Animal Names for Boys

As a male name, Cleo was well used during the 19th and the first half of the 20th centuries, deriving from the Greek name Cleon or the Biblical Cleopas.

Cleo

Colstyn

Corben is a masculine name with English origins, typically considered a variant spelling of Corbin. The name derives from the Old French word "corbeau" meaning "raven" or "crow," symbolizing intelligence and mystery. Originally a surname, Corben transitioned to first-name usage in the late 20th century. Its popularity received a boost from the science fiction artist and writer Richard Corben. The alternative spelling with an 'e' gives the name a slightly modern edge while maintaining its traditional roots. Corben has remained uncommon enough to be distinctive but familiar enough to be easily pronounced and spelled, appealing to parents looking for a strong yet uncommon masculine name with historical connections.

Corben

Coulson is a masculine English surname-turned-first-name derived from 'son of Coul,' with Coul being a medieval diminutive of Nicholas. This patronymic name originated in northern England and Scotland, carrying associations with those regions. As a first name, Coulson remains uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality. It gained modest recognition in the early 21st century partly due to the character Phil Coulson in Marvel's superhero franchise. The name has an aristocratic English feel that appeals to parents seeking uncommon names with historical depth. Like many surname-as-first-name options, Coulson conveys strength and formality. While still rare as a given name, it fits with contemporary naming trends favoring traditional surnames as distinctive first name choices.

Coulson

Curren is a modern masculine name with multiple potential origins. It may derive from the Irish surname Curran (meaning 'hero' or 'spear'), or possibly relate to the word 'current' suggesting flow or movement. This contemporary name has gained modest popularity in the United States since the late 20th century, particularly appealing to parents seeking uncommon names with a strong sound. The name carries a dynamic, energetic quality. Its rise corresponds with the trend toward surname-inspired first names. Curren may also appeal to surfing enthusiasts, as legendary surfer Tom Curren has helped associate the name with wave-riding excellence.

Curren

Daimon is a masculine name representing an alternative spelling of Damon, which derives from Greek origins meaning "to tame" or "to subdue." In Greek mythology, Damon was known for his legendary friendship with Pythias, symbolizing loyalty and self-sacrifice. The variant spelling with 'i' gives the name a slightly more distinctive appearance while maintaining the original pronunciation. This spelling might also connect to the concept of "daimon" in ancient Greek philosophy, referring to a guiding spirit or divine inspiration. While less common than Damon, Daimon emerged in usage during the late 20th century when alternative spellings became more popular. The name conveys strength and classical heritage while offering a subtle uniqueness. Parents might choose this spelling to honor Greek traditions while giving their son a slightly more distinctive version of the traditional name.

Daimon

Dannie is a masculine name that originated as a diminutive form of Daniel, meaning 'God is my judge' in Hebrew. While the spelling 'Danny' is more common for boys, 'Dannie' represents a less frequent variant. This spelling is sometimes used to distinguish it from the nickname form, potentially indicating it as a given name in its own right. Dannie has a friendly, approachable quality typical of names ending with the 'ie' sound. The name can also be used for girls, making it one of the truly unisex names. Though not currently ranking high on popularity charts for boys, Dannie offers a slight twist on the familiar Danny while maintaining its casual, amiable character.

Dannie

Dawit is a masculine name of Ethiopian origin and is the Amharic form of 'David,' a name with Hebrew roots meaning 'beloved.' In Ethiopia and Eritrea, Dawit carries significant historical and cultural importance, as it was the name of several emperors in the region's history. The name maintains the powerful meaning of its Hebrew counterpart while offering a distinctive pronunciation that connects directly to East African heritage. Though uncommon in Western countries, Dawit has remained consistently used within Ethiopian communities worldwide. For parents seeking a name with biblical connections but a unique cultural twist, Dawit offers the perfect balance of familiarity and distinctiveness. Its rich historical associations and positive meaning make it a thoughtful choice that honors Ethiopian heritage.

Dawit

Devaughn is a contemporary name that appears to be a variant spelling of DeVon or Devin, with the distinctive '-vaughn' ending that may be influenced by the surname Vaughn (from Welsh, meaning 'small'). The prefix 'De-' is found in many names of various origins, including French and Latin roots meaning 'of' or 'from.' Devaughn gained modest recognition in the United States particularly from the 1980s onward. The name's popularity peaked in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The spelling variation with 'gh' gives the name a distinctive quality while maintaining its phonetic pronunciation. Usage patterns show that Devaughn has been embraced across diverse communities in the United States, particularly from the late 20th century onward.

