Animal Names for Boys

Dagan, also spelled Dagon, was a half-man, half-fish fertility god worshipped in ancient Syria. Dagon, also represented a fish-man hybrid was also a demon in some mythology.

Godric is one of the unique baby names that has found more exposure since J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter universe came into our lives. Godric Gryffindor is an important historical figure in the series. In real life, Godric was a name popular in middle England, with many saints and sheriffs of the 11th century bearing the name. Godric, like other old English names Arthur, Edwin and Oswald, has potential to make a comeback as an easily-recognizable but creative choice for parents looking for names that are unique without being too challenging.

Burak is derived from al-Burāq, the Arabic name for the mythical winged creature that carried Islamic prophets. In particular, the Buraq is known for flying the Prophet Muhammed from Mecca to Jerusalem and into the Heavens in the span of a single night. The name was derived from the Arabic word for "lightning."

A melodic choice for lullaby-lovers.

You may be familiar with Celeste, but have you considered this beautiful choice for a boy, currently highly fashionable in France, derived from Latin Caelestis ("of the sky; heavenly").

This name of an early Greek Christian philosopher comes with a wizened, ancient air about it. Still, perhaps the nickname Ari might help it work for a baby to grow into.

A mostly undiscovered alternative to the ultra-popular Colton; just 80 baby boys were named Coleson in 2016. It's also a surname name in its own right.

Awesome debuted for boys in 2010 and has been used for several children almost every year since.

Strongly associated with Cuban revolutionary Guevara.

This is a name you get stuck with, not (we hope) one your parents choose for you.

A forward-looking word name.

Although there are plenty of Bachs in the world besides Johann Sebastian, everyone will assume you're honoring the great composer -- and why not.

Hodge is a medieval English nickname for Roger, which was brought to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. Roger isn't ready for a comeback yet, but we'd love to see the resurgence of Hodge, which never was a common choice in the US.

A li'l hell-raiser name in the Ryder-Rogue-Rebel vein.

Though we usually think a name's image in contemporary culture supersedes its ancient meaning, this is a case where the definition could undermine a child's self-esteem.

One of several Latin names starting with E that would work and play well with others in any family.

Depending on the kanji characters used, this attractive and energetic Japanese name can have a variety of meanings relating to nature.

Rhythmic and unusual.

Samuel Beckett, inspired by the French surname Godeau, created the name Godot for his play, Waiting for Godot.

Americans tend to pronounce Godot with the emphasis on the second syllable, but Beckett has said this is incorrect. The correct pronunciation is GOD-oh, with the first syllable stressed.