern isn’t as popular (yet?). Stern is also the [name_m]German[/name_m] word for star. This astronomical connection can make Stern extra appealing.
Valk (m)
Meaning falcon. Pronounced like vɑlk.
There are several forms of Valk in use: [name_m]Falk[/name_m], [name_m]Falco[/name_m], Falko, Falke, Valko and Valk (and Valco, Valko and Valke but those are only used a few times each). These names are associated with the bird, but the etymology of the name is probably different. The connection to the bird stays though, especially for Valk, which is the literal word for falcon.
Wida (f)
Meaning whydah. Pronounced like 'ʋi daː.
Wida could be an attempt to feminize Wido. I also saw some indications of a Afghan origin but I can’t find more about it. The bird named wida is not really well known. All in all, Wida is a bit of a mysterious name, but usable. It think it could also work nicely as a name for a character in a fantasy novel.
Zwaan (f)
Meaning swan. Pronounced like zʋaːn.
Zwaantje used to be a common name. It peaked more than 100 years ago though. Now, Zwaantje has almost completely dissapeared from the naming scene. It might still sometimes be used in the middle spot as a honor name. Zwaan is a shorter form of Zwaantje but it was never used that often.
[name_f]Unique[/name_f] names (1-5)
Amazone (f).
Meaning amazon parrot. Pronounced like aː maː 'zɔ nə.
Amazone has many associations: the Amazon warriors, the river, the rainforrest and of course the parrots.
Beo (m)
Meaning common hill myna. Pronounced like beː joː.
This bird doesn’t occur in the Netherlands in the wild, but it is still well known enough to be recognisable as a bird name. It also reminds me of [name_m]Beowulf[/name_m].
Condor (m)
Meaning condor. Pronounced like 'kɔn dɔr
The huge condor is a powerful namesake. As a name Condor is a brave choice, but I think it works.
[name_f]Dodo[/name_f] (m)
Meaning dodo. Pronounced like 'doːdoː.
Although the dodo has gone extict, I thought it deserved its place on this list. I’ve heard [name_f]Dodo[/name_f] being used as a nickname. I also like it for pets. I wouldn’t really recommend it as a full name for a human.
Duif (m/f)
Meaning dove. Pronounced like dœyf.
Unlike [name_f]Dove[/name_f] in the USA, Duif is not established as a name in the Netherlands. In the past, Duifje (a diminutive of Duif) was used occasionally, possibly inspired by saint [name_f]Columba[/name_f]. [name_m]Douwe[/name_m] is a Frisian name meaning dove; it is a common male name.
Fitis (f)
Meaning willow warbler. Pronounced like 'fi tɪs.
The willow warbler is not a a very well known bird, eventhough it is quite common. I would be so excited if I met someone named Fitis. I guess one drawback could people possibly mishearing “Fiets” instead of “Fitis” during the first meeting. Fiets means bicycle.
Gors (m)
Meaning buntig. Pronounced like ɣɔrs.
Gors has a raw sound but the birds are refined. Gors could be interpreted as a variation of [name_m]George[/name_m] (Sjors is a [name_m]Dutch[/name_m] version of George).
Havik (m)
Meaning hawk. Pronounced like 'ɦaːvɪk.
The history of Havik as a given name goes back to medieval times. Sadly, it hasn’t really been used in the modern age. I would love to see this name make a comeback! Maybe I should mention that besides the meaning of hawk, the word havik also has a figurative meaning of someone (especially a politician) who is harsh and irreconcilable in arguments. That second meaning is of course not very appealing.
Hop (m)
Meaning hoopoe. Pronounced like ɦɔp.
Hop is not only the name of a bird, like in [name_f]English[/name_f] it’s also the name of the plant used for brewing beer. Besides that, hop/hoppen is a verb with the same meaning as the [name_f]English[/name_f] verb ‘to hop’ and ‘hop’ is sometimes used as a interjection. So Hop is certainly a versatile word. I don’t think that really helps it turn into a versatile name though.
