600+ Raven Names (Mythical, Cute, and Badass Options)

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Raven Names

Have you ever watched a raven soar overhead and wondered what to call such a magnificent creature? Ravens aren’t just any birds—they’re the intellectuals of the avian world, with personalities as complex as their glossy black feathers.

Whether you’re naming a pet raven (where legally permitted!), creating a character for a story, or just curious about these fascinating birds, finding the perfect raven name can be a journey through mythology, literature, and nature.

Let’s dive into the mysterious world of ravens and discover names that capture their essence from ancient legends to modern inspirations.

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Best Raven Names with Meaning

  • Corvus (Latin origin – the genus name for ravens, meaning “raven”)
  • Muninn (Norse origin – means “memory,” one of Odin’s ravens)
  • Morrigan (Celtic origin – war goddess associated with ravens)
  • Edgar (English origin – tribute to Edgar Allan Poe)
  • Branwen (Welsh origin – means “blessed raven”)
  • Poe (American origin – homage to the famous author)
  • Corbin (Latin origin – derived from “corvus,” meaning raven)
  • Bran (Celtic origin – directly means “raven”)
  • Huginn (Norse origin – means “thought,” one of Odin’s ravens)
  • Nevermore (Literary origin – famous quote from Poe’s “The Raven”)
  • Onyx (Greek origin – black gemstone, reflecting ravens’ color)
  • Lenore (French origin – character from “The Raven”)
  • Raven (English origin – direct name for the bird)
  • Midnight (English origin – references their black plumage)
  • Valravn (Danish origin – supernatural raven from folklore)
  • Shadow (English origin – reflecting their dark appearance)
  • Kutkh (Siberian origin – raven deity in Chukchi mythology)
  • Apollo (Greek origin – god associated with ravens)
  • Hrafn (Old Norse origin – literally means “raven”)
  • Badb (Irish origin – war goddess who could take raven form)
  • Obsidian (Latin origin – black volcanic glass, like raven feathers)
  • Phoenix (Greek origin – mythical bird, symbolizing transformation like ravens)
  • Nyx (Greek origin – goddess of night, matching ravens’ color)
  • Ebony (English origin – referring to black color)
  • Merlin (Welsh origin – wizard often associated with ravens)

If you love naming birds, you might also enjoy these dove-inspired names for other feathered friends!

Cute Names for Ravens

  • Beaky
  • Pebble
  • Feathers
  • Inky
  • Pip
  • Coco
  • Buttons
  • Olive
  • Peanut
  • Bean
  • Pickle
  • Pepper
  • Fluff
  • Cookie
  • Nibbles
  • Poe-Poe
  • Ruffles
  • Marbles
  • Chirpy
  • Speckle
  • Trinket
  • Wiggles
  • Pumpkin
  • Noodle
  • Blinky

Looking for more cute animal names? Check out these adorable cat team names for inspiration!

Funny Raven Names

  • Sir Croaks-a-lot
  • Quoth the Raven
  • Nevermind
  • Raving Lunatic
  • Caw-fee Break
  • Edgar Allan Crow
  • Feather Locklear
  • Russell Crow
  • Beaky Blinders
  • Raven Symone-yay
  • Macawlay Culkin
  • Talon Swift
  • Snoop Bird
  • Wingston Churchill
  • Peck Guevara
  • Sheryl Crow
  • Stephen Squawking
  • Crowbi-Wan Kenobi
  • Corvid-19
  • Beakonce
  • Wingdings
  • Professor Squawks
  • Caw-medic
  • Jack Squawk
  • Bill Nye the Science Fly

Want more humorous name ideas? Browse these funny team names that’ll make you smile!

Mythical Raven Names

  • Huginn (Norse – thought)
  • Muninn (Norse – memory)
  • Yatagarasu (Japanese – three-legged crow god)
  • Morrigan (Celtic – war goddess)
  • Valravn (Danish – supernatural raven)
  • Kutkh (Siberian – raven deity)
  • Badb (Irish – war goddess)
  • Odin (Norse – god with raven companions)
  • Gwyar (Welsh – associated with ravens)
  • Yéil (Tlingit – raven spirit)
  • Garmr (Norse – associated with ravens)
  • Bran (Celtic – meaning “raven”)
  • Macha (Irish – manifestation of Morrigan)
  • Nemain (Celtic – war spirit associated with ravens)
  • Gullinkambi (Norse – mythical rooster)
  • Ganhada (Tsimshian – raven figure)
  • Heimdall (Norse – connected to ravens)
  • Anubis (Egyptian – death god, sometimes depicted with ravens)
  • Phobetor (Greek – god of nightmares)
  • Skadi (Norse – winter goddess with bird associations)
  • Dullahan (Celtic – associated with ravens)
  • Freya (Norse – goddess with bird connections)
  • Nanabozho (Ojibwe – trickster character)
  • Athena (Greek – goddess with bird associations)
  • Apollo (Greek – god connected to ravens)

Interested in more mythical inspirations? Explore these magic team names for your next fantasy project!

