Animal Names for Boys

Kids love Bob the Builder, but do they want to be Bob the Builder? Bob and Bobby have been out of style since the 1960s, but as vintage nickname-names -- Fred, Archie -- come back into vogue, Bob may tag along.  Charlie Sheen used it for one of his twin sons.

Boedy

Boen

From the Irish surname Ó Buadhachanáin, which has at its core <i>buadhach</i>, "victorious". It has appeared in the US charts since 2014, probably in honor of the disco music pioneer Hamilton Bohannon, who was often known simply by his surname. This name therefore ticks several style boxes: an Irish surname, a music legend, and a cool "Bo" sound, with Bo as a possible nickname.

Bohannon

If you like the idea of King and Prince but find them too regal, too royalist, this might be the name for you. Eight boys were called Boss in a recent year, and while it may feel like a totally modern choice, it has been appearing in the US stats since the late 19th century. 

Boss

Boyan — also spelled Bojan — could be a unique pathway to the hip nickname Bo. Boyan also doubles as a Saint name. 

Boyan

Braddock

Braxen

Braxxton

Braydyn

Brayzen

Brelyn

Bren

Brendyn represents a modern spelling variation of Brendan, a name with Irish origins. The traditional Brendan derives from the Gaelic name Bréanainn, associated with St. Brendan the Navigator, a 6th-century Irish monk and explorer. This contemporary spelling with the "y" reflects the late 20th and early 21st century trend toward unique spellings of traditional names. Brendyn maintains the strong, masculine quality of the original while offering a distinctive visual presentation. The name conveys a blend of Celtic heritage and modern sensibility. While less common than the traditional spelling, Brendyn has found modest usage among parents seeking names with familiar sounds but individualized spellings.

Brendyn

Brenham

Breyner

Breyon

This is an Anglicized form of various names; the Irish Gaelic O Bruic; German, Bruck or Breck, meaning "swamp" or "wood"; Yiddish, Brik, "bridge"; and Slovenian, Bric, "dweller from a hilly place." Gosh, and we thought it was just a macho word name invented by Tennessee Williams for the hero of <em>Cat on a Hot Tin Roof</em>.


Brick

Brien is a masculine name of Irish and Celtic origin, a variant of the more common Brian. Derived from the Old Celtic element 'bre' meaning 'hill' or the Old Irish 'brigh' meaning 'high, noble, strong.' This name has deep historical roots in Irish culture, where Brian Boru was a renowned High King of Ireland in the early 11th century. Brien offers a slightly distinctive spelling of the classic, maintaining the strong, reliable character while standing apart. Though less common than Brian or Bryan, it shares their appeal as a name suggesting strength and dignity. Brien has maintained a steady if modest presence in English-speaking countries, particularly among families with Irish heritage who appreciate its cultural connections.