Devaughn

Dio is a masculine name with rich historical and multicultural roots. In Italian, it directly means 'God,' deriving from the Latin 'Deus.' In Greek mythology, Dio can be a shortened form of Dionysos, the god of wine and festivity. The name gained some recognition in popular culture through Ronnie James Dio, the renowned heavy metal vocalist, and through the character Dio Brando in the Japanese manga series 'JoJo's Bizarre Adventure.' Despite its powerful meaning and historical connections, Dio remains relatively uncommon as a given name in most Western countries. Its brevity, strong sound, and cross-cultural appeal make it attractive to parents seeking a distinctive yet simple name with spiritual or mythological connections.

A two-initial nickname occasionally used on birth certificates, with a disco vibe.

Domenick is a masculine name derived from the Latin 'Dominicus,' meaning 'belonging to the Lord' or 'of the Lord.' This variant spelling of Dominic carries the same religious connotations while offering a distinctive touch with its 'ck' ending. Historically associated with Saint Dominic, founder of the Dominican Order, the name conveys spiritual devotion and service. Popular in Italian-American communities, Domenick peaked in usage during the mid-20th century but has become less common in recent decades. The name offers friendly nicknames like Dom, Nick, or Nico, combining religious heritage with a strong, classic sound that feels both traditional and approachable.

Domenick

Domonic is a masculine name representing a variant spelling of Dominic, which derives from the Latin name Dominicus, meaning "of the Lord" or "belonging to God." This alternative spelling maintains the traditional pronunciation while giving the name a slightly more distinctive appearance. The original Dominic has historical significance through Saint Dominic, the 13th-century founder of the Dominican Order. While less common than the standard spelling, Domonic has seen some usage in the United States and other English-speaking regions. The name carries connotations of spiritual devotion and strength, with its three-syllable structure providing a balanced, rhythmic sound. For parents seeking a name with religious undertones and classical roots but desiring a subtle spelling variation, Domonic offers an appealing option.

Domonic

Sad tinge to the name of the beautiful German city firebombed during World War II. Its name derives from Sorbian drezga, meaning "forest".

Dresden

An unusual Arabic name, given to a handful of boys in the US each year, also spelled Ehaan or Ihan.

Ehan

Eliav

Eliud is a masculine name with ancient Hebrew origins, derived from the biblical figure Eliud mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew as part of Jesus's genealogy. The name combines 'El,' meaning 'God,' with elements suggesting 'praise' or 'acknowledgment,' roughly translating to 'God is my praise' or 'praised by God.' Eliud has remained particularly popular in East African countries, especially Kenya, partly due to famous bearers like marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge. The name carries a dignified, timeless quality while being relatively uncommon in Western countries. With its biblical roots and strong meaning, Eliud appeals to parents seeking a name with religious significance and cross-cultural resonance that remains distinctive yet accessible.

Eliud

Eliya is a masculine name with Hebrew origins, representing a variation of Elijah (Hebrew: Eliyahu), meaning 'my God is Yahweh' or 'Jehovah is God'. The name appears in various forms across multiple cultures, including Russian, Hebrew, and Finnish traditions. Eliya carries the spiritual significance of its biblical roots while offering a softer sound than the more common Elijah. Though not widely used in Western countries, the name has seen modest usage in Israel and among Jewish communities worldwide. Its multicultural nature makes it appealing to parents seeking a name with religious significance and international versatility.

Eliya

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus appears to two of his disciples on the road to Emmaus after his death, burial and resurrection.

Emmaus

Not too long ago, Ernie may have felt totally out of style: a clunky old man nickname, best reserved for grandpa alongside Merle, Errol, and Barney. Now however, it's a rising star, a vintage revival in the England and Wales Top 350 where it features alongside Percy and Teddie.
 
Traditionally used as a nickname for virtue name Ernest (or Earnest, if you prefer), celebrity chef Stephanie Izard made a strong case for Ernie when she gave the name to her son in 2016 while Princess Eugenie also uses Ernie as a nickname for son Ernest, giving it a royal connection.
 
Notably appearing in Sesame Street, a fun bit of trivia about Ernie is that it is an anagram of Irene.
 
A recent year saw it given to just 18 boys in the US, making it one of those "exclusively UK" favorites for now. Long form Ernest has, however, been quietly on the rise, given to more than 200 boys which could mean more little Ernies.