Famous Raven Names

  • Grip (Charles Dickens’ pet raven)
  • Quoth (from “The Raven” poem)
  • Diablo (from Snow White)
  • Maleficent’s Raven (from Sleeping Beauty)
  • Poe’s Raven (from the famous poem)
  • Raven Baxter (Disney character)
  • Raven Darkholme/Mystique (X-Men character)
  • Diaval (from Maleficent)
  • Ravens of the Tower of London
  • Corvus Corax (scientific name made famous)
  • Raven Simone (actress)
  • Raven (Teen Titans character)
  • Nevermore (from Poe’s poem)
  • The Ravens (Baltimore NFL team mascot)
  • Hugin and Munin (in Norse mythology and pop culture)
  • Bloodraven (Game of Thrones character)
  • Yacowar (Native American legend)
  • Crebain (Lord of the Rings)
  • Huginn (Vikings TV show)
  • Kaz Brekker (nicknamed “Dirtyhands” and associated with ravens)
  • Matthew the Raven (from Sandman)
  • Fidget (from The Great Mouse Detective)
  • Raven (WWE wrestler)
  • Noah’s Raven (Biblical)
  • Merlin’s Raven (Arthurian legend)

For more famous names in a different context, check out these celebrity-inspired team names!

Best Raven Names

  • Corvus
  • Shadow
  • Onyx
  • Poe
  • Obsidian
  • Rook
  • Morrigan
  • Bran
  • Midnight
  • Echo
  • Nevermore
  • Huginn
  • Muninn
  • Raven
  • Ebony
  • Corbin
  • Valravn
  • Lenore
  • Storm
  • Hrafn
  • Quoth
  • Phantom
  • Ink
  • Mercury
  • Mystique

Looking for more distinctive names? Browse these unique group names for additional inspiration!

Cultural Raven Names

  • Hrafn (Norse culture – means “raven”)
  • Yéil (Tlingit culture – means “raven”)
  • Ganhada (Tsimshian culture – raven clan)
  • Branwen (Welsh culture – “blessed raven”)
  • Karasu (Japanese culture – means “crow/raven”)
  • Corvo (Italian culture – means “raven”)
  • Cuervo (Spanish culture – means “raven”)
  • Korp (Swedish culture – means “raven”)
  • Voron (Russian culture – means “raven”)
  • Bran (Celtic culture – means “raven”)
  • Wu-ya (Chinese culture – means “crow/raven”)
  • Kaghak (Armenian culture – means “crow/raven”)
  • Grabi (Polish culture – refers to raven)
  • Kanał (Native Hawaiian culture – refers to crow/raven)
  • Koax (Ancient Greek culture – raven sound)
  • Vrána (Czech culture – means “crow/raven”)
  • Rabe (German culture – means “raven”)
  • Corbeau (French culture – means “raven”)
  • Qayrawan (Arabic influence – related to “raven”)
  • Korppi (Finnish culture – means “raven”)
  • Kruk (Polish culture – means “raven”)
  • Havran (Czech culture – means “raven”)
  • Harafn (Icelandic culture – means “raven”)
  • Kruk (Ukrainian culture – means “raven”)
  • Corb (Romanian culture – means “raven”)

Interested in more cultural names? Explore these Japanese group team names for additional cultural inspiration!

Names For A Baby Raven

  • Chick
  • Pipsqueak
  • Fluff
  • Downy
  • Peep
  • Tiny
  • Button
  • Hatchling
  • Nestling
  • Fledgling
  • Bean
  • Bitsy
  • Chicklet
  • Minnow
  • Squeak
  • Raven Jr.
  • Little One
  • Pebble
  • Dot
  • Mini
  • Speck
  • Chirp
  • Newbie
  • Flicker
  • Wisp

For more baby-themed names, you might enjoy these cute team names for kids!

