Animal Names for Boys

  1. Greger
    • Description:

      Greger is a masculine name of Scandinavian origin, functioning as the Swedish and Norwegian form of Gregory. Derived from the Greek 'gregorios' meaning 'watchful' or 'alert,' the name carries a sense of vigilance and attentiveness. Particularly common in Sweden, Norway, and other Nordic countries, Greger has a strong cultural connection to Scandinavia while maintaining its international recognition through its relationship to Gregory. The name has historical significance through various notable figures including saints, popes, and regional leaders bearing variations of the name. Greger combines traditional roots with a distinctive Nordic character, making it appealing for families with Scandinavian heritage or those seeking a strong yet uncommon masculine name with established historical significance.
  2. Gedeon
    • Description:

      Gedeon is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, representing a variation of Gideon, which means 'feller' or 'hewer.' In biblical tradition, Gideon was a military leader, judge, and prophet who led the Israelites against the Midianites. The Gedeon spelling is particularly common in French, Hungarian, and Eastern European usage. This name carries connotations of bravery, leadership, and divine calling from its biblical associations. While not among the most common names internationally, it maintains steady usage in various European countries and among communities with strong religious traditions. Gedeon offers a distinctive alternative to the more familiar Gideon spelling while preserving the name's rich historical and spiritual significance. Its multicultural nature makes it recognizable across different languages and traditions.

  3. Domhnall
    • Origin:

      Gaelic form of Donald
    • Description:

      Star Wars and Harry Potter actor Domhnall Gleeson put this Irish and Scottish name on the international map. Sometimes Anglicized as Donal, its pronunciation is close to Donald without the final d.
  4. Gordy
    • Description:

      Gordy is a masculine name typically functioning as a diminutive of Gordon, which derives from a Scottish surname meaning 'spacious fort' or 'round hill fort.' The name carries a friendly, approachable quality with its -y ending, giving it a perpetually youthful feel. Gordy gained some recognition through association with Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records, and occasionally appears as an independent given name rather than just a nickname. Popular primarily in English-speaking countries, especially Scotland, England, and parts of the United States, Gordy has never been among the most common names but maintains steady, modest usage. The name conveys warmth, informality, and a certain unpretentious charm.
  5. Giermo
    • Description:

      Giermo is a masculine name of uncertain origin, possibly a variant of Guillermo, the Spanish form of William, which means "resolute protector" or "determined guardian." The variation gives the traditional name a distinctive twist while maintaining its strong masculine qualities. Giermo is quite rare, making it an uncommon choice for parents seeking a distinctive name with possible Romance language connections. It carries a melodic quality with its flowing vowels and strong consonants. While not widely used in any specific culture, the name's similarity to forms of William gives it a sense of familiarity despite its uniqueness. Its uncommon status makes it appealing to those wanting to honor William-based family names while choosing something more distinctive.

  6. Coop
    • Description:

      Coop is a masculine name with English origins, traditionally used as a nickname for Cooper, which itself began as an occupational surname for barrel makers or those who made wooden vessels. As a standalone name, Coop has a concise, strong quality with its single syllable and straightforward pronunciation. It conveys a casual, approachable masculinity with subtle rustic undertones. While quite uncommon as a formal given name, Coop has seen occasional use in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States. The name carries associations with craftsmanship and traditional work through its occupational roots. Its brevity makes it appealing in contemporary naming culture where short, punchy names for boys have gained favor. Coop projects an effortlessly cool, unpretentious character.

  7. Gladstone
    • Origin:

      British surname name
    • Description:

      William Gladstone was one of the most consequential British politicians of the 19th century, serving four separate terms as Prime Minister between 1868 and 1894. Most of the various towns, parks and so forth around the world are named after him.
  8. Hug
    • Origin:

      Catalan form of Hugh
    • Meaning:

      "mind, intellect"
    • Description:

      A rare Catalan name that may be too cuddly for English speakers.
  9. Jaice
    • Description:

      Jaice is a modern masculine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Jace or Jason. With its distinctive spelling, Jaice combines contemporary style with familiar sounds. The name Jace, from which it likely derives, has Hebrew origins and is often considered a diminutive of Jason, meaning 'healer'. Jaice emerged in popularity during the late 20th and early 21st centuries as parents sought unique spellings of traditional names. While relatively uncommon, this spelling variation gives the name a fresh, distinctive quality while maintaining recognizable pronunciation. Jaice typically projects an image of youthfulness, modernity, and individuality, making it appealing to parents seeking a contemporary name with a familiar sound.
  10. Edi
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "my witness"
    • Description:

      A possibility for parents seeking a Hebrew name with an English-language sound.
  11. Bernt
    • Description:

      Bernt is a masculine name of Scandinavian and Germanic origin, functioning as a variation of Bernard or Bernhard, which derives from elements meaning "bear" and "brave" or "hardy." Particularly common in Norway, Sweden, and Germany, Bernt has historical roots dating back centuries in Northern Europe. The name carries strong connotations of strength and resilience reflected in its etymology. While rarely used in English-speaking countries, Bernt remains a traditional choice in Scandinavian regions. Its concise, strong sound makes it distinctive in international contexts. The name combines ancient Germanic heritage with a straightforward, masculine character that feels both traditional and somewhat unique outside its countries of origin.

