Parrot Names
Naming a parrot is a long-term commitment. Many large parrots live 40 to 60 years, and some macaws and cockatoos pass 70, so this name may be spoken by your grandchildren. Parrots also tend to say their own names, which is a good reason to pick one you enjoy hearing at 6 a.m.
Below are more than 100 parrot names organized by species and style, from tropical Spanish names for South American macaws to clever names for brainy African greys. Looking for smaller birds? See budgie names or our full bird names list. And if a pirate theme appeals, don’t miss our pirate names.
Popular parrot names
Classic parrot names are short and punchy, which makes them easy for a bird to mimic.
| Name | Meaning / idea | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Polly | Pet form of Mary | The original parrot name (“Polly want a cracker?”) |
| Charlie | English, “free man” | Very common for greys |
| Mango | Tropical fruit | Orange and yellow birds |
| Kiwi | Fruit and bird | Green parrots |
| Rio | Portuguese, “river” | South American species |
| Rocky | English, “rock” | Bold males |
| Buddy | Friendly nickname | Tame, social birds |
| Sunny | Bright and cheerful | Sun conures |
| Coco | Spanish, “coconut” | Cockatoos |
| Tiki | Polynesian carved figure | Tropical vibe |
| Rainbow | All the colors | Lorikeets and macaws |
| Peanut | Favorite treat | Small parrots |
| Jasper | Persian, “treasurer”; red gemstone | Handsome males |
| Ruby | The red gemstone | Eclectus hens |
Macaw names
Macaws are big, loud and flamboyant, native to Central and South America. Bold Spanish and Portuguese names suit them; see Brazilian names for more.
| Name | Meaning / origin | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Paco | Spanish nickname for Francisco | Friendly |
| Lola | Spanish nickname for Dolores | Sassy hens |
| Chico | Spanish, “little boy” | Ironic for a big macaw |
| Pedro | Spanish, “rock” | Sturdy |
| Carmen | Spanish, from Carmel, “garden” | Dramatic |
| Diego | Spanish, possibly “supplanter” | Classic |
| Rosa | Spanish, “rose” | Scarlet macaws |
| Amazonas | The Amazon River and region | Big personalities |
| Carnaval | Brazil’s famous festival | Colorful birds |
| Samba | Brazilian dance | Head-bobbers |
| Tango | Argentine dance | Pairs well with Samba |
| Salsa | Latin dance; spicy sauce | Lively birds |
| Cusco | Historic Peruvian city | Unique |
| Picasso | Spanish painter | Colorful birds |
| Azul | Spanish, “blue” | Blue-and-gold or hyacinth macaws |
| Fuego | Spanish, “fire” | Scarlet macaws |
| Guapo | Spanish, “handsome” | Show-off males |
African grey names
African greys are among the most intelligent birds on earth and are famous talkers. Brainy names are a fun fit.
| Name | Why it fits | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Einstein | A famous talking African grey on TV | Clever birds |
| Alex | Dr. Irene Pepperberg’s research parrot, who knew over 100 words | Scientific legacy |
| N’kisi | An African grey reported to know about 950 words | Big talkers |
| Sherlock | The great detective | Curious birds |
| Newton | Physicist Isaac Newton | Nerdy fun |
| Darwin | Naturalist Charles Darwin | Observant birds |
| Ash | Grey like ash | Short |
| Smokey | Smoky grey | Classic |
| Pewter | Grey metal | Unusual |
| Gandalf | Gandalf the Grey | Wise old greys |
| Nimbus | A grey rain cloud | Dreamy |
| Slate | Grey stone | Modern |
| Congo | The Congo African grey subspecies | Origin nod |
| Timneh | The Timneh grey subspecies | Deep cut |
| Cicero | Roman orator | For chatterboxes |
Cockatoo and cockatiel names
Cockatoos are affectionate, dramatic and native to Australia and nearby islands. Cockatiels are their smaller cousins.
| Name | Why it fits | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Snowball | The dancing cockatoo who went viral for moving to the beat | White cockatoos |
| Casper | Friendly ghost | White birds |
| Crest | For the raised head feathers | Any cockatoo |
| Mohawk | That spiky crest | Punk personalities |
| Elvis | The pompadour-like crest | Performers |
| Blanca | Spanish, “white” | Umbrella cockatoos |
| Sulphur | Sulphur-crested cockatoo’s yellow crest | Unique |
| Galah | The pink-and-grey Australian cockatoo; Aussie slang for a silly person | Rose-breasted cockatoos |
| Cookie | Cheerful and sweet | Cockatiels |
| Cheeks | For the orange cheek patches | Cockatiels |
| Tiel | Short for cockatiel | Simple |
| Moluccan | The salmon-crested Moluccan cockatoo | Grand |
| Dundee | Crocodile Dundee | Aussie charm |
| Aussie | Their homeland | Friendly |
Names for conures, lovebirds and small parrots
Smaller parrots have huge personalities packed into tiny bodies.
