Animal Names for Boys
- Chochmo
Origin:
Choctaw, Native AmericanMeaning:
"mud mound"
- Aristedes
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"son of the best"Description:
This name of an early Greek Christian philosopher comes with a wizened, ancient air about it. Still, perhaps the nickname Ari might help it work for a baby to grow into.
- Eagan
Description:
Eagan is a masculine name with Irish and Gaelic origins, derived from the surname Ó hAodhagáin, meaning "descendant of Aodhagán" or "little fire." The name carries connotations of youthful energy, passion, and spiritedness through its fiery etymology. As a given name, Eagan began gaining modest attention in the United States in the late 20th century, appealing to parents seeking Irish heritage names beyond the more common options. Its sound is similar to the more widely-used Aidan but with a distinctive quality. The name also refers to a city in Minnesota. Eagan offers a balance of uniqueness and accessibility—recognizable in structure but not overly common, making it attractive to parents wanting a name with Celtic roots and contemporary appeal.
- Gennady
Origin:
RussianMeaning:
"noble, generous"Description:
Gennady is derived from an early saint's name (Gennadius) and shares the same Greek root word as the English word generous. It is a familiar if still uncommon boys' name in Russia. If you're looking for unique boy names you might want to put this one on your list.
- Andrius
Description:
Andrius is the Lithuanian variant of Andrew, derived from the Greek name Andreas, meaning "manly" or "brave." This masculine name carries strong historical and cultural significance throughout Lithuania and other Baltic regions. Andrius maintains the dignified quality of its root name while offering a distinctive European flair with its unique ending. The name has been borne by various Lithuanian athletes, artists, and public figures, enhancing its cultural resonance. While very common in Lithuania, where it ranks among the most popular male names, Andrius remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it an exotic yet accessible quality for international use. Its straightforward pronunciation and spelling make it travel well across cultural boundaries.
- Carbry
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"charioteer"Description:
A name scattered throughout Irish mythology with an intriguing sound, Carbry is one of the rare Irish names for boys virtually unknown in the US. Bry is the obvious, but lovely nickname option.
- Gnaeus
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"birthmark"Description:
Gnaeus was one of the most common forenames used by the ancient Romans (there were only 40 or so to choose from). It is thought to have originated as a name for babies with birthmarks, although it was just as often used for family reasons. Many Roman names, like Titus and Caius, are back in fashion now, but Gnaeus just isn't so accessible to modern English speakers.
- Bleiz
Origin:
BretonMeaning:
"wolf"Description:
A fiery-sounding Breton name with a fierce animal meaning. Bleiz has also been used in honor of the Catholic Saint Blaise, due to its similar sound.
- Huy
Origin:
Vietnamese, Ancient Egyptian nickname, "shining, successful, brightness; Amon is satisfied"Meaning:
"shining, successful, brightness; Amon is satisfied"Description:
A common Vietnamese name with a bright meaning, predominantly used for boys, though occasionally given to girls. The predominantly feminine form however is Huệ.
- Elgin
Description:
Elgin is a masculine name with Scottish origins, derived from a place name in Moray, Scotland. The etymology likely stems from Gaelic, possibly meaning 'noble' or 'high-spirited.' Historically, Elgin gained recognition through the prestigious Elgin Marbles and the distinguished Elgin watches, lending the name associations with quality and heritage. As a personal name, Elgin saw modest popularity in the United States during the early 20th century, peaking between 1890-1930. While never extremely common, it has maintained steady if limited usage, appreciated for its distinguished sound and Scottish connections. The name carries a refined, somewhat aristocratic quality while remaining accessible, appealing to parents seeking a name with historical depth and a touch of uniqueness.
- François
Origin:
French variation of FrancisDescription:
Francois is the ultimate sophisticated French name.
- Bannon
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"descendant of the small white one"Description:
This two-syllable Irish surname is as appealing as Nolan, Keegan et al, but much less common.
- Brilliant
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"bright light; exceptionally intelligent"Description:
A new aspirational name with two shining meanings.
- Gilly
Description:
Gilly is a masculine name that originated as a diminutive of Gilbert (meaning 'bright pledge' from Germanic origins) or Gillian/Julian (from Greek, meaning 'youthful' or 'downy-bearded'). Historically used more as a nickname, Gilly has occasionally been adopted as a standalone given name. The name carries a playful, friendly quality with its soft sounds and -y ending. In contemporary culture, the name gained some recognition through the character Samwell Tarly's love interest in 'Game of Thrones.' While uncommon as a formal name for boys, Gilly has a gentle, approachable quality that contrasts with more traditionally masculine names, offering a distinctive option with historical roots.
- Hiệp
Origin:
VietnameseMeaning:
"to unite"Description:
Vietnamese baby names don't often make national news, but Hiệp grabbed everyone's attention when Olivia Munn and John Mulaney chose it as the middle name for their son Malcolm. In isolation, Hiệp means "to unite," but it is often used as a component of other words such as hiệp sĩ, meaning "knight," hiệp định, "agreement," and hiệp ước, "pact."
- Chasen
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"hunter"Description:
Once strictly a surname--Chasen's was an old Hollywood hangout--it's now catching on as a first name, both as an elaboration of the popular CHASE, and in following the pattern of popular two-syllable boys' names.
- Hunor
Origin:
HungarianMeaning:
"Hun"Description:
In Hungarian mythology, brothers Hunor and Magor were the ancestors of the Hun and the Magyar ethnic groups. The name Hun is of uncertain etymology, although it is most likely Turkic in origin.
- Daichi
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"big, great; earth; wisdom"
- Akuji
Origin:
Japanese invented nameMeaning:
"dead and awake"
- Carsen
Description:
Carsen is a modern unisex name that leans slightly masculine in usage. It represents a contemporary spelling variation of Carson, which originated as an English and Scottish surname derived from 'carr' meaning 'marsh' or 'wetland' and 'son,' literally 'son of the marsh-dweller.' The name gained popularity in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, part of the trend toward using surnames as first names. The variation with 'e' instead of 'o' gives it a softer, slightly more modern feel. Carsen projects a strong yet approachable image, balancing traditional roots with contemporary style. It has been moderately popular in North America but rarely reaches the top rankings, appealing to parents seeking something recognizable yet not overly common. The name works well professionally while still feeling youthful.