Animal Names for Boys

A very common boys' name in South Asia, with a strong meaning. Some are bound to pronounce it AJ, as in Soprano.

Ajay

This spelling variation of trending unisex Ari — both diminutives of Hebrew Ariel — means "lion of God".

Arie

Ayoub is a masculine name with Arabic origins, being the Arabic form of Job (from the Hebrew Iyyov). The name means 'returning' or 'repentant' and is associated with the biblical and Quranic prophet Job, known for his patience and faith through suffering. Ayoub is widely used throughout the Muslim world, particularly in North Africa, the Middle East, and among Muslim communities globally. The name carries strong religious significance for Muslims, as Prophet Ayoub is revered as an example of steadfastness and devotion to God despite extreme hardship. While traditional in Arabic-speaking regions, the name has become increasingly familiar in Western countries with diverse populations. Ayoub combines cultural richness with religious significance, making it a meaningful choice for parents seeking a name with deep spiritual roots and cross-cultural recognition.

Ayoub

Writer Bill Bryson may have played some role in popularizing this surname-name, which might be considered a latter-day Brian (or Bryan). We prefer Bryson.

Brysen

Cameron is starting to fall slightly since its peak in the early 2000s, but is still comfortably in the Top 100. The Camryn spelling has historically been more popular on the girls' side, though it did rank briefly for boys in the late 2000s. 
 
Deriving from a Scottish surname made up of the Gaelic elements cam and sròn, Cameron (and therefore Camryn) means "crooked nose". This likely originated as a nickname, but if you were hoping for a different meaning, there is also the theory that the second part of the name may have come from the Gaelic abhainn meaning "river" or the Welsh bryn meaning "hill".
 
Given to around 75 boys in a recent year, this variation is used 8 times more often on girls, while Cameron, Kameron, Kamron, Kamren, Camren, and Camron all lean more masculine.

Camryn

Damoni is a masculine name with multiple potential origins. It may be a variant of Damian, which derives from Greek meaning 'to tame' or 'subdue,' or it could be related to the Italian surname D'Amoni. The name has a modern, rhythmic quality that appeals to contemporary parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible. With its strong consonants and melodic ending, Damoni has a dynamic, confident sound. The name isn't traditionally common in any specific culture, giving it a cosmopolitan quality that works well in diverse communities. The '-oni' ending adds a stylish, current feel that distinguishes it from more traditional variants. Damoni presents an option for parents looking for a name with strength and character that isn't frequently encountered.

Damoni

Earl is a title name - brought to England by the vikings - that's out of fashion right now, unlike King and Duke. Its peak popularity was in the 1920s, which gives it a dusty great-grandpa feel, but there are also younger Earls in pop culture, like the reformed criminal in "My Name is Earl".

Earl

Floyd was a Top 100 name from the 1880s to the 1940s that somehow developed an almost comical hayseed persona along with a touch of retro jazz cool; it's beginning to appeal to parents with a strong taste for the quirky. 
 In terms of namesakes and references, there is two-time heavyweight champ Floyd Patterson, well-known attorney Floyd Abrams, Mayberry barber Floyd Lawson, Muppet Floyd Pepper, and the iconic British rock band, Pink Floyd.

Floyd

Like Ray, a formerly funky nickname name that is newly cool. Comedian Amy Schumer used it for her son. 

While technically Gene is short for Eugene, it can certainly be used on its own as an honor name for grandpa Eugene or even grandma Jean.

Gene

Rugged and ancient, but also very cool and on-trend, Gryffin is a variation of the Old Welsh name Gruffudd (or Griffith), whose usage is likely to be inspired by the mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. 
 
While Griffin has been in the US Top 1000 since the 80s, Gryffin is used more quietly, with around 80 boys receiving the name each year
 
American DJ and music producer Gryffin is one notable bearer.

