Animal Names for Boys

It may be the hippest of hispter neighborhoods, but as a baby name Brooklyn is now on the decline: down from a peak of 120 births for boys in 1999, and over 7000 births for girls in 2011. 

The most famous male bearer of this name is the eldest child of David and Victoria Beckham, now a successful model and photographer in his own right. The name is now overwhelmingly female, given to 3200 baby girls and only 57 boys last year.

Brooks would be an on-trend alternative for a baby boy.

Brooklyn

While Clark ranks in the Top 500 for boys, the Clarke spelling leans towards the girls' side. Regardless, the name works well for either sex.

Clarke

Cruze is a modern masculine name with multiple potential origins. It may be an alternative spelling of Cruz, which means "cross" in Spanish, or could be inspired by the English word "cruise." The name has a bold, concise sound with its single syllable and strong consonants. Cruze has gained moderate popularity in recent decades, particularly in the United States, as part of the trend toward short, strong boy names with a contemporary edge. The name may also appeal to parents for its association with movement and travel implied by the similar word "cruise." The spelling with a "z" adds a distinctive touch to differentiate it from both the Spanish surname Cruz and the English word, giving it a more modern, stylized appearance.

Cruze

An invented name with several spelling variations. Ranking in the Top 1000  from 1989 to 2005, Daquan is now becoming a Dad Name.

Daquan

Daren is a masculine name with multiple origins, primarily considered a variant of Darren, which derives from the Irish surname Ó Dairrín, meaning 'descendant of Darragh' (oak tree). This nature-connected etymology gives the name an earthy strength. The spelling 'Daren' offers a streamlined, modern alternative to the more traditional 'Darren.' The name gained popularity in English-speaking countries during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s. Daren projects qualities of reliability and straightforwardness with its clear, strong sounds. While less common than some contemporary male names, Daren maintains a timeless quality that works well across different age groups, making it neither trendy nor outdated.

Daren

Dekari is a contemporary masculine name with modern origins, likely developed as a creative variation of names like Dakari or Dekari. The name may have African-American roots, possibly inspired by African names or created as a unique modern invention. Its sound combines strength and rhythm, featuring the popular 'D' beginning found in many modern masculine names. Though relatively uncommon, Dekari represents the trend toward distinctive, individually crafted names that began rising in the late 20th century. The name has a contemporary feel while maintaining a substantial, memorable quality. Its uniqueness gives bearers a distinct identity without feeling completely unfamiliar.

Dekari

Diamond was a big hit for girls in the nineties, ultimately making it into the Top 150. It's a relative rarity today for baby girls and boys, for whom the name also peaked in the nineties.

Diamond

Eliah is a masculine name with ancient Hebrew origins. It's a variant spelling of Elijah (Hebrew: Eliyahu), meaning 'my God is Yahweh' or 'Jehovah is God.' This spelling maintains the biblical connection while offering a slightly different visual and phonetic quality. Eliah appears in various cultures, including as a variant in Scandinavian countries. The name carries profound religious significance in Abrahamic traditions, as Elijah was a revered prophet in the Old Testament. While less common than the traditional Elijah spelling, Eliah has gained some popularity in recent decades as parents seek alternatives to popular biblical names. It offers a gentle yet strong sound with its flowing vowels, conveying both sensitivity and spiritual depth.

Eliah

The name of the late husband of Naomi in the Bible.

Elimelech

This appealing Hebrew name is heard in Israel, and would fit in well with all the popular El-starting <a href="https://nameberry.com/boys-names">names for boys</a>, such as Elliot and Ellery. It was given to just five American boys in 2015. Also worth considering is the pretty female version, Eliora.

Elior

A once neglected Biblical name, not seen in the US popularity charts since 1902, Esau has been seeing renewed interest in recent years. Appealing perhaps to those looking for alternatives to Elias, Ezra, and Ethan, it was the name of Jacob's twin brother, son of Isaac and Rebecca in the Bible.
 
With the (perhaps unfortunate) meaning of "hairy" owing to his rugged appearance, Esau's story is one of drama and tragedy. A tough, outdoorsy character and his father's favorite, he is said to have sold his birthright for a pot of pottage when starving. His twin later disguises himself as Esau in order to receive a blessing from his father, in turn, taking Esau's inheritance. The theft leads to a rift between them, but they do ultimately reconcile. 
 
Given to 40 boys in a recent year, Esau appears in the name of a Grateful Dead song, and is heard in the jingle "I saw Esau on the see-saw", which might be a good way to explain the pronunciation!