Ibis (m)
Meaning ibis. Pronounced like 'i bɪs.
Adventurous name choice, but I like it!
Iora (f)
Meaning iora. Pronounced like 'i joː rɑ.
Ioras are pretty birds living in south [name_f]Asia[/name_f]. The name is also very pretty, like a streamlined variation of [name_f]Eliora[/name_f]. A downside could be the similarity in sound to Eeyore from [name_f]Winnie[/name_f] the Pooh.
Keep (m)
Meaning brambling. Pronounced like keːp.
A nice bird and a nice name.
[name_m]Kip[/name_m] (m)
Meaning chicken. Pronounced like kɪp.
As a name the origin is of course the American nickname. In [name_m]Dutch[/name_m] it doesn’t work as well because it means chicken. Chicken are certainly lovely birds but most people wouldn’t want to use it as a name.
Leeuwerik (m)
Meaning lark. Pronounced like leːu ə rɪk.
Sadly, the populations of larks have been declining drastically in the Netherlands. They haven’t completely disappeared though and they are among the favourite birds of nature lovers. As a name, Leeuwerik could try to fit in with names like [name_m]Frederik[/name_m]. A nice bonus is that leeuw means lion, so you get two animals in one name!
Lijster (f)
Meaning trush. Pronounced like 'lɛi stər.
The thrushes are a large family of birds, with multiple species living in the Netherlands. The trush that comes to mind first when hearing ‘lijster’ is the song thrush. Its appearance is modest but refined. Its song is wonderful.
Meeuw (m/f)
Meaning gull. Pronounced like meːu.
Gulls aren’t the best namesake in my opinion as they can be rude sometimes. I do like the seaside imagery.
Noddy (m)
Meaning noddy. Pronounced like 'nɔ di.
Noddy is not only a bird, but also a character from a children book series by [name_f]Enid[/name_f] Blyton.
[name_f]Quetzal[/name_f] (m)
Meaning quetzal. Pronounced like 'kwɛt zɑl.
The quetzal is a majestic bird that really appeals to the imagination. As a name, it is grand, but not unwearable.
Reiger (m)
Meaning heron. Pronounced like 'rɛi ɣər.
The most common heron in the Netherlands is the grey heron (but funnily enough, the [name_m]Dutch[/name_m] name translate to blue heron). You’ll see them often in the canals. Great white herons are also common. Herons weren’t really birds that I expected people to name their children after, and indeed it’s very rare. Now that I’ve seen it and considered it, I kind of dig it.
Ruiter (m)
Meaning wader from the genus tringa. Pronounced like 'rœy tər.
I’ve to admit that Ruiter was probably not used in honor of the bird, but instead taken from the word ruiter meaning equestrian. It’s still a cool name though, unless your surname is already De Ruiter (which is quite common).
Sijs (m)
Meaning siskin. Pronounced like sɛis.
This is another cute songbird, native to the Netherlands and with a short name ending in s, like [name_m]Mees[/name_m] and Mus. Siskins are a little less well known, so not everyone might immediately get that it’s a bird name when they meet someone named Sijs. I still think this is a nice name. I labeled it as masculine because I’m just following the recorded uses, but I think it definitely works for all genders.
Tok (f)
Meaning certain hornbills. Pronounced like tɔk.
Tok is used as an onomatopoeia for the sound chickens make and ticking sounds. Most hornbills are called neushoornvogel (rhino bird) but some are called tok. I’m a bit puzzled why someone would use Tok as a name, maybe it’s of foreign origin?
Vink (m)
Meaning finch. Pronounced like vɪnk.
Vink refers to finches in general and to the Eurasian chaffinch in particular. There is some history behind this name, also in the form Finke. Possibly it came just from the bird name but a different origin is also possible, like a dimunitive of [name_m]Fin[/name_m] (a Frisian short form of names starting with Frede-, meaning ‘peace’) or from [name_m]Finn[/name_m] (NB as a Scandinavian name meaning ‘from Finland’, probably not the [name_f]Irish[/name_f] name). Vink is a common surname.
