Ever wished you could give your little one a name that captures the feeling of soaring through clouds? Names that mean “wings” carry this beautiful sense of freedom and limitless potential. They’re perfect for parents who dream of raising children unbound by conventional limits—kids who’ll spread their wings and chase their dreams.
I’ve spent countless hours researching names across different cultures and traditions to bring you this comprehensive guide. Whether you’re looking for something traditional or unique, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here!
Wings symbolize so much more than just the physical ability to fly. They represent freedom, transcendence, protection, and spiritual elevation. When you give your child a name meaning “wings,” you’re essentially gifting them with these powerful symbolic qualities.
Throughout history, wings have appeared in countless mythologies and religious traditions. From angels in Christianity to Hermes in Greek mythology with his winged sandals, these symbols carry deep meaning across cultures.
Many parents are drawn to wing-inspired names because they hope their children will soar freely through life. There’s something undeniably poetic about naming your child after something so liberating and powerful.
Looking for names with similar spiritual qualities? Check out these names that mean blessing for more inspiration.
Boy Names That Mean Wings
- Ariel – Hebrew name meaning “lion of God” but also associated with air and flight
- Calen – Irish origin, means “powerful in flight”
- Drake – English name meaning “dragon,” a winged mythical creature
- Falcon – English name directly referring to the majestic bird of prey
- Garuda – Sanskrit name of the mythical bird-like creature who serves as Vishnu’s mount
- Hermes – Greek messenger god with winged sandals
- Icarus – Greek mythology figure who flew too close to the sun
- Jibril – Arabic form of Gabriel, the winged messenger angel
- Kumo – Japanese name meaning “cloud,” associated with sky and flight
- Laelaps – Greek name for a mythological winged dog
- Mallard – English name referring to the wild duck
- Namir – Arabic name meaning “swift like a leopard,” suggesting flight-like speed
- Orville – English name honoring Orville Wright of flight fame
- Peregrine – Latin origin meaning “wanderer,” also a type of falcon
- Raven – English name for the intelligent black-winged bird
- Sparrow – English name for the small, nimble bird
- Talon – English name referring to a bird of prey’s claws
- Ullr – Norse god who traveled on wings through snow
- Vega – Arabic name meaning “swooping eagle”
- Wyvern – English name for a winged dragon-like creature
- Zephyr – Greek name for the west wind
- Altair – Arabic name meaning “the flying eagle”
- Branwen – Welsh name meaning “blessed raven”
- Corvus – Latin name meaning “raven”
- Daedalus – Greek mythology figure who created wings
- Eagle – Direct English name for the majestic bird
- Finch – English name for the small songbird
- Griffith – Welsh name derived from “griffin,” the winged mythological creature
- Hawk – English name for the bird of prey
- Jet – Modern English name suggesting high-speed flight
If you’re drawn to these powerful names, you might also like names that mean strong or powerful.
Girl Names That Mean Wings
- Alya – Turkish name meaning “sky, heaven,” connected to flight
- Branwen – Welsh name meaning “blessed raven”
- Columba – Latin name meaning “dove”
- Derora – Hebrew name meaning “freedom,” associated with birds and flight
- Evie – Hebrew origin, connected to life and birds
- Fareeha – Arabic name meaning “happy bird”
- Gwawr – Welsh name meaning “dawn,” when birds take flight
- Halcyon – Greek name referring to a mythical bird
- Iris – Greek messenger goddess who traveled on a rainbow bridge
- Jemima – Hebrew name meaning “dove”
- Kestrel – English name for the hovering hawk
- Lark – English name for the melodious songbird
- Medina – Arabic name meaning “city,” but shares roots with words for flight
- Nike – Greek goddess of victory often depicted with wings
- Paloma – Spanish name meaning “dove”
- Rhiannon – Welsh goddess associated with birds
- Sarika – Sanskrit name meaning “bird”
- Tsubame – Japanese name meaning “swallow”
- Una – Celtic name meaning “lamb,” but associated with purity and flight
- Vanessa – Greek origin, means “butterfly,” a winged creature
- Wren – English name for the small, quick bird
- Xiomara – Germanic name meaning “famous in battle,” associated with the Valkyries who had wings
- Yara – Arabic name meaning “small butterfly”
- Zipporah – Hebrew name meaning “bird”
- Alondra – Spanish name meaning “lark”
- Branwen – Welsh name meaning “blessed raven”
- Corva – Latin-derived name meaning “raven”
- Deryn – Welsh name meaning “bird”
- Evelina – Hebrew origin, associated with life and birds
- Fayza – Arabic name meaning “victorious,” associated with birds
For more nature-inspired options, take a look at these beautiful names that mean butterfly.
