Animal Names for Boys

Notably used for characters in Spirited Away and Naruto.

Haku

A unique celestial choice used for both sexes in Korean.

Haneul

Harding

The surname Hatton has three primary origins — English, French, and Irish/Scottish Gaelic. The English variation is a combination of compounds meaning "heather" and "settlement," while the French is derived from Germanic given names beginning with Hadu-, meaning "battle." 
 
The Gaelic surname comes from McHatton, the Anglicization of the Irish Gaelic Mac Giolla Chatáin or Scottish Gaelic Mac Gille Chatain. These surnames translate to "servant of Saint Catan," who was revered in the Scottish Hebrides. Saint Catan (or Cathan) was an Irish missionary who came to the Isle of Bute in the 6th century.

Hatton

Hayward

Heathcliff is the name of the original passionate macho hero of Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights, and also of the cartoon cat. It was chosen by fashionista Lucy Sykes for her son, and inspired the late Heath Ledger's name. But otherwise it's barely used, and perhaps a bit much of a namesake. For a modern boy we'd recommend Heath....or Cliff.

Heathcliff

Hirsh is a masculine name with Yiddish and Eastern European Jewish origins, meaning 'deer' or 'stag.' It derives from the German 'Hirsch' and was traditionally given to boys born under certain astrological signs or to invoke the qualities of a deer – gentleness combined with natural dignity and swiftness. In Jewish naming traditions, Hirsh is sometimes paired with the Hebrew name Tzvi, which shares the same meaning. Though not widely used outside Jewish communities, Hirsh carries a distinguished heritage and subtle strength. The name has maintained consistent usage through generations, particularly in families honoring Ashkenazi naming customs. Hirsh projects a thoughtful, gentle masculinity while its distinctive sound gives it a memorable quality in diverse cultural settings.

Hirsh

All varieties of Hob are antiquated nicknames for Robert, though this one has the "Calvin and Hobbes" cartoon association too. It may also be linked to philosopher Thomas Hobbes, giving it a more refined feel. 

Hobbes

Part Hollis, part Colin, Hollin definitely has a cool factor. It's also the medieval English word for holly.

Hollin

Everybody knows Huckleberry Finn, the Mark Twain character named, Twain said, for the 19th century slang term for "humble." A few modern parents have put it on a birth certificate, including "Man Vs. Wild" star Bear Grylls, who, like many parents, will call the boy the much more manageable Huck. It was also the name of a child on TV's West Wing,

Huckleberry

Iago, the villain of Shakespeare's Othello, was so treacherously evil that his name has hardly ever been heard offstage. Try the much-more-benign Inigo.

Iago

Infinity is a novel word name that could have a bright future ahead of it, with its big, bold meaning and fashionable sound. It's an awful lot of name to pull off, but hey, if Legend, Maverick, King and even Messiah can do it...

Infinity

Innis is a distinctive masculine name of Scottish and Irish Gaelic origin, derived from the word "innis" meaning "island" or "water meadow." With roots deeply embedded in Celtic traditions, this rare name carries strong geographical and natural connotations. Historically used as both a given name and surname throughout Scotland and Ireland, Innis has maintained consistent though uncommon usage. The name has connections to significant places including Innis Mór (one of the Aran Islands) and Innis & Gunn (a Scottish brewery). With its brief, strong sound and meaningful heritage, Innis appeals to parents seeking a name that honors Celtic roots while standing apart from more common options like Ian or Connor.

Innis

Io is most familiar to English speakers as a female name from Greek mythology, but in Japan it's used for both sexes.

Iokepa is a masculine Hawaiian name that is the Hawaiian form of Joseph, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'God will increase.' The name reflects Hawaii's unique linguistic traditions and cultural heritage, demonstrating how Biblical names were adapted into the Hawaiian language following European contact. Pronounced 'yo-KEH-pa,' it features the melodic vowel patterns characteristic of Hawaiian names. Iokepa remains primarily used within Hawaiian families and communities, representing cultural pride and connection to heritage. For Hawaiian families, choosing this name often reflects a desire to honor both ancestral traditions and family connections while celebrating the distinct cultural identity of Hawaii.

Iokepa

Sometimes used as the masculine form of Irene / Eirene, Irenaeus is a name seen in the Early Christian church (for example, Saint Irenaeus who is considered to be one of the Church fathers). Other forms of this name are Irenaus and Eireneus.

Irenaeus

Ismar is a masculine name with origins in several cultures. In Bosnian and wider Balkan traditions, it has been used for centuries, possibly derived from Turkish or Arabic elements meaning "protection" or "guardianship." The name also appears in Norse mythology and Germanic traditions, where it may relate to elements meaning "famous iron" or "iron warrior." Ismar has maintained steady though modest usage in parts of Eastern Europe and among Bosniak communities. Its cross-cultural history gives it versatility, while its brevity and strong consonants provide a masculine sound that travels well across language boundaries. The name combines historical depth with a contemporary feel.

Ismar

Isra is a gender-neutral Arabic name. The name of a chapter of the Quran, it refers to the Prophet's journey from Mecca to Jerusalem.

Isra

Issak is a variant of Biblical Isaac used in Ethiopia. 

Issak

The Japanese word for "weasel" was chosen as the name of Itachi Uchiha, a character in Naruto. In anime, name meanings often relate to a character's story. Weasels are bad luck in Japanese culture and are associated with death. In this case, Itachi killed his entire family besides his brother, so his name's meaning was appropriate.