| Name | Why it fits | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Pickle | Green and feisty | Green-cheeked conures |
| Sprinkles | Colorful specks | Pineapple conures |
| Pineapple | Yellow and green mutation name | Cute |
| Papaya | Orange tropical fruit | Sun conures |
| Tangerine | Bright orange | Sun conures |
| Nugget | Small and golden | Tiny parrots |
| Bean | Tiny | Parrotlets |
| Gizmo | Small gadget | Busy birds |
| Pistol | Small but loud | Feisty conures |
| Taco | Fun and short | Quakers |
| Pesto | Green sauce | Green birds |
| Zazu | The Lion King’s bossy bird | Bossy little parrots |
Famous parrots from film, books and history
Parrots have starred alongside pirates, presidents and princesses.
| Name | From | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Iago | Aladdin | Sarcastic scarlet macaw |
| Blu | Rio (2011) | Shy Spix’s macaw |
| Jewel | Rio | Blu’s free-spirited partner |
| Captain Flint | Treasure Island | Long John Silver’s parrot, “Pieces of eight!” |
| Polynesia | Doctor Dolittle | Taught the doctor animal languages |
| Paulie | Paulie (1998) | Talking blue-crowned conure |
| Poll | Andrew Jackson’s parrot | Reportedly swore at his funeral |
| Cotton | Pirates of the Caribbean | After the mute sailor whose parrot talks for him |
| José Carioca | The Three Caballeros (1944) | Disney’s cigar-waving Brazilian parrot |
| Sirocco | Real kākāpō from New Zealand | Famous conservation ambassador parrot |
Pirate parrot names
Every pirate needs a shoulder parrot. More swashbuckling ideas in pirate names and pirate ship names.
| Name | Why it fits | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Captain | Obvious rank | Bossy birds |
| Blackbeard | Infamous pirate Edward Teach | Dark-feathered parrots |
| Bonny | After pirate Anne Bonny | Female parrots |
| Calico Jack | Pirate Jack Rackham | Colorful birds |
| Squawkbeard | Beard + squawk | Silly |
| Doubloon | Spanish gold coin | Golden birds |
| Cutlass | Pirate sword | Fierce birds |
| Jolly Roger | The pirate flag | Mischief-makers |
| Scallywag | A rascal | Naughty parrots |
| Barnacle | Clings to your shoulder | Velcro birds |
Funny parrot names
Parrots love an audience. These names give them something to live up to.
| Name | The joke | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Chatty Cathy | The talking doll | Non-stop talkers |
| Beakasso | Picasso pun | Artistic birds |
| Screech | Ear-splitting calls | Loud birds |
| Feathers | Keeping it simple | Deadpan |
| Mr. Squawk | Formal and loud | Distinguished noise |
| Echo | Greek nymph who repeated voices | Mimics |
| Parrot Hilton | Paris Hilton | Glamorous birds |
| Squawkamole | Squawk + guacamole | Green birds |
| Cracker | “Polly want a cracker?” | Classic joke |
| Sir Talksalot | For endless chatter | Noble chatterbox |
How to name a parrot
- Use a name you’ll hear back. Parrots often learn to say their own name, so choose one that sounds good in a squawk.
- Choose crisp consonants. Names with k, t and p sounds (Kiwi, Tango, Pickle) are easier for parrots to imitate than soft ones.
- Plan for decades. A macaw or cockatoo may live 50+ years, so skip trendy names that will date quickly.
- Unsure of the sex? Stay neutral. Most parrots need a DNA test to be sexed. Unisex names like Rio or Echo keep your options open; see unisex names.
- Nod to their homeland. Spanish names for macaws and Amazon parrots, Aussie names for cockatoos, and African place names for greys.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most popular parrot name?
Polly is the classic parrot name, but in real homes names like Charlie, Kiwi, Mango, Rio, Coco and Sunny are more common today.
Why are parrots called Polly?
Polly is an old English pet form of Mary. It became the stock name for parrots by the 1700s, and the phrase “Polly want a cracker” was popular by the early twentieth century.
What is a good name for an African grey parrot?
African greys suit clever names such as Einstein, Sherlock, Newton or Alex, or grey names like Ash, Smokey, Slate and Gandalf.
Can parrots learn their own names?
Yes. Many parrots learn to say their own name, and African greys and Amazons are especially good at it. Repetition in a happy tone helps.
What are good names for a macaw?
Macaws suit bold, tropical names like Paco, Lola, Rio, Samba, Tango, Fuego, Azul and Picasso.