Animal Names for Boys

Handsome young actor Armie Hammer put this name on the map in 2010, when he rose to national attention for playing the Winklevoss twins in David Fincher's "The Social Network." His full name is Armand, after his great grandfather, wealthy Los Angeles businessman Armand Hammer.

One of the 99 names of Allah, according to Islamic tradition.

Hayate is most common among Zillennial men in Japan, where it's also the name of a train service.

Fans of writer Paul Auster might consider this a worthy alternative to the trendy Austin.

Cadell is a surname that is unlikely to win many supporters, except perhaps from parents looking for an alternative to Caden. But while Cadell is more distinctive, that L ending is weaker and less appealing than Caden's strong N.

Electrifying Japanese name.

Intriguing twist on Jacob, but may be too strongly associated with Michael Jackson.

The Russian variation of Alex or Alec.

An out-of-this-world choice, literally.

This airy Finnish and Swedish name may derive either from Greek "aura" (breath; breeze), or from Old Norse "aurr" (earth; clay).

Gianni, the Italian form of Johnny, has gotten popular in the US, and there's a good chance Giannis will be next, thanks to rising star basketball player Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is Greek. It makes an original spin on John or Jonas - though, it should be noted that the traditional Greek pronunciation would be YAH-nees. Other spelling variations are Iannis and Yanis - the latter perhaps being popular in France and on the rise in the UK.

Sudsy name that could be a new character on "Days of Our Lives."

Less familiar than Giorgio or Giovanni, Giuliano has a lot of captivating Latin charm.

A name used in the Old Testament, as well as a variation of Buzz.

Diminutive of Andre. Associated with the rapper Dr. Dre.

This is a solid surname choice for people looking for a change from Cooper, Parker and Carson. Australian parents will probably instantly associate this name with famous rock legend Jimmy Barnes, but this has an even older pedigree as a namesake - Barnes Wallis was a UK aviator and inventor, most remembered for designing the Dambuster bomb (a bomb that bounces across water to reach its target) and working on supersonic flight in the 1940s and 50s.

This cognate of Jerome (of all things), familiar via the Dutch painter of fantastical scenes, H. Bosch, would appeal only to the most audacious, intrepid, attention-seeking baby namer. It is, however, still used in Germany, especially in Catholic Bavaria and in the north German Rhineland.