Animal Names for Boys

The sophisticated Edmond and its nearly-identical twin Edmund are coming out of mothballs now that Edward, inspired by Twilight, is once again a hot name.  Parents looking for an alternative might gravitate to Edmond, a handsome classic that has both class and style.

Edmond

As Ezra becomes more popular, so is Esdras being rediscovered. Los Angeles chef Esdras Ochoa was recently named one of the top chefs in the US.

Esdras

Fenix is a spelling variation of the place name and mythological name Phoenix, possibly inspired by the Romani form, Fennix, or the Spanish Fénix. Derived from Greek and meaning "dark red", the phoenix is an immortal bird that, having lived for a number of centuries, would be consumed by fire and rise from its own ashes.
 
Associated with rejuvenation and fresh starts, the traditional Phoenix has proved popular throughout the 2000s, while Fenix has been more quietly used, given to around 75 boys and 20 girls each year.

Fenix

Aaryan is a masculine name of Indian origin, derived from the Sanskrit word 'Arya' meaning 'noble' or 'honorable.' It connects to the ancient term used to describe Indo-Aryan peoples and their culture. The name has grown in popularity in recent decades, particularly in South Asian communities and among the Indian diaspora worldwide. With its modern spelling variation featuring a double 'a,' Aaryan offers a contemporary twist while preserving its traditional roots. Parents often choose this name for its positive connotations of dignity, respect, and high moral character. Aaryan has a melodic quality and provides a strong cultural connection while being relatively easy to pronounce in many languages.

Aaryan

Although Greek in origin--in the fourth century, a bishop by that name established the principles of the Greek Orthodox Church--Basil for years took on the aura of aquiline-nosed upper-class Britishness of Sherlock Holmes portrayer Basil Rathbone, then spiced with the fragrant aroma of the herb that entered with the Pesto generation.
 Now, it's time to take a fresh look at Basil.
 Basil was on the U.S. popularity list quite regularly up till 1970, reaching a high of Number 328 in 1904. Its history includes several rulers of the Byzantine Empire and Eastern Orthodox saints, including one whose grandmother, father, older sister and two younger brothers were all saints as well.
 Basil has also been seen as a figure of fun, as in the manic Basil Fawlty in the British TV comedy classic "Fawlty Towers," in the Disney movie "Basil of Baker Street," and as Basil Brush and Basil Wombat in other kids' entertainment.
 The Russian version, Vassily, is another possibility.

Basil

Dael is a compact, gender-neutral name that has been more commonly used for boys in recent years. It has multiple possible origins: it may be a variant of Dale (English for 'valley'), a short form of the Hebrew name Daniel ('God is my judge'), or derive from Irish Gaelic meaning 'assembly.' The name's brevity gives it a modern, streamlined quality that fits contemporary naming trends. Dael has never been widely popular but maintains a steady presence in many Western countries. The name's cross-cultural roots and simple pronunciation make it accessible across different languages and traditions. Parents may choose Dael for its understated strength, biblical connections, or nature associations, depending on which etymology resonates with them.

Dael

This name shares sounds with Keagan and Teagan, but has its own roots in Irish culture. It comes from the surname O'Duibhginn, meaning "descendent of the dark-haired one". Freestyle Motocross rider Brian Deegan may be partly responsible for this name's appearance in the US Top 1000 between 2008 and 2013. While it is now out of the charts, it remains a familiar choice, given to just shy of 100 boys in a recent year. 

Deegan

Commonly heard in Hispanic cultures, a rhythmic possibility here. 

Domingo

Former cool-boy name now in middle-aged limbo, but with a nice naturey meaning to endear it to modern parents.

Glen

Aamir is a masculine name of Arabic origin meaning 'prosperous,' 'flourishing,' or 'commander.' This name is widely used throughout the Muslim world, particularly in South Asia, the Middle East, and among Muslim communities globally. Its popularity has been enhanced by notable bearers like Bollywood actor Aamir Khan. The doubled 'a' spelling distinguishes it from the variant Amir, though both share the same pronunciation and meaning. Aamir has seen increasing usage in Western countries as cultural borders blur and parents seek meaningful international names. The name carries positive connotations of leadership, abundance, and success. Its straightforward pronunciation despite the unusual spelling makes it accessible for global use.

