Animal Names for Boys
- Chord
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"three musical notes played together"Description:
Chord may be considered a variation of the cowboy-cool name Cord, or an independent musical name. Actor Chord Overstreet, of Glee fame, introduced this name to many American parents.
- Cadin
Description:
Cadin is a modern masculine name with several possible origins. It may be a variant spelling of Caden, which has Irish Gaelic roots meaning 'spirit of battle' or 'fighter.' Alternatively, it could be derived from the Arabic name Qadin, meaning 'companion' or 'friend.' Some also consider it a creative variation of traditional names like Caleb or Colin. Cadin has a contemporary feel with its crisp, two-syllable structure and trendy '-in' ending. The name has gained modest popularity in recent decades as parents seek distinctive yet accessible names. Its cross-cultural potential and straightforward pronunciation make it appealing, while its relative uniqueness ensures a child won't be one of many with the same name in a classroom.
- Isia
Description:
Isia is a concise masculine name with ancient roots and cross-cultural connections. It likely derives from Greek or Hebrew origins, possibly connected to Isaiah (meaning 'God is salvation') or the Greek 'Isidore' (meaning 'gift of Isis'). The short, three-syllable structure gives it a modern, accessible quality despite its traditional origins. As a relatively uncommon name, Isia offers distinctiveness while remaining straightforward to pronounce and spell. It carries a gentle strength that works well across cultures. The name has seen limited use historically but may appeal to contemporary parents seeking something brief yet meaningful with spiritual or historical connections, while avoiding overly common options.
- Jaimy
Description:
Jaimy is a masculine name with modern origins, primarily serving as a contemporary variation of James. Derived from the Hebrew name Ya'aqov (Jacob), which means 'supplanter' or 'holder of the heel,' Jaimy maintains these historical connections while offering a fresher sound. This spelling variation gained modest popularity in the late 20th century as parents sought alternatives to traditional spellings. While predominantly used for boys, Jaimy occasionally appears as a unisex option. The name has remained relatively uncommon, appealing to parents seeking familiar sounds with distinctive spelling. Its short form provides a casual, friendly quality while its connection to the classic James lends it depth and historical significance.
- Cylas
Description:
Cylas is a modern masculine variation of the ancient Greek name Silas, which means 'forest' or 'woodland.' The distinctive spelling with 'C' instead of 'S' emerged in recent decades as parents sought unique twists on traditional names. While Silas has biblical connections as a companion of Paul in the New Testament, Cylas offers a contemporary update while maintaining the name's historical essence. The name has seen increasing usage in the 21st century, particularly in the United States, though it remains relatively uncommon. Cylas combines accessibility with uniqueness, featuring a strong sound that balances traditional masculine qualities with modern appeal.
- Crispen
Description:
Crispen is a masculine name that serves as a variant of Crispin, derived from the Latin 'crispus' meaning 'curly-haired.' This name has deep historical roots, most notably associated with Saint Crispin, the patron saint of shoemakers who was martyred in the 3rd century. The name gained literary significance through Shakespeare's Henry V with the famous St. Crispin's Day speech. This alternative spelling with an 'e' gives the classic name a slightly modernized feel while maintaining its historical character. Crispen has never been widely popular, remaining a distinctive choice that combines historical depth with a certain refined uniqueness. It carries an intellectual, somewhat artistic air that appeals to parents seeking a name with substance and character that isn't commonly heard on playgrounds or in classrooms.
- Hickory
Origin:
Plant name from AlgonquianMeaning:
"hickory"
- Fortuno
Description:
Fortuno is a masculine name with Latin and Romance language origins, deriving from 'fortunatus,' meaning 'fortunate,' 'lucky,' or 'blessed.' This name shares etymological roots with the English word 'fortune' and names like Fortunato (Italian) and Fortuné (French). Historically used in Spanish and Italian-speaking regions, Fortuno carries positive connotations of good luck and prosperity. The name has a melodic quality typical of Mediterranean naming traditions, with its flowing syllables and distinctive ending. While never achieving widespread popularity, Fortuno has persisted as a rare choice that offers uniqueness without sacrificing meaning or pronunciation accessibility. For parents seeking a name that conveys optimism and blessing while connecting to Latin heritage, Fortuno provides an uncommon alternative to more familiar names with similar meanings like Felix or Benedict.
- Babar
Origin:
UrduMeaning:
"tiger"Description:
It's most commonly associated with the French elephant, but Babar ironically means "tiger."
- Guin
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"white, fair, blessed"Description:
Yet another member of the Gwyn/Gwen/Finn family of names ultimately deriving from a Celtic element meaning "white", Guin gets rare use in England and Wales; a notable bearer is Olympic- medal winning (female) rower Guin Batten.
- Guntar
Description:
Guntar is a strong masculine name with Germanic origins, derived from elements meaning "battle" and "army" or "warrior." It's a variation of Gunther (also spelled Günther), a name that appears in medieval Germanic legend as a Burgundian king in the Nibelungenlied epic poem. The name carries connotations of strength, courage, and leadership. Guntar has remained relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries but may be found more frequently in Germanic regions and among families with German heritage. The name has a powerful, distinctive quality that evokes images of medieval knights and Norse mythology. Despite its ancient roots, Guntar has a bold, commanding presence that can work well in contemporary settings for parents seeking a masculine name with historical depth.
