Animal Names for Boys

The craze for surname names is now moving beyond the English and Irish to include worldly Spanish names for boys like this historic one currently in the Top 1000.

Garance is the vivid deep red color that comes from the madder flower and that has become a fashionable name for baby girls in France in recent years. While it's virtually unknown in the US and other English-speaking countries, Garance makes an original choice in the fashionable flower category. While Garance is usually a girls' name in France, there's no reason it has to be gendered female.

While Eric - or Erik - may feel more 'classic' and familiar, Erick has ranked consistently in US Top 1000 since 1945. It rose up the charts during Eric's heyday in the 70s, but peaked in 2007 as Eric fell. The name has received less attention in recent years, but is nevertheless still given to 1100 boys.

Emmitt is a new spelling spin borne of the popularity of Emmett.

More often spelled ALBAN, Alben is an ancient and highly unusual name. Alben Barkley was Harry Truman's vice president.

Take modern virtue Brave, add the trendy -n ending, and voilà! A cool new word-meets-surname name which feels bang on trend right now.

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).

For lovers of that romantic city.

Alard looks and sounds like the name of a romantic, medieval knight. It's dashing and unusual; but still easy to pronounce and spell. Cognate Adelard might also appeal if you are considering this name.

The least usable of the Three Musketeers names.

The Latin word for an angel (and the male form of Angela) is a rare but smart and stately name. The Angelus is a Catholic devotion, and the name is also used for the church bell that traditionally accompanies it. In pop culture, Angelus is a previous incarnation of Angel in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer universe.

Beelzebub was a god formerly worshipped in Ekron, but has been adapted by Ibrahimic religions to be synonymous with Satan.

Fiji is a pleasingly quirky place name that's been little used for babies, but could work for either a boy or girl. Though it has been used quite a lot for fancy bottled water, we don't think it quite qualifies as a water name.

Fast-food chain, no longer a baby.

A more modern form of Argyros.

Early is a word-turned-name, pleasantly suggesting the start of a bright new day. Of the new word and day names, Early is one of the best.

A Top 10 boys' name in Catalonia that will likely be associated with actress Jessica Biel in the US.