User-created list
Animal Nicknames
Across 4 pages
of 4
Tadhg
Irish
"poet"
The name of several ancient kings and princes of Ireland, Tadhg became so common at one point that it was used to represent a kind of Irish Gaelic everyman, or man in the street, as Paddy and Mick…
Tigris
Henrietta
Feminine variation of Henry, German
"estate ruler"
Despite a return to such feminizations of male names as Josephine, Clementine, and Theodora, starchy Henrietta has not made it into that group. Still, if you look hard enough, you'll see that…
Beatrix
Latin
"she who brings happiness; blessed"
Beatrix has a solid history of its own apart from Beatrice, with that final x adding a playful, animated note to the name's imposing history and stately vibe. In the earliest sources it is recorded…
Bernard
German
"strong, brave as a bear"
Bernard is obviously a saint's name, but how did it get to the big, benevolent dog? The eleventh century monk, patron saint of mountain climbers, who lived in the Alps, was famed for setting up safe…
Wolfgang
German
"traveling wolf"
A name with plenty of grandeur, but a playful nickname, Wolfgang blends sophistication, wildness, and gothic imagery. While it may feel surprising in this century, it does have an allure for those…
Finnigan
Irish
"fair"
Finnigan is another way to spell Finnegan, one of the energetic Irish surname-names in vogue now. One note: While Finnigan, Finnian, Finley and so on are appealing names on their own, you don't need…
Delphinia
Delphinia is a feminine name with Greek origins, derived from 'Delphi,' the sacred site in ancient Greece famous for its oracle. The name is connected to Apollo, who was called 'Delphinian Apollo'…
Colleen
Irish
"girl"
Midcentury Irish-American favorite, never used in Ireland itself, being the generic word for "girl"; rarely given today.
Cecil
Latin
"blind"
Once a powerful Roman clan name, Cecil has lost much of its potency over the years, though it retains a strong presence in the sports and jazz worlds. Past bearers include film giant Cecil B.…
Gasparo
Italian variation of Casper or Jasper, Persian
"bringer of treasure"
Gasparo is a masculine name with Italian origins, representing an older Italian variant of Casper or Gaspar. The name derives from the Persian 'ganzabara' meaning 'treasurer' and connects to the…
Caspar
Dutch and German variation of Casper and Jasper, Persian
"keeper of the treasure"
After half a century, this otherwise feasible name has at last started to lose its link to the friendly ghost; it certainly didn't scare model Claudia Schiffer, who chose it for her son, as did…
Creighton
English and Scottish
"hilltop town, rocky place"
One instance where a phonetic spelling might be better.
Hendrick
Variation of Hendrik, Dutch and Scandinavian
"estate ruler"
Unless you're a gin aficionado, we prefer Hendrik. Or better yet, Henrik.
Hawkins
Faustina
Latin
"fortunate one"
A name with several distinguished namesakes: the wife of ancient Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, a famous Italian opera singer, and two Catholic saints--making it both substantial and unusual.
Fauna
Roman, English word name, from Latin
"young deer; all the animals that live in a particular area"
Fauna is the Roman goddess of the earth as well as one of the fairies who protected Disney's "Sleeping Beauty". It can also be considered a word name with a scientific, nature focused feel. Used to…
Birgitta
Scandinavian variation of Bridget, Gaelic, or feminine form of Birger
"strength or exalted one; help, rescue"
Not to be confused with the Hungarian and German Brigitta, Birgitta is often considered the classic Scandinavian form of the Irish Bridget, used in Iceland, Denmark, The Netherlands, Sweden, and…
Bernardette
Derington