Animal Names for Boys
- Hernan
Description:
Hernán is a masculine Spanish name derived from the Germanic name Ferdinand, meaning 'bold voyager' or 'brave journey'. It gained significant prominence in Spanish-speaking countries through the famous Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés, who led the expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire. The name carries historical weight and conveys strength and determination. Relatively common in Spanish-speaking regions, particularly in Mexico, Argentina, and Spain, Hernán has maintained steady popularity without becoming overly common. The name often evokes images of exploration, adventure, and leadership. In modern usage, Hernán represents a strong, traditional Hispanic name that connects to rich cultural heritage while remaining contemporary and accessible.
- Balin
Origin:
HindiMeaning:
"mighty sword"Description:
Unusual Asian option, and also the name of the Dwarf Lord from Lord of the Rings.
- Azarius
Origin:
Greek form of Azarias or Azariah, HebrewMeaning:
"God has helped"Description:
All s-ending names are fashionable right now, and Azarius has a handsome sound. With Azariah confidently in the Top 1000, and variations Azaire and Azair having small moments of their own, Azarius might be next.
- Arrigo
Origin:
Italian variation of Henry and HarryMeaning:
"estate ruler"Description:
Think Harry with a go-getter ending.
- Hamza
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"lion or strong"Description:
Hamza was the legendary uncle of the Prophet Muhammad, hero of The Hamzanama, the Story of Hamza.
- Eliakim
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"God will raise up"Description:
Little-used name borne by several biblical figures including a king. It would make an unexpected way to get the nickname Eli - or Kim.
- Descartes
Origin:
French surnameMeaning:
"dweller at the outskirts of town"Description:
Highly unlikely philosophical choice.
- Campion
Origin:
English botanical name and FrenchMeaning:
"champion, woodland flower"Description:
The campion is a pretty woodland plant with pink or red flowers, whose common name derives from Old French champion "champion". The plant is so called because in classical times, the rose campion was fitted in garlands used to crown victors.
- Gael alexander
Description:
Gael Alexander combines two distinct cultural traditions into one sophisticated masculine name. Gael, of Celtic origin, means 'foreigner' or 'stranger' and has gained international popularity in recent decades, particularly in Spanish-speaking countries. Alexander, derived from Greek, means 'defender of the people' and has maintained consistent popularity throughout history as a name associated with greatness and leadership. This combination creates a contemporary yet historically rich name that bridges Celtic and Hellenic traditions. The name has seen increasing usage since the 2000s, partly due to the influence of Mexican actor Gael García Bernal and the enduring appeal of Alexander. Gael Alexander offers parents a multicultural name that sounds modern while carrying ancient meanings of strength and distinction.
- Cuba
Origin:
Place-nameMeaning:
"abundant fertile land; great place"Description:
Soul singer Cuba Gooding and his actor son of the same name put this unexpected geographical name on the map for boys, but it has a longer history of use than you might expect. Deriving from the island in the Caribbean Sea, it had a brief spell of popularity in the US at the end of the 1890s when Spain lost possession of the island during the Spanish-American War. Used predominantly (though rarely) on girls throughout the last century, it has occasionally be given to a handful of boys too.
- Darryl
Description:
Darryl is a masculine name with ancient Celtic origins, derived from the Irish name 'Dáire' or 'Daire,' meaning 'fruitful' or 'fertile.' It entered common usage in English-speaking countries as both a given name and surname. Darryl experienced significant popularity in the United States from the 1950s through the 1970s, reaching its peak in the mid-1960s. Sports figures like baseball stars Darryl Strawberry and cultural references in television and film helped maintain the name's visibility. While its usage has declined since its heyday, Darryl retains a friendly, approachable quality. The name is often associated with reliability and straightforwardness, carrying a classic yet not overly formal feel with its characteristic double-r spelling.
- Hanalei
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"crescent bay or garland valley"Description:
An appealing Hawaiian name which belongs to a town, river and bay on Kauaʻi island in Hawaii. The two possible meanings of the name, "crescent bay" or "garland (lei) valley" both describe the beauty of the place.
- Auric
Origin:
Literary nameDescription:
Auric is an Ian Fleming anti-hero, better known as Goldfinger. Better to go with James. Or even Bond.
- Ahti
Origin:
Finnish, unknown meaningDescription:
In Finnish mythology, Ahti (also known as Ahto) was a heroic character and god of the sea, rivers and fishing, also referred to as Saarelainen ("Islander").
- Elisa
Origin:
Dutch, Danish, German from HebrewMeaning:
"god is my salvation"Description:
Form of Elisha or Eliseus, a prophet in Christianity, Judaism and Islam.
- Hero
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"demi-god"Description:
Though the mythological Hero was female, this name might prove too big a responsibility for a little guy to shoulder.
- Esiah
Description:
Esiah is a contemporary masculine name with multiple possible origins. It likely developed as a variation of Isaiah (from Hebrew meaning 'Yahweh is salvation'), offering a more modern spelling with the removal of the initial 'I.' Alternatively, it could be seen as a unique spelling of Josiah or a creative modern invention. The name emerged in usage primarily in the early 21st century, reflecting trends toward both biblical names and creative spellings. Esiah remains relatively uncommon, though it aligns with the popularity of similar-sounding names ending in '-iah' like Jeremiah, Josiah, and Nehemiah. The name carries spiritual connotations through its biblical associations while its modern spelling gives it a fresh, distinctive quality appealing to parents seeking something with traditional roots but contemporary flair.
- Balta
Description:
Balta is a concise masculine name with varied cultural connections. It has roots in several traditions, including Baltic origins where it relates to the word for 'white' or 'shining.' In Spanish contexts, it often serves as a shortened form of Baltasar (or Balthazar), one of the traditional names of the Three Wise Men from biblical tradition, meaning 'Baal protects the king' in ancient Phoenician. The name also appears in various European cultures including Lithuanian and Romanian. Balta's brevity gives it a strong, distinctive quality while remaining easy to pronounce across multiple languages. Though relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, it enjoys more recognition in Eastern European and Hispanic communities. The name carries associations with wisdom and adventure through its connection to Balthasar, while its simplicity lends it a contemporary feel despite its ancient origins.
- Howell
Origin:
English variation of Hywel, an eminent Welsh kingDescription:
A familiar and usable last name turned first. Or you could look at it as a homophone of the verb howl, which gives it a wilder feel.
- Benz
Origin:
German surnameMeaning:
"bright strength"Description:
The surname Benz derived from the personal name Berthold and was used as a short form of Bernhard and Benedict as well. A small number of American boys are given Benz as a first name each year, likely in homage to the luxury car brand Mercedes-Benz. The company was named after Karl Benz, inventor of the world's first practical automobile.