Unisex Names That Mean Wings
- Angel – Latin origin, referring to heavenly beings with wings
- Avian – Latin-derived name meaning “bird-like”
- Bird – Simple English nature name
- Crane – English name for the elegant long-necked bird
- Dove – English name symbolizing peace and flight
- Eagle – Strong English name for the majestic bird
- Flight – Modern English word name
- Gale – English name meaning “strong wind”
- Hawk – English name for the keen-eyed bird of prey
- Jet – Modern name suggesting speed and flight
- Kite – English name for the graceful bird of prey
- Linnet – English name for the small songbird
- Merlin – Welsh name for a type of falcon
- Nightingale – English name for the melodious night bird
- Owl – English name for the wise, nocturnal bird
- Phoenix – Greek name for the mythical bird reborn from ashes
- Quill – English name referring to a feather
- Robin – English name for the red-breasted bird
- Sparrow – English name for the small, common bird
- Talon – English name referring to bird claws
- Ural – Name derived from the Ural region, associated with eagles
- Volar – Spanish origin, means “to fly”
- Wing – Direct English word name
- Xenops – Name of a genus of small birds
- Swift – English name for the fast-flying bird
- Zephyr – Greek name meaning “west wind”
- Aether – Greek name associated with the upper sky and flight
- Crow – English name for the intelligent black bird
- Lofty – English name meaning “elevated, high up”
- Sky – English name representing the realm of flight
If you’re interested in more gender-neutral options, you might enjoy these names that mean free spirit.
Comprehensive List of Names That Mean Wings
Boys’ Names with Meanings and Origins
Name | Origin | Meaning |
---|---|---|
Garuda | Sanskrit | Divine bird-like being, mount of Vishnu |
Hermes | Greek | Messenger god with winged sandals |
Daedalus | Greek | Mythological craftsman who created wings |
Gabriel | Hebrew | “God is my strength,” an archangel with wings |
Altair | Arabic | “The flying eagle” or “the bird” |
Peregrine | Latin | Type of falcon known for speed |
Zephyr | Greek | God of the west wind |
Talon | English | A bird’s claw |
Drake | English | Dragon, a winged creature |
Griffith | Welsh | From “griffin,” the winged beast |
Many of these boys’ names carry a sense of strength and power. Garuda, for example, isn’t just any bird—in Hindu mythology, he’s the king of birds and the vehicle of Lord Vishnu. The name suggests both protection and divine connection.
I’ve always loved the name Altair—it literally means “the flying one” and is also the name of one of the brightest stars in the summer sky. It has this perfect blend of majesty and celestial beauty.
If you’re looking for names with similar strength, check out these names that mean warrior for more options.
Girls’ Names with Cultural Context
Name | Origin | Meaning |
---|---|---|
Aldara | Spanish | “Winged gift” |
Paloma | Spanish | “Dove,” a symbol of peace |
Vanessa | Greek | Associated with butterflies |
Deryn | Welsh | Simply means “bird” |
Iris | Greek | Rainbow goddess who was a messenger |
Branwen | Welsh | “Blessed raven” |
Alondra | Spanish | “Lark,” a songbird |
Nike | Greek | Goddess of victory, depicted with wings |
Sarika | Sanskrit | “Bird” or “female bird” |
Zipporah | Hebrew | “Bird” |
Girls’ names that mean wings often have a more delicate, graceful quality to them. Paloma, for instance, has been gaining popularity in recent years—it’s melodic, feminine, and carries the peaceful symbolism of the dove.
The Welsh name Branwen has a fascinating backstory as a figure in the Mabinogion who was associated with a magical singing bird. The “bran” element means “raven” or “crow,” birds known for their intelligence.
For more elegant options, you might want to explore these elegant baby girl names.
