Animal Names: Doe, Tiger and Elk
- Roe
Origin:
English, Scottish, Irish, Norwegian, or Korean surnameMeaning:
"roe deer; wise protector; son of Ruadh; red; clearing; ability"Description:
In the US, the multicultural surname Roe is primarily associated with the landmark Supreme Court case Roe vs. Wade, which granted the federal right to abortion, though elsewhere it might be associated with fish eggs or a small breed of reddish deer.
- Lion
Origin:
English animal name, HebrewMeaning:
"lion; my strength"Description:
Lion is a masculine name taken straight from the name of the animal, associating it with strength, courage, and nobility across many cultures. With Germanic, French, and English language roots, Lion functions both as a standalone name and as a shortened form of names like Lionel.
- Ram
Origin:
Arabic, Sanskrit, HebrewMeaning:
"archer; pleasing; exalted"Description:
One of the most familiar, and assertive, names found throughout the Middle East and India, Ram has an assertive and solid air about it. Derived from a number of different origins, in English speaking countries, it may also be considered a word name, associated with a horned male sheep — or a form of computer memory.
- Newt
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"a small salamander"Description:
Rarely used on its own and irrevocably tied to former House Speaker Gingrich -- who was christened Newton.
- Pike
Origin:
American animal nameMeaning:
"pike, a fish"Description:
The field of nature names is constantly expanding to include all species of flowers and trees and animals and birds and even fish. In addition to its appeal for anglers, Pike recalls Zebulon Pike, the explorer who discovered and gave his name to Pike's Peak.
- Seal
Origin:
English word and nature nameDescription:
Projects the sleek and playful image of the aquatic mammal, plus that of the striking British-born Brazilian/Nigerian/Afro-Caribbean singer (born Sealhenry).
- Cat
Origin:
Diminutive of Catherine, GreekMeaning:
"pure"Description:
May be the most modern, stylish Catherine nickname: more unusual than Kate or Cate, with an animal and word name edge. Cat Power is a trendy folksinger.
- Gryphon
Origin:
Mythological animal name or form of Griffin, WelshMeaning:
"strong lord"Description:
Rare but rising, Gryphon is an intriguing name that combines several stylish associations. The Gryphon spelling relates directly to the fierce legendary creature that's eagle in front, lion behind. But there's also the authentic boys' name Griffin, a name that's maintained consistent popularity for a quarter century without getting too popular.
- Puma
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"big cat"Description:
Lithe and leonine name chosen for her daughter by singer Erykah Badu -- whose other child has the number name Seven.
- Tiger
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"animal name"Description:
Other wild animals like Fox, Wolf and Bear are catching on as baby names, and Tiger is a rarer option with several famous namesakes, including golf champ Tiger Woods, who was born Eldrick. Other famous Tigers include Indian actor Tiger Shroff, born Jai, and British actor Tyger Drew-Honey, who spells his name with a Y.
- Cougar
Origin:
Nature nameDescription:
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.
- Grayling
Description:
Grayling is an uncommon masculine name with English origins, derived from nature. The name refers to the grayling, a type of freshwater fish found in clear streams and known for its distinctive dorsal fin and silvery-gray coloration. As a given name, Grayling belongs to the category of modern nature-inspired names, similar to River, Brook, or Trout. The suffix "-ling" historically denotes something small or young, adding a gentle quality to the name. Grayling has never achieved widespread popularity as a first name, making it a truly distinctive choice. It appeals to parents seeking an uncommon nature name with a subtle sophistication and connection to wilderness and flowing waters.
- Dingo
Origin:
Australian animal nameDescription:
These wild dogs eat babies, they do not inspire baby names.
- Kodiak
Origin:
Alutiiq, Native American,"island"Meaning:
"island"Description:
Kodiak Island, off the coast of Alaska, is the second largest island in the US as well as a baby name getting some attention, especially for boys and especially in Washington State.
- Turtle
Origin:
Nature nameDescription:
The kind of nickname name you wouldn't want your own child to get stuck with.
- Gibbon
Description:
Gibbon is a masculine name of English origin, derived from the Norman personal name Giboin, which combines Germanic elements meaning 'gift' and 'friend.' The name also shares its form with the primate species, creating an unexpected nature association. As a first name, Gibbon is exceedingly rare, making it an extremely distinctive choice. Historically, it has been more common as a surname, notably borne by Edward Gibbon, the celebrated 18th-century historian who wrote 'The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.' The name has an intellectual, scholarly association while maintaining a slightly unconventional sound. Parents choosing Gibbon for their son might appreciate its uniqueness and historical connections.
- Salmon
Origin:
Animal nameMeaning:
"salmon, a fish"Description:
nature namesare in, and even fish names like Pike and Salmon are open for consideration.
- Jaguar
Origin:
Animal nameDescription:
Grrrr.
- Chamois
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"soft leather, yellowish-brown"Description:
Pronounced SHAM-ee, this color and word name is soft and appealing.
- Addax
Introducing the Nameberry App
Find your perfect baby name together with our new mobile app.
- Swipe through thousands of names with your partner
- Names you match on are saved to your shared list
- Get personalized recommendations that learn based on your and your partner's preferences
- Partner with friends and family to find names you all love
- Backed by Nameberry's 20 years of data around name preferences.
Sign up to be notified when the app launches and to receive a discount on full access.