Male Raven Names

  • Edgar
  • Huginn
  • Odin
  • Corbin
  • Poe
  • Merlin
  • Loki
  • Thor
  • Apollo
  • Midnight
  • Talon
  • Bran
  • Nevermore
  • Thorin
  • Shadow
  • Mordecai
  • Obsidian
  • Jet
  • Onyx
  • Rex
  • King
  • Duke
  • Baron
  • Darth
  • Hrafn

If you like these powerful male names, check out these strong team names for more inspiration!

Female Raven Names

  • Morrigan
  • Lenore
  • Raven
  • Nyx
  • Luna
  • Rowena
  • Lilith
  • Sable
  • Mystique
  • Ebony
  • Iris
  • Valkyrie
  • Athena
  • Hecate
  • Freya
  • Ravenna
  • Circe
  • Morgana
  • Eclipse
  • Jinx
  • Selene
  • Rook
  • Macha
  • Badb
  • Nemain

Looking for more feminine names? Browse these team names for girls for additional ideas!

Names For Female Ravens

  • Selena (Greek origin – moon goddess)
  • Aurora (Latin origin – dawn)
  • Cassandra (Greek origin – prophetess)
  • Esmeralda (Spanish origin – emerald)
  • Persephone (Greek origin – queen of underworld)
  • Nephele (Greek origin – cloud nymph)
  • Morgana (Celtic origin – sea goddess)
  • Rhiannon (Welsh origin – great queen)
  • Lyra (Greek origin – lyre constellation)
  • Belladonna (Italian origin – beautiful woman)
  • Pandora (Greek origin – all-gifted)
  • Ophelia (Greek origin – help)
  • Elvira (Germanic origin – truth)
  • Calypso (Greek origin – to conceal)
  • Raven (English origin – the bird itself)
  • Noire (French origin – black)
  • Lillith (Hebrew origin – night monster)
  • Nova (Latin origin – new)
  • Onyx (Greek origin – black gemstone)
  • Tempest (Latin origin – storm)
  • Umbra (Latin origin – shadow)
  • Vesper (Latin origin – evening)
  • Willow (English origin – willow tree)
  • Zephyr (Greek origin – west wind)
  • Artemis (Greek origin – goddess of the hunt)

For more female-focused names, explore these women team names for additional inspiration!

Names For Male Ravens

  • Abraxas (Gnostic origin – mystical word)
  • Balthazar (Babylonian origin – protect the king)
  • Corvinus (Latin origin – raven-like)
  • Damien (Greek origin – to tame)
  • Erebus (Greek origin – darkness)
  • Fenrir (Norse origin – fen-dweller)
  • Grimm (Germanic origin – fierce)
  • Hades (Greek origin – unseen)
  • Icarus (Greek origin – follower)
  • Jericho (Hebrew origin – moon city)
  • Kael (Celtic origin – mighty warrior)
  • Lazarus (Hebrew origin – God has helped)
  • Magnus (Latin origin – great)
  • Nimbus (Latin origin – cloud)
  • Orion (Greek origin – hunter constellation)
  • Phantom (Greek origin – apparition)
  • Quillon (Latin origin – crossing)
  • Rook (English origin – chess piece, type of crow)
  • Samael (Hebrew origin – venom of God)
  • Thanatos (Greek origin – death)
  • Ulric (Germanic origin – wolf ruler)
  • Vex (Latin origin – to trouble)
  • Wraith (Scottish origin – ghost)
  • Xavier (Basque origin – new house)
  • Zephyr (Greek origin – west wind)

If you enjoy these powerful male names, you might like these warrior team names for more strength-based inspiration!

Unisex Names For Ravens

  • Ash (English origin – ash tree)
  • Blake (Old English origin – black, dark)
  • Corvid (Scientific origin – family of ravens)
  • Dusk (English origin – twilight)
  • Echo (Greek origin – sound reflection)
  • Frost (English origin – frozen dew)
  • Ghost (English origin – spirit)
  • Hush (English origin – quiet)
  • Indigo (Greek origin – blue-purple dye)
  • Jet (English origin – black mineral)
  • Karma (Sanskrit origin – action)
  • Lumen (Latin origin – light)
  • Mist (English origin – water vapor)
  • Nebula (Latin origin – cloud)
  • Obsidian (Latin origin – volcanic glass)
  • Pax (Latin origin – peace)
  • Quinn (Irish origin – counsel)
  • Raven (English origin – the bird itself)
  • Storm (English origin – atmospheric disturbance)
  • Twilight (English origin – dim light)
  • Umbra (Latin origin – shadow)
  • Void (English origin – emptiness)
  • Winter (English origin – cold season)
  • Xenon (Greek origin – strange)
  • Yew (English origin – evergreen tree)

For more gender-neutral options, check out these cool clan names that work for anyone!

