Animal Names for Boys

Bas is a fashionable name in its own right in the Netherlands, where it's been in the Top 10.  Used throughout Europe, it may have a future here as a straightforward-but-charming nickname name.  Baz is another, similar and more appealing possibility.

This name is connected to the Basque myth of the Basajaunak. These giant hairy woodsmen and women purportedly taught humans about agriculture, animal husbandry and ironworking and were also responsible for erecting large megaliths across the region. 

Basajaun

One of these forgotten Victorian surname names, like Spurgeon and Elwood, that almost feels so far out it could come back in. The key word there being "almost."

Bascom

Basek is a masculine name with Slavic origins, primarily found in Polish communities as a diminutive form of Sebastian or Bazyli (Basil). This short form carries a friendly, approachable quality while maintaining connections to its more formal root names. Sebastian derives from Greek meaning 'from Sebastia' (an ancient city), while Bazyli comes from the Greek word for 'royal' or 'kingly.' Basek remains relatively uncommon even in Poland and other Slavic regions, making it a distinctive choice. The name has a warm, familiar sound despite its rarity. Like many Slavic diminutives, it combines cultural heritage with an affectionate quality, though it's seldom used as a formal given name on official documents.

Basek

Basett is an uncommon masculine name likely derived from an English surname, which itself may have originated from the Old French word "basset," referring to someone of short stature or a type of hound. As a first name, it carries a distinguished, traditional quality with its connection to established family names. The double 't' ending gives it a sturdy, substantial feel. Though rare as a given name throughout history, it may appeal to parents seeking an uncommon name with historical undertones. Basett projects strength and reliability while maintaining a certain uniqueness. Its rarity means those named Basett rarely encounter others sharing their name, giving it a distinctive quality in contemporary settings where family surnames as first names have gained popularity.

Basett

Basie is a fabulous jazz name to honor the Count, whose birth name was William, the influential pianist, organist, bandleader and composer who led his band for almost fifty years.
 There are lots of other jazzy names you might want to consider, including Ellington, Miles, Quincy, Dexter, Mercer, and Bix. Woody Allen named his two daughters after jazz musicians--Bechet for clarinetist Sidney Bechet and Manzie for Manzie Johnson, the drummer in Bechet's band.

Basie

Basilius is a masculine name with ancient roots, deriving from the Greek name Basileios, meaning 'royal' or 'kingly.' It's the original form of the more common Basil. The name was borne by several important early Christian saints, including Basil the Great, a 4th-century Church Father and theologian. Basilius has been used across various European cultures, particularly in Eastern Orthodox traditions. While uncommon in English-speaking countries today, it remains in use in parts of Eastern Europe, Greece, and among those with connections to Orthodox Christian heritage. The name carries an air of classical dignity and scholarly tradition, evoking images of ancient wisdom and nobility.

Basilius

Basle is a masculine name that likely derives from the city of Basel (also spelled Basle in English) in Switzerland. The city name itself comes from the Late Latin 'Basilia' derived from the Greek 'basileus' meaning 'king' or 'leader.' As a personal name, Basle is extremely rare, not appearing in most standard naming records or popularity charts. It has a sophisticated European quality while remaining short and straightforward. The name might appeal to parents seeking a subtle geographical reference or a name with connections to Swiss heritage. Basle has a strong, masculine sound despite its single syllable, and its uniqueness ensures that bearers stand out. The name balances cultural significance with simplicity.

Basle

As a first name, Basquiat is used as in honor of Jean-Michel Basquiat, the neoexpressionist whose art touched on themes of race, wealth disparity, and humanism.

Basquiat

Basset is a masculine name with French origins, derived from the Old French word meaning 'of low stature' or 'somewhat low.' Historically, it likely began as a surname or occupational name before occasionally transitioning to use as a given name. The name shares its etymology with the Basset Hound dog breed, which was named for its low-set body. As a first name, Basset remains extremely uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality for those seeking rare names. It carries a certain aristocratic or traditional feel, perhaps evoking associations with British or French heritage. The name's brevity and strong consonant sounds give it a solid, masculine quality.

