Animal Names for Boys
- Cleanth
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"glorious flower"Description:
A Latinized form of Kleanthes, this name is best associated with literary and poetry critic, Cleanth Brooks.
- Chaucer
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"maker of breeches"Description:
One of the most distinguished names in literature could become a hero name in a family of poetry-lovers -- or be seen as a trendy new occupational name.
- Ederic
Description:
Ederic is a masculine name with Germanic origins, combining elements that typically mean 'wealth' or 'prosperity' (from 'ed') and 'ruler' or 'power' (from 'ric'). This distinctive name carries echoes of medieval Europe and shares roots with more common names like Edric, Eric, and Frederick. Ederic remains quite rare in contemporary usage, giving it a unique quality that appeals to parents seeking uncommon names with historical depth. The name conveys strength and leadership, suggesting someone of noble character or destined for achievement. Despite its rarity, Ederic has a recognizable structure that makes it accessible. The name's Germanic heritage connects it to traditions of bravery and governance, while its unusual status in modern times gives it a fresh appeal for parents drawn to names with both historical substance and distinctiveness.
- Arya
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"noble"Description:
A venerable boys' name in Persian and South Asian cultures that is increasingly used for girls in most parts of the world, thanks largely to the popularity of Game of Thrones character Arya Stark. In the U.S., for instance, there were 1890 newborn girls named Arya in 2016 and just 54 boys in 2016. The related Aryan remains mostly male, however, so it would likely be a better choice for a little boy, if you don't mind the other meaning.
- Gill
Description:
Gill is a masculine name with multiple origins, functioning both as a standalone name and a diminutive of Gilbert or Gillian. Derived from the Old Norse 'gísl' meaning "hostage" or "pledge," it also has Middle English connections to Saint Giles. In some regions, particularly Scotland, Gill relates to the Gaelic word for "servant." As a surname-turned-first-name, it carries an understated strength and simplicity. Gill has maintained modest popularity throughout the decades, appreciated for its brevity and unpretentious style. The name suggests someone practical, reliable, and straightforward. Its single-syllable simplicity gives it a modern feel despite its ancient origins, making it a timelessly appealing choice.
- Berend
Description:
Berend is a masculine name primarily found in Dutch and German-speaking regions, derived from the Germanic elements "bern" meaning "bear" and "hard" meaning "brave" or "strong." The name essentially conveys the meaning of "strong as a bear" or "brave as a bear." In the Netherlands, it has historical significance and was moderately popular in previous generations, though less commonly given to newborns today. Berend has connections to similar Germanic names like Bernard and Bernhard, but maintains its own distinct cultural identity. The name carries connotations of strength, courage, and resilience. While rarely encountered in English-speaking countries, Berend offers parents seeking Germanic heritage names an authentic option with a clear, strong meaning.
- Aronne
Description:
Aronne is a masculine name with both Italian and Hebrew origins. It's primarily derived from Aaron (or Aron), the biblical figure who was Moses' brother and the first High Priest of the Israelites. The Italian variation adds a distinctive, romantic quality to the ancient name. The name carries connotations of enlightenment, strength, and leadership, reflecting Aaron's important role in biblical narratives. In Hebrew, the name may relate to meanings such as 'mountain of strength' or 'exalted one.' Aronne remains uncommon in English-speaking countries, making it a distinctive choice with historical depth. Its melodic three-syllable pronunciation gives it a sophisticated, international appeal that works well across various cultural contexts.
- Deli
Description:
Deli is a masculine name with various potential origins. It may derive from Turkish, where it means "crazy" or "brave," often used to describe someone with great courage. Alternatively, it could be a diminutive form of names like Delbert or Delwin in English-speaking contexts. In some cultures, it might serve as a nickname for Adel or similar names. Deli has a short, approachable quality that's easy to pronounce across languages. While uncommon as a formal given name in most Western countries, its brevity gives it a modern, minimalist appeal. The name's simplicity belies its cross-cultural connections and varied meanings.
- Baldur
Description:
Baldur is a masculine name with deep roots in Norse mythology, where Baldur (also spelled Baldr or Balder) was the god of light, joy, purity, and the summer sun. The son of Odin and Frigg, he was beloved by all gods and known for his beauty, goodness, and wisdom. The name likely derives from Old Norse elements meaning 'prince' or 'bold.' Baldur has maintained consistent usage in Iceland and other Scandinavian countries, though it remains relatively uncommon elsewhere. In recent years, interest in Norse mythology and Viking culture has brought renewed attention to traditional Norse names like Baldur. The name carries strong connotations of light, beauty, and nobility, making it an appealing choice for parents drawn to names with mythological significance and distinctive Scandinavian character.