  12. Anchor
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Meaning:

      "heavy object used to moor a ship; provide with a solid foundation"
    • Description:

      Plausible word name, denoting strength and stability, currently given to a small handful of boys in the US each year.
  13. Adalard
    • Description:

      Adalard is a masculine name of Germanic origin with ancient roots. Composed of the elements 'adal' meaning 'noble' or 'nobility' and 'hard' meaning 'brave' or 'strong,' the name literally translates to 'noble and brave' or 'noble strength.' Adalard was relatively common among the Frankish nobility during the Early Middle Ages, with the most famous bearer being Saint Adalard of Corbie (c. 751-827), a cousin of Charlemagne who served as an abbot. The name fell from common usage after the medieval period but has occasionally been revived by history enthusiasts. Today, Adalard remains extremely rare, offering a distinctive option with strong historical connections to European heritage and conveying qualities of courage and aristocratic dignity.
  14. Coltyn
    • Description:

      Coltyn is a modern masculine name that represents a contemporary spelling variation of Colton. Derived from an English surname originally denoting someone from a settlement called Cole's town, this variant spelling with a 'y' follows the popular trend of replacing traditional vowels to create distinctive versions of familiar names. Coltyn projects a rugged, outdoorsy image with associations to young horses (colts), suggesting strength and spirited energy. The name gained traction in the early 2000s as part of the broader popularity of Western-themed boy names. While less common than the standard spelling, Coltyn offers parents a way to choose a recognizable name with a unique touch that fits modern naming preferences for boys.
  15. Io
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "rely on + emperor, rely on + hero"
    • Description:

      Io is most familiar to English speakers as a female name from Greek mythology, but in Japan it's used for both sexes.
  16. Garvin
    • Description:

      Garvin is a masculine name with Irish and Germanic origins. As an Irish name, it derives from 'Garbhán' meaning 'rough' or 'rugged,' while its Germanic roots connect to names like Gerwin, meaning 'spear friend.' The name has remained relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, maintaining a classic yet distinctive quality. Garvin peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1930s and 1940s but has since become less common, giving it a vintage charm. The name carries connotations of strength and resilience, and is sometimes used as a surname as well. Variants include Garwin, Gervin, and Garvyn.
  17. Dyfan
    • Description:

      Dyfan is a masculine Welsh name with ancient Celtic origins, pronounced roughly as 'DUV-an.' The name derives from the Welsh elements 'du' meaning 'black' or 'dark' and 'ban' meaning 'peak' or 'prominence.' In Welsh history and legend, Saint Dyfan (also spelled Deruvian) was reportedly one of the first Christian missionaries to Britain in the 2nd century. The name carries connotations of spiritual devotion, natural strength, and cultural heritage. While common in Wales and among Welsh families abroad, Dyfan remains relatively rare in the broader English-speaking world, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name with authentic Celtic roots and distinctive character.
  18. Anaximander
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "master of men"
    • Description:

      This extravagant name of a pre-Socratic Greek philosopher could make for a bold alternative to Alexander.
  19. Broc
    • Description:

      Broc is a concise masculine name with Celtic origins. Primarily derived from the Irish word 'broc' meaning badger, it carries connotations of strength and resilience. In Celtic culture, badgers were respected for their determination and protective nature. Broc may also be a shortened form of Brocton, an English place name meaning "brook settlement." As a given name, Broc remains uncommon but aligns with the modern trend toward short, strong-sounding boys' names. Its brevity and hard consonant ending give it a masculine edge, while its uncommon nature offers distinctiveness. The name has gained modest usage in English-speaking countries but has never entered mainstream popularity charts.
  20. Gohan
    • Description:

      Gohan is a masculine name of Japanese origin that gained international recognition through the popular manga and anime series "Dragon Ball Z." In the series, Gohan is the name of the main character's son. In Japanese, "Gohan" (ご飯) literally means "rice" or "meal," reflecting the series creator's tradition of naming characters after food items. Beyond its anime associations, the name carries connotations of nourishment and sustenance in Japanese culture, where rice is a dietary staple. Though uncommon as a given name in Japan itself, Gohan has gained some usage internationally among fans of the franchise. The name's distinctive sound and cultural significance make it recognizable yet unusual in Western contexts. Parents choosing this name often appreciate its pop culture connection and its short, strong phonetic quality.