Animal Names for Boys

This surname name fits in with current favorites like Hudson, but is much less common as a given name. It's widely familiar thanks to the late Jim Henson, creator of The Muppets.
 
Actor Zachary Levi and his partner Maggie Keating chose the name Henson Ezra for their son in 2025

Henson

Hillel the Great was a famous Talmudic scholar, the spiritual and ethical leader of his generation, and his name is greatly honored by parents in Israel and, to some extent, here. 

Hillel

Ibrohim is a masculine name that represents a variant transliteration of Ibrahim, which is the Arabic and Central Asian form of Abraham. The name has deep roots in Abrahamic religious traditions, referring to the patriarch Abraham who features prominently in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The meaning derives from Hebrew elements signifying 'father of many' or 'father of a multitude.' This specific spelling is most common in Uzbek, Tajik, and other Central Asian cultures. Ibrohim carries connotations of wisdom, faith, and spiritual leadership. The name reflects cultural heritage while connecting the bearer to a figure revered across multiple major world religions.

Ibrohim

Islam is a masculine name derived directly from the Arabic word for the religion of Islam, meaning 'submission' or 'surrender to God's will.' The name has been used for centuries throughout Muslim communities worldwide, reflecting deep religious devotion and cultural identity. While primarily used in Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian countries with significant Muslim populations, the name has spread globally with migration. As a given name, Islam directly connects the bearer to the faith's central concept of peaceful submission to divine will. The name carries significant religious meaning for Muslim families and remains consistently used across generations, though its frequency varies by region and cultural context. Its pronunciation (is-LAHM) remains relatively consistent across languages.

Islam

Multipurpose pet name serving Isidore, Isaac, Israel, and -- increasingly -- Isabel. 

Izzy

Aadhiran is a masculine name of Tamil origin from South India. It combines 'Aadhi' meaning 'beginning' or 'first' with a common Tamil suffix, creating a name that suggests primordial strength or foundation. The double 'aa' beginning is characteristic of many Indian names transliterated into English. Aadhiran carries connotations of leadership, originality, and ancient wisdom in Tamil culture. While traditional in India, particularly Tamil Nadu, the name remains relatively uncommon internationally. Aadhiran offers families a meaningful connection to Tamil heritage with its rhythmic three-syllable structure and distinctive character.

Aadhiran

Aboubacar is a masculine name of West African origin, particularly common in countries like Mali, Senegal, Guinea, and other Francophone African nations. It is derived from the Arabic name Abu Bakr, which means 'father of the young camel' and was the name of the first caliph after the Prophet Muhammad in Islamic history. This connection gives Aboubacar strong religious significance for Muslim families. The name carries connotations of wisdom, leadership, and steadfastness. While maintaining its traditional roots, Aboubacar has traveled beyond Africa through diaspora communities, becoming more recognized internationally. The name is sometimes spelled in variant forms like Abubakar or Aboubakar, depending on regional transliteration practices.

Aboubacar

An attractive Arabic name popular among Muslims.

Abrar

Adhrit is a masculine name of Indian origin, primarily found in Hindu traditions. The name derives from Sanskrit and carries the powerful meaning of "unbreakable" or "indestructible," suggesting strength, resilience, and endurance. This quality makes it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name with positive attributes and cultural significance. Adhrit is relatively uncommon even within India, and quite rare internationally, giving it a distinctive quality. The name has a modern feel while maintaining authentic Sanskrit roots, making it an elegant bridge between tradition and contemporary naming preferences. Its concise structure and meaningful etymology make Adhrit an increasingly attractive option for families seeking names from Hindu traditions.

Adhrit

Adi is a multicultural masculine name with diverse origins and meanings across several traditions. In Hebrew, it means 'jewel' or 'ornament,' while in Sanskrit it can mean 'first' or 'beginning.' The name also has Germanic roots where it serves as a short form of names containing the element 'adal' meaning 'noble.' This concise, two-syllable name has gained popularity in Israel, India, and increasingly in Western countries drawn to its simplicity and international appeal. Adi travels well across cultures and is appreciated for its modern feel despite ancient origins. Its brevity makes it both memorable and easy to pronounce in multiple languages, contributing to its growing global usage.

Amador is a masculine name of Spanish and Portuguese origin meaning 'lover' or 'one who loves.' Derived from the Latin 'amator,' it carries strong romantic and passionate connotations. The name has historical significance in several Spanish-speaking regions, including being the name of counties in California and New Mexico. Amador has a dignified, melodious quality with its balanced syllables and strong ending. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, it maintains consistent use in Hispanic communities. The name projects warmth, devotion, and emotional depth, making it appealing to parents seeking a name with clear positive meaning and distinctive cultural roots.

