Animal Names for Boys

A surprisingly rare form of Arthur that rings more Scottish, and lends itself easily to Art as a nickname.

Bartholomew is one vintage name with Biblical antecedents that hasn't risen again in the modern world, perhaps because short form Bart, as in Simpson, would be too difficult for a contemporary boy to bear. But antique nickname Bat might work better. Might.

A less-popular spelling of on-the-rise Cason.

An Irish mythology name belonging to a semi-legendary high king of Ireland, often equated with English David though not etymologically related.

A Top 30 name in Sweden, derived from Eberhard (strength of a wild boar) or Esben (god bear) – either way, a strong meaning.

For die-hard Fleetwood Mac fans, though Fleet is definitely a cool short form.

Most color names, like Scarlet and Violet, are definitely female, but not this one. Brown is as rich and warm as the tone it denotes, though we must admit the Italian version Bruno has more spark and substance.

Form of Emet

Eiro is to Eirik as Eero is to Eric.

A minor Old Testament prophet, and a (deservedly) even more minor name.

Asian name with positive meaning.

Originally a nickname for Viking invaders, it gained fresh impetus in the 18th century when James Macpherson made Fingal the central character in his Ossianic poems. An offbeat addition to the Fin- family of names.

Belden is a little-used surname-name that might work in this age of Belles.

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.

This name has two possible derivations - in Turkish it means hero, in English it is used as a reference to mountains. Either offer a soaring option for a little boy.

A saint’s name, Anglicized from Adomnán or Ádhamhnán, which may derive either from Ádhamh (Adam) or from Gaelic adomnae "great fear". St Eunan was a 7th century abbot of Iona best known for his "Law of Innocents", which protected women, children and non-combatants.

Gives Corwin a Welsh appearance.