Animal Names for Boys

Colston is a masculine name of English origin derived from the Old English elements 'col' (coal or charcoal) and 'tun' (settlement or town), meaning 'coal town' or 'from the coal settlement.' This surname-turned-first-name has historically been associated with various locations in England. The name has a strong, distinguished sound with its two syllables and hard consonants. While never extremely common as a first name, Colston has seen occasional use, particularly in communities with English heritage. The name carries a certain refinement and traditional masculinity. In recent years, the name has become controversial in the UK due to its association with Edward Colston, a 17th-century slave trader, leading some to reconsider its use.

Colston

With a touch of celestial power, a hint of clunky charm, and the totally cool -o ending, Cosmo may well be finally shaking itself free of both the Seinfeld association (which made it a punchline of a joke) and the cartoon fairy association from The Fairly OddParents. In fact, it is in the Top 1000 in the UK and a favorite on Nameberry. 
 
An Italian variant of Cosimo or Cosmas, the name Cosmo has its roots in Greek, where it means "order, universe, beauty." It was first introduced to Britain when an 18th century Scottish Duke used it for his son, in honor of his friend, Cosimo III de' Medici. 
 
Long neglected as it has been in the US, some parents are coming round to the idea of Cosmo again, with nearly 100 boys receiving the name in a recent year. Influential celebrity couple Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost chose it for their son, born in 2021, while YouTubers Life with Beans used it in 2020, which may well help to change how people view Cosmo. 
 In literature, Baron Cosmo Bradwardine is a character in Sir Walter Scott's novel Waverley and Cosmo Topper is the befuddled banker in Thorne Smith's humorous novel Topper. In modern times Cosmo has become the short form for Cosmopolitan – both the magazine and the cocktail. And for those wishing to honor a medic in the family, Cosmo is also the name of the Arabian-born patron saint of doctors.
 
With its cosmic meaning and creative feel, Cosmo may also appeal to those looking for alternatives to Atlas, or for those who like Evren.

Cosmo

Cristofer is a masculine name that offers an alternative spelling to the more common Christopher. Derived from Greek elements meaning 'bearing Christ,' the name has deep Christian roots and historical significance. This particular spelling variation maintains the original pronunciation while giving the name a distinctive appearance. Though less common than Christopher, the Cristofer spelling has gained some usage in Spanish-speaking communities and among parents seeking a slightly unique twist on the classic name. The name carries the same strong, virtuous associations as its traditional counterpart, referencing the legend of Saint Christopher, who carried the Christ child across a river. Cristofer balances familiarity with individuality, making it recognizable yet somewhat distinctive.

Cristofer

Where have all the Freds gone? We haven't seen many since the days of Flintstone and Munster. But it could be time for a comeback--if you think more of the sophistication of Fred Astaire, and of other nice guy names like Jack and Charlie and Sam.
 Fred dropped off the popularity list in 2002, after being a double-digit favorite until 1955. Fred Weasley is a Harry Potter character, and there have been TV character Freds on Mad Men and Hot in Cleveland.

Fred

Irvin is an Old Man name that has an uncertain future.  Losing the final g in Irving makes the name slightly less dated -- but just slightly.  There's something about the 'erv' sound that makes Irvin and brothers feel unappealing. 

Irvin

Regal and ancient feeling, Jacques has been declining in popularity in its native France, but in the UK, it saw a surprising revival in 2022. Jumping from somewhere around the #2500 mark straight to #600, it was seven times more popular than in 2021.
 
Derived from the Latin name, Iacobus (or Jacobus), Jacques is the French form of Jacob and James. With a slightly sharper sound than the on-trend Jack and with a bit more flair, it still sounds fresh in the UK.
 
Jacques is the name of a number of saints and it is also associated with philosophy. Three well-known thinkers, Rousseau, Lacan, and Derrida, all share it as a given name. A Disney name via Lilo and Stitch and Finding Nemo, it also has literary ties to Shakespeare's As You Like it and James Baldwin's Giovanni's Room. 
Recent interest in the name might have been sparked by Rugby Union Coach Jacques Nienabar, by film writer and director Jacques Audiard, or perhaps by the character of Jacques Snicket, who featured in the Netflix adaptation of A Series of Unfortunate Events.
 Alternatively, it might just be parents looking for an alternative to Jack, and landing on the French form, to fit in with other trending choices, such as Remy, Louis/Louie, Hugo, Margot, and Sylvie.

Jacques

Adonai is a title meaning "my lords" used in the Torah and in Jewish prayer to refer to God, whose name is forbidden to be spoken. Even the title Adonai is considered by some Orthodox Jews to be too holy to say outside of prayer, being replaced by HaShem, meaning "The Name". This makes Adonai a highly culturally loaded choice, which is never used as a name in the Jewish community. Nevertheless, several dozen boys and a handful of girls receive this name each year in the US.

