Animal Names for Boys

  1. Carlin
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "little champion"
    • Description:

      While the lin ending is more commonly found in girls' names, Carlin is an authentic Irish male choice and was used just about evenly for both sexes in the US last year.
  2. Domino
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "lord, master"
    • Description:

      Swaggering, cutting-edge choice equally appropriate for both genders. It's also very rare, given in the US in 2015 to only seven baby girls....and no recorded baby boys. Do you want to be the first?
  3. Cayde
    • Origin:

      Variation of Cade
    • Meaning:

      "round, barrel"
    • Description:

      With Cade and Kade creeping back up the charts and Cayden, Kaden, and co. remaining popular, this alternative spelling of the the old English surname is given to around 165 boys each year. Used for a supporting character in the video game series, Bungie's Destiny, there is a small chance it may be pronounced KAY-dee (like Kayce might be KAY-cee).
  4. Agassi
    • Origin:

      Iranian-Armenian surname
    • Description:

      The last name of one of the great modern American tennis champs could conceivably be used as a hero name by tennis-loving parents. On second thought, maybe save it for a middle spot.
  5. Breck
    • Origin:

      Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "speckled"
    • Description:

      Sudsy name that could be a new character on "Days of Our Lives."
  6. Darnell
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "the hidden spot"
    • Description:

      Like so many names starting with Dar- (e.g. Darcy, Darius, and Darbey) this name feels so suave and aristocratic. British musician Darnell Bristol went by nickname Dee.
  7. Devi
    • Origin:

      Sanskrit
    • Meaning:

      "divine"
    • Description:

      Devi is the name of a Hindu goddess. Deva or Dev are male forms.
  8. Jabari
    • Origin:

      Swahili
    • Meaning:

      "comforter, bringer of consolation"
    • Description:

      Coolly attractive African name, with distinguished representatives in sports and literature. Jabari has been on the rise recently, returning to the US Top 1000 in 2023.
  9. Crawford
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "ford where crows gather"
    • Description:

      A common surname in Scotland, but a starchy first name choice.
  10. Doron
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "gift"
    • Description:

      Benevolent name found in Israel in several forms, including Doran and Doroni.
  11. Ianto
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"
    • Description:

      Ianto is a lively and unique spin on John, possible familiar to American sci-fi fans via the popular character on Torchwood.
  12. Dark
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "without light"
    • Description:

      Grimes and Elon Musk put this name on the map in 2022, when they revealed their daughter's name was Exa Dark Sideræl. Until that point, Dark had not been recorded as a given name, although it resembles more established names such as Mark and Lark.
  13. Ammon
    • Origin:

      Variation of Amman, German occupational name
    • Meaning:

      "administrator"
    • Description:

      Ammon is connected to two religions in the US and is used exclusively between the two of them. Prior to the 1960s, Ammon was considered a solely Amish name. In the Amish community, Ammon is bestowed in honor of Jacob Amman, whom the Amish sect is named after.
  14. Bevan
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "son of Evan"
    • Description:

      This Welsh surname might be an interesting alternative to the popular Evan, though that Bev beginning conjures up a fifty-five-year-old woman named Beverly.
  15. Banyan
    • Origin:

      Indian
    • Meaning:

      "the God tree"
    • Description:

      This evocative name of a dramatic tropical Indian fig tree is ready to move west.
  16. Herrick
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "war ruler"
    • Description:

      When you like Eric, but wish it were longer; also the name of a great early English poet.
  17. Atreyus
    • Origin:

      Variation of Atreus or Atreyu
    • Meaning:

      "fearless; son of all"
    • Description:

      One part fantastical literary invention and one part Ancient Greek, Atreyus is a new and rising name for boys. It's could be viewed as a combination of Atreus, an Ancient Greek name, and Atreyu, created by German author Michael Ende for his novel The Neverending Story.
  18. Jairo
    • Origin:

      Spanish, variation of Jairus
    • Meaning:

      "God enlightens"
    • Description:

      While Jairus is rare, this Spanish variation is heard in the US, having ranked in the Top 1000 for the last three decades. It currently ranks in the latter end of the charts, while similar sounding Kairo, Cairo, and Kyro rank higher.
  19. Gershon
    • Origin:

      Variation of Gershom
    • Meaning:

      "stranger; exodus"
    • Description:

      In the Bible, Gershon is one of Levi’s sons. The name is a variation of Gershom, another Old Testament name that is now primarily used in Orthodox Jewish communities.
  20. Fulbright
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "the descendents of Fulbeorht, bright people"
    • Description:

      No guarantee of a fellowship.