Animal Names for Boys

A relatively common surname, Dixon would be an inventive way to honor an ancestral Richard or Dick, the X form a lot livelier than the Dickson spelling, just as Dix is a more modern short form than Dick; it would be right at home alongside Dax and Jax.
 But you don't need us to point out the considerable downside of this name. Besides being a sexual slang term, dick is also the most common epithet describing someone who's a jerk or a meanie (trying to avoid other unsavory words here). And Dix sounds exactly like dicks, which makes it not the least bit easier a name to carry these days than Dick.

Dixon

Eduard is a continental European variant of Edward, a venerable Germanic name combining elements meaning 'wealth' and 'guardian' or 'protector.' This spelling is particularly common in German, Czech, Romanian, Russian, and several other European languages. While the Anglicized Edward dominates in English-speaking countries, Eduard maintains popularity throughout Eastern and Central Europe. The name has been borne by numerous royals, artists, and intellectuals across European history, including composer Eduard Strauss and artist Eduard Manet. Eduard carries an air of classical European sophistication while remaining approachable. The name conveys strength and nobility, reflecting its historical usage among aristocracy, while offering a slightly distinctive alternative to the more common Edward.

Eduard

A thundering biblical name  - belonging to a grandson of Adam and Eve, also known as Enosh - that hasn't made as much of a comeback as similar Enoch. Enos is also a book in the Book of Mormon, and the name of the first chimpanzee to go into orbit. Caution: depending on your accent, it could have one or two unfortunate rhymes.

Enos

It's been four decades decades since Ferris Bueller took his famous day off in the cult classic 1986 teen comedy movie, but we think the time for this name could and should be now! Especially with the recent rise of the hero's girlfriend, Sloane, up the baby name rankings. Half preppy, half rugged, it boasts that stylish S ending and has a cozy, retro feel.

 The surname Ferris can derive either from the Irish name Fergus, meaning "strong man", or from the English surname Ferrers, referring to a blacksmith or ironworker
 
Briefly appearing in the charts in the early years of the 20th-century, Ferris was only used in small numbers until the 2020s. A recent year however saw it given to 56 boys and 10 girls: the highest number on record.

Ferris

In the Bible, Gershon is one of Levi’s sons. The name is a variation of Gershom, another Old Testament name that is now primarily used in Orthodox Jewish communities.

Gershon

Could Hal be the Jack, Max, or Gus of the future? It just might happen in the new nickname environment, especially with Cal and Cy feeling cool, and with the interest in vintage, cowboy-esque choices, considering Hal ranked in the US Top 1000 in the first half of the 20th century. 
 Hal is a venerable nickname for Henry, Harry and Harold, famously used by Shakespeare in King Henry IV as the name of the king's son, the future Henry V, A number of show biz figures of a certain era have gone by the name too, including Hals Roach, Wallis, Ashby, Holbrook, David and Linden. In the eponymous film, Jack Black played "Shallow Hal."
 As for the bad-guy machine in "2001: A Space Odyssey," that HAL stood for Heuristically programmed ALgorithmic computer.
 
Actor Hank Azaria put it on his son's birth certificate back in 2009, well-ahead of trend, while a recent year saw it given to around 30 babies: double the number it was being given to back in the 2010s.

Unless it runs in your family, or Alexander Hamilton is your particular hero, you might consider something less imposing -- and without the teasable nickname Ham. Scottish curler Hamilton McMillan Jr pulls it off though, with nickname Hammy. 

Hamilton

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."  Unfortunately, he spends most of his life in his bathrobe and slippers.

Ilya

Isak is a Scandinavian and Eastern European variant of Isaac, a name with ancient Hebrew origins meaning 'he will laugh' or 'he will rejoice.' This spelling is particularly common in Sweden, Norway, Finland, and parts of Eastern Europe. The Biblical Isaac was the son of Abraham and Sarah, giving the name deep religious significance in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. Isak has maintained steady popularity in Scandinavian countries, appreciating its clean, simple sound. In recent years, the name has gained international appeal as parents seek distinctive alternatives to more common biblical names. Notable bearers include Swedish writer Isak Dinesen (pen name of Karen Blixen) and various European athletes and artists.

