Animal Names for Boys

The original Greek form of the name that has variations in many cultures and languages, most prominently in English George.

Georgios

This name of a renowned Apache leader and mystic would be a difficult choice, since it was used as a rallying cry in so many old westerns and by paratroopers jumping out of their planes in World War II. 

Geronimo

While teasing about names is not as bad as it once was, the possibilities presented by this name would be difficult for any pubescent boy to resist. 

Harden

Hashem is a masculine name of Arabic origin carrying significant religious meaning. In Arabic, 'Hashem' refers to 'one who breaks bread' and was the name of an ancestor of the Prophet Muhammad and the patriarch of the Banu Hashim clan. The word 'Hashem' (הַשֵּׁם) is also used in Judaism as a respectful way to refer to God, literally meaning 'The Name.' The name has moderate usage throughout Muslim communities worldwide and in Middle Eastern countries. While not among the most common Arabic names, it carries prestige due to its historical and religious significance. Hashem conveys qualities of generosity, hospitality, and spiritual connection, making it appealing to parents seeking a name with deep cultural roots and positive connotations.

Hashem

A surname that originated as a diminutive of Hawk.

Hawkins

This name of an Old Testament king is reminiscent of the woodsy nature name Hazel. Given to just 35 boys in 2024, it could make a similar but less popular option than Top 1000 Azael.

Hazael

Iroh is a masculine name that gained recognition primarily through the character Uncle Iroh in the animated series 'Avatar: The Last Airbender.' While not traditional in Western naming conventions, it has Japanese-inspired origins. The name may relate to the Japanese word 'iro' meaning 'color' or could be derived from other Japanese elements. In the context of the popular character, Iroh represents wisdom, patience, and guidance, which has influenced perceptions of the name. Since the show's debut in 2005, Iroh has occasionally been used as a given name by parents who appreciate its cultural connections or the character's positive attributes. The name is distinguished by its simplicity, distinctive sound, and modern pop culture associations, making it appealing to parents seeking uncommon names with meaningful connections.

Iroh

Adham is a masculine name with Arabic origins, related to Adam. In Arabic, Adham (أدهم) means 'black' or 'black horse,' and has connotations of nobility and strength. The name appears in Islamic tradition and literature, giving it deep cultural roots. While less common in Western countries, Adham is well-established in the Middle East, North Africa, and Muslim communities worldwide. The name carries a dignified, strong character with its concise pronunciation and rich heritage. Adham offers the appeal of being both traditional and distinctive in many Western contexts, bridging cultural traditions while remaining accessible in pronunciation. The name has historical significance while maintaining contemporary relevance.

Adham

Amire is a masculine name with diverse potential origins. It may derive from Arabic roots, possibly related to 'Amir' meaning 'prince' or 'commander,' with the additional 'e' creating a distinctive variation. Alternatively, it could be a creative modern coinage or a variant spelling of similar-sounding names. As a given name, Amire remains quite rare in most Western countries, making it an option for parents seeking uncommon names. The name has a melodious quality with its smooth consonants and clear ending sound. Amire's international flavor and regal possible meaning may appeal to parents looking for a name that feels both distinctive and sophisticated.

Amire

Anirudh is a masculine name with Sanskrit origins, primarily found in Indian culture. The name means 'unobstructed' or 'unstoppable,' deriving from 'a' (not) and 'nirudh' (hindered or stopped). In Hindu tradition, Anirudh holds special significance as the name of Lord Krishna's grandson, connecting the name to concepts of divine power and heritage. While traditional in India, particularly in Southern and Western regions, the name has gained international recognition through the Indian diaspora and global interest in Sanskrit names. Anirudh offers a melodious three-syllable rhythm (ah-ni-rudh) while conveying strength and determination. The name represents both cultural heritage and aspirational qualities, giving boys a name with deep roots and a meaning that suggests overcoming obstacles and achieving without limitations.

Anirudh

Audie as a boys' name was made famous by Audie Murphy, the most decorated hero of World War II.  Murphy was born one of ten children of a poor Texas sharecropper's family and the origins of his unusual first name are unknown.  But there were 29 boys named Audie in 2013, more than twice the number of girls given the name, which can be a diminutive of Audrey.

Audie

Axtyn is a modern masculine name that emerged in the early 21st century as part of the trend toward unique spellings and contemporary-sounding names. It appears to be a creative variant of names like Axton, Acton, or Asten. The name has Anglo-Saxon elements, with 'Ax' possibly referencing the Old English word for ash tree or axe tool, while the '-tyn' suffix follows the popular modern ending seen in names like Bryntyn or Jaxsyn. Axtyn has a strong, distinctive sound with its sharp 'X' consonant giving it an edge. The name remains quite rare, appealing to parents seeking something unique with a contemporary feel. Its unconventional spelling and sound make it memorable while still being relatively intuitive to pronounce.

Axtyn

Beckam is a masculine name of English origin, initially emerging as a surname derived from place names meaning 'homestead by the stream' (from Old English 'becca' for stream and 'ham' for home). The name gained significant popularity following the fame of English footballer David Beckham, whose surname inspired many parents beginning in the early 2000s. The variant spelling 'Beckam' with one 'h' offers a streamlined alternative to the more traditional 'Beckham.' The name projects a strong, athletic image while maintaining a trendy contemporary feel. Its rise represents a modern trend of transforming surnames into given names, particularly those associated with admired public figures. Beckam continues to grow in usage, especially in the United States.

Beckam

Bento is a diminutive of Benedito, meaning "blessed" or "well spoken of". Popular in Brazil and used as a given name, a nickname, and a surname, the name Bento is not to be confused with the Japanese concept of Bento, a single portion, convenience meal, often eaten at lunchtime. 

Bento

Airy word name on the rise for both sexes. Breeze makes an especially lovely middle name.

Breeze

Bryden is a masculine name with Scottish and Irish origins, derived from place names or surnames in those regions. It likely relates to geographic features, possibly meaning "broad valley" or "wide hill." As a first name, Bryden gained modest popularity in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, particularly in English-speaking countries. It represents the trend of transforming traditional surnames into given names, appealing to parents seeking options with historical roots but contemporary sound. Bryden offers a balance between familiarity and distinctiveness—while recognizable, it remains less common than similar-sounding names like Braden or Brayden. The name's Celtic connections give it a subtle cultural dimension while its strong, straightforward pronunciation makes it accessible.

Bryden

Clancy, one of the original crossover Irish surname names, is as energetic and appealing as ever &mdash; full of moxie, more distinctive than Casey, and also one of the less obvious of the red-headed names.
 A literary namesake is Clancy Sigal, author of the autobiographical novel Going Away, and there is also the comical mid-century song, Clancy Lowered the Boom.
 More common as a last name than a first, Clancy has gained fame via the Irish folk music group the Clancy Brothers, and one of the bestselling authors of all time, Tom Clancy, known for his espionage and techno thrillers.

Clancy

Courtland, with its added U, is an English form of the Dutch habitational surname Cortlandt. Cortlandt was a village near modern-day Wijk bij Duurstede, Netherlands. Its name was derived from the Dutch elements cort, meaning "short" or "narrow," and landt, "land."

Courtland

This Mediterranean island name would be a plausible choice for parents with a Greek or Turkish heritage. 

Cyprus

Darin was so popular that it nearly cracked the Top 100 in the mid-1960s, but has now dropped from sight.  The original Darren is still hanging on.