Animal Names for Boys

A name with old-fashioned charm, akin to Elton, Elwin, and Elwood, Elden is a variation of two Old English names, Eldon or Alden. Meaning "Ella's hill" or "old friend", it combines strength and cosiness, but the connection to the fantasy roleplay game, Elden Ring adds an element of adventure and mystique. 
 
Familiar in the early half of the 20th century (though never so popular as Alden or Eldon), a recent year saw Elden give to 42 boys).

Elden

The final letter makes the name more unusual and adds some zest.  Downside: Sure to be confusion with Elias.

Eliaz

A contemporary word name that's been popular for girls in recent years, Ember refers to the still-glowing parts of a fire once much of it has gone out. Connected with hope, rekindling, and light in the dark, it featured in the US Top 150 for girls in a recent year.
 
While it is considerably less popular for boys (given to around 40, compared to more than 2170 girls), it nevertheless has the charm of other unisex choices like Winter, Emerson, Harper, Everest, and Ever.

Ember

A Top 20 choice in Bosnia and Herzegovina, this is a handsome variant of Arabic Amin.

Emin

The name of four popes and several saints: a promising Italian import. 

Eugenio

Izaan is a masculine name with Arabic and Islamic roots. The name derives from Arabic, meaning 'obedience,' 'compliance,' or 'submission to God's will.' It's sometimes interpreted as 'one who is obedient' or 'one who follows the right path.' Izaan has gained popularity in Muslim communities across the world, particularly in South Asian countries like Pakistan and India, as well as in Middle Eastern regions. The name has a modern, flowing sound while maintaining its traditional significance. With its relatively uncommon usage in Western countries, Izaan offers a distinctive yet accessible option for parents seeking a name with spiritual meaning and a contemporary feel.

Izaan

Advay is a masculine name of Sanskrit origin meaning 'unique,' 'unparalleled,' or 'without duality.' In Hindu philosophy, the concept of 'advaita' refers to non-dualism or the oneness of the self with the divine. This profound philosophical connection gives the name intellectual and spiritual depth. Advay has gained increasing popularity in India and among the global Indian diaspora in recent decades, particularly among families seeking names with traditional roots but a contemporary feel. The name is admired for its meaningful significance while remaining relatively uncommon, making it distinctive. With its smooth pronunciation and deep cultural resonance, Advay represents both heritage and modernity for many parents.

Advay

A Punjabi boy's name, as well as an Indian pop band.

Agam

Arik is a masculine name with rich multicultural roots. Primarily of Hebrew origin, it's a diminutive form of Ariel or Ari, meaning 'lion of God' or simply 'lion,' symbolizing strength and courage. In Nordic languages, it can be a variation of Erik, meaning 'eternal ruler' or 'ever powerful.' Arik gained some recognition in Israel, where it was the nickname of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. The name has a strong, concise sound that appeals to parents seeking distinctive yet accessible names. While never extremely common in Western countries, Arik has maintained steady though modest usage. Its cross-cultural appeal, biblical connections, and powerful meaning make it an attractive choice for parents seeking a name with substance and character.

Arik

Azan is a masculine name with Islamic origins, derived from Arabic. It refers to the Islamic call to prayer, 'adhan' or 'azan,' which is recited five times daily to summon Muslims to worship. The name carries deep spiritual significance in Muslim communities worldwide. Beyond its religious meaning, Azan phonetically has a strong, concise quality with its two distinct syllables. The name is increasingly recognized globally, though remains more common in Muslim-majority countries and Muslim communities elsewhere. For parents seeking a name with religious significance or cultural heritage, Azan offers a meaningful choice that connects a child to Islamic traditions while having a contemporary sound that works well across cultural boundaries.

Azan

Boe is a concise masculine name with multiple potential origins. In Scandinavian contexts, it may derive from Old Norse, meaning 'to live' or serving as a short form of names containing 'bo' like Bowen or Beauregard. In some cases, it may be an Anglicized spelling of the Vietnamese name Bô. The name's simplicity gives it a strong, modern feel despite its ancient roots. Boe's brevity makes it distinctive yet uncomplicated, appealing to parents seeking minimalist names that are easy to spell and pronounce. While uncommon in mainstream usage, this short, punchy name has seen occasional use throughout the English-speaking world, particularly appealing to those drawn to concise, single-syllable names with an outdoorsy, rugged quality.

Braeden was one of the many -aiden names that we heard everywhere just a few years ago. Now it's fading, along with Aiden, Jayden, and company.

Braeden

The en ending is so fashionable these days, a lot of people prefer it even when the alternative as with Brandon has more heft.

Branden

Brant, a no-nonsense one-syllable name, had some popularity in the early 1970s, but has been off the lists for a decade. Now, with similarly brisk names like Chase, Jace, Bryce, and Grant finding favor, Brant could make a comeback.

Brant

Joyful-sounding name that makes a really original option.

Caio

A recently created member of the Cale family, with a trendy unisex aura. 

Calen

Cedrick is a variant spelling of Cedric, a name created by Sir Walter Scott for his 1819 novel "Ivanhoe." Scott likely derived it from the Saxon name Cerdic, belonging to a 6th-century king. The name conveys nobility and strength, with the 'k' ending adding a distinctive touch to the traditional spelling. Over the centuries, Cedrick has maintained modest popularity, experiencing occasional surges. It carries an air of refinement and classic masculinity while remaining uncommon enough to be distinctive. The name often evokes images of intelligence and dignity, making it a thoughtful choice for parents seeking a name with literary connections and historical resonance.

Cedrick

Charbel is a masculine name of Arabic and Aramaic origin, primarily associated with Lebanese culture and the Maronite Christian tradition. The name gained prominence through Saint Charbel Makhlouf, a 19th-century Lebanese monk and priest known for his piety and reported miracles. The name carries connotations of holiness, devotion, and spiritual strength. While most popular in Lebanon and among Lebanese diaspora communities, Charbel has gradually gained recognition in other Christian communities worldwide. The name remains relatively uncommon in Western countries, giving it a distinctive quality. Parents choosing this name often appreciate its rich spiritual heritage, strong cultural connections, and the virtuous associations it carries.

Charbel

Cheskel is a masculine name with Yiddish origins, primarily used in Jewish communities. It's a variation of Yechezkel (Hebrew for Ezekiel), which means 'God will strengthen' or 'God strengthens.' This traditional name carries deep religious significance, as Ezekiel was an important prophet in the Hebrew Bible. Cheskel remains relatively uncommon outside of Orthodox Jewish communities, where it continues to be passed down through generations. The name reflects cultural heritage and religious devotion, often given to honor ancestors. While not widely used in mainstream society, Cheskel has a distinctive sound and meaningful etymology that connects its bearers to ancient traditions and spiritual values.

Cheskel

This spelling just barely made it into the Top 1000 for 2013, but nonetheless was an on-the-rise name for the year.