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Wild Words: Magical Animal Group Names and What They Mean
- Jun 8
- 4 min read
There’s something deeply magical about learning the real name for something, isn’t there?
In folklore and fairy tales, knowing the true name of a creature gives you power. And in daily life, it gives you a sense of connection—a way to see beyond the ordinary.
That’s why animal group names are so enchanting.
Suddenly, the wild becomes personal. A walk in the woods—or a glance at your backyard—starts to feel like a story you’ve just been invited into.
Some of these collective nouns for animals date back to the 15th century. Others were made up by poets, hunters, and naturalists trying to impress their friends.
Most aren’t “official,” but that’s what makes them magical.
They're language at its most mischievous: descriptive, playful, and deeply symbolic.
Why Are Animal Group Names So Strange (and So Magical)?
In 1486, a book called The Book of Saint Albans was published in England.
It covered all things noble and upper-class—hunting, heraldry, and hawking among them.
Tucked within its pages was a long list of poetic animal group names, many of which we still use today.
This was no scientific text. It was wit and whimsy dressed in velvet.
A “gaggle of geese,” a “murder of crows,” even a “superfluity of nuns” (yes, really).
These terms, known as terms of venery, were part status symbol, part in-joke, and part linguistic magic.
Some names reflect behavior. Others reflect fear, respect, or myth. All of them invite us to see the natural world through a more enchanted lens.
Macabre Animal Group Names with a Mystical Twist
These collective nouns for animals linger in the mind long after you hear them—dark, dramatic, and tinged with superstition.
A murder of crows — Crows have long been seen as omens. In European folklore, they were thought to accompany souls to the afterlife, gather near battlefields, and deliver messages from the spirit world. A gathering of them was enough to unsettle even the most grounded villager. Hence, “murder.”
An unkindness of ravens — Ravens, though revered in Norse and Celtic myth (Odin’s two ravens, Huginn and Muninn, come to mind), were also seen as tricksters or ill-portents. “Unkindness” may reflect the human projection of discomfort with their intelligence—and the eerie feeling that they’re always watching.
A conspiracy of lemurs — Lemurs got this name because of the way they appear to scheme—huddled, quiet, eyes glowing. The word “lemur” itself comes from the Latin lemures, meaning spirits of the restless dead.
A cauldron of bats — Found circling cave mouths and chimneys at twilight, bats were once believed to be witches in disguise—or their familiars. “Cauldron” feels just right.
In truth, none of these animals are evil. But language holds onto our oldest fears, and sometimes, that shadowy edge makes the story more interesting.
Sweet and Surprising Collective Nouns for Animals
These are the collective nouns for animals that make you smile. They’re soft, surprising, and filled with unexpected beauty.
A parade of elephants — Elephants are deeply emotional, known to mourn their dead and return to the bones of ancestors. A “parade” honors their slow, stately movement—and the generational wisdom they carry.
A kindle of kittens — There’s no folklore behind this one, just a lot of toe beans, chaos, and tiny purrs. “Kindle” originally meant to give birth, and it’s stuck ever since.
A dazzle of zebras — In the shimmering heat of the African plains, a herd of zebras can look like a moving illusion. The name “dazzle” captures the magic of camouflage and sparkle all at once.
A huddle of penguins — Penguins survive by sticking together in brutal cold. A “huddle” isn’t just cute—it’s survival through closeness. Which, honestly, feels like a lesson in itself.
These animal group names speak to softness, to community, to the joy of noticing the gentle magic in the everyday wild.
Whimsical Animal Group Names That Spark Joy
And then there are the names that sound like they were made up at a magical garden party after one too many herbal cocktails.
A prickle of porcupines — It’s perfect, isn’t it? They bristle. They toddle. They are, quite literally, a prickle.
A romp of otters — Otters are known for their playfulness, sliding down muddy banks and holding hands in the water. “Romp” isn’t just a name—it’s an entire mood.
A bloat of hippos — Hippos may look comical, but they’re one of the most dangerous animals in Africa. “Bloat” might be a cheeky nod to their size, but it’s also a warning: don’t judge by appearance.
A tower of giraffes — Towering above the savannah, these gentle giants often appear to be looking out for something far beyond the horizon. The name is almost reverent.
If you’ve ever named a houseplant or given your sourdough starter a personality, you’re already in the spirit of these.
They make the world feel alive with character—and maybe a bit of sass.
A Whisper from the Wild
Somewhere along the way, we were taught to look at nature with a distant kind of awe.
Beautiful, yes—but over there. Outside of us.
But here’s what I believe: the wild includes us. It always has.
When we learn the names—the strange, funny, poetic names—we’re not just learning about animals.
We’re remembering how to belong.
Maybe you run with a murmuration, drift with a gaggle, or plot with a conspiracy.
Maybe you and your people are a romp, a huddle, or something no one's named yet.
Whatever you call yourselves, I’d love to hear it.
Leave a comment, or come find me over on Instagram and tell me what your group is called.
This is exactly the kind of magic we need more of.
Want to read more about bird group names? Here's a great post.
And I love this book, An Unkindness of Ravens, by Chloe Rhodes.
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