Unisex Names Highlighting Versatility
Name | Origin | Meaning |
---|---|---|
Angel | Latin | Heavenly messenger with wings |
Phoenix | Greek | Mythical bird reborn from ashes |
Robin | English | Small bird with red breast |
Wren | English | Tiny songbird |
Sparrow | English | Small, common bird |
Hawk | English | Bird of prey known for keen vision |
Sky | English | The realm where birds fly |
Swift | English | Fast-flying bird |
Lark | English | Morning songbird |
Crane | English | Tall, elegant wading bird |
Unisex names give parents the flexibility to choose something that isn’t bound by traditional gender associations. The name Phoenix works beautifully for any child—it represents rebirth, transformation, and the ability to rise from challenges stronger than before.
I’ve met several children named Wren in recent years, and it works wonderfully regardless of gender. It’s short, sweet, easy to spell, and carries that lovely association with the tiny but mighty songbird.
For parents considering magical names, you might also be interested in these names that mean magic or mysterious.
Names by Culture/Language
Sanskrit Names
- Garuda – The divine bird, mount of Lord Vishnu
- Paksha – Means “wing” or “feather”
- Vihaga – Means “that which moves through the sky”
- Sarika – Means “female bird”
Greek Names
- Icarus – Son of Daedalus who flew with artificial wings
- Nike – Goddess of victory, depicted with wings
- Iris – Rainbow goddess who acted as messenger
- Zephyr – God of the west wind
Hebrew Names
- Jibril/Gabriel – Archangel with wings
- Zipporah – Means “bird”
- Jonah – Associated with the dove
- Ophir – Place name associated with flight
Latin/Roman Names
- Avis – Directly means “bird”
- Columba – Means “dove”
- Penna – Means “feather” or “wing”
- Volucris – Means “flying creature”
Celtic/Welsh Names
- Branwen – Means “blessed raven”
- Deryn – Means “bird”
- Aderyn – Welsh for “bird”
- Fionnlagh – Scottish Gaelic name meaning “white warrior,” associated with flight
For those interested in Japanese culture, explore these beautiful Japanese girl names for more inspiration.
Names Inspired by Birds and Flight
Bird Names Symbolizing Freedom
Birds have always symbolized freedom across cultures. Naming your child after a specific bird can invoke that bird’s particular qualities:
- Hawk – Known for keen vision and hunting prowess
- Dove – Universally recognized as a symbol of peace
- Eagle – Represents strength, courage, and freedom
- Falcon – Known for speed and precision
- Raven – Associated with intelligence and mystery
- Swan – Symbolizes grace and beauty
- Lark – Represents morning joy and music
- Nightingale – Known for its beautiful night song
- Heron – Represents patience and self-determination
- Kestrel – Known for its ability to hover perfectly still
I once met a little boy named Falcon who absolutely lived up to his name—he was fast, independent, and had this incredible intensity about him. His parents told me they chose the name hoping he would grow up to be fearless and free-spirited.
If you love these nature-inspired names, you might also enjoy these names that mean nature for more earthy options.
Aviation-Related Names for a Modern Twist
For a more contemporary take on flight-themed names, consider these aviation-inspired options:
- Jet – Sleek and modern
- Pilot – Leader of the aircraft
- Amelia – After Amelia Earhart, aviation pioneer
- Wright – After the Wright brothers who invented the airplane
- Orville – After Orville Wright
- Wilbur – After Wilbur Wright
- Earhart – After Amelia Earhart
- Sky/Skye – The realm of flight
- Azure – The color of the sky
- Celeste – Relating to the heavens
These modern names work particularly well for families with aviation connections or parents who simply love the idea of their child reaching for the sky!
Significance and Origins of Wing Symbolism
Cultural Importance
Wings carry profound symbolism across different cultures:
- In Christianity, wings are associated with angels, messengers of God. The seraphim are described as having six wings.
- In Ancient Egyptian mythology, many deities like Isis, Horus, and Ra were depicted with wings.
- In Norse mythology, Valkyries had swan wings that allowed them to select which warriors would go to Valhalla.
- In Native American cultures, feathers and wings are sacred symbols of communication with the spirit world.
- In Japanese folklore, the Tengu are supernatural beings with human and avian characteristics.
These cultural associations make wing-related names rich with meaning and historical significance.
For names with similar symbolic depth, check out names that mean destiny.