- Amillion
Origin:
Invented nameMeaning:
"a million"Description:
A meeting of two trends — compound names a la Myking and Alegend and money-related -illion names such as Million and Billion.
- Gavon
Description:
Gavon is a modern masculine name that may have evolved as a variant of Gavin or a blend of Gavin and Devon. With Celtic roots, Gavin originally meant 'white hawk' or 'battle hawk,' lending Gavon associations with strength and nobility. This contemporary spelling offers a fresh take on the traditional name while maintaining its strong, masculine qualities. Gavon emerged in popularity primarily in North America in recent decades as parents sought distinctive yet accessible names. The name strikes a balance between uniqueness and familiarity, making it appealing for parents who want a name that stands out without being difficult to pronounce or spell.
- Camby
Description:
Camby is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may be derived from a surname of Norse-Viking origin that evolved through Old English, possibly meaning "warrior's valley" or "crooked valley." Alternatively, it could be a modern variant of Camden or Campbell. The name has a contemporary feel with its trendy -by ending, similar to popular names like Colby or Rigby. Camby possesses a sporty association for some Americans through former NBA basketball player Marcus Camby. As a first name, Camby remains quite uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality that appeals to parents seeking something modern yet not completely invented. The name has a friendly, approachable sound while maintaining a certain strength and versatility that works well from childhood into adulthood.
- Benedykt
Description:
Benedykt is the Polish variation of Benedict, a name with Latin origins meaning 'blessed' (from 'benedictus'). This masculine name carries significant historical and religious weight, most notably through Saint Benedict, who founded the Benedictine monastic order in the 6th century. The distinctive 'y' spelling reflects Polish linguistic traditions, giving the name a strong cultural identity. While not common in English-speaking countries, Benedykt has maintained steady use in Poland and among Polish diaspora communities. The name conveys dignity and spiritual significance while offering the friendly nickname options Ben or Benny. For parents seeking a name with deep historical roots and specific cultural connections, Benedykt provides both gravitas and warmth.
- Domo
Description:
Domo is a rare masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Japanese, 'domo' is a versatile word expressing thanks or greeting, giving the name a sense of gratitude and politeness. It gained some recognition through the Japanese character Domo-kun, a brown monster mascot for Japan's NHK television station. In Latin language roots, Domo relates to 'domus' meaning 'home' or 'household,' suggesting warmth and shelter. The name has a simple, strong phonetic quality with its two distinct syllables. While uncommon in Western countries, Domo offers parents a short, memorable, cross-cultural option with positive associations. Its rarity makes it distinctive, though recipients might frequently need to explain its pronunciation and origins.
- Benjie
Description:
Benjie is a masculine name functioning as an affectionate diminutive of Benjamin, which comes from Hebrew origin meaning 'son of the right hand' or 'son of the south.' This friendly, approachable nickname has a casual charm that makes it popular in informal settings, though some bearers adopt it as their formal name as well. Particularly common in Scotland and other parts of the United Kingdom, Benjie has a warm, unpretentious quality that conveys boyish likeability. While it doesn't typically rank on most popular name charts as a given name, Benjie remains a steadfast nickname choice for Benjamins seeking a more playful alternative to Ben or Benji (with an 'i' ending).
- Harden
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"valley of the hares"Description:
While teasing about names is not as bad as it once was, the possibilities presented by this name would be difficult for any pubescent boy to resist.
- Beaven
Description:
Beaven is an uncommon masculine name with English origins, likely derived from an Old English surname. It may have evolved from 'Bevan,' a Welsh surname meaning 'son of Evan,' or possibly relates to the Old English words 'beo' (bee) and 'fann' (a winnowing basket). Alternatively, it might be a variant spelling inspired by the word 'heaven,' giving it spiritual connotations. As a first name, Beaven is exceptionally rare, offering a distinctive choice with a gentle yet masculine sound. The name has a pleasant rhythm and evokes images of serenity and elevation. Its uncommon nature means those named Beaven likely experience a strong sense of name individuality throughout life.
- Adelard
Description:
Adelard is a masculine name with Germanic origins, composed of the elements 'adal' meaning 'noble' and 'hard' meaning 'brave' or 'strong.' This powerful combination yields a meaning of 'noble strength' or 'brave nobleman.' The name was brought to England by the Normans following the Norman Conquest and was moderately popular during the medieval period. Adelard of Bath, a 12th-century English scholar and philosopher, represents one notable historical bearer. Despite its distinguished heritage and pleasant sound, Adelard has become extremely rare in modern times. The name carries an aristocratic, intellectual quality with its connection to medieval scholarship. Its traditional Germanic structure gives it a solid, timeless feel, while its rarity makes it distinctive for contemporary use. Adelard offers the appeal of ancient nobility with a sophisticated sound.