Cute Names For A Raven

  • Bubbles
  • Giggles
  • Sprinkles
  • Cupcake
  • Mochi
  • Twinkle
  • Skittles
  • Pinky
  • Cookie
  • Sunny
  • Jellybean
  • Marshmallow
  • Cotton
  • Blossom
  • Pudding
  • Pebbles
  • Pumpkin
  • Snuggles
  • Dizzy
  • Wiggles
  • Noodle
  • Pickles
  • Biscuit
  • Bubblegum
  • Muffin

For more adorable naming options, explore these cute dog names that could work for ravens too!

Good Names For A Raven

  • Atlas (Greek origin – titan who held up the sky)
  • Mercury (Roman origin – messenger god)
  • Poe (American origin – famous author)
  • Ebony (English origin – dark black wood)
  • Oracle (Greek origin – prophet)
  • Mystic (Greek origin – mysterious)
  • Rune (Norse origin – secret)
  • Shade (English origin – shadow)
  • Guardian (English origin – protector)
  • Nevermore (Literary origin – from “The Raven”)
  • Sage (Latin origin – wise one)
  • Wisdom (English origin – knowledge)
  • Knight (English origin – warrior)
  • Phantom (Greek origin – ghost)
  • Shadow (English origin – dark reflection)
  • Eclipse (Greek origin – blocking of light)
  • Talon (Latin origin – claw)
  • Quill (English origin – feather pen)
  • Feather (English origin – bird plumage)
  • Raven (English origin – the bird itself)
  • Crow (English origin – related bird)
  • Noble (Latin origin – high status)
  • Legend (Latin origin – story)
  • Valor (Latin origin – courage)
  • Onyx (Greek origin – black stone)

Looking for more generally good names? Browse these good team names for more solid options!

Famous Raven Names

  • Grip (Charles Dickens’ pet raven)
  • Quoth (from “The Raven” poem)
  • Nevermore (famous line from “The Raven”)
  • Diablo (Snow White’s raven)
  • Maleficent’s Raven (Disney character)
  • Diaval (from Maleficent)
  • Tower Ravens (ravens at the Tower of London)
  • Huginn (Odin’s raven in Norse mythology)
  • Muninn (Odin’s other raven)
  • Poe (named after Edgar Allan Poe)
  • Raven Simone (actress/singer)
  • Raven Baxter (Disney character)
  • Raven Darkholme (X-Men character)
  • Raven (Teen Titans character)
  • Baltimore Ravens (NFL team)
  • Blood Raven (Game of Thrones)
  • Matthew the Raven (from Sandman comics)
  • Nightwing (Batman character with raven connection)
  • Corvus (constellation named after ravens)
  • Allan (reference to Edgar Allan Poe)
  • Lenore (from “The Raven” poem)
  • Ronan Raven (children’s book character)
  • Crow (from “The Crow” comics/movie)
  • Noah’s Raven (Biblical)
  • Valravn (Danish folklore)

For more famous inspirations, check out these celebrity-inspired names for more recognizable options!

Cool Raven Names

  • Obsidian
  • Phantom
  • Onyx
  • Eclipse
  • Shadow
  • Wraith
  • Vex
  • Talon
  • Mercury
  • Rook
  • Hex
  • Reaper
  • Grim
  • Razor
  • Noir
  • Specter
  • Ashen
  • Void
  • Sable
  • Sinister
  • Dagger
  • Shade
  • Enigma
  • Ebony
  • Whisper

If you like these cool names, you’ll love these edgy team names for more attitude-filled options!

Cool Names for Ravens

  • Maverick
  • Zephyr
  • Cipher
  • Razor
  • Phoenix
  • Tempest
  • Blaze
  • Zenith
  • Vortex
  • Jett
  • Echo
  • Storm
  • Cobalt
  • Astral
  • Rebel
  • Midnight
  • Steel
  • Vice
  • Rogue
  • Stark
  • Viper
  • Shade
  • Thunder
  • Wraith
  • Matrix

For more cool naming inspiration, browse these cool band names for additional options!

Raven Male Names

  • Blackwood
  • Grim
  • Ragnar
  • Woden (alternative name for Odin)
  • Thorin
  • Mordecai
  • Dirk
  • Dorian
  • Darius
  • Kestrel
  • Viktor
  • Lucian
  • Drake
  • Ryker
  • Sterling
  • Hunter
  • Orion
  • Damien
  • Magnus
  • Alaric
  • Jasper
  • Sirius
  • Gunnar
  • Zane
  • Hawke

For more masculine naming options, explore these dad team names for additional inspiration!