Basset

Bassett

Basti is a masculine name most commonly used as a nickname for Sebastian, particularly popular in German-speaking countries and parts of Europe. The name Sebastian itself derives from the Greek name Sebastianos, meaning 'from Sebastia' (an ancient city) or 'revered.' Basti offers a playful, affectionate alternative to the more formal Sebastian. While uncommon as a standalone given name in most countries, it has gained some usage as an independent name in recent decades. The nickname carries a youthful, friendly quality that often persists into adulthood. For parents drawn to Sebastian but preferring something shorter or more distinctive, Basti provides a charming alternative with the same etymological roots.

Basti

Bastiaan is a common Dutch form of Bastian, a short form of Sebastian that stands on its own. While the double A is not intuitive for English speakers, the name is widely used in the Netherlands.

Bas is its own popular nickname.

Bastiaan

Bastiaio is a masculine name that appears to be a rare variant or elaboration of Sebastian or Bastian. While Sebastian derives from the Greek 'sebastos' meaning 'venerable' or 'revered,' Bastiaio represents an uncommon variation, possibly with Portuguese or Italian influences in its construction. The name has a melodic, flowing quality with its sequence of vowels creating a distinctive rhythm. Bastiaio remains extremely rare as a given name globally, making it a truly unique choice. It carries the dignified associations of its root name Sebastian, which has connections to saints and classical history, while offering a more unusual and rhythmic alternative. The name combines traditional elements with a distinctive flair that sets it apart from more common variants.

Bastiaio

Bastiano is an Italian masculine name that serves as a variation of Sebastian. It derives from the Latin name Sebastianus, which means 'from Sebastia,' an ancient city in Asia Minor. The name carries a rich historical significance, as St. Sebastian was a popular early Christian martyr. Bastiano maintains the sophisticated charm of its original form while offering a distinctly Italian flair with its -ano ending. Though less common than Sebastian internationally, Bastiano remains appreciated in Italian-speaking regions for its melodious sound and cultural heritage. The name conveys strength and elegance, making it a timeless choice that balances traditional roots with a unique quality that sets it apart from more widespread variations.

Bastiano

Basul is a masculine name with obscure origins, possibly deriving from Arabic or South Asian linguistic traditions. The name may be a variant of Basil, which comes from the Greek word 'basilikos' meaning 'royal' or 'kingly.' In some cultures, it might be connected to the Turkish 'basul' meaning 'pressure' or 'influence.' Basul remains extremely rare worldwide, appealing to parents seeking truly unique names with an exotic sound. The name has a strong, distinctive quality with its combination of soft consonants and clean ending. Its uncommonness means that a child named Basul would likely be the only one in his social circles, offering a truly individual identity.

Basul

Bartholomew is one vintage name with Biblical antecedents that hasn't risen again in the modern world, perhaps because short form Bart, as in Simpson, would be too difficult for a contemporary boy to bear.  But antique nickname Bat might work better.  Might.

Batcheler represents an archaic spelling variant of 'Bachelor,' originating from Medieval English and Old French 'bacheler,' referring to a young knight or apprentice. As a masculine name, it carries historical connotations of a young man in training or someone who had attained the lowest rank of knighthood. This spelling preserves the name's ancient character and distinctive heritage. Extremely rare as a first name in modern usage, Batcheler more commonly appears as a surname. The name might appeal to those seeking a connection to medieval traditions or appreciating its occupational origins. Its unusual spelling makes it a highly distinctive choice that echoes historical language patterns while maintaining recognizable pronunciation.

Batcheler

Batcheller is an unusual male name with English origins, derived from an occupational surname that historically referred to a bachelor or young knight, or alternatively to someone who processed grain. As a first name, Batcheller remains exceedingly rare, appealing to parents seeking a highly distinctive name with historical resonance. The name carries a somewhat formal, traditional quality with its connection to medieval occupations and social classifications. Like many surname-to-first-name conversions, Batcheller offers nickname possibilities including Batch or possibly Bell. Its rarity ensures a unique identity for a child, though its uncommon nature may require frequent spelling and pronunciation clarification.

Batcheller

Batchellor is an English surname that evolved into an occasional masculine given name. It originated from the Middle English word 'bachelor,' referring to a young knight, junior member of a trade guild, or unmarried man. As a family name, it identified someone with bachelor status or possibly someone who worked in a household of a bachelor. The spelling variation with 'tch' rather than just 'ch' represents a regional dialectal difference that persisted over time. As a first name, Batchellor remains extremely rare, appealing to those seeking distinctive traditional English names with historical occupational connections. It has never ranked among common given names in English-speaking countries, making it a truly uncommon choice that carries echoes of medieval social structures.