Animal Names for Babies

This name of a giant tree, itself named for a nineteenth-century Cherokee who invented a way to write his tribe's language, makes a strong, stately statement.

This ancient name, belonging to a 4th century BCE Greek statesman and general, would be one of those unique baby names with lots of more down-to-earth nickname potential, including Tim and Leon. Another notable bearer is Timoleon Jimanez, former leader of the rebel group Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia.

Nature girl played by Audrey Hepburn in "Green Mansions," it now has an old-style bohemian feel.

An evocative ancient word that's used as a first name in the New Testament, among other places. It's also the name of an eagle-shaped constellation.

Grrrr.

This rare name received national attention in 2021 when actor Frankie Muniz and his wife Paige named their son Mauz Mosley. The variation they used stems from the Hebrew word Mauzzim, literally translating to "fortresses" (mauz would be the singular, "fortress"). Some versions of the Bible interpret Mauzzim in context as "God's protectors."

Famous as the long-suffering wife of the philosopher Socrates.

Fierce meaning, gentle image. This name is very common in Israel, where an endearing pet form is Dubi.

Eachna is the name of an Irish goddess renowned for her beauty, brains and stylishness; in early legend, a Connacht princess named Eachna was deemed to be one of the loveliest and cleverest women int he world.

Obsolete Swanhild gives way to oh-so-modern Swan, joining the flock of newly fashionable bird names such as Wren and Lark. In France, the Swann spelling is fashionable for both sexes. But Swan carries an image of grace, though perhaps also a bit of languor. It's a lovely and original name, right for our times.

This 1950s Welsh bird name sounds less dated than our fifties Robin.

An eider is a sea duck whose feathers make ultra-soft eiderdown.

Has good vibes via the stork's intimations of longevity.

Sounds more like a car than a baby name. Some sources related it to the English surname Carter, which would be more stylish these days.

The longer form of Xia is more rhythmic but also more problematic.

An international variation of Ronan primarily found in Brazil.

An undiscovered surname possibility with upscale overtones, could be enlivened with nickname Ingo.

While English speakers might think of the fermented milk drink (kefir) and Arabic speakers might be reminded of kafir (meaning "infidel"), Kfir is a Hebrew name with a leonine meaning. Sometimes appearing as Kfeer, it is a familiar choice in Israel.

Smart and sharp but with a touch of heart and charm, Hartley is a surname style name that could work as an alternative to Harley, Harvey, Artie, or Harry. Quietly used as a masculine name throughout the 20th century, the arrival of two celebrity-baby girl Hartleys in 2010 has meant the name has been used as a predominantly feminine one in recent years. However, since 2020, Hartley has doubled in use for boys too, and was give to a modest 30 in 2023. .

A Navajo nature name with a cool, fresh sound.