- Forbes
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"field"Description:
Forbes is a business magazine in the U.S., long led by Malcolm Forbes, with a buttoned-down Brooks Brothers image. If you name your son Forbes, you're definitely implying a connection to the prominent and wealthy family -- which may be exactly what you're intending. But if you have a more down-to-earth image in mind, try Field.
- Adas
Description:
Adas is a masculine name with diverse cultural roots. In Lithuanian, it functions as a diminutive of the biblical name Adam, meaning 'earth' or 'man.' It's also found in Polish communities with similar origins. In other contexts, particularly in Middle Eastern cultures, Adas can relate to the Arabic word for 'lentil.' The name carries a crisp, modern sound despite its traditional roots, with just two syllables that are easy to pronounce across multiple languages. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Adas enjoys modest usage in Baltic nations and parts of Eastern Europe. Its short, distinctive nature makes it both memorable and accessible, offering a less common alternative to the more widely used Adam while maintaining the connection to this ancient name's rich heritage.
- Correy
Description:
Correy is a masculine name that functions as a variant spelling of Corey or Cory. These names have multiple potential origins, including the Old Norse name 'Kori' meaning 'seething pool,' the Irish surname 'Ó Comhraidhe' meaning 'descendant of Comhradhach,' or potentially from Gaelic roots meaning 'hollow' or 'ravine.' The spelling variation with a double 'r' gives Correy a slightly different visual identity while maintaining the same pronunciation. Correy enjoyed moderate popularity during the 1970s and 1980s but has since declined in usage. The name has a friendly, approachable sound with its soft consonants and ending 'ee' sound. Correy strikes a balance between casual and classic, offering a name that's recognizable without being overly common.
- Actaeon
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"from Attica"Description:
A hyperkinetic name, might be more kid-friendly without the second a.
- Garren
Origin:
Invented nameDescription:
Though it's a new name, sounds almost as dated as GARY and DARREN.
- Dione
Description:
Dione is a masculine name with ancient Greek origins, though it's sometimes used for females as well. In Greek mythology, Dione was a Titaness who, in some accounts, was the mother of Aphrodite with Zeus. The name derives from 'Dios,' relating to Zeus or the divine. Despite its mythological weight, Dione has never been widely popular for boys but occasionally appears in classical or literary-minded families. It has a melodic quality with its flowing sounds and simple pronunciation. The name carries an air of classical sophistication and mythological significance. For male bearers, it offers a rare and distinctive option with historical depth. Its connection to ancient deities gives it a sense of strength and timelessness that appeals to parents drawn to names with mythological backgrounds.
- Domen
Origin:
Slovene variation of Dominic, LatinMeaning:
"belonging to the Lord"Description:
Currently falling in popularity in its native Slovenia, where Domen peaked at Number 15 in 2002, this form of Dominic sounds fresh and interesting.
- Hannes
Origin:
German, Dutch, Scandinavian variation of JohannesMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Johannes never caught on in the US, but popular European short form Hannes may be more accessible.
- Ángel
Description:
Ángel is a masculine name with deep Latin roots, directly meaning 'angel' or 'messenger.' This spiritual name appears across numerous cultures, particularly in Spanish-speaking countries where it ranks consistently among popular choices for boys. The accent mark in the Spanish version gives it a distinctive pronunciation emphasis on the first syllable (AHN-hel). The name carries religious significance in Christian traditions, referring to divine messengers and guardians. Beyond its spiritual connotations, Ángel suggests qualities of protection, goodness, and moral virtue. The name's cross-cultural appeal has helped maintain its popularity through generations, appealing to parents seeking a name with both spiritual meaning and international recognition. Its relatively short length combined with rich symbolic meaning contributes to its enduring charm.
- Belvedere
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"beautiful view"Description:
Derived from Italian bello "beautiful" and vedere "view", Belvedere is a dramatic name that was used for a cartoon hound dog in George Webster Crenshaw's comic strip by the same name, which ran from 1962 to 1995.
- Danis
Description:
Danis is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of Dennis, which derives from the Greek name Dionysios, meaning 'devoted to Dionysus,' the god of wine and revelry. Alternatively, it could be related to Danish or Daniel in some cultural contexts. In Eastern European countries, particularly in Croatia, Slovenia, and Bosnia, Danis has been used as an independent given name. The name has a clean, contemporary sound while maintaining traditional masculine qualities. While not widely common internationally, Danis travels well across language boundaries with its simple pronunciation and spelling. Its relative rarity makes it appealing to parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible with European cultural connections.