Wouw (m)
Meaning kite. Pronounced like ʋʌu.
Kites are beautiful birds. In theory I like it as a name, but in pratice it might be awkward because it sounds the same as ‘wauw!’, which means ‘wow!’.
Zwaluw (f)
Meaning swallow. Pronounced like 'zʋaː lyu.
Swallows are cheerful birds that are associated with summer. It’s a distinct name that stands out in a good way.
Bonus names (unused)
Alcippe
Meaning bird from the genus Alcippe . Pronounced like ɑl 'sɪ pə.
Also the name of multiple woman from Greek mythology.
Callene
Meaning certain Old World flycatchers. Pronounced like kɑ 'leː nə.
[name_m]Four[/name_m] flycathers are named callene: blauwvoorhoofdcallene (blue-fronted robin), Javaanse callene (Javan blue robin), Sumatraanse callene (Sumatran blue robin) and witstaartcallene (white-tailed robin). All of them are pretty birds living in [name_f]Asia[/name_f].
Elenia
Meaning elaenia. Pronounced like eː 'leː ni jaː.
This is like a more frilly version of [name_f]Elena[/name_f]. I think it’s very pretty.
Ekster
Meaning magpie. Pronounced like 'ɛk stər.
This could be a cool, offbeat name.
Frankolijn
Meaning francolin. Pronounced like 'frɑnk oː lɛin.
I believe we haven’t seen other birds from the pheasant family yet on the list above. I think Frankolijn is a good candidate for being used as a name.
Freira
Meaning freira. Pronounced like 'frɛi raː.
The freira is an endangered seabird. Its sound reminded my of the popular name [name_f]Freya[/name_f]. Freira could be an interesting alternative.
Gaai
Meaning jay. Pronounced like ɣaːi.
It surprised me to see Gaai has never been used as a name. Maybe it’s because it doesn’t have the most attractive sound? But that’s of course subjective. Personally, I do like its sound. It reminds me of the name [name_m]Gaius[/name_m]. In [name_m]Dutch[/name_m], the first syllable of [name_m]Gaius[/name_m] is pronounced the same as Gaai. [name_m]Gaius[/name_m] is a well known name, although it’s rarely used.
Nicator
Meaning nicator. Pronounced like 'ni kaː tɔr.
Nicators are songbirds from [name_f]Africa[/name_f]. Their name is derived from Greek and means ‘conqueror’.
Niltava
Meaning niltava. Pronounced like nɪl 'taː vaː
Niltavas are very pretty and cute birds from [name_f]Asia[/name_f]. I recommend you to search for some pictures. [name_f]My[/name_f] favourite is the small niltava. I thought the name sounded usable.
Saltator
Meaning saltator. Pronounced like 'sɑl taː tɔr.
This name has a Latin origin and a lovely meaning: dancer.
Shikra
Meaning shikra. Pronounced like 'ɕɪ kraː.
The shikra is a small hawk. Its name is of Hindi origin and means hunter.
Sperwer
Meaning sparrowhawk. Pronounced like 'spɛr ʋɛr.
Sperwer would be a very cool name in my opinion!
Timalia
Meaning chestnut-capped babbler. Pronounced like 'ti maː li aː
It’s a nice bird and it could work as a name.
Veery
Meaning veery. Pronounced like 'vɪː ri
The veery is a very cute bird. Its name is also cute. It might be almost too cutesy as a name, but I just admire it.
Zeledonia
Meaning wrenthrush. Pronounced like 'zeː lə doː ni aː.
We’ll finish this list with a grand name. The corresponding bird is actually small and adorable.
Favourite names
That’s it! What are your favourite bird names as given names? You can choose names from these [name_m]Dutch[/name_m] names or you can answer with bird names from other languages.
[name_f]My[/name_f] favourites
Elenia
Freira
Gaai
Havik
Leeuwerik
[name_m]Mees[/name_m]
Roek
Stern
Valk
Zeledonia