Female Raven Names

  • Nightshade
  • Ravenna
  • Elara
  • Vex
  • Lilith
  • Iris
  • Seraphina
  • Selena
  • Morgana
  • Jinx
  • Nova
  • Belladonna
  • Lyra
  • Sable
  • Valkyrie
  • Raven
  • Circe
  • Persephone
  • Nephele
  • Rhiannon
  • Calypso
  • Vesper
  • Pandora
  • Nyx
  • Willow

For more feminine naming options, check out these flower names for girls that could inspire raven names too!

White Raven Names

  • Snowfeather
  • Alabaster
  • Ghost
  • Pearl
  • Ivory
  • Frost
  • Glacier
  • Cloud
  • Winter
  • Diamond
  • Alba (Latin for white)
  • Crystal
  • Silver
  • Opal
  • Blizzard
  • Arctic
  • Quartz
  • Moonlight
  • Snow
  • Luna
  • Marble
  • Angel
  • Chalk
  • Lily
  • Bianca (Italian for white)

If you like these light-colored names, check out these white team names for more inspiration!

Names that Mean Raven

  • Bran (Celtic – directly means “raven”)
  • Branwen (Welsh – “blessed raven”)
  • Corvus (Latin – “raven”)
  • Corbin (Latin – derived from “corvus”/raven)
  • Hrafn (Norse – “raven”)
  • Corbeau (French – “raven”)
  • Corvo (Italian – “raven”)
  • Cuervo (Spanish – “raven”)
  • Karasu (Japanese – “crow/raven”)
  • Rabe (German – “raven”)
  • Korp (Swedish – “raven”)
  • Branok (Breton – “young raven”)
  • Brennus (Celtic – derived from “bran”/raven)
  • Corbett (Old French – “little raven”)
  • Corby (Old Norse – “raven settlement”)
  • Corvino (Italian – “raven-like”)
  • Gagak (Indonesian – “crow/raven”)
  • Koax (Greek – “raven sound”)
  • Kruk (Polish – “raven”)
  • Ravenna (Italian – “raven city”)
  • Voron (Russian – “raven”)
  • Wu-ya (Chinese – “crow/raven”)
  • Branigan (Irish – “descendant of raven”)
  • Branson (English – “son of raven”)
  • Korpela (Finnish – “raven’s place”)

Looking for names with specific meanings? You might enjoy these names that mean loyal for more meaningful options!

Funny Names For Ravens

  • Sir Beaks-a-lot
  • Nevermind (play on “Nevermore”)
  • Crowbar
  • Feather Duster
  • Dark Wingding
  • Lord Flappington
  • Count Cawcula
  • Beaky Blinders
  • Feather Wetherspoon
  • Squawkes
  • Birdbrain
  • Wingman
  • Caw-fee
  • Raven Lunatic
  • Beakman
  • Peck-a-Boo
  • Guano Gus
  • Professor Pecksniff
  • McSquawky
  • Edgar Allan Crow
  • Captain Caw-Caw
  • Fowl Play
  • Russell Crow
  • Crowbi-Wan Kenobi
  • Bill Caws-by

Want more humorous names? Check out these funny names to call people for more laugh-worthy inspiration!

Badass Names For A Raven

  • Reaper
  • Fang
  • Blade
  • Venom
  • Rogue
  • Havoc
  • Assassin
  • Shadow
  • Savage
  • Chaos
  • Viper
  • Hellion
  • Wrath
  • Malice
  • Diablo
  • Vortex
  • Executioner
  • Torment
  • Phantom
  • Raptor
  • Warlock
  • Spectre
  • Doom
  • Grim
  • Nemesis

For more intimidating name options, explore these badass last names that could work for fearsome ravens too!

Cool Raven Names

  • Noir
  • Stealth
  • Shadow
  • Phantom
  • Obsidian
  • Onyx
  • Rook
  • Jericho
  • Maverick
  • Rogue
  • Ebony
  • Smoke
  • Storm
  • Mist
  • Hex
  • Blade
  • Dusk
  • Cipher
  • Echo
  • Talon
  • Vortex
  • Wraith
  • Zenith
  • Ashen
  • Vapor

If you’re looking for more stylish names, you might enjoy these dark team names for additional cool inspiration!

