Animal Names for Babies

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.

Maroochy Barambah, an Australian singer, brought this name into prominence in Australia.

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.

Candice Swanpoel and Hermann Nicoli gave this uncommon Portuguese name to their son in 2016. It's the Portuguese word for the red-fan parrot, putting it in the fashionable bird name category.

The kind of hybrid name -- it sounds like a blend of the popular Caleb and Colton -- that could catch on despite its lack of pedigree.

This name is usually seen as a surname, but could be used as a first in the tradition of Cooper, Sawyer etc.

An Asian name that may be thought of as an English word name, for better or worse.

Ayal is a boys' name used in modern Israel but virtually unknown in the US. Even more popular in Israel is the female form, Ayala.

You've gotta be kitten.

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

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

Roar! This popular name in the Arab world was once almost unused by English speakers, but is now given to a few boys in the States each year. It can also be spelled Fahad and Fahed.

Destry rides again, this time as a Western flavored baby name. Derived from the French surname Destrier, from an Anglo-Norman word meaning "warhorse", this rugged name was popularized by the 1930 novel Destry Rides Again by Max Brand, subsequently adapted for the big screen.

Of all the astrological names —think Leo, Aries, Gemini— Scorpio probably has the most dramatically potent presence, which could prove something of a burden to a young boy.

Turkish boy name with an adorable meaning.

Gaitok is a rare Thai name virtually unknown in the US before being featured in season three of The White Lotus. It is connected to the guinea fowl, which are commonly bred in Thailand.

Fox, okay. Buck, maybe. But Wolverine? You gotta be kidding us. On the plus side, your five-year-old will love you for giving him this superhero name. Your fifteen-year-old, not so much.

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

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

Grrrr.