Animal Names for Boys

Curran is a common surname in Ireland, but unusual even there as a first. With its savory feel, calling to mind curry and currants, Curran can make for an attractive update on Colin or Connor.

This name, used in many Eastern European countries including Serbia and Romania, has two possible (and equally lovely) meanings. The feminine version is Dragomira.

Blythe originated as a nickname for an upbeat person, coming from the Old English word bliðe, meaning "merry" or "cheerful." Today the homophone blithe shares the same meaning. Blythe was eventually adapted to a surname before it became a mostly feminine given name.

Most of the parents that name their sons Avri are likely using it as a creative spelling of Avery. It's also seen as a nickname for Avraham, the Biblical Hebrew variation of Abraham.

Ax makes a somewhat threatening short form of the popular Axel, given to more than 3000 baby boys last year. It can also be used on its own, though it usually isn't. There were, however, seven baby boys named Axe in the US in 2015.

It's a hat, it's a race, and it's even been known to be a name. In Britain, it would be pronounced darby.

Barbossa (also spelled Barbosa) is derived from the Barbosa palm. It is also a common place name, with towns called Barbossa spread across Latin America. Film buffs might also recall that Barbossa is the name of the captain of the Black Pearl in the movie "Pirates of the Caribbean".

This name of a renowned Apache leader and mystic would be a difficult choice, since it was used as a rallying cry in so many old westerns and by paratroopers jumping out of their planes in World War II.

Widespread choice in the Muslim world, this was the name of both the father of the Prophet Mohammed and one of his sons.

Isle is a super rare nature name that sounds like an appealing unisex form of Isla.

Dan with a little something extra.

A retro nickname for the ancient Irish saint's name Fintan, still heard on occasion in Ireland and the UK. English actress Finty Williams is the most notable bearer.

Ferenc is well used in Hungary, where it has the intriguing nickname Ferko, it has been associated with the playwright Molnar.

An Old Testament warrior whose name still sounds tough.

Giulio is a Top 50 name in Italy, and we think Giulio is a good candidate to follow, especially now that Giovanni and Gianni are in up in the US charts. It's an interesting alternative to popular cousins Julian and Julius. And of course the most famous Giulio of all is the Emperor, Giulio Cesare.

In Islam, Iblīs is the personal name of the devil, possibly derived from the Greek diablos.

A modern word and virtue name which first appeared on the US baby name charts in 2013, when it was given to 6 boys. By 2018, that had doubled to 12 (plus 8 girls), no doubt thanks to the enigmatic Credence Barebone from the Fantastic Beasts film franchise.