Aamir

Amen

Arin is a versatile name used for both boys and girls, though more commonly masculine in many traditions. It has multiple origins, including Hebrew roots where it means 'enlightened,' Turkish origins where it signifies 'pure,' and possible Celtic connections where it may relate to 'Ireland.' This multicultural name has grown in usage since the late 20th century but remains relatively uncommon. The name's simplicity and soft sound give it contemporary appeal while its diverse cultural connections provide depth and meaning. Arin works well cross-culturally and offers a more distinctive alternative to popular names like Aaron or Erin. The name's brevity and straightforward pronunciation make it practical while its international character gives it a cosmopolitan quality.

Arin

Possibly related to the Ermin- names (which gave us Emma and her variants) or to Herman OR to the Persian/Kazakh/Armenian names Arman or Armen, this is an unusual choice which fits current trends.

Armin

Casimir, a traditional name of Polish kings, could do quite well these days as we see the rise of Caspian, Cassius, Castiel, et. al. Like Leopold and Laszlo, Casimir is strong and worth considering if you've got an adventurous streak — and bet your son will too. An alternative commonly cited meaning that modern parents might prefer is "proclaimer of peace". The traditional Polish version of the name is Kazimierz.

Casimir

Most male Emaris use their name as a variation of Amari, which is pronounced with emphasis on the second syllable. It is a truly gender-neutral name, given to baby girls and boys in similar numbers. Names ending in -ari are also one of our <a href="https://nameberry.com/blog/baby-names-2021">top trends of 2021</a>.

Emari

Ezariah is a modern masculine name with Hebrew roots, created as a variation of biblical names like Azariah or Ezra. The name combines elements meaning 'helper' or 'God has helped' with 'Yah,' referring to God, suggesting a divine connection or spiritual protection. This contemporary adaptation maintains biblical associations while offering a fresh, distinctive sound. Ezariah emerged in popularity during the early 21st century amid growing interest in unique biblical-inspired names with meaningful origins. The name features melodic sounds and a strong ending, balancing masculine strength with a gentle, flowing quality. It appeals to parents seeking names with spiritual significance and an uncommon yet accessible character. Ezariah works well in diverse communities while maintaining its distinctive identity.

Ezariah

Ezrael is a faux Biblical name, combining the elements of friendly Ezra and the popular Ezekiel, with the angelic-style of Gabriel, Rafael, and Azrael. Complete with the cool letter Z and with the nickname possibilities of Ezri and Ezzy, it could be interpreted to mean "God is my help". 
 
First appearing in the US stats in 2009, it's been quietly on the rise since the late 2010s, with more than 70 boys given the name in a recent year.

Ezrael

If Frederick feels too heavy, the Spanish and Italian has more energy. It's a long-term Top 20 name in Italy, and has neat nicknames like Fredo in Italian and Fede in Spanish. Famous bearers include the Spanish poet Federico García Lorca and the Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini. Further back in history, it was the name of a fifth-century Visigoth leader, the brother of Theodoric II.

Federico

Hagen is a masculine name with Germanic roots, derived from the Old German word 'hag' meaning 'enclosure' or 'hedge'. In Norse mythology, Hagen (or Högni) appears as a character in the Nibelungenlied, where he is portrayed as a loyal but ultimately tragic figure. The name has remained relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries but enjoys more popularity in Germany and Scandinavian countries. Hagen carries connotations of strength, loyalty and protection, reflecting its historical associations with warriors and guardians. In modern usage, it appeals to parents seeking a strong, distinctive name with historical depth and European heritage.

Hagen

Harland is a masculine name of Old English origin meaning 'hare land' or 'land of the hares,' referring to an area populated by these animals. As a traditional surname that transitioned to a first name, Harland has a dignified, classic quality. It reached modest popularity in the United States during the early 20th century, partly due to the influence of industrialist Harland Sanders (better known as Colonel Sanders of KFC fame). The name conveys strength and reliability, with its solid consonants and connection to the land. While never extremely common, Harland maintains steady usage among parents drawn to vintage names with natural associations. The nickname 'Harley' offers a more casual alternative for everyday use.