Animal Names for Boys

Haskell has two separate forms of origin, the first being from the Ancient Norse given name Ásketill. The Normans converted Ásketill to Aschetil, then the English transformed Aschetil into Haskell, which was originally only used as a surname. Haskell is also considered a variant of Haskel, a Yiddish given name derived from Ezekiel.

Possible Hayden alternative.

This name is usually seen as a surname, but could be used as a first in the tradition of Cooper, Sawyer etc.

Edo is a truly pan-European name with a rich history, having origins in German, Dutch, Italian, Georgian, Croatian, and Slovene.

This Cornish place name comes from the name of a Breton saint who came to Cornwall. It could be an interesting alternative to Austin. The spelling has also been recorded as Austol.

Eiro is to Eirik as Eero is to Eric.

Fresh choice, but with feminine lilt.

Nice Scottish sound, but too tied to sweaters and socks.

The Arabic name Idrissa is related to the more common form Idris, which is the name of a Quranic prophet usually equated with the biblical Enoch). Idrissa is more commonly seen in North and Western Africa. Idrissa Gueye, the Senegalese footballer who plays for Aston Villa in the UK, is probably the most famous person with this name.

The association with the Cuban leader Castro is still strong, but he's by no means the only Fidel. This name was in the Top 1000 for over 80 years, from 1919 to 2005. From the late Latin name Fidelis, meaning "faithful", at its heart it has an uplifting meaning.

Seems destined to be the preferred short form of this old French name, with its brief, modern, word name feel.

A name with a lot of historical cred — Bayan was the name of two Mongol generals during the Yuan Dynasty and a number of other military rulers.

Gauge is the dictionary spelling, but Gage is the far more popular choice, ranking at Number 281 in 2016.

There are 15 times as many baby boys named Brett than Bret, but this sleeker version is used and has some merits, namely, being sleeker.

A handsome Icelandic nature name also used in very small numbers in Sweden and Denmark.

If it's not too phlegmatic for you, this surname and name of a Scottish clan could honor a number of people, especially Alexander Fleming, the father of antibiotics, and Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond.

One instance where a phonetic spelling might be better.

Properly written Ælfric, this Anglo-Saxon name derives from Old English name elements meaning "elf" and "power". It belonged to several notable medieval churchmen, and is thought to be the origin of the English names Auberon and Aubrey.

Pleasant Irish last name that could be a more masculine alternative to the overused Cassidy. Early kings of Leinster bore the name, which relates to the first name Caomhan or Kevin and can also be spelled Kavanagh, Cavanagh, Cavenagh, and Kavanaugh.

The male nickname Elzie originated as a short form of Eliezer. Neither are coming back into fashion anytime soon.