Animal Names for Boys

  1. Darko
    • Origin:

      Slavic
    • Meaning:

      "gift"
    • Description:

      If you're a movie fan or a sports fan, you might be attracted to this name, via the film "Donnie Darko" or the Serbian-born basketball star Darko Milicic. It is kind of dark, though.
  2. Dieter
    • Origin:

      German, diminutive of Dietrich
    • Description:

      Dieter is a classic German name that got lots of satiric exposure via Mike Myers on "Saturday Night Live" a few years back. If mispronounced, it could conceivably be read as someone on a diet.
  3. Fede
    • Description:

      Fede is a masculine name that originates primarily from Spanish and Italian language backgrounds. In Spanish, it's a shortened form of Federico (the Spanish equivalent of Frederick), which means 'peaceful ruler.' In Italian contexts, 'fede' literally translates to 'faith,' giving the name a spiritual dimension. This short, two-syllable name offers a friendly, approachable quality while maintaining international appeal. Though not widely used in English-speaking countries, Fede has maintained modest popularity in Mediterranean countries and Latin American communities. The name carries a warm, positive connotation and works well cross-culturally. Its brevity makes it distinctive while remaining easy to pronounce in multiple languages.

  4. Germaine
    • Origin:

      French from Latin
    • Meaning:

      "from Germany"
    • Description:

      This French feminine version of Germain is a unisex choice in the U.S., also spelled Jermaine, Jemaine, and Germain. Rooted in the ancient Latin Germanus, which may mean sprout or brother, it's no longer a fashionable choice in any version.
  5. Cheo
    • Description:

      Cheo is a masculine name with diverse cultural roots. In Vietnamese tradition, it means 'small' or 'little one,' while in Spanish-speaking communities, it often serves as a nickname for names like José or Sergio. The name also appears in Chinese usage with various meanings depending on the characters used. Cheo's brevity and distinctive 'ch' sound make it appealing to parents seeking short, memorable names that work across cultural boundaries. Though not among the most common names in the United States, Cheo has maintained consistent, if modest, usage in multicultural communities. The name's international presence and easy pronunciation contribute to its subtle charm and versatility.
  6. Anzel
    • Description:

      Anzel is a masculine name with several possible origins. It may be a variant of Ansel, which derives from the Germanic elements 'ans' meaning 'god' and 'helm' meaning 'helmet' or 'protection.' Alternatively, it could be related to Anselm, meaning 'divine helmet' or 'protected by God.' The name has a distinctive, modern feel despite its ancient roots. Anzel remains quite rare in English-speaking countries, giving it an exotic and unique quality. Its uncommon status makes it appealing to parents seeking distinctive names with historical depth. The name carries a sophisticated sound while remaining relatively straightforward to pronounce. In some cultures, variations of this name may have different etymological backgrounds, but the connection to divine protection is a common thread.

  7. Daichi
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "big, great; earth; wisdom"
  8. Braxtyn
    • Origin:

      Variation of Braxton, English
    • Meaning:

      "Brock's settlement"
    • Description:

      Braxtyn and its more traditional counterpart, Braxton, may sound like modern inventions but they actually have a longer history than you might expect. Meaning "badger" or "Brock's settlement", Braxton was the given name of a Civil War general and also appears in Louisa May Alcott's Little Women and Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird. It entered the US Top 1000 back in 1985, however it had been given to around 20 boys since the early 20th century.
  9. Hieronymous
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "sacred name"
    • Description:

      A name used in Germany and Holland as a form of Jerome, it's the unlikely moniker of fictional detective Hieronymous "Harry" Bosch.
  10. Elgie
    • Description:

      Elgie is an uncommon male name with multiple possible origins. It may have developed as a diminutive of names beginning with the element "El-" such as Elgin or Elbert, or potentially as a variation of Alger. The name could also have Scottish roots related to the place name Elgin. Another theory suggests it emerged as a nickname for names like Algernon or Albert. Elgie has a gentle, somewhat vintage quality that peaked in usage during the early 20th century but has since become quite rare. The name carries a friendly, approachable sound while maintaining a certain distinction. Its scarcity in contemporary use makes it an interesting choice for parents seeking a name with historical character but minimal modern associations.

  11. Ezran
    • Description:

      Ezran is a masculine name with Hebrew influences, possibly derived as a variation of the biblical name Ezra, which means 'help' or 'helper.' The addition of the '-n' suffix modernizes the traditional name while maintaining its cultural roots. Ezran may also be connected to the Hebrew word 'ezer' meaning 'aid' or 'assistance.' The name has gained some recognition through the character Prince Ezran in the animated series 'The Dragon Prince,' potentially contributing to its contemporary appeal. While uncommon in historical records, Ezran has a contemporary yet substantial feel that appeals to parents seeking names with both modern style and historical depth. The name combines the gravitas of ancient origins with a fresh sound, making it distinctive without being difficult to pronounce or understand.
  12. Alani
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian
    • Meaning:

      "orange tree"
    • Description:

      A name known in several cultures.
  13. Emmons
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "son of Emonie"
    • Description:

      A matronymic surname derived from Emonie and Emeny, which are of uncertain origins.
  14. Henson
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "Son of Henry"
    • Description:

      This surname name fits in with current favorites like Hudson, but is much less common as a given name. It's widely familiar thanks to the late Jim Henson, creator of The Muppets.
  15. Donahue
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "dark fighter"
    • Description:

      This genial Irish surname feels much more current than Donald.
  16. Favor
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "kindness, benefit; support, approval"
    • Description:

      A warm-sounding word and virtue name used by the Puritans and still popular in parts of Africa, especially with the Favour spelling. It may be used as a short form of Godfavor, as in "favored by God".
  17. Drako
    • Description:

      Drako is a masculine name with Greek origins, serving as a variant spelling of Draco, meaning 'dragon' or 'serpent.' The name carries strong historical resonance, as Draco was a 7th-century B.C. Athenian legislator known for his harsh legal code (hence the term 'draconian'). This powerful name evokes imagery of mythical creatures and strength, appealing to parents seeking names with bold character. The alternative spelling with a 'k' gives it a more contemporary edge while maintaining its ancient roots. While relatively uncommon, Drako has seen increased interest alongside the popularity of fantasy themes in entertainment. The name projects qualities of power, fierceness, and individuality.
  18. Burbank
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "riverbank where burrs grow"
    • Description:

      Beautiful downtown Burbank -- about as glamorous a place-name as Akron...or Detroit.
  19. Desire
    • Description:

      Desire as a masculine name is an uncommon choice derived from the Latin word 'desiderare' meaning 'to long for' or 'to wish for.' While more frequently seen as a feminine name, the masculine usage has appeared sporadically throughout history, particularly in French-speaking regions where it's pronounced 'day-zee-RAY' with the accent on the final syllable. The name conveys a sense of yearning or aspiration. As a male name, Desire has never achieved widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, remaining a rare and distinctive choice that carries romantic and passionate connotations.
  20. Boman
    • Origin:

      Persian
    • Meaning:

      "great mind"
    • Description:

      Unusual alternative to Roman, chosen for his son by Matthew Modine.