Historical Figures and Their Winged Associations
Throughout history, wings have appeared in connection with notable figures:
- Icarus from Greek mythology flew too close to the sun with his man-made wings.
- Mercury/Hermes wore winged sandals and a winged helmet as the messenger of the gods.
- Gabriel, the archangel, is often depicted with massive wings in religious artwork.
- Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, had wings representing swiftness.
- Pegasus, the winged horse, carried heroes in Greek mythology.
These stories teach us about ambition, freedom, and sometimes the dangers of hubris. They’ve influenced art, literature, and naming practices for centuries.
How to Choose the Right Name
Factors to Consider
When choosing a wing-inspired name, keep these factors in mind:
- Pronunciation – Will people know how to pronounce it correctly?
- Spelling – Is it intuitive or will your child constantly need to spell it out?
- Popularity – Do you want something common or unique?
- Cultural relevance – Does the name have special meaning in your cultural heritage?
- Family traditions – Are there naming conventions in your family?
- Future considerations – How will the name work for a child, teenager, and adult?
- Initials and nicknames – What acronyms or shortened versions might emerge?
- Meaning depth – How significant is the wing association to you?
I’ve known parents who regretted choosing overly complicated names that their children struggled with throughout school. On the flip side, I’ve met others who chose simple, meaningful names that perfectly complemented their child’s personality as they grew.
If you’re looking for names with deep meaning, you might also be interested in these names that mean new beginning.
Tips for Researching Name Meanings
To ensure you understand the true meaning of a potential name:
- Use multiple sources – Cross-reference meanings across different name dictionaries
- Check language origins – Names can have different meanings in different languages
- Consider etymology – Understanding a name’s linguistic roots can reveal deeper meanings
- Look for historical usage – How the name has been used throughout history
- Ask native speakers – If considering a name from another culture, consult someone familiar with it
- Search for namesakes – Are there historical or fictional characters with this name?
- Test it out – Try calling the name out loud to see how it feels
Remember that you’re not just choosing a collection of letters—you’re selecting one of the first gifts you’ll give your child!
FAQs About Names That Mean Wings
What are some unique names that mean wings?
Some of the more unusual options include:
- Elnaz (Persian, means “wishes to fly”)
- Sefarina (Hebrew, variant of Seraphina meaning “burning ones,” refers to six-winged angels)
- Vihaga (Sanskrit, means “that which moves through the sky”)
- Zephyrine (Greek, feminine form of Zephyr, the west wind)
- Taivas (Finnish, means “sky” or “heaven”)
What are some non-English names that mean wings or flight?
- Akash (Sanskrit, means “sky” or “ether”)
- Alouette (French, means “skylark”)
- Laelaps (Greek, mythological flying dog)
- Tsubasa (Japanese, means “wing”)
- Volant (French, means “flying”)
- Fareeha (Arabic, means “happy bird”)
- Sirin (Russian mythology, bird with a woman’s head)
Are names meaning wings suitable for pets?
Absolutely! Names like Hawk, Wren, Sparrow, or Phoenix work wonderfully for pets. They’re short, distinctive, and easy to call out. Bird and wing-related names can be especially fitting for:
- Quick, energetic dogs
- Graceful cats
- Actual birds (though perhaps a bit on the nose!)
- Rabbits that hop around quickly
I had a neighbor who named their greyhound “Swift,” which perfectly captured the dog’s incredible speed when running!
Final Thoughts
Choosing a name that means “wings” gifts your child with powerful symbolism—freedom, aspiration, and the ability to soar above challenges. Whether you prefer traditional names like Gabriel or Iris, or more contemporary choices like Phoenix or Sky, these names carry beautiful meanings that can inspire throughout life.
The perfect name resonates on a personal level. Perhaps you’re drawn to flight imagery because you value freedom above all else. Maybe you have family connections to aviation. Or perhaps you simply love the poetry of wings and what they represent.
Whatever your reason, I hope this guide has helped you discover some wonderful options for your little one. Remember, the most important thing is finding a name that feels right for your family and the child who will carry it.
What wing-inspired name speaks to you? The choice is ultimately yours—and what a beautiful gift it is to bestow!
For more naming inspiration, explore our extensive collection of names that mean lucky for another positive naming theme.