Animal Names for Boys
- Bergen
Origin:
ScandinavianMeaning:
"lives on a hill"Description:
Norwegian city name heard much more often as a last name than a first.
- Cemlyn
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"crooked lake"Description:
A bay on the north coast of Wales, it shares the "crooked" element with Cameron and the Arthurian placename Camlann. It's used occasionally in Wales, and may appeal as an uncommon alternative to popular Celtic boy names like Callum and Kellan.
- Adel
Origin:
Persian, Arabic, GermanMeaning:
"fair, honest; noble"Description:
As a Persian and Arabic name, Adel derives from adala meaning "to act justly", linking it to honesty and fairness — aspirational qualities for anyone to possess. From its Germanic origins, Adel comes from the element adal, meaning noble, making it a variation of Adele, Adelaide, Adelbert, and similar.
- Andor
Origin:
Norwegian; Swedish; HungarianMeaning:
"eagle; manly"Description:
Unusual but accessible multi-cultural choice.
- Jakob
Origin:
German, Norwegian, and Slovenian variation of Jacob, Hebrew variation of JamesMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
After cracking the US Top 200 in the early 2000s, fueled by Jacob's rise, this name has been losing steam in recent years. But Jakob is the top form of the name in many other countries, cultures, and languages, ranking highly in Germany, Norway, Austria, Iceland, and Slovenia. Jakub is the Polish variation.
- Arlis
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"nobleman of ice"Description:
Arlis is a masculine name with American folk roots, possibly originating as a variant of the name Arliss. It might be derived from the Old English elements 'earle' meaning 'nobleman' and 'issa' meaning 'ice,' though its exact etymology remains somewhat unclear. The name gained modest recognition in the United States during the early to mid-20th century but has since become quite rare. Arlis has a rustic, distinctive quality that connects to American heartland traditions. The name's uncommonness today makes it an interesting choice for parents seeking a masculine name with historical American resonance but without the popularity of more mainstream choices.
- Eztli
Origin:
NahuatlMeaning:
"blood"Description:
A unisex Nahuatl name with a strong and stylish sound, but a meaning that some might find off-putting.
- Dwayne
Origin:
Spelling variation of DuaneMeaning:
"swarthy"Description:
This is an offshoot of Duane, which is an old Irish surname. It took off in the 1960s, when it conveyed a surfer boy image, and reached as high as Number 111 in 1961. The most prominent current bearer is Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. The basketball superstar spells his name DwYAne Wade.
- Halli
Origin:
Choctaw, Native American, meaning unknownDescription:
A masculine name in Choctaw culture. In English, it resembles the feminine name Hallie.
- Edo
Origin:
German, Dutch, and Italian diminutive of Edward "wealthy, peace, noble"Meaning:
"wealthy, peace, noble"Description:
Edo is a truly pan-European name with a rich history, having origins in German, Dutch, Italian, Georgian, Croatian, and Slovene.
- Ivah
Description:
Ivah is a masculine name with ancient Hebrew origins, though it can occasionally be used for girls as well. In Hebrew, it may be related to the word for 'desire' or 'wish.' The name appears briefly in biblical contexts, mentioned in 2 Kings as a place conquered by the Assyrians. Ivah has a gentle, flowing sound that belies its strength and biblical heritage. Despite its ancient origins, the name maintains a contemporary feel with its short, distinctive format. Relatively uncommon in modern usage, Ivah offers a unique alternative to more popular biblical names. Its rarity gives it a special quality while its straightforward pronunciation makes it accessible.
- Aldrick
Description:
Aldrick is a masculine name with Germanic origins, derived from elements meaning 'old' or 'wise' ('ald') and 'ruler' or 'power' ('ric'). This strong, traditional name has medieval roots and variations across several European cultures, including Aldrich in English-speaking regions. Aldrick conveys a sense of authority and wisdom, historically associated with leadership and nobility. While never achieving mainstream popularity in modern times, the name maintains a dignified presence that appeals to parents seeking names with historical depth and powerful meanings. The spelling variation with a 'k' gives this version a slightly more distinctive appearance compared to the more common Aldrich. With its rich heritage and commanding sound, Aldrick represents a strong yet uncommon choice for parents drawn to names with ancient European origins.
- Ayaz
Origin:
Turkish and AzerbaijaniMeaning:
"frost"Description:
A wintery name of Turkish origin that would suit a baby born during the colder months. Notably borne by the slave and later companion of an 11th century sultan, it is a popular choice in Turkey with actor Ayaz Khan being a more contemporary bearer.
- Geo
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"earth"Description:
Geo is of ancient origin but cutting-edge modern sound. It is starting to rise in popularity, partly for its cool science vibe, and partly as a soundalike for popular Italian diminutive Gio.
Geo is also a traditional written short form for Geoffrey.
- Haraldur
Origin:
Icelandic from GermanicMeaning:
"army ruler"Description:
The Icelandic form of Harold, currently a popular boy name in Iceland.
- Gad
Origin:
Hebrew or NavajoMeaning:
"fortune; juniper tree"Description:
Simple Biblical name with an auspicious meaning. There are two men named Gad in the Old Testament — one the first son of Jacob and Zilpah, and the other a prophet of King David.
- Hyrum
Description:
Hyrum is a distinctive masculine name with Mormon heritage, most famously associated with Hyrum Smith, the older brother of Joseph Smith, founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The name is a variant of Hiram, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'exalted brother' or 'my brother is exalted.' Due to the significant role Hyrum Smith played in early Mormon history, the name has maintained steady popularity among Latter-day Saint communities, particularly in Utah and Idaho. Outside these communities, it remains relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality. Hyrum combines historical gravitas with biblical connections, making it meaningful for families valuing religious heritage while seeking a name that stands apart from more common biblical choices.
- Forever
Origin:
Word nameMeaning:
"always, eternally, continually"Description:
A word name that parents might choose to reflect the eternal love they feel for their child, Forever is a bold choice, but grounded perhaps by the familiar ev sound heard in Everett and Evan and the for sound of Ford and Forest. Also used in a religious or spiritual sense, it feels akin to the likes of Heaven, Blessed, Chosen, Fable, and Seven.
- Indio
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"Indian"Description:
This name of a California desert town, used by Deborah Falconer and Robert Downey, Jr. for their son, makes a much livelier and more individual – not to mention more masculine – improvisation on the themes of India and Indiana.
- Erskine
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"from the high cliffs"Description:
Rarely used un-Gaelic-sounding Scottish name with literary associations to Erskine Caldwell, author of Tobacco Road and God's Little Acre.
