Animal Names for Babies

According to Cherokee legend, hummingbirds were healers, helping those in medical crises, making this a meaningful name. Walela is borne by a musical, made up of sisters Rita Coolidge and Priscilla Coolidge, and Priscilla's daughter Laura Satterfield.

Buffaloes are honored in Cherokee culture, as they were notoriously difficult to hunt yet an important food source.

This form of the Biblical Rachel is well-used despite its somewhat counter-intuitive spelling which can make English speakers think the name should be pronounced with a k sound, as in Raquel. The spelling may be inspired by Michael, but it's pronounced just like Rachel, with a soft ch. Lately it's on the decline, dropping more than 100 places in 2009 and leaving the US Top 1000 in 2013.

The name Parastoo currently seems unusual to the Western ear, with that "too" ending rare in traditional English names. It is sometimes spelled Parastu. Pari or Parisa would make easier imports.

Leonia is one of the rarest of the feminizations of Leo and brothers that have lion-related meanings and are growing in popularity throughout the Western World. Leona is the most popular of the group in the US, followed by Leonora, Leonor, Leonie, and even Leo and Leon for a handful of baby girls last year. But Leonia was given to fewer than five baby girls in 2022.

Branigan, also spelled Branagan or Brannigan, is an Irish name full of energy and cheer. It was the title of a 1975 John Wayne movie, and Zapp Brannigan is the antihero of the animated sitcom "Futurama." Branigan fans might also want to consider such related Irish names as Brennan and Breccan, Rafferty and Finnegan.

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

Associated with a 16th century Gunpowder Plotter and a phoenix in the Harry Potter series, Fawkes, also spelled Vaulx, Vaux, and Faulks, comes from the Norman name Faulques, which in turn came from a Germanic nickname meaning "falcon". Theoretically, it could fit into the "last names as first names" trend, and with the rise of boy names ending in -s, such as Brooks and Banks, however, many might link it too closely with Guy Fawkes and in English-speaking countries it might sound too much like a piece of cutlery (or a swearword, perhaps).

Urraca was the name of many infantas and queens of several medieval Iberian kingdoms (most notably Leon). Despite its royal roots, Urraca is one of the names best left to the history books.

Iolani feels quintessentially Hawaiian, a stylish origin for baby names these days thanks to Malia, the Hawaiian name of the Obamas' older daughter. The initial I is pronounced with a long e sound, as in Waikiki, and the name Iolani has four syllables.

Native to America, the coyote has long been associated with danger and independence and with the popularity of Fox, Tiger, and Wolf, plus that cool KAI sound, Coyote might have potential. Possibly still too associated with the film Coyote Ugly and Wile E. Coyote, the Looney Tunes character, it is certainly a strong statement name for American nature lovers.

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

Tzvi is a Top 100 pick in Israel. It's a cool, sharp-sounding name which would make for a great distinctive alternative to Levi.

If there are too many Savannahs in your neighborhood, you might consider this. Pavana is a Hindu goddess of the wind.

A strong, distinctive surname with a quaint meaning and rugged air, Arledge is associated with American sports broadcaster, Roone Arledge. It may hold contemporary appeal thanks to its similarities to Ledger and Arlo.

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

Baylor is a possible occupational alternative to the tired Taylor, especially for a horse lover.

An interesting possibility if you're looking for a highly unusual animal name.

Unusual two-syllable choice with a real pronunciation challenge.

This name stems from the Latin term Avis, meaning bird. Related names include Avice, Aveza and Aveline.