Animal Names for Boys

Airy word name on the rise for both sexes. Breeze makes an especially lovely middle name.

In the Old Testament, Ishvi is the name of one of Asher's sons.

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.

French form of Fiachra

Rhythmic and energetic, Drury is of French origin, with the wonderful meaning of "dear one, sweetheart."

Baalzebub, also spelled Beelzebub, is a demon in Abrahamic religions. In Christian sources, Baalzebub is another name for Satan.

This name, also a term of affection, is popular in Turkey but has a spelling that may confuse English speakers.

A cross between Ian and a group of atomic particles.

Though it's a new name, sounds almost as dated as GARY and DARREN.

Along with Shem and Japheth, a son of Noah with a name that's almost never used -- for more obvious reasons than those of his brothers.

With Galway and Ireland in play as names (not to mention Shannon and Kerry), there's no reason this one can't work, too.

Widely used in Italy, Spain, and Portugal, has an air of generosity and could easily be adopted here.

Detroit, the name of the down-on-its-heels Michigan city, has a so-far-out-it's-gotta-be-cool quality. A handful of boys were named Detroit last year, and if you have ties to the Motor City -- familial or musical -- you may want to consider it, especially as a middle name.

A sleek nickname name more attractive than its longer form, there have been a couple of prominent baseball player Cletes as well as the broadcast journalist Clete Roberts.