Isak

An Arabic name with a strong, regal meaning, Aahil and its alternative spelling Ahil come from the Arabic word for "emperor" or "great leader" and is generally used to refer to someone who rules over a number of nations. In a recent year, the name ranked in the England and Wales Top 500.

Aahil

Japanese name common among older generations.

Akio

Ameir is a masculine name of Arabic origin, derived from the word 'amir' meaning 'commander,' 'prince,' or 'leader.' It represents authority, strength, and nobility. This variation of the more common Amir offers a slightly distinctive spelling while maintaining the same powerful meaning. The name has gained modest popularity in Muslim communities worldwide and has seen increasing use in Western countries as cultural barriers continue to blend. Ameir carries dignified connotations of leadership and respect, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name with both cultural significance and an air of distinction. Its pronunciation (ah-MEER) is melodic and accessible across various languages.

Ameir

Arsh is a masculine name with multicultural origins and meanings. In Persian, it refers to 'throne' or 'the highest heaven,' conveying elevation and nobility. In Indian cultures, particularly Punjabi, Arsh can signify 'the sky' or 'highest point,' symbolizing limitlessness and aspiration. The name is also found in Arabic contexts where it may relate to 'throne' concepts. Arsh is appreciated for its brevity, strength, and cross-cultural appeal. This concise, one-syllable name has gained modest popularity in diverse communities worldwide, particularly among South Asian and Middle Eastern families. Its simple pronunciation and spelling, combined with its profound meanings, make it an accessible yet meaningful choice for parents seeking a name with spiritual or aspirational overtones.

Arsh

Ukrainian Artem (ar-TEM) and Russian Artyom/Artiom (which can also be transcribed as Artem, though still pronounced ar-TYOM in Russian) are ultimately derived from the name of the Greek goddess Artemis: goddess of the moon and hunting. The meaning of her name is unknown, though it may be related to the Greek for "safe" or for "butcher".

Artem

Azaylen

A variation of the Turkish Aslan, this spelling was a fast rising debut to the England and Wales  Top 1000 in 2025. With its leonine meaning and its association with bravery, it was notably used by model, dancer, and influencer, Adnaan Shaikh for his son born in 2025.

Azlaan

Beren is a Noldorin name created by J. R. R. Tolkien for his fantasy universe. A great hero in the books, Beren is notable for his love story with Luthien — so notable that Beren and Luthien are the names on the gravestone of Tolkien and his wife, Edith.

Beren is also a Turkish name used for both boys and girls meaning strong and smart.

Beren

Boris is one of the old Russian names being revived by chic Europeans; it hasn't quite made a comeback yet in the U.S., but it does have potential.
 For a long time the name has been associated with Boris Karloff, famed for playing Frankenstein's monster; he was William Henry Pratt before taking on the more captivating stage name of Boris — and the Karloff fear factor may have kept some parents away. Now, it might be the association with ex-Prime Minister of the UK, Boris Johnson that puts some people off.
 A Russian saint's name, Boris has other more benign and inspiring namesakes like German-born tennis champ Boris Becker and writer Boris Pasternak, author of Dr. Zhivago, as well as the early Tsar Boris Gudonov, son-in-law of Ivan the Terrible, the subject of the Moussorgsky opera.
 Boris Trigorin is a main character in the Chekhov play The Seagull.

Boris

Saint John Bosco is well-known to Catholic School children, but Bosco is perhaps better known as a chocolate syrup.

Bosco

Not for the faint of the baby-naming heart, Brave has begun to gather more attention in the 2020s, fitting in with a tendency towards wilder word names. Given to 37 boys in a recent year, it would also make an unexpected but cool middle name option. 