Animal Names for Babies

Projects the sleek and playful image of the aquatic mammal, plus that of the striking British-born Brazilian/Nigerian/Afro-Caribbean singer (born Sealhenry).

A Navajo nature name with a cool, fresh sound.

This elegant surname has great potential to turn into an unusual first name, especially with its literary associations to both Stephen and Hart Crane.

A quetzal is a beautiful, brightly-colored bird found in Mexico and Central America. It is the national bird of Guatemala, as well as the name of their currency.

Also transcribed as Kreios or Crius, Krios is an animal related name that could work well for an Aries baby (though they are not etymologically related), or perhaps for those who want an alternative to Kris or Kassius.

This is one of the few butterfly names that is distinctly masculine, found as a surname in Finland.

While we don't see many parents adopting Otter as a name for their own babies, Zooey Deschanel put this one in the lexicon when she used it as a middle name for her adorably-named daughter Elsie Otter. Even in the celebrisphere, Otter is one of the most unique baby names we've heard.

Similar to the floral name Aster, this spelling derives separately from Old Provençal astur "hawk") and from the Icelandic name elements as ("god") and þor ("thunder").

Swam into style and quickly out again, on Chad's fish- er, coat-tails.

Arlen might be thought of as an update on the midcentury Arlene or as a unisex surname-name. Arlen was given to 22 girls in the US last year vs 57 boys and those numbers may grow with the fashion for n-ending two-syllable surname-names. Another similar possibility for girls: Arden.

This lovely Muslim name had a boost in 2022. Miraal is also an aquatic elf character in the Dungeons and Dragons franchise.

In Nahuatl — a language spoken by indigenous people of Southern Mexico and Central America – Ocelotl both means "jaguar", and also refers to Jaguar Warriors of the Ancient Aztect empire. The name "Ocelotl" also refers to a day in the Aztec calendar. This day is associated with brave warriors and is a good day for battle.

Several animal names, from Fox to Wolf and even to Tiger, ccan work, but Cougar should stay in its cage. Even John Mellencamp has dropped it.

The advantage of Orsa over the arguably-more-attractive Ursula is that it breaks the tie to the hideous she-witch of The Little Mermaid. Orsa definitely feels more ready for modern life now that brother name Orson is on the rise.

Not the most obvious animal for a nature name, but perhaps for fans of Mr Toad of Toad Hall in The Wind in the Willows.Some may find the pronunciation too close to "baggage" for comfort.

Dashing Latin surname name -- but also a well-known brand of Spanish packaged foods.

A dapper English surname derived from the Old English personal name Hunwine "bear friend", which comes with winning nickname Win.

Possible musical tribute name to the waiflike, husky-voiced midcentury French singer who was given this last name because of her birdlike quality.