Unique Names For Ravens

  • Vespertine (relating to evening)
  • Eidolon (phantom or ghost)
  • Nycteus (of the night)
  • Zephyrine (west wind)
  • Kairos (opportune moment)
  • Solstice
  • Revenant
  • Hecate (goddess of witchcraft)
  • Imbrium (rain or storm)
  • Thorne
  • Kestrel (bird of prey)
  • Augury (omen or prophecy)
  • Erebus (darkness)
  • Nocturne (night piece)
  • Amaranthine (undying)
  • Vex
  • Penumbra (partial shadow)
  • Equinox
  • Thanatos (death)
  • Harbinger (forerunner)
  • Eidolic (ghostly)
  • Lorekeeper
  • Moonshadow
  • Fable
  • Occult

Looking for more distinctive names? Browse these unique usernames for additional uncommon options!

Famous Raven Names

  • Grip (Charles Dickens’ pet raven, inspiration for Poe)
  • Quoth (famous line from “The Raven”)
  • Nevermore (infamous word from Poe’s poem)
  • Muninn (one of Odin’s ravens from Norse mythology)
  • Huginn (Odin’s other raven)
  • Mabel (Tower of London raven)
  • Jubilee (famous Tower of London raven)
  • Diablo (from Snow White)
  • Diaval (from Maleficent)
  • Maleficent’s Raven (Disney character)
  • Raven Symone (actress)
  • Raven (Teen Titans character)
  • Baltimore Ravens (NFL team mascot)
  • Poe (named after Edgar Allan Poe)
  • Tower Ravens (collective name for ravens at Tower of London)
  • Rav’n (Native American folktales)
  • Yacowar (Native American legends)
  • Blood Raven (Game of Thrones)
  • Three-Eyed Raven (Game of Thrones)
  • Corvus (constellation named after ravens)
  • Matthew the Raven (from Sandman comics)
  • Noah’s Raven (Biblical)
  • Hairy Corvid (YouTube famous raven)
  • Fable (raven character from various stories)
  • Merlin’s Raven (Arthurian legend)

For more popular inspirations, check out these popular superhero team names that share their famous qualities!

Raven Names in Mythology

  • Huginn (Norse – “thought,” one of Odin’s ravens)
  • Muninn (Norse – “memory,” one of Odin’s ravens)
  • Yatagarasu (Japanese – three-legged crow deity)
  • Kutkh (Siberian/Chukchi – raven deity)
  • Valravn (Danish – supernatural raven)
  • Morrigan (Celtic – war goddess associated with ravens)
  • Badb (Irish – war goddess who took raven form)
  • Bran (Celtic – name meaning “raven”)
  • Yéil (Tlingit – raven spirit)
  • Gwaihir (Tolkien mythology – great eagle with raven connections)
  • Nemain (Celtic – war spirit associated with ravens)
  • Catubodua (Gaulish – battle goddess with raven association)
  • Nanabozho (Ojibwe – shapeshifter with raven form)
  • Apollo’s Raven (Greek – Apollo’s messenger)
  • Athena’s Raven (Greek – sometimes associated with Athena)
  • Guhya (Hindu – sacred bird)
  • Raven-Syáahl (Haida – creator raven)
  • Weget (Tsimshian – raven deity)
  • Xamanax (Inuit – raven spirit)
  • Garmr (Norse – associated with ravens)
  • Bubak (Slavic – associated with ravens)
  • Hecate’s Raven (Greek – associated with the goddess)
  • Cronos’ Raven (Greek – associated with the titan)
  • Bres (Celtic – king associated with ravens)
  • Garmangabis (Germanic – associated with ravens)

For more mythological inspiration, explore these medieval clan guild names that evoke the same legendary quality!

What Are Ravens?

Before jumping into names, let’s get to know these remarkable birds a bit better.

Ravens are impressive creatures belonging to the corvid family. If you’ve ever seen one up close, you know they command attention with their:

  • Size: Much larger than crows, ravens stand about 22-27 inches tall
  • Wingspan: An impressive 46.5 inches (nearly 4 feet!)
  • Weight: Typically between 0.7-1.6 kg
  • Appearance: Glossy black plumage with a bluish-purple sheen in sunlight
  • Distinctive features: Shaggy throat feathers called “hackles” and a wedge-shaped tail

Ravens make their homes across the Northern Hemisphere—from frigid Arctic regions to scorching deserts, misty mountains to rocky coastlines. These adaptable birds thrive in diverse environments, though they typically prefer wilder areas away from dense human populations.

