Animal Names for Boys
- Estlin
Origin:
Literary nameDescription:
A subtle literary surname choice: Estlin is the second "E" in E.E. Cummings (the first being Edward). Works equally well on both men and women.
- Anhad
Origin:
PunjabiMeaning:
"limitless"Description:
A unisex Indian name that reaches for the stars.
- Harrington
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"family farm"Description:
On the staff of a manor house.
- Humberto
Origin:
Spanish and Portuguese variation of Humbert, GermanMeaning:
"renowned warrior"Description:
Humberto lifts this ancient name out of the gross association to fictional pedophile Humbert Humbert, investing it with a good measure of Latin charm. It helps that the pronunciation is significantly different, much closer to the Italian Umberto than to the flat-footed original.
- Cayne
Description:
Cayne is a modern masculine name with multiple potential origins. It may be a variant spelling of Cain, which has Hebrew roots meaning 'acquired' or 'possession,' or it could be derived from Kane, a Celtic name meaning 'warrior.' Some consider it a contemporary adaptation of Cain with the stylistic 'y' added to create distinction. While relatively uncommon in mainstream usage, Cayne has been gradually gaining attention in English-speaking countries since the 1990s. Parents may choose this name for its strong sound and uniqueness, while still maintaining familiar pronunciation. The name projects strength and individuality without being too unusual.
- Anant
Description:
Anant is a masculine name with deep roots in Indian culture, particularly in Hindu traditions. Derived from Sanskrit, it means 'endless,' 'eternal,' or 'infinite.' The name holds significant spiritual meaning as 'Ananta' is one of the names of Lord Vishnu, representing his infinite nature and the cosmic serpent Shesha. In Indian naming practices, Anant symbolizes limitless potential and eternal existence. The name is moderately popular in India and among Hindu communities worldwide, admired for both its spiritual significance and pleasing sound. Anant is relatively easy to pronounce across cultures while maintaining its authentic heritage. As global naming practices have become more diverse, Anant has gained modest recognition internationally, offering parents a name with profound meaning and cultural depth.
- Asgeir
Description:
Asgeir is a masculine Norse name rooted in Old Norse elements 'áss' meaning 'god' and 'geirr' meaning 'spear'. This name has deep historical connections to Viking culture and Norse mythology, where spears were associated with Odin, the chief of gods. Asgeir remains popular in Iceland and Norway, where traditional Nordic names are valued for their cultural heritage. The name carries connotations of strength, divine protection, and warrior spirit. In modern times, the name has gained some international recognition through notable individuals like Icelandic musician Ásgeir Trausti. Its distinctive sound and strong meaning continue to attract parents seeking a name with authentic Scandinavian roots.
- Clemont
Origin:
Variation of Clement, LatinMeaning:
"mild, merciful"Description:
This practically unique variation of Clement has appeared on the charts four times: 1917, 1918, 1920, and 1971. Each year, it was only given to five baby boys.
- Abhiram
Description:
Abhiram is a masculine name with Sanskrit origins, popular in Indian culture, particularly among Hindu families. The name combines two elements: 'Abhi' meaning 'toward' or 'superior,' and 'Ram' referring to Lord Rama, a major deity in Hinduism known for his virtuous character. Together, Abhiram translates to 'pleasing,' 'delightful,' or 'one who brings joy.' It can also be interpreted as 'devoted to Lord Rama.' In Hindu tradition, the name carries connotations of righteousness, moral strength, and divine happiness. Abhiram has maintained steady popularity in India and among the Indian diaspora, though it remains distinctive in Western contexts. The name is melodious when spoken and carries cultural richness while being relatively straightforward to pronounce. Parents choosing this name often appreciate its positive meaning, cultural heritage, and spiritual significance.
- Grue
Description:
Grue is an uncommon masculine name with Norse and Scottish origins. In Norwegian, 'grue' refers to dread or horror, while in Scottish dialect, it can mean 'to shudder' or 'to feel uneasy.' The name also appears in some place names in Scotland and Norway. As a personal name, Grue is exceedingly rare, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking something truly unique. The name has literary connections as well, appearing in various works of fiction and fantasy. Its short, strong sound gives it a bold quality despite its rarity. Grue may appeal to parents with Scandinavian heritage or those attracted to names with mysterious or evocative meanings.
- Arun
Origin:
Masculinization of Aruna, Sanskrit, HindiMeaning:
"reddish brown"Description:
Arun is the common masculinization of the name Aruna, the Hindu god who drives the sun god Surya across the sky in his chariot. Aruna is also used as a female name.
- Gibbon
Description:
Gibbon is a masculine name of English origin, derived from the Norman personal name Giboin, which combines Germanic elements meaning 'gift' and 'friend.' The name also shares its form with the primate species, creating an unexpected nature association. As a first name, Gibbon is exceedingly rare, making it an extremely distinctive choice. Historically, it has been more common as a surname, notably borne by Edward Gibbon, the celebrated 18th-century historian who wrote 'The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.' The name has an intellectual, scholarly association while maintaining a slightly unconventional sound. Parents choosing Gibbon for their son might appreciate its uniqueness and historical connections.
- Davian
Origin:
Modern invented nameMeaning:
"beloved + God is gracious; beloved + to tame"Description:
David plus Damian (or David plus Ian or David plus Darrian) equals this hybrid name. It has been in and out of the US Top 1000 since 2004, though both this spelling and alternative Davion were out of favor in 2023. Davian Clarke is a Jamaican Olympic athlete.
- Amore
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"love"Description:
An increasing number of parents are using the Italian word for love as a baby name in the US.
- Dantay
Description:
Dantay is a modern masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a creative variation of Dante, which has Italian roots meaning 'enduring' or 'steadfast'. Alternatively, it could be a contemporary invention combining elements of names like Dante and Tay. The name has a rhythmic quality and distinctive sound that appeals to parents seeking something unique yet accessible. While not widely used, Dantay has gained some traction in recent decades, particularly in North America. The name carries a stylish, contemporary feel while maintaining a connection to classical naming traditions through its possible link to Dante.
- Celeste
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"heavenly"Description:
Although now almost exclusively feminine in the English-speaking world, Celeste (or Céleste in France) is traditionally a unisex name in Italy and France. It Italy, it was more popular for males until around the middle of the 20th century.
- Finney
Origin:
Diminutive of Phineas, EnglishMeaning:
"the Nubian"Description:
These days Finney is most likely a pet form of Finn, but it was once a standard nickname for the biblical Phineas.
- Alvarso
Description:
Alvarso is a masculine name likely derived from the Spanish name Álvaro, which comes from Germanic origins meaning 'all vigilant' or 'guardian of all.' The addition of the suffix '-so' creates a unique variation that maintains the name's Hispanic heritage while giving it a distinctive quality. Alvarso is extremely rare, with very few documented instances as a given name. The name has a melodic, flowing quality with its three syllables and soft consonants. It carries associations with vigilance, protection, and strength. This uncommon variation might appeal to parents seeking a name with Spanish or Latin roots that stands out from more common alternatives like Alvaro or Alfonso.
- Champ
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"champion"Description:
Though it sounds like a modern invention, Champ actually has a long history as a first name. It hit the Top 1000 several times just before and after the turn of the 20th Century.
- Furious
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"extremely angry"Description:
A very small number of boys are given this intense and aggressive name each year, but that could increase given that Rowdy is now in the Top 1000.
