It’s a bird name that doesn’t get mentioned around here too often. I like it, especially with the nickname [name]Kess[/name]. What does everyone else think?
It’s a bit ‘out there’. I have a bird name. Once dated a guy named [name]Gabriel[/name] who made a point of the fact that he was named after an angel, while I was named for a common bird…I dumped him. At least your bird is uncommon.
To me it’s very obviously a bird-name which sort of puts me off.
But at the same time I’m sort of drawn to it. It’s equally as soft sounding as it is harsh.
Not long ago I did hear on another naming site of a little girl named Kestrel who apparently loves her name.
I’m all for unusual names and unusual word names are my guilty pleasures. Kestrel sounds boyish for some reason to me, but as it’s not really used, there’s no reason it can’t be a girl name. I think it has sort of a hard sound, but [name]Kess[/name] (so similar to [name]Cass[/name]) or [name]Kessy[/name] are so cute.
I usually dislike names like this that aren’t really established as names, per se, but this one I like. And the nn Kes makes me think girl (after the character on [name]Star[/name] Trek Voyager - yeah, I’m a nerd).
I think Kestrel is lovely. The name is strong while still appearing graceful and in my opinion quite feminine, the nickname [name]Kess[/name] is adorable!
I love a good bird name, and the Kestrel is a beautiful (and fierce) bird:)
When I first read it, it reminded me of the thestrals from [name]Harry[/name] potter (flying black horses that are only visible if you have seen someone die) its not a bad association, just what came to my mind. I do love the nn [name]Kess[/name].
I actually really love it. It’s one of my guilty pleasure names.
I don’t know if I’d ever use it, but it’s really beautiful imo.
Thanks for all the opinions so far! It’s great to know that I’m not the only one to seem some potential in Kestrel!
@ smismar ~ The [name]Star[/name] Trek connection is a big plus to me, since I’m a big Trekkie myself 
@ tawnysaurus ~ I agree! The Kestrel is quite a bird! It most certainly wouldn’t be the worst bird to share a name with.
I like it, but I find myself mispronouncing it in my head. Kress-trel, [name]Kess[/name]-tell, I don’t know why. That being said, I think it would be lovely and fresh on a little boy or girl.
I really like it. It’s actually on my list of ‘dream names’. I can’t decide if I like it better for a girl or boy though.
I like it and think it could work if it’s paired with a very “normal” middle name.
When I think of kestrel I think unlovely bird, windswept, unfriendly and no personality.
Thanks for the continued feedback! I definitely see Kestrel as feminine, but seeing that last year 8 girls and 5 boys were named Kestrel, it could totally go either way.
I like Kestrel for a girl.
Kestrel is interesting for a girl in that it is not the typical cutesy [name]Wren[/name]/[name]Lark[/name]/[name]Dove[/name] type of bird name for a girl. It’s also less commonly used than [name]Raven[/name], which is the only less songbird-sweet bird name for girls I can think of.
I do prefer to keep [name]Peregrine[/name] for the boys.
I [name]LOVE[/name] Kestrel. It was on my list of names before I got married and gained a last name that starts with “L”. Tragic.
When I was a kid I read a “dystopian/futuristic” novel whose main character was a girl called Kestrel. I’ve loved the name ever since —*and I agree it would work nicely on either gender
Was it the Wind on [name]Fire[/name] trilogy? I believe the first book is called The Wind Singer. Those were great books!
I adore Kestrel…long-time cherished guilty pleasure. I see it as perfectly wearable as a middle, and not extraordinarily out there as a first.
[name]Mary[/name] Kestrel perhaps, or Kestrel [name]Alice[/name].