Gryffin

Abdallah

Despite its origin as a patronymic meaning "son of Adam", Addison really caught on for baby girls in the US around the turn of the millennium, following in Madison's footsteps to peak at #11 in 2007 and again in 2010. But there are plenty of distinguished namesakes for a boy named Addison: from the fictional theater critic Addison DeWitt (All About Eve) to the 18th-century English poet, playwright, politician and essayist Joseph Addison. It is worth noting too, that Addison remains in usage for boys in the UK and would fit right in with other unisex choices, such as Mackenzie, Hadley, and Ellis.

Addison

Think of this as the Hebrew equivalent of Benedict or Benito; best for observant Jews. 

Baruch

Brexton is a strong, modern masculine name that emerged in American naming patterns during the early 21st century. Likely derived as a blend of popular elements like Braxton and Brixton, or possibly adapted from an English surname or place name, Brexton carries a contemporary, sophisticated sound. The name began gaining modest attention in the 2010s as parents sought distinctive alternatives to more common 'Br-' names like Brandon or Bradley. Brexton projects qualities of strength and masculinity while maintaining a polished, upscale feel. Its structure follows the popular trend of two-syllable surnames ending in '-ton' becoming given names. Though still relatively uncommon, Brexton appeals particularly to parents drawn to names with a contemporary edge and subtle British connotations.

Brexton

Clement, the name of fourteen popes and several saints, has a pleasantly, positive, slightly antiquated feel, like the phrase "clement weather." 
 Clement C. Moore wrote the poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas," Clement Attlee was a prominent post-World War II British Prime Minister, and Clement Greenberg was the art critic who promoted Abstract Expressionism.
 The hero of Thomas Hardy's The Return of the Native is Clement Yeobright, known as Clym rather than the usual Clem.

Clement

Corbyn is a modern masculine name with Old French and English roots. Derived from "corbeau" meaning "raven" or possibly from a place name meaning "settlement in a deep valley." 

The name gained notable attention in the UK through politician Jeremy Corbyn. As a given name, Corbyn has a contemporary feel with its trendy "yn" ending, similar to popular names like Robyn and Jordyn. The name has seen modest but steady usage since the early 2000s, particularly in English-speaking countries. 

Nearly 100 baby boys were named Corbyn in the US last year, along with almost 700 named Corbin.

Parents are drawn to Corbyn for its distinctive sound, strong consonants, and relative uniqueness compared to more common boys' names. The name projects strength and individuality while remaining accessible and easy to pronounce, making it appealing to parents seeking something modern yet grounded in historical roots.

Corbyn

Damani has multiple potential origins. It may derive from Swahili, where it means 'thought' or 'thinking,' connecting to the concept of thoughtfulness or contemplation. In some Indian languages, particularly Sanskrit-derived ones, Damani can be a surname meaning 'rope-maker' or related to the concept of restraint. The name has also been documented in certain Arabic-speaking regions. Damani began appearing with increasing frequency in American naming records in the 1990s and has grown steadily in popularity since then. Its appeal may be related to its melodic sound, distinctive character, and meaningful potential interpretations across different linguistic traditions. The name fits with contemporary naming trends favoring names ending with the '-ni' sound and has a modern feel while connecting to established linguistic traditions.

Damani

The least popular version of Damien in the Top 1000, this name still enjoyed a bit of a boost in 2013 -- it climbed 83 spots since 2012.

Damion

Possible middle name inspiration. Has been used as a first by musical couple Sole and Ginuwine, and basketball star Allen Iverson.

Dream

Most likely used as a spelling variant of the popular Everett, you might also consider this name as a blend of Rhett and Ever or even of Eve and Rhett. 
 Most straightforwardly, it comes from the Germanic Eberhard, meaning "brave as a wild boar", though as a compound name, you could interpret it as meaning "forever advice" or "life counsel, life advice". 
 
While the more familiar Everett was used 70 times more often in a recent year, given as it was to 4287 boys (and 79 girls) in the US, Everhett was still chosen for to 62 boys, meaning it ranked alongside Kurt, Nakai, and Corbyn. 
 
But why bother with the H in the first place? One simple reason is that it makes nickname Rhett more seamless and obvious.