Amador

Amaree is a modern masculine name with American origins that began gaining popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The name likely developed as a creative variation of names like Amari or Amare, which have roots in various cultures. In Yoruba, Amari means "strength" or "builder," while some connect it to Latin "amare" meaning "to love." 

Amaree has a melodic quality with its flowing vowels and soft ending, creating a contemporary yet approachable sound. The double 'e' ending gives the name a distinctive touch.

Amaree

Amenadiel is a masculine name that gained recognition primarily through popular culture, most notably as a character in the television series 'Lucifer,' where Amenadiel appears as an angel. The name has constructed roots drawing inspiration from various angelic names in religious traditions, particularly those ending with the theophoric element '-el,' meaning 'God' in Hebrew (as in Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael). Though not traditional in historical usage, Amenadiel carries a celestial, powerful quality with its melodic sounds and divine associations. The name conveys strength, protection, and spiritual significance. While relatively new in naming practices, Amenadiel appeals to parents drawn to unique names with mystical or religious undertones and those influenced by contemporary media featuring angelic characters.

Amenadiel

Andrick is a masculine name with Germanic and Scandinavian roots, functioning as a variant of the more common Andrik or a diminutive form of Andrew. The name ultimately derives from the Greek 'Andreas,' meaning 'manly' or 'brave.' The suffix '-rick' or '-rik' in Germanic naming traditions often indicates 'ruler' or 'powerful,' adding strength to the name's meaning. While uncommon in most English-speaking countries, Andrick has seen some usage in parts of Northern Europe and occasionally in Hispanic communities as an alternative to Enrique. The name carries associations of strength and leadership while maintaining a distinctive sound that sets it apart from more common Andrew derivatives. Its rarity makes it appealing to parents seeking an uncommon name with traditional roots.

Andrick

Aquiles is the Spanish and Portuguese form of Achilles, the legendary Greek hero from Homer's Iliad. The name derives from Greek mythology where Achilles was renowned for his strength, courage, and tragic vulnerability. Linguistically, it may be connected to 'akhos' meaning 'pain' or 'distress,' reflecting the hero's complex legacy. In Spanish-speaking countries, Aquiles has maintained steady though moderate popularity, evoking classical heroism and masculine strength. While less common than other mythological names like Hector or Jason in global usage, Aquiles carries cultural prestige in Latin communities. Parents choosing this name often appreciate its historical depth and powerful literary associations.

Aquiles

This poor lad will spend his life saying, "No, it's Aric, not Eric. Aaric, Arick, Arik Arric, Arrick. 

Aric

Artin is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Armenian tradition, it derives from 'Harut' meaning 'resurrection,' with connections to ancient Persian influences. Alternatively, it can be a variant of Martin in some European contexts, ultimately from the Roman name Martinus, meaning 'dedicated to Mars.' The name has moderate popularity in Armenia and among Armenian diaspora communities, while remaining uncommon elsewhere. In recent years, its international appeal has grown slightly as parents seek distinctive names with historical roots. Artin benefits from its brevity, strong consonant sounds, and cross-cultural potential, making it appealing to parents looking for a name that is both distinctive and accessible.

Artin

Ascher

Azreal is a masculine name derived from the Hebraic name Azrael, who in some traditions is the angel of death or the angel who separates the soul from the body at death. The name comes from Hebrew elements meaning 'help from God' or 'God helps.' This powerful name carries mystical and religious connotations across several faiths, including Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. While not commonly used, Azreal has gained modest appeal among parents drawn to names with angelic associations or spiritual depth. The alternative spelling with one 'a' gives the name a slightly more accessible quality while maintaining its exotic, otherworldly essence.

Azreal

Baraka is a masculine name with Swahili and Arabic origins, meaning 'blessing' or 'divine gift.' Common throughout East Africa and in Muslim communities worldwide, it carries deeply spiritual connotations of divine favor and prosperity. The name appears in various cultures with similar meanings—in Arabic traditions as a concept of spiritual energy or blessing from God. Baraka has gained recognition beyond its original cultures through figures like filmmaker Baraka Atkins and through cultural references in film and literature. The rhythmic quality of its three balanced syllables gives it a melodic sound, while its meaning makes it an optimistic, positive choice expressing gratitude and hope for a child's future.