Animal Names for Boys

An Irish mythology name belonging to a semi-legendary high king of Ireland, often equated with English David though not etymologically related.

This popular Turkish name has a very on-trend sound and is familiar to English speakers thanks to Orson Scott Card’s sci-fi novel Ender’s Game. The book has recently been turned into a movie, starring Asa Butterfield as Andrew "Ender" Wiggin.

Fin is a concise, impactful masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Irish tradition, it's a shortened form of Fionn or Finn, meaning 'fair' or 'white,' connected to the legendary Irish hero Finn MacCool. In Scandinavian countries, Fin derives from Old Norse, possibly meaning 'wanderer' or relating to the Finnish people. The name's brevity makes it appealing to modern parents seeking minimalist names with historical depth. While traditionally a nickname, Fin has gained popularity as a standalone name in recent decades, particularly in English-speaking countries. Its cross-cultural appeal, straightforward pronunciation, and connection to folklore contribute to its growing usage as parents embrace shorter, distinctive names with strong sounds.

Japanese-born fashion designer Issey Miyake, known for his techno-clothes, could provide baby naming inspiration.

The surname of influential French fashion designer Marc Bohan could make a modern-sounding two-syllable boy's name, though it might be confused with Bowen.

Like Cerulean, one of the new and unusual color names -- it's a soft grayish green -- suitable for a boy.

One of those Old World nicknames -- think Sally and Patsy -- that long ago crossed over to the girls' side.

Actor Farley Granger set it in motion, now could be a gentler alternative to Harley.

Florin is one of the legion of names derived from the root word for flower, most of them like Flora and Florence used for girls. But the boys' form Florin is among the popular French names for boys, along with sister name Fleur for girls. There was a ninth century Swiss St. Florin. The related Florian was the name of a second century Roman saint.

Traditionally a feminine name in Japan, although Ammika Harris and Chris Brown chose Aeko for their son, born in 2018. The starbaby's name is pronounced like "echo," but the traditional Japanese pronunciation is AH-EE-KO.

Allister is a variant spelling of Alistair or Alastair, which derived from the Scottish Gaelic form of Alexander. The name ultimately traces back to Greek origins meaning "defender of mankind." This spelling with double 'l' emerged as an Anglicized version that maintains the name's distinguished Scottish heritage while being somewhat easier to pronounce and spell for English speakers. Allister conveys strength, nobility, and protection. The name has maintained steady but modest popularity, appealing to parents seeking a name with classic appeal that isn't overly common. Notable bearers include various politicians, athletes, and fictional characters, contributing to its image as a name with substance and character. Its sound is strong yet sophisticated.

The Coca-Cola Company created the name Dasani for its brand-new bottled water in 1999. Dasani was chosen because "the name is relaxing and suggests pureness and replenishment," according to consumer testing, though it has been linked to the Latin sanus meaning "healthy".

As flinty and steely as Mr. Eastwood.

Amman is a masculine name with rich historical and geographical connections. Most notably, it shares its name with the capital city of Jordan, which is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The name has Semitic roots and in Arabic can relate to concepts of security, safety, and trustworthiness. In some cultures, it may be a variant of Aman, meaning 'peace' or 'security.' The name also has connections to ancient Ammonites, a Semitic people mentioned in biblical texts. As a personal name, Amman remains relatively uncommon in Western countries but has seen some usage among families with Middle Eastern heritage or those seeking names with international significance. It carries connotations of strength, history, and cultural depth, with a straightforward, strong pronunciation that works well across different languages.

A rarely used name meaning from Delos, a sacred island to the ancient Greeks. A more interesting and musical choice might be Delius, after the British-born composer of lush rhapsodies.

With the new trend of boys' names rising on the heels of their popular sisters, the unusual-yet-familiar-feeling Emilian might become better known thanks to its relationship to Emily and Emilia/Amelia. Rather than being two branches of the same tree, Emilian and Emily are actually one tree while Emmett and Emma hang on a whole separate tree. But all have a lot of modern appeal, and Emilian may be a more attractive and intriguing male form than Emil. There was a St. Emilian.

Abbott is a neglected masculine surname with religious overtones, used to describe the head of a monastery or a prominent church figure, such as a priest. Though the feminine nickname Abby could be seen as a slight drawback, that's hardly stopped Abner or Abraham rising up the charts, and besides, there's nothing wrong with a gentler boy name.

Davin is one of those hybrid names that is appealing for both genders, though it is more common for boys. Though Davin has a strong and attractive sound, either David or Devin would be preferable. It has been declining in use over the last decade.

Fane, used as a nickname in the Middle Ages for someone with a cheerful disposition, is one of the more offbeat members of the Zane-Kane family.

More user-friendly, though less substantial, than Bartholomew.