Adonai

Cute but cool with its double vowel ending, Bodee likely gained attention due to the popularity of the spiritual nature name Bodhi and the Scottish surname Brody. It began rising in the US in the 2010s and in 2024 it was given to nearly 60 babies.
 
A name with a variation of origins, it could come from the aforementioned Bodhi, which means "enlightenment" in Sanskrit and is associated with the Bodhi Tree, where the spiritual teacher Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment. Alternatively, it comes from Bode, which is both a commanding German name and a Yoruban name meaning "return", however, it could also be considered an elaboration or nickname for Bo, Beau, or Boden.

Bodee

An English surname and place name, typically referring to someone who lives by or at the top of a hill, Bowden has similar sounds to other popular choices like Bodhi and Brody, or to Rowdy and Howie, depending in which pronunciation you choose to use. Also appearing as Boden or Beauden, it can also relate to the German word for "floor", to the French Beau, meaning "beautiful", or to the Old English name Bucge, meaning "fortress".
 
While Beauden is in the charts in the UK and New Zealand and Boden features in the US, Bowden is comparatively rarer. This may change in coming years, after dancer Dianne Buswell and YouTuber Joe Sugg chose it for their son born in 2026. The stars have chosen to pronounce it BOW-duhn (bow to rhyme with cow), though BO-duhn (Bo to rhyme with slow) is acceptable too.

Bowden

Cael is the name of the angel of the zodiac sign of Cancer and also of a warrior of Irish mythology. Its ascendance to the Top 1000 over the past decade probably has to do with its similarity to Cale and Kale (and Kyle and Cayden etcetera).

Cael

Emphasizes a four-syllable pronunciation, rather than the traditional three of Giovanni.

Geovanni

Hussain is a masculine name of Arabic origin, a variant of Hassan, meaning 'handsome' or 'good.' The name holds particularly deep significance in Islamic tradition as it was the name of Prophet Muhammad's grandson, Hussain ibn Ali, a revered figure especially among Shia Muslims. Due to its religious and historical importance, Hussain remains widely used throughout Muslim communities worldwide. The name carries connotations of nobility, courage, and moral integrity based on the historical Hussain's legacy. In Western countries, the name has become more familiar as Muslim communities have grown. Hussain combines cultural depth with an accessible pronunciation, making it a name that travels well across linguistic boundaries.

Hussain

Izhaan is a multicultural choice with its origins in Hindi, Sanskrit, Arabic, and Urdu. As a Hindi name, it is associated with Ishana, the three eyed Hindu guardian and god of the northeast, often considered a form of the principle deity, Shiva. In this case, the name would mean "commanding, ruling" from Sanskrit.
 
As an Arabic and Urdu name, it comes from either Izaan, meaning "obedience, submission", or from Ezan Azaan, and Adhan, all names derived from the word indicating the Muslim call to prayer, given five times a day. As such, it is a significant and spiritual choice to many.
 
Also spelled Ishaan, notable bearers of the name include actor Ishaan Khatter (son of actors Rajesh Khattar and Neelima Azeem), and the son of tennis player Sania Mirza, Izhaan Mirza Malik, who has a popular parent-run Instagram page.

Izhaan

Jahkari is a contemporary masculine name with likely African or Caribbean origins. While specific etymology is not widely documented, it may combine elements from various African languages or represent a modern creation inspired by traditional naming patterns. The name has a strong, rhythmic quality with its distinctive 'J' beginning and melodic cadence. Jahkari emerged primarily in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, reflecting the trend toward unique names with cultural resonance. Though relatively uncommon in mainstream usage, it represents the modern preference for distinctive names with meaningful cultural connections. The name conveys strength and individuality, possibly appealing to parents seeking a contemporary name that stands out while potentially honoring African or Caribbean heritage.

Jahkari

Has a bit of a hayseed image, and that oy sound is tough to work with. 

Boyd

Evocative word name that's refreshingly straightforward.  Overtones of Christianity and penalty.  More subtle option: Cruz.

Cross

A modern combination of the cool Cy- beginning and -aire ending sounds, given to 22 baby boys in 2022. May also be a creative spelling of Sire.

Cyaire

Often stands alone in Israel, but rarely here. 

Giorgio as is rich in meaning and history as George, but with more Italian flair. It's a consistent Top 50 hit in Italy, and with Italian boy names like Gianni and Lorenzo rising through the charts, could be another one to add to the mix.
The best-known modern bearer is fashion designer Giorgio Armani.

Giorgio

All the sounds of Giovanni without the authentic spelling.