Animal Names for Boys

Ilari

Finnish form of Hilarius, Roman, Latin

"cheerful"

Light and cheerful as its meaning but with plenty of substance, Ilari is the Finnish form of Hilarius and Hillary. Used as a masculine name in Finland, it is used, albeit quietly, as a unisex option…

Ilario

Latin from Greek

"cheerful, happy"

Ilario's merry, jovial sound reflects a shared root with the word hilarious.

Ilay

Ilay is a masculine name with Scottish and Hebrew origins. In its Scottish context, it likely derives from Islay, the famous Hebridean island known for its whisky production and natural beauty. In…

Ilex

Latin

"holly; holm oak"

The Latin name for the holly (or the holm oak) tree would make an interesting nature-inspired alternative to Alex and Felix.

İlham

İlham is a masculine name of Arabic origin that means 'inspiration' or 'revelation.' It is commonly used in Turkey, Azerbaijan, and other Muslim countries. The name represents divine guidance or…

Ilia

Georgian, Russian, Bulgarian, and Belarusian variation of Elijah

"Yahweh is God"

This international variation of the popular Elijah might also be written as Iliya, Ilya, Ilja, and Ilija. It is currently a unisex option in the US.

Ilias

Greek, from Hebrew

"Yahweh is God"

The Greek form of Elijah.

Ilie

Romanian variation of Elias

"the Lord is my God"

Has never left its native milieu.

Ilijah

Ilijah is a modern variant spelling of Elijah, a Hebrew name meaning 'Yahweh is my God.' The original name has deep biblical roots, referring to a prophet known for his unwavering faith. This…

Iliodor

Russian variation of Heliodoro, Greek

"gift of the Sun"

Rare Russian name borne by an enemy of Rasputin.

Ilja

Ilja is a masculine name with Slavic and Baltic origins, serving as a variant of the biblical name Elijah (Elias). Popular in countries like Russia, Finland, Germany, and across Eastern Europe, Ilja…

Ilkin

Turkish and Azerbaijani

"first"

Authentically spelled İlkin, this would be an unusual (to English speakers) pick for a firstborn boy.

Illarion

Illarion is a masculine name of Greek origin, derived from the name Hilarion, which comes from the Greek word 'hilaros' meaning 'cheerful' or 'joyful.' The name has historical significance through…

Illtyd

Welsh

"multitude of land"

Also spelled Illtud or Eltut, his was the name of a 6th-century Welsh saint who founded the abbey of Llanilltud in Glamorgan. Illtyd Harrington was a British politician. The Welsh LL is pronounced…

Illya

Illya is a masculine name with Slavic roots, primarily used in Ukrainian and Russian cultures as a variant of Ilya, which derives from the Hebrew name Elijah, meaning 'Yahweh is God.' The double 'l'…

Ilmarine

Estonian deity

In Estonian mythology, Ilmarine is a blacksmith who forges the celestial beings. He is immortal and capable of creating practically anything, but is portrayed as being unlucky in love.

Ilon

Ilon is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Estonian and Finnish contexts, it relates to the word for 'joy' or 'delight.' In Hebrew, it may derive from 'ilan' meaning 'tree' or 'oak…

İlqar

İlqar is a masculine name of Turkic origin particularly popular in Azerbaijan and some Turkish-speaking regions. The name carries the meaningful definition of 'promise,' 'covenant,' or 'loyalty,'…

Ilya

Russian variation of Elijah

"the Lord is my God"

A rare example of an a-ending boy's name that sounds masculine, Ilya has a large measure of creative Slavic charm. >p>Ilya Ilyich Oblomov is the central character in Goncharov's novel "Oblomov."…

Ilyan

Variation of Elijah, Hebrew

"Yahweh is God"

A popular name in France that we count among the unique I names for boys in the US.