250 Kakapo Names [ Best, Cute & Unique Ideas]
Kakapos are rare, lovable parrots with soft green feathers and calm, quirky personalities. They live only in New Zealand and are active at night, wandering around on foot since they can’t fly. If you want a name inspired by this amazing bird whether for a pet, character, or project it can be a really enjoyable and thoughtful journey.
At names-pick.com, we’ve put together the ultimate collection of Kakapo names with meanings featuring everything from the best Kakapo names to cute, famous, good, and unique Kakapo names. Each name is carefully chosen to match the Kakapo’s personality, appearance, and cultural significance. Whether you want something sweet and playful or bold and legendary, a name here will fit your feathered friend (or mascot!) perfectly.
And if you’re unsure where to start, try our Kakapo Name Generator! It’s an easy and fun way to explore names based on style, personality, or a specific theme. Whether you’re looking for something meaningful, Maori-inspired, or entirely one-of-a-kind, our generator will help you discover the perfect name in just a few clicks.
No matter your reason for naming a Kakapo, our guide is designed to make the process easy, enjoyable, and packed with inspiration. So let your imagination take flight even if your Kakapo can’t, and find a name that celebrates this lovable bird’s rare and magical charm.
Kakapo Name Generator
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Best Kakapo Names
These names are chosen for their strong meanings and positive connotations, reflecting the kakapo's unique status and the hopes for their continued survival. They aim to capture the essence of these remarkable birds and the efforts dedicated to their conservation.

| Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Aroha | Love, affection, compassion (Māori) |
| Hōpara | To explore, discover (Māori) |
| Kaitiaki | Guardian, protector (Māori) |
| Mana | Prestige, authority, spiritual power (Māori) |
| Rangatira | Chief, leader (Māori) |
| Toa | Brave, strong, warrior (Māori) |
| Waimarie | Good fortune, blessing (Māori) |
| Korimako | Bellbird (a native New Zealand bird) |
| Ruru | Morepork (a native New Zealand owl) |
| Tūī | A native New Zealand songbird |
| Ataahua | Beautiful, lovely (Māori) |
| Kotuku | White heron (a rare native New Zealand bird) |
| Rimu | A native New Zealand tree |
| Kauri | A large native New Zealand tree |
| Pounamu | Greenstone, jade (valued in Māori culture) |
| Awa | River (Māori) |
| Moana | Ocean, sea (Māori) |
| Whenua | Land, earth (Māori) |
| Hina | Moon goddess (Māori mythology) |
| Tane | God of forests and birds (Māori mythology) |
| Aoraki | Cloud piercer (a significant South Island mountain) |
| Kaikoura | To eat crayfish (a coastal town known for wildlife) |
| Motu | Island (Māori) |
| Roto | Lake (Māori) |
| Weka | A flightless native New Zealand bird |
| Kiwi | Another iconic flightless New Zealand bird |
| Takahe | Another rare flightless New Zealand bird |
| Kokako | Another unique New Zealand bird |
| Piopio | A now extinct native New Zealand bird (in memoriam) |
| Huia | Another extinct native New Zealand bird (in memoriam) |
| Kea | A native New Zealand alpine parrot |
| Kaka | A native New Zealand forest parrot |
| Titi | Sooty shearwater (a migratory seabird) |
| Toroa | Albatross (a majestic seabird) |
| Karearea | New Zealand falcon |
| Pukeko | A native swamphen |
| Fantail | A small, friendly native bird |
| Silvereye | A small, common native bird |
| Bellbird | Another melodious native bird |
| Stitchbird | A rare native honeyeater |
| Saddleback | A striking native forest bird |
| Fernbird | A secretive native bird of wetlands and scrub |
| Rock Wren | A tiny native alpine bird |
| Rifleman | New Zealand's smallest bird |
| Morepork | A native owl known for its call |
| Grey Warbler | A common native songbird |
| Chaffinch | A common introduced songbird |
| Blackbird | A common introduced songbird |
| Song Thrush | A common introduced songbird |
Cute Kakapo Names
These names are chosen for their endearing qualities, reflecting the kakapo's somewhat clumsy yet charming nature. They aim to capture a sense of affection and gentleness, suitable for these unique and beloved birds.

| Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pōtiki | Youngest child, darling (Māori) |
| Minoi | Small, little (Māori, informal) |
| Reka | Sweet, delightful (Māori) |
| Hemi | James (a common endearing nickname) |
| Toby | Tobias (a friendly-sounding name) |
| Bella | Beautiful (Italian, often used endearingly) |
| Charlie | Charles (a classic, friendly name) |
| Pip | Small seed (cute and small) |
| Buttons | Small, round, and cute |
| Nugget | Small and precious |
| Wisp | Small, delicate thread |
| Bean | Small and round |
| Peanut | Small and cute |
| Pickle | Small and quirky |
| Squish | Soft and cuddly sounding |
| Fluffy | Soft and downy |
| Dumpling | Small and plump |
| Mochi | Soft and chewy (Japanese treat) |
| Bubba | Endearing term for a small one |
| Snuggles | Suggests cuddliness |
| Patches | Often refers to soft markings |
| Speckle | Small spots |
| Dotty | Covered in small dots |
| Gizmo | Cute and quirky gadget |
| Widget | Small and useful thing |
| Jojo | Playful and cute repetition |
| Kiki | Lively and sweet sounding |
| Coco | Sweet and gentle sounding |
| Lulu | Precious and charming |
| Zuzu | Unique and endearing repetition |
| Fifi | Frilly and cute sounding |
| Mimi | Sweet and soft sounding |
| Riri | Small and spirited |
| Toto | Childlike and sweet sounding |
| Yoyo | Playful and bouncy sounding |
| Gigi | Affectionate and soft sounding |
| Suki | Beloved (Japanese) |
| Aiko | Little loved one (Japanese) |
| Ren | Lotus (evokes purity and gentleness) |
| Lin | Precious jade (Chinese) |
| Bo | Precious, valuable (Chinese) |
| Mei | Beautiful (Chinese) |
| Kenji | Intelligent second son (Japanese, can be endearing) |
| Haru | Spring (Japanese, evokes new life) |
| Yuki | Snow (Japanese, evokes purity and softness) |
| Tama | Jewel, ball (Japanese, can be cute) |
| Kira | Glittering, shining (Russian) |
| Misha | Little bear (Russian nickname) |
| Sasha | Defender of mankind (Russian nickname, can be cute) |
Read More: Warbler Names
Famous Kakapo Names
Kakapos may not have celebrity-style fame, but some of their names still stand out. These names are inspired by key people, locations, and efforts that helped protect the species, making them meaningful and well-known among kakapo lovers.

| Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Richard Henry | Name of a significant kakapo from Fiordland who contributed greatly to research |
| Zealandia | Referring to the ecological sanctuary where many kakapo reside |
| Codfish | Referring to Codfish Island (Whenua Hou), a key kakapo sanctuary |
| Anchor | Referring to Anchor Island, another important kakapo sanctuary |
| Pearl | Name of a well-known kakapo |
| Esperance | Name of a location associated with kakapo conservation efforts |
| Sinbad | Name of a notable kakapo |
| Solstice | Can refer to a significant time of year, relevant to breeding cycles |
| Hokitika | A town near areas where kakapo were historically found |
| Stewart | Referring to Stewart Island (Rakiura), a historical kakapo habitat |
| Fiordland | A region in New Zealand where kakapo once thrived |
| Chalky | Referring to Chalky Island, a former kakapo sanctuary |
| Te Anau | A lake near Fiordland, associated with kakapo habitat |
| Manapouri | Another lake near Fiordland, associated with kakapo habitat |
| Ulva | Referring to Ulva Island, a pest-free sanctuary |
| Maud | Referring to Maud Island, another early sanctuary |
| Little Barrier | Referring to Hauturu-o-Toi / Little Barrier Island, a historic sanctuary |
| Great Barrier | Referring to Aotea / Great Barrier Island, where kakapo were once found |
| Kapiti | Referring to Kapiti Island, a significant nature reserve |
| Tiritiri | Referring to Tiritiri Matangi Island, a successful bird sanctuary |
| Orokonui | Referring to Orokonui Ecosanctuary |
| Bushy Park | Referring to Bushy Park Scenic Reserve |
| Pūkaha | Referring to Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre |
| Rotokare | Referring to Rotokare Scenic Reserve |
| Sanctuary | A general term for protected areas |
| Recovery | Reflecting the ongoing efforts to save the species |
| Hope | Symbolizing the optimism for the kakapo's future |
| Resilience | Highlighting the kakapo's ability to endure |
| Legacy | Representing the importance of their continued existence |
| Future | Looking forward to the survival of the species |
| Conservation | Directly referencing the efforts to protect them |
| Protection | Emphasizing the need to safeguard the kakapo |
| Survival | The ultimate goal of all efforts |
| Endemic | Highlighting their unique origin |
| Native | Emphasizing their belonging to New Zealand |
| Flightless | A key characteristic that sets them apart |
| Nocturnal | Another defining trait of kakapos |
| Boomer | Referring to their distinctive mating call |
| Mossy | Reflecting their often green-tinged plumage |
| Ancient | Highlighting their long evolutionary history |
| Unique | Emphasizing their one-of-a-kind nature |
| Special | Underscoring their importance |
| Rare | Acknowledging their vulnerable status |
| Precious | Reflecting their value to the ecosystem and culture |
| Iconic | Recognizing their status as a New Zealand symbol |
| National | Emphasizing their importance to the country |
| Wildlife | Acknowledging their place in the natural world |
| Ecology | Connecting them to their environment |
| Biodiversity | Highlighting their role in the ecosystem's variety |
Good Kakapo Names
Here are some good Kakapo names with gentle sounds and nature-inspired meanings. They're friendly, fun, and fitting for these rare, lovable parrots with prominent personalities.
| Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Hauora | Health, vitality, well-being (Māori) |
| Marama | Moon, light (Māori) |
| Rongo | Peace, harmony (Māori) |
| Wairua | Spirit, soul (Māori) |
| Koha | Gift, offering (Māori) |
| Ata | Morning, dawn (Māori) |
| Po | Night (Māori) |
| Rua | Two (can symbolize partnership in conservation) |
| Toru | Three (can symbolize community) |
| Wha | Four (can symbolize balance) |
| Lima | Five (can symbolize growth) |
| Ono | Six (can symbolize harmony) |
| Whitu | Seven (can symbolize completeness) |
| Waru | Eight (can symbolize abundance) |
| Iwa | Nine (can symbolize wisdom) |
| Tekau | Ten (can symbolize unity) |
| Kākāriki | Green (Māori, referring to color) |
| Parauri | Brown (Māori, referring to color) |
| Kowhai | Yellow (Māori, referring to color) |
| Mangu | Black (Māori, referring to color) |
| Mā | White, pure (Māori, referring to color) |
| Hinahina | Grey (Māori, referring to color) |
| Uira | Lightning (evoking energy) |
| Whatitiri | Thunder (evoking power) |
| Kapua | Cloud (evoking gentleness) |
| Hukarere | Snow (evoking purity) |
| Tio | Oyster (evoking resilience) |
| Koura | Crayfish (evoking resourcefulness) |
| Paua | Abalone (evoking beauty) |
| Toatoa | A native shrub (connection to habitat) |
| Harakeke | Flax (a useful native plant) |
| Kiekie | A native climbing plant |
| Nikau | A native palm tree |
| Ponga | Silver fern (a national symbol) |
| Tawa | A native forest tree |
| Totara | A large native forest tree |
| Houhere | Lacebark tree (beautiful native tree) |
| Rewarewa | Honeysuckle tree (native with striking flowers) |
| Kawakawa | Native shrub with medicinal uses |
| Koromiko | Native shrub with small leaves |
| Manuka | Native shrub with medicinal honey |
| Kanuka | Similar to manuka, another native shrub |
| Hebe | A genus of native flowering plants |
| Celmisia | A genus of native daisy-like plants |
| Ourisia | A genus of native alpine flowers |
| Ranunculus | Buttercup (some native species) |
| Gentian | Native alpine flowers |
| Anemone | Native alpine flowers |
| Edelweiss | A rare and beautiful alpine flower (not native, but evocative) |
Unique Kakapo Names
These names are chosen for their distinctiveness and less common associations, aiming to provide a truly individual identity for a kakapo. They may draw inspiration from unusual aspects of their biology, behavior, or rare status.
| Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Huna | Hidden, concealed (Māori, referring to their nocturnal nature) |
| Ngū | Silent (Māori, referring to their quiet movements) |
| Kōwhaiwhai | Ornamental patterns (Māori, reflecting the intricate patterns of nature) |
| Pōhutukawa | A native flowering tree (striking and unique) |
| Whio | Blue duck (another unique New Zealand native) |
| Tuatara | A unique ancient reptile of New Zealand |
| Weta | A unique group of New Zealand insects |
| Gecko | A type of lizard found in New Zealand |
| Skink | Another type of lizard found in New Zealand |
| Pīngao | A native golden sand sedge |
| Toetoe | A native grass with feathery plumes |
| Karetu | A native sweet grass |
| Taramea | Native spiky shrubs |
| Ongaonga | Native stinging nettle (unique defense) |
| Tawari | A native forest tree with distinctive leaves |
Conclusion
Finding a good name for a Kakapo doesn’t have to be hard. These unique birds have big personalities, so giving them a name that suits them is a great way to show you care. There are plenty of fun, classic, and unusual options to look at. Use these ideas as a start and choose the one that feels right.
FAQs
What are some good names for a Kakapo?
Good Kakapo names usually match their color, nature, or special personality. Names like Mossy, Kākāriki (which means “green” in Māori), Tui, or Whisper are great options.
Can I use traditional or Māori-inspired names for my Kakapo?
Yes, you can. Many people choose Māori-inspired names to honor the Kakapo’s New Zealand roots. Just make sure to use these names respectfully, since they carry cultural meaning.
How does the Kakapo Name Generator work?
Our Kakapo Name Generator suggests names based on categories like personality, appearance, or theme. Simply click to explore creative, meaningful names tailored for this rare and lovable bird.
Rus Camelia is the founder of Names-pick.com and the creative force behind it. She has always loved animals and stories, and that love shows in the way she creates names. For Rus, naming is more than just picking words. It’s about giving something a little personality and meaning. She gets her ideas from nature, myths, and her imagination, which helps her create memorable and unique names. Whether it’s for a pet bird or a character in a story, Rus puts care into every name she creates. That’s why so many people come to Names-pick.com for names that feel thoughtful, fun, and full of life.