Esau

Eshaan is a masculine name of Sanskrit origin popular in India and among the Indian diaspora worldwide. The name derives from the word "Ishaan," which refers to Lord Shiva or the sun god Surya in Hindu tradition, and can be translated as "north-east direction" or "ruler of the north-east." Beyond its directional meaning, Eshaan carries connotations of divine protection and brilliance. The name has gained increasing popularity in recent decades, particularly among families seeking names that are distinctly Indian yet relatively easy to pronounce in Western countries. With its melodic sound and spiritual significance, Eshaan represents a harmonious blend of cultural heritage and contemporary appeal. The name works well internationally while maintaining strong connections to Hindu traditions and Sanskrit linguistics.

Eshaan

As a given name, Franky peaked for boys in 2007 when it was used 94 times.

Franky

A rare Biblical name, reminiscent of Gabriel, Aziel, and Malachi, Gamaliel appears in the Old Testament as a son of Pedahzur and in the New Testament as a Jewish priest and scholar who taught Saint Paul and who saved the Apostles when the Sanhedrin wanted to persecute them.
 
Meaning "my reward is God", Gamaliel is also associated with what's known as Gamaliel's Principle or Gamaliel's rule which refers to the belief that if an idea is of human origin, it will come to nothing, but if it is of God, it will endure. Essentially, it encourages believers to leave judgement to God rather than making rash or hostile decisions. 
 
Given to around 30 boys in the US in a recent year, the name may be pronounced as guh-MAY-lee-uhl or ga-MAH-lee-ehl.

Gamaliel

These days, some may think of Hermes as an upscale brand name like Chanel and Porsche (spelled as Hermès), or a strange choice thanks to the parcel delivery company. However, with names from Greek mythology very much in style, it is possible there will be plenty who link it to the Greek messenger god. 
 
Derived from the Greek herma meaning "pile of stones" or "boundary marker", Hermes is the god of travellers, writers, athletes, merchants and thieves. Often portrayed as wearing a winged helmet, he is also associated with delivering messages, with good luck, and with speed.
 
Pronounced as HEHR-MEHS in Classic Greek, the English pronunciation is typically HUHR-meez. In Spanish it would be EHR-mehs and in French, EHR-MEHZ.
 
Actress Kelly Rutherford bestowed the name on her son in the late 2000s, and it has since seen moderate use in the US. In a recent year, it was chosen for just shy of 40 boys.

Hermes

Jaeden is a contemporary masculine name that emerged in popularity during the late 1990s and early 2000s. It represents a modern variant spelling of Jaden, which itself originated as a creative derivative of the biblical name Jade or Jordan. The name conveys a fresh, dynamic quality that appealed to parents seeking distinctive yet accessible names. Jaeden's spelling with the added 'e' gives it a slightly more elaborate appearance than simpler variants. The name has cross-cultural appeal, functioning well in diverse communities while maintaining its modern American origins. While the name peaked in popularity during the early 2000s, it continues to be used at moderate levels. Notable bearers include several young actors and athletes who have helped maintain the name's contemporary, energetic associations.

Jaeden

Aasir is a masculine name with Arabic origins, derived from Al-Asir, meaning 'captivating' or 'prisoner of love.' In Norse mythology, the Aesir (pronounced similarly) were the principal gods, including Odin and Thor, which creates an interesting cross-cultural connection. The double 'a' spelling gives the name a distinctive appearance while maintaining its melodic pronunciation. While relatively uncommon in Western countries, Aasir has gained some recognition as parents increasingly look to diverse cultural sources for baby names. The name carries connotations of strength, dignity, and divine connection across its potential etymological roots. Aasir's appealing sound and meaningful associations make it an attractive choice for parents seeking a name that is both unique and culturally rich, with spiritual undertones across different traditions.

Aasir

Mostly used in the Somali community. Abdihakem Abdirahman is a Somali-American long distance runner who competed in the Olympics four times. 

Abdirahman

Abubakar is a masculine name of Arabic origin with deep Islamic significance. It honors Abu Bakr, the first caliph after Prophet Muhammad and one of his closest companions. The name literally means 'father of the camel' or 'father of the young camel' in Arabic. Widely used throughout Muslim communities worldwide, Abubakar (also spelled Abu Bakr, Aboubakr, or Aboubacar) carries tremendous religious and historical importance. The name is particularly common in West Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. Parents choose this name to connect their sons to Islamic heritage and to inspire qualities associated with Abu Bakr, who was known for his wisdom, honesty, and devotion. Despite its traditional roots, the name continues to be widely used in contemporary Muslim families.

Abubakar

Ajax is the name of two Greek heroes, both who fought in the Trojan war and feature in Homer's "Iliad". Distinctive yet familiar in sound, thanks to similar choices like Jack, Asa, and Ajay, Ajax is also the name of a foaming cleanser in the US, and if you find that reference too strong, you might try the shortened Jax instead. 
 
In a recent year, 36 boys were called Ajax in the US.