One of the most fascinating things about ravens? Their lifespan. In the wild, they typically live 10-15 years, but in captivity, they can reach an astonishing 40-50 years! That’s practically a lifetime companion.

Ravens vs. Crows: Telling Them Apart

People often mix up ravens and crows, but once you know what to look for, the differences become obvious:

Feature Ravens Crows
Size Larger (22-27 inches) Smaller (17-21 inches)
Tail shape Wedge-shaped Fan-shaped when spread
Throat feathers Shaggy “hackles” Smooth
Sound Deep, croaking “gronk-gronk” Higher-pitched “caw-caw”
Flight pattern Soaring, with finger-like wingtips More frequent flapping
Social behavior Usually seen alone or in pairs Often in larger groups

Cultural Significance of Ravens

Ravens aren’t just birds—they’re powerful symbols woven throughout human history and storytelling.

Mythology and Folklore

Ravens appear in myths and legends across cultures:

  • Norse mythology: Odin, the All-Father, had two ravens named Huginn (thought) and Muninn (memory) who flew across the world gathering information
  • Celtic traditions: Ravens were associated with battle and prophecy
  • Native American stories: Many tribes view ravens as creator beings, tricksters, or transformers
  • Pacific Northwest traditions: The Haida, Tlingit, and Tsimshian peoples feature Raven prominently as a creator and trickster figure

Ravens in Literature

When it comes to literary ravens, one poem stands above all others:

“Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary…”

Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven” might be the most famous literary work featuring these birds. The mysterious raven who repeatedly croaks “Nevermore” has become an iconic symbol of loss and lingering grief.

Beyond Poe, ravens appear in:

  • Shakespeare’s works (particularly Macbeth, where they symbolize ill omens)
  • Game of Thrones/A Song of Ice and Fire (as messengers)
  • Norse sagas and Celtic legends
  • Countless modern fantasy novels

The Curious Collective Nouns

What do you call a group of ravens? While “flock” works, the more colorful traditional terms include:

  • A conspiracy of ravens
  • An unkindness of ravens
  • A treachery of ravens

These somewhat ominous terms reflect ravens’ historical association with battlefields and death—though modern science reveals them to be far more complex than mere harbingers of doom.

Now for the fun part—choosing the perfect raven name! Whether you’re naming a pet, a character, or just daydreaming, here are some inspired options.

Mythological Raven Names

Drawing from mythology gives your raven name ancient power and meaning:

  • Huginn and Muninn (Norse: thought and memory, Odin’s ravens)
  • Hrafn (Old Norse word for raven)
  • Ganhada (Tsimshian mythology)
  • Yéil (Tlingit name for Raven)
  • Hraban (Germanic)
  • Morrígan (Celtic war goddess associated with ravens)
  • Morrigan (simplified spelling)
  • Badb (Irish battle goddess who often took raven form)

Literary-Inspired Raven Names

Books and poems offer rich inspiration:

  • Edgar (after Edgar Allan Poe)
  • Lenore (from “The Raven”)
  • Nevermore (the raven’s famous word)
  • Quoth (from “Quoth the Raven…”)
  • Corvus (Latin word for raven, used in many stories)
  • Bran (means “raven” in Welsh, appears in Celtic legends)
  • Poe (direct homage to the famous author)

Descriptive Raven Names

Based on appearance or raven qualities:

  • Jet (referring to their black plumage)
  • Onyx (black gemstone)
  • Shadow
  • Midnight
  • Ebon (another word for black)
  • Obsidian (black volcanic glass)
  • Sapphire (for the blue-purple sheen of their feathers)
  • Shimmer (for their glossy appearance)

Unique or Historical Raven Names

For something truly distinctive:

  • Renwyk (Teutonic origin)
  • Waldron (Germanic origin)
  • Corbin (from Latin “corvus” meaning raven)
  • Ravenna (Italian city with historical raven connections)
  • Branwen (Welsh: “blessed raven”)
  • Bran Stark (Game of Thrones character connected to ravens)

Check out these exciting pirate team names if you’re looking for a crew name with the same mysterious vibe as ravens!

How to Choose a Name for Your Raven

Naming a raven isn’t just about picking something that sounds cool—though that certainly matters! Here’s how to find the perfect name:

Consider Personality

Ravens have distinct personalities. Is your raven (real or fictional):

  • Playful and mischievous?
  • Serious and watchful?
  • Talkative and social?
  • Mysterious and aloof?

Let these traits guide your choice. A playful raven might suit a name like Trickster or Loki, while a more dignified bird might carry Odin or Merlin better.

