Animal Names for Boys

Gerome is a variant spelling of Jerome, a name with ancient Greek origins derived from 'Hieronymos,' meaning 'sacred name.' This masculine name carries historical significance through Saint Jerome, the 4th-century scholar who translated the Bible into Latin. While less common than Jerome, Gerome maintains the same sophisticated and classical feel. The name experienced modest popularity in the early 20th century but has become increasingly rare in recent decades. Gerome carries an intellectual, scholarly reputation while its distinctive spelling gives it a touch of uniqueness for parents seeking a traditional name with a slight twist.

Gerome

Gerrard is a masculine name of Germanic origin, derived from elements meaning 'spear' and 'brave' or 'hardy,' suggesting a strong warrior. This name variant, particularly popular in England and Scotland, represents an alternative spelling to the more common Gerard. The name gained notable recognition through historical figures and more recently through sports personalities, particularly in football (soccer). Gerrard carries a distinguished, somewhat aristocratic air while maintaining masculine strength. Though never among the most popular names, it has maintained steady usage over centuries, appreciated for its traditional roots and strong consonant sounds. The double 'r' spelling gives it a distinctive appearance while preserving the traditional pronunciation.

Gerrard

Grantham is a masculine name derived from an English place name and surname, originating from the town of Grantham in Lincolnshire. The place name comes from Old English elements possibly meaning 'gravel homestead' or 'Granta's homestead.' As a first name, Grantham has remained exceptionally rare throughout history, primarily used by families with connections to the location or surname. The name carries aristocratic associations in Britain, particularly due to Downton Abbey's fictional Grantham estate. With its strong consonants and distinguished two-syllable structure, Grantham projects an air of tradition and English heritage. The name's rarity gives it distinction while its surname origins place it alongside other surname-as-firstname trends in contemporary naming.

Grantham

Gresham is more common as a surname than a first name, where it originally denoted one from the village of Gresham in Norfolk, England. These days, Gresham is also a city in Oregon, neighborhood in Chicago, and country in New South Wales, Australia.

Gresham

A Scottish surname, taken from Gregor and Gregory, this spelling is less popular as a given name than its more familiar counterpart, Greer. Given to 8 boys (and 18 girls) in the US in a recent year, for every one boy called Grier, there are three Greers. 
 
Meaning "alert, watchful", this distinctive sounding choice could appeal to fans of Bryer.

Grier

Now that Bear is becoming a hot name, can Grizzly be far behind? A handful of baby boys did get this name last year in the US.

Grizzly

Guthrie, one of the most attractive <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/428/scottish-baby-names">Scottish names</a> that's also a surname, has a particularly romantic, windswept aura, with a touch of the buckaroo thrown in.
 Guthrie's folkie quality is tied to the father and son pair of singers Woody (born Woodrow Wilson) and Arlo. Other Guthries: Guthrie McClintic, a major figure in the Broadway theatre world of the early twentieth century, and Guthrie Govan, a guitarist with Asia and other bands.

Guthrie

Haleem is a masculine name of Arabic origin meaning 'patient,' 'gentle,' or 'mild-mannered.' It derives from one of the 99 names of Allah in Islamic tradition, Al-Haleem, which refers to God's attribute of patience and forbearance. The name carries spiritual significance in Muslim communities worldwide and reflects valued qualities of temperance and understanding. Haleem has moderate popularity throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asian Muslim communities. In Western countries, it remains relatively uncommon but recognizable within Muslim families. The name's peaceful meaning and pleasant pronunciation have contributed to its enduring appeal across generations, embodying virtues that transcend cultural boundaries.

Haleem

These days, it's thought of less as the name of the great general and more as the first name of Lecter the fictional cannibal. Either association is too heavy for a child to bear. 

Hannibal

Common in Armenia, but virtually unheard of in the United States.

Harutyun

In Arabic, hilal is the word for the crescent moon that marks the beginning of the month on the Islamic calendar. Hilal is a common girl name in Turkey, but is typically masculine in Arabic.

Hilal

Simple and down-to-earth, but would probably work best as a middle name. 

Hill

Like Horace, Horatio is a variation on the Latin Horatius, but its Shakespearean and optimistic Horatio Alger pedigree makes it an attractive up-and-comer, especially with its cool final o. A modern reference is the charismatic TV character Horatio Caine played by David Caruso in CSI: Miami.
 Horatio was the given name of Lord Nelson, one of the most dashing of British heroes, the naval commander who led the British fleet to destroy the French at Trafalgar, and it also belonged to Hamlet's loyal friend. Another literary namesake is Captain Horatio Hornblower, the protagonist of a long-running series of naval novels penned by C. S. Forester, played on screen by Gregory Peck.

Horatio

Hovhannes is the Armenian form of the name John, derived from the Hebrew Yochanan, meaning "God is gracious." This masculine name has deep historical roots in Armenian culture, where it has been used for centuries, particularly within the Armenian Apostolic Church. Many notable Armenian religious leaders, scholars, and historical figures have borne this name. Hovhannes remains especially popular in Armenia and among Armenian diaspora communities worldwide. The name carries strong cultural and religious significance, representing both national identity and Christian heritage. While maintaining its traditional appeal, some Armenian families outside Armenia might opt for the more internationally recognized variant John, while using Hovhannes in cultural contexts.

Hovhannes

Icy baby names are currently hot, with names like Icelynn, Iceland, and Winter trending up for girls. Rapper Gucci Mane chose simple, streamlined Ice for his son 2020-born son, appropriately a winter baby. In 2021, it debuted on the charts for both boys and girls and has since been predominantly used for boys, with 13 receiving the name in 2023 and 6 in 2024. 
 
One thing to bear in mind with the name: ICE is associated with the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, an acronym that is known outside the States too. If you like the sound or wintery feel, of Ice you might like Ives, Frost, Eirwyn, Pine, or Brice are alternatives.

A West African form of popular Arabic Idris, Idrissa more literally means "studious" or "learner", though it is also linked to the act of interpretation, via its connection to a Quranic prophet usually equated with the biblical Enoch.
 
Idrissa is more commonly seen in North and Western Africa, with notable bearers including footballer Idrissa Gueye and Paralympian, Idrissa Keita. It is also the birth name of actor Idris Elba, more commonly known by the original Arabic form.

Idrissa

Ignazio is the Spanish and Italian form of Ignatius, a masculine name derived from the Latin 'ignis' meaning 'fire.' This passionate name has deep historical roots, most notably associated with Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuit order. Ignazio carries a rich cultural heritage, particularly in Italy and other Catholic regions where it has maintained steady popularity through generations. 

The name conveys warmth, intensity, and spiritual devotion. With its distinctive 'z' sound and melodic Italian flow, Ignazio balances strength with musical charm. Though less common internationally, it remains a treasured traditional choice in Italian communities, offering modern parents a name with historical significance and a fiery, dynamic character.

Ignazio

A simple and appealing multi-cultural form of John, but Americans will be baffled by all those vowels.