Magnificent birds of prey, hawks are known for their sharp eyes, strong claws, and rapid movements. Not only does naming these majestic creatures help in identifying them but it also helps in understanding their varied features.
In this article, we will explore hawk names including how they came to be, what they mean, and where they were most commonly used.
You will find a range of names from the most common ones to those which are funny and even odd. This guide is aimed at all bird lovers, falconers, or just anyone who would like to know more about hawk names.
Facts About Hawks That Are Interesting
Before we delve into the names, let us discover some interesting information about hawks. From the arid areas in Africa to the forests of North America, these birds can be found anywhere on earth.
They have great vision that enables them to see prey from long distances away. Additionally, they function as important elements in ecosystems by limiting populations of small animals and insects.
Hawk Names and Their Meanings
Red-tailed Hawk – a hawk commonly found in North America with a distinctive red tail.
Cooper’s Hawk – a hawk that was named after the naturalist and has hunting skills that are considered to be swift.
Sharp-shinned Hawk – another small but aggressive hawk, this time it got its name from thin legs.
Ferruginous Hawk – This species is so-called because it resembles rust in Latin.
Swainson’s Hawk – North America to South America migration bird referred to as William Swainson.
Harris’s Hawk – It is called Harris because it hunts as a group of people
Rough-legged Hawk – They have feathered legs that enable them to survive in cold weather conditions.
Northern Harrier – An owl-like face makes you recognize it even before calling it Marsh Hawkins
Broad-winged Hawk – This name is given to it because of its wide wings shows that the hawk is a migrant.
Zone-tailed Hawk – The vultures’ flight is imitated by this hawk with an aim of sneaking on them unnoticed.
Goshawk – The earlier English word “goose-hawk” from which this bird was derived became popular for hunting down bigger birds.
Osprey – Many people call it Sea Hawk, and it mostly feeds on fish.
Buteo – A generic name applied to many medium and large-sized hawks.
Accipiter – It is another genus name, usually for smaller forest hawks.
Kestrel – In Britain, it’s Windhover; a small hawk that remains suspended in air while looking for food.
Buzzard – A general term in Europe for different kinds of medium-sized hawks.
Gyrfalcon – It’s the largest falcon species often occurring in Arctic areas
Merlin – This swift small falcon is named after the legendary magician
Sparrowhawk – A small hawk that hunts mainly smaller birds
Hawk Eagle – Known as a strong-built bird with incredible hunting skills, most commonly found in tropical regions.
Famous Hawk Names and Their Meanings
Hawkeye – A renowned fictional character with eagle-eye vision and archery skills.
Fawkes – Named after the phoenix in the Harry Potter series.
Kes – From the British movie “Kes,” about a boy and his pet kestrel.
Silverwing – Taken from “Silverwing” books, which narrate bats and their exploits.
Storm – Named for its fierce and strong nature
Sky – Reflective of the hawk’s territory and freedom.
Zephyr – Named after Zephyrus, the gentle west wind that symbolizes gracefulness in flight.
Thunder – Reflective of the hawk’s imposing presence.
Blaze – Called because it is fiery and full of energy
Falco – Derived from the Latin word for falcon, representing speediness and agility.
Jet – Reflecting on a fast, streamlined flight that hawks are known for
Phoenix – named after a mythical bird that rises from its own ashes
Eagle – often used to represent strength & majesty
Shadow – reflects on how this bird hunts stealthily
Hunter – a name that suggests this bird’s predatory abilities as a hunter
Talon – named due to their powerful claws
Aurora – This is based on what Northern lights look like when they appear in the sky;
Griffin – taking its name from a mythical creature symbolic of strength & courage;
Raptor – another term for birds of prey indicating their predatorial nature;
Skyler- a modern name reflecting limitless skies where hawks soar.
Male Hawk Names
- Ace
- Apollo
- Archer
- Arrow
- Atlas
- Bandit
- Blaze
- Bolt
- Brave
- Bullet
- Caesar
- Chase
- Dash
- Draco
- Duke
- Falcon
- Flint
- Hawk
- Hunter
- Jet
- Knight
- Lance
- Max
- Phoenix
- Ranger
- Rocket
- Shadow
- Storm
- Talon
- Thor
Female Hawk Names
- Athena
- Aurora
- Bella
- Blaze
- Celeste
- Dawn
- Ember
- Fawn
- Freya
- Grace
- Harper
- Iris
- Jade
- Juno
- Kira
- Luna
- Lyra
- Misty
- Nova
- Olive
- Opal
- Pearl
- Raven
- Sage
- Selene
- Skylar
- Stella
- Stormy
- Tara
- Willow
Funny Hawk Names
- Beaky McBeakface
- Clucky
- Doodle
- Flappy
- Fuzzy
- Gizmo
- Goofy
- Hoot
- Jester
- Kiwi
- Loki
- Munchkin
- Nugget
- Peepers
- Pickles
- Pipsqueak
- Puffy
- Quackers
- Scooby
- Scruffy
- Snickers
- Sparky
- Squawk
- Squeaky
- Taco
- Tweety
- Whiskers
- Wobbles
- Wookie
- Zippy
Unique Hawk Names
- Astra
- Blaze
- Cinder
- Drifter
- Echo
- Ember
- Falcon
- Galaxy
- Halo
- Infinity
- Jinx
- Karma
- Lark
- Maverick
- Nimbus
- Orion
- Quest
- Rebel
- Sable
- Tempest
- Titan
- Vesper
- Whisper
- Xander
- Yara
- Zephyr
- Zorro
- Zypher
- Onyx
- Tundra
How to Choose a Name for Your Hawk
You can have so much fun and yet, a very challenging time before you choose what to name your hawk. Here are some tips that will help you land on the right name:
- Appearance of Your Hawk: Look for the physical attributes of your bird of prey. Does it look huge and threatening or small and nimble? Names like “Blaze” for an eagle with fiery feathers or “Shadow” for one with dark plumage can be appropriate.
- Behavior: Study how it behaves. Is it very fast and quick, or is it calm and gradual? The personality could be depicted by names such as “Swift” or “Hunter”.
- Origins: In some instances, the place where hawks originate from can be a source of inspiration for their names. For instance, a bird that seems to rise above all challenges could be named Phoenix.
- Cultures: Unique and meaningful are the names taken from mythology, literature, movies, etc. This way you give your hawk a story behind its name like Hawkeye or Zephyr.
- Personal Preference: Above all, go for whatever name feels right within you. That is why it should sound good when pronounced out loud. Try saying the name aloud to see if it feels right.
Conclusion
Hawk names are not just tags, as the same is indicative of stories on the bird’s attributes, beginnings, and even its traits. All names be they renowned or humorous have their meanings attached to them. We can appreciate how diverse and rich hawk nomenclature is if we delve into the meaning behind these names. In this way, the next time you see a hawk flying high up in the sky, you will feel more connected to them and have respect for them. Enter into Hawks’ world, and find out the most suitable name for your own feathered buddy.
