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Animal Names for Babies

  1. Scorpio

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "scorpion"

    • Description:

      Of all the astrological names —think Leo, Aries, Gemini— Scorpio probably has the most dramatically potent presence, which could prove something of a burden to a young boy.
  2. Corvina

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "like a raven"

    • Description:

      Corvina sounds quite similar to a car model, although it has a gorgeous meaning and could be an interesting dramatic full name for the nickname Cora.
  3. Calandra

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "lark"

    • Description:

      Calista Flockhart opened the door to a whole flock of graceful and unusual Greek names like this, including Calantha, Calla, Carissa, and Cassia. Calandra itself is the name of a species of lark, and has the versatile nickname options of Callie, Candy, Andra, Andie and Birdie.
  4. Arvid

    • Origin:

      Swedish, Norwegian, Danish

    • Meaning:

      "eagle-tree"

    • Description:

      Arvid, a Scandinavian name that's virtually unknown in the US, is one of the top baby names in Sweden. It might make a handsome, unusual choice for a parent in search of an original yet traditional A name.
  5. Bee

    • Origin:

      Animal name or English diminutive of Beatrice, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "she who brings happiness"

    • Description:

      We've seen Beatrice and Beatrix climb in popularity, along with traditional nickname Bea. And now there's Bee, giving it a buzzy nature world spin, plus a tie to popular late night TV''s Samantha Bee, not to mention Aunt Bee on the old The Andy Griffith Show TV show. Bee can theoretically be short for any girl names starting with B.
  6. Sequoia

    • Origin:

      Native American, Cherokee

    • Meaning:

      "sparrow"

    • Description:

      This name of a giant tree, itself named for a nineteenth-century Cherokee who invented a way to write his tribe's language, makes a strong, stately statement.
  7. Efron

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "bird, lark"

    • Description:

      This Biblical bird name, a variant of Ephron, suddenly feels like it could be usable thanks to actor Zac Efron. However, in reality, few if any parents seem to be using it yet.
  8. Avis

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "bird"

    • Description:

      Avis is a bird name that's been in hibernation for awhile, possibly due to the car rental association, but it could make a return on the wings of Ava. Baldwin brother Daniel chose it for his daughter.
  9. Svala

    • Origin:

      Nordic

    • Meaning:

      "swallow (bird)"

    • Description:

      A striking Nordic name with ancient roots, Svala (and its less common variant form Svale) derive from the Old Norse name for the swallow. This could be a great choice for nature lovers and fans of Edith Piaf (piaf being a term for a swallow).
  10. Quillan

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "cub, Leo"

    • Description:

      If you like Dylan, Quinn, or Leo but find them too popular, Quillan could be a distinctive and interesting alternative. It is sometimes connected to the zodiac sign of Leo, making it a cool way to honor a someone born under the lion sign, or to mark your baby's birthdate if they're born between July and August.
  11. Otso

    • Origin:

      Finnish

    • Meaning:

      "bear"

    • Description:

      A common animal name in Finland, it could work as an alternative to Otto or Otis.
  12. Bertrand

    • Origin:

      French from German

    • Meaning:

      "magnificent crow"

    • Description:

      This name of famed philosopher, mathematician and Nobel laureate Bertrand Russell becomes slightly more plausible with the French pronunciation, bare-TRAHN. Another noted bearer is French director and screenwriter Bertrand Tavernier.
  13. Starling

    • Origin:

      Bird name

    • Description:

      Unusual choice that was the original name of children's illustrator Tasha Tudor, but is an interesting elaboration of Star, taking it into avian territory.
  14. Eachna

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "horse"

    • Description:

      Eachna is the name of an Irish goddess renowned for her beauty, brains and stylishness; in early legend, a Connacht princess named Eachna was deemed to be one of the loveliest and cleverest women int he world.
  15. Herschel

    • Description:

      Herschel is a masculine name of Yiddish origin, derived from 'Hirsch' meaning 'deer' or 'stag,' symbolizing gentleness and swiftness. It was traditionally used as a diminutive of the Hebrew name Tzvi, which carries the same meaning. The name gained recognition through notable bearers like astronomer Sir William Herschel, who discovered Uranus, and various Jewish scholars and rabbis throughout history. While popular among Jewish communities in the early 20th century, Herschel has become less common in recent decades. However, it retains a dignified, intellectual quality that appeals to those drawn to traditional or family-honoring names. Its distinctive sound and rich cultural heritage give it a unique character among contemporary name choices.

  16. Lupe

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "wolf"

    • Description:

      A nickname name heard in Spanish-speaking cultures, might lead to "loopy" jokes here.
  17. Cordero

    • Origin:

      Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "lamb"

    • Description:

      Sounds more like a car than a baby name. Some sources related it to the English surname Carter, which would be more stylish these days.
  18. Swan

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "swan"

    • Description:

      Obsolete Swanhild gives way to oh-so-modern Swan, joining the flock of newly fashionable bird names such as Wren and Lark. In France, the Swann spelling is fashionable for both sexes. But Swan carries an image of grace, though perhaps also a bit of languor. It's a lovely and original name, right for our times.
  19. Zvi

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "deer"

    • Description:

      An alternative transcription of Tzvi, the latter of which is a Top 100 pick in Israel. It's a cool, sharp-sounding micro name which would make for a great distinctive alternative to Levi.
  20. Crane

    • Origin:

      English surname

    • Meaning:

      "crane"

    • Description:

      This elegant surname has great potential to turn into an unusual first name, especially with its literary associations to both Stephen and Hart Crane.