Think About Cultural Connections

Consider names that connect to:

  • Your own heritage or cultural background
  • A mythology or folklore tradition you appreciate
  • Literature or stories that resonate with you

Practical Tips for Naming

  • Keep it pronounceable: Ravens can learn to recognize their names!
  • Consider the sound: Names with hard consonants like K, T, and B are often easier for birds to distinguish
  • Test it out: Say it aloud several times—does it feel right?
  • Uniqueness matters: An unusual name makes your raven stand out

Looking for inspiration? Browse these fantasy house names that share the magical quality perfect for raven naming!

Comprehensive List of Raven Names

Mythological Names

  • Huginn (Norse)
  • Muninn (Norse)
  • Hrafn (Norse)
  • Ganhada (Tsimshian)
  • Yéil (Tlingit)
  • Kutkh (Siberian)
  • Apollo (Greek god associated with ravens)
  • Athena (Greek goddess of wisdom, like ravens)
  • Bran (Celtic)
  • Morrigan (Celtic)
  • Badb (Celtic)
  • Macha (Celtic)

Literary Names

  • Edgar
  • Poe
  • Lenore
  • Quoth
  • Nevermore
  • Sherlock (Doyle used a raven in his stories)
  • Grimm (for the fairy tale collectors)
  • Hamlet (Shakespeare)
  • Macbeth (Shakespeare)

Nature-Inspired Names

  • Jet
  • Onyx
  • Ebony
  • Midnight
  • Storm
  • Thunder
  • Gull (contrast to their black color)
  • Winter
  • Frost
  • Shade
  • Echo
  • Mist

Creative Nicknames

  • Coco
  • Raven (simple but effective!)
  • Ravey
  • Miss R
  • Sir Croaks-a-lot
  • Professor
  • Einstein (for their intelligence)
  • Houdini (for their escape artistry)
  • Merlin (magical associations)

For more bold naming inspiration, explore these powerful team names that capture the same strength and majesty as ravens!

Fun Facts About Ravens

Ravens aren’t just cool to look at—they’re fascinating to learn about:

Intelligence

  • Ravens are considered among the smartest animals on Earth
  • They can mimic human speech and other sounds (including car alarms!)
  • They use tools to obtain food
  • Ravens can plan for the future—a rare ability in the animal kingdom
  • They can solve complex problems, including multi-step puzzles

Physical Abilities

  • Their feathers have an iridescent blue or purple sheen in sunlight
  • They perform acrobatic aerial displays, sometimes appearing to roll or somersault mid-air
  • Ravens can fly upside down!
  • They can imitate a surprising range of sounds, from wolves to flushing toilets

Social Life

  • Ravens form strong pair bonds that can last for life
  • Young ravens may form temporary “gangs” before pairing off
  • They share information about food sources with other ravens
  • Ravens have been observed holding “funerals” when one of their kind dies

If you love intelligent animals, you might enjoy these wolf-themed names for your next team or group!

The mystique of ravens has influenced naming trends beyond just the birds themselves:

  • Baby names: Names like Raven, Corvus, and Poe have grown in popularity for human babies
  • Business names: “Raven” appears in company names across industries, particularly in security, intelligence, and creative fields
  • Pop culture: Ravens feature prominently in movies, TV shows, comic books (most famously in Teen Titans), and video games
  • Sports teams: The Baltimore Ravens NFL team embraces the literary connection to Edgar Allan Poe

Ravens in Science

Beyond mythology and naming, ravens play important roles in our ecosystems:

  • Raven populations increased across North America from 1966-2018
  • They’ve expanded into urban areas in recent decades
  • Climate change may be affecting their range and behavior

Ecological Impact

  • Ravens are both predators and scavengers
  • They can impact sensitive species like the Gunnison sage-grouse
  • They play a role in seed dispersal and ecosystem health
  • Some raven populations have important cultural significance to indigenous peoples

Nature enthusiasts might also enjoy browsing nature usernames for their online presence!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re drawn to ravens for their intelligence, their cultural significance, or simply their striking appearance, finding the perfect name adds another layer of connection to these remarkable birds.

From ancient mythology to modern literature, from their physical traits to their brilliant minds, ravens offer endless inspiration for meaningful names.

The next time you see a raven’s silhouette against the sky or hear their distinctive croaking call, perhaps you’ll think differently about these complex creatures—and maybe you’ll even have the perfect name in mind.

What would you name a raven? The possibilities are as vast and mysterious as the birds themselves.