Animal Names for Boys

This is one of the attractive smoosh names heard frequently in Italy, but rarely in the US. A particularly appealing example due to the stylishness of Luca.

Cecilio is derived from Caecilius, an Ancient Roman surname that was likely originally bestowed upon someone who was blind.

Florentine may have three meanings, but they're all basically the same. It can mean flowering or blossoming as with a plant, flourishing or prospering in terms of luck and money, and also literally a citizen of Florence in Italy.

Sharing an etymology with Cleopatra, this masculine form of the name also has biblical ties. Cleopas was one of the men who encountered Jesus on the road to Emmaus following his resurrection. As a child's name, it has been a rare sight. While it does have an interesting history, it's connection to Cleopatra and obvious nickname Cleo could make it seem too feminine for some.

A Top 100 pick in Israel that feels simple and appealing enough to work in almost any language.

Gambit means ploy or trick, which makes it an appropriate name for a little player. Eight boys were named Gambit in the US in one recent year.

A commonly used name in Māori culture, Amiri refers to the wind that blows from east to west. A 2011 New Zealand film titled Amiri & Aroha is a modern Māori interpretation of Romeo & Juliet.

Highly unlikely philosophical choice.

A masculine name in Choctaw culture. In English, it resembles the feminine name Hallie.

Traditional though not overly popular Welsh option, which may have something of a fantasy vibe elsewhere in the world.

Much stronger than Dale for a boy.

Biblical name -- he was an ancestor of Abraham's -- rarely used today but registered on the U.S. popularity list at the end of the 19th century. With the rise of other obscure Old Testament names, just might have a shot at revival.

Balaam is a character mentioned in the Torah, said to have told King Balak how to get the Israelites to commit sin by enticing them with sexual immorality and food sacrificed to idols. He is described as a "wicked man".

After breaking into the Top 400 in 2011, this name has lost ground.

Take modern virtue Brave, add the trendy -n ending, and voilà! A cool new word-meets-surname name which feels bang on trend right now.

An example of the Welsh love of naming children after rivers and places. Colwyn is rare in the States but has genuine appeal: no hidden spelling traps, and similar-yet-different to names like Colton, Colson and Colin.

Surname that is occasionally used as a given name in tribute to Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain.

Acker is a surname name that has not seen much use to date, but given it's lush nature meaning (and the fact that it also means "friend" in Somerset slang) this could be a cute choice for parents looking for something fresh. An added bonus its link to English "Master of the Clarinet" Acker Bilk. The Dutch version, Akker, is also an option.