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Animal Names for Boys

  1. Acen

    • Description:

      Acen is a concise masculine name with multiple potential origins. In some African cultures, particularly Ugandan, it can mean 'born during harvesting time' or 'first born.' The name may also have connections to Latin roots, as a variation of names related to 'Ace' (meaning 'unity' or 'first'). With its simple two-syllable structure and modern sound, Acen has emerged as a contemporary choice that appeals to parents seeking minimalist names with cultural depth. While still uncommon in most Western countries, its brevity aligns with current naming trends favoring short, distinctive names. The name's cross-cultural potential gives it versatility across different backgrounds.
  2. Bennington

    • Origin:

      English surname

    • Meaning:

      "town by the Beane river"

    • Description:

      The surname Bennington denoted someone from one of three towns name Ben(n)ington in England, all meaning "town by the Beane river." The river name Beane was derived from Beonna, an Old English given name.
  3. Jaan

    • Origin:

      Estonian variation of John, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      Estonian translation of John, currently ranking in Estonia's Top 20.
  4. Brecon

    • Description:

      Brecon is a masculine name with Welsh geographic origins, taken from the market town and mountain range (Brecon Beacons) in southern Wales. The name evokes the rugged, natural beauty of the Welsh landscape and carries connotations of strength and endurance. As a given name, Brecon remains uncommon, appealing to parents seeking distinctive options with Celtic heritage. The name has a strong, crisp sound with its double-consonant beginning and clear ending. For those with Welsh connections, it offers a way to honor this heritage through a place name rich in history and natural significance. Brecon's rarity makes it stand out while still being straightforward to pronounce and spell in English-speaking countries.

  5. Amitai

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "my truth"

    • Description:

      Popular in Israel but rare elsewhere, Amitai is a Hebrew name with a virtue-adjacent meaning. The name of the father of Jonah in the Old Testament, it has a a cool, energetic sound that feels in tune with Azariah, Amias, Levi, and Mattias. Nickname Tai is an added bonus. Sociologist Amitai Etzioni and actor Amitai Marmorstein are notable bearers.
  6. Elwen

    • Origin:

      Welsh, Cornish, Breton

    • Meaning:

      "noble friend"

    • Description:

      St Elwen is venerated in Cornwall and Brittany, and lent his name to several regional place names. It is also found as a surname, especially in Norfolk, England.
  7. Eyvan

    • Description:

      Eyvan is a masculine name with Persian origins, representing a traditional architectural feature in Iranian buildings - a vaulted space that opens on one side to a courtyard. The word derives from the Middle Persian 'eyvān' meaning 'hall' or 'palace'. As a given name, Eyvan carries connotations of shelter, grandeur, and cultural heritage. It remains relatively uncommon in Western countries but has seen some limited use in Persian communities and among families seeking names with Middle Eastern roots. The name offers an appealing combination of exotic sound and meaningful cultural significance. Some may view it as a variant of Ivan or Evan, though its origins and meaning are entirely distinct. Eyvan provides its bearers with a unique identity connected to Persian architectural tradition.

  8. Auri

    • Origin:

      Finnish

    • Description:

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

    • Description:

      Caisen is a modern masculine name with possible Irish or American origins. It may be a variation of 'Cason' or 'Casey,' or potentially derived from the Irish surname 'Cassin.' The name has a contemporary feel with its distinctive spelling, marking it as part of the trend toward unique name variants. Caisen has gained modest popularity in the United States since the early 2000s, appealing to parents seeking uncommon names with a familiar sound. With its strong consonants and soft ending, the name strikes a balance between masculine strength and modern style. Though still relatively rare, Caisen exemplifies the current preference for names that feel both fresh and somewhat familiar.
  10. Forster

    • Origin:

      English, variation of Foster

    • Meaning:

      "scissors maker"

    • Description:

      Forster, a variation of Foster or potentially even Forester, is associated with British novelist E.M. Forster, author of A Passage to India, Howard's End, and A Room with a View. But if you choose Forster, you'd always have to force that 'r'.
  11. Abacas

    • Description:

      Abacas is an extremely rare masculine name with uncertain origins. It may be related to 'abacus,' the ancient calculating device, which would give it intellectual and mathematical associations. Alternatively, it could derive from various cultural linguistic roots or represent a modern invention. The name has a rhythmic quality with its three syllables and balanced consonant-vowel pattern. Due to its rarity, Abacas offers exceptional uniqueness, though this may come with challenges of pronunciation or spelling clarifications. The name carries a scholarly, somewhat mysterious quality that sets it apart from more common options. Its distinctive sound creates a memorable impression while the unusual nature of the name may appeal to parents seeking something truly different for their son.
  12. Anish

    • Origin:

      Sanskrit

    • Meaning:

      "supreme"

    • Description:

      A not uncommon name in India that's become associated, in the West, with famed sculptor Anish Kapoor, who won the prestigious Turner Prize in 1991. It's also the name of (among others) a Nepali-Russian chess prodigy and a character on HBO anthology series Room 104.
  13. Chord

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "three musical notes played together"

    • Description:

      Chord may be considered a variation of the cowboy-cool name Cord, or an independent musical name. Actor Chord Overstreet, of Glee fame, introduced this name to many American parents.
  14. Deke

    • Description:

      Deke is a masculine name with American origins, typically functioning as a nickname derived from names like Deacon or Derek. In some cases, it can also be a standalone given name. The name gained recognition in the United States through sports culture, particularly in baseball and football where it became associated with athletic ability. Deke has a short, strong sound that conveys a sense of confidence and directness. While never extremely common in popularity rankings, the name has maintained a steady presence, particularly in the southern United States. Deke also carries historical connections to NASA, as it was the nickname of astronaut Donald K. Slayton, one of the original Mercury Seven astronauts.
  15. Éric

    • Description:

      Éric is the French form of the masculine name Eric, featuring an acute accent mark over the 'E.' The name has Norse origins, derived from 'Eiríkr,' combining elements meaning 'ever' or 'always' and 'ruler' or 'king,' thus meaning 'eternal ruler' or 'ever powerful.' Éric is widely used in French-speaking regions including France, Quebec, and parts of Switzerland and Belgium. The accent mark affects pronunciation, emphasizing the first syllable. While the English version Eric became particularly popular in the mid-20th century, Éric maintains steady usage in Francophone cultures. The name carries connotations of strength, leadership, and nobility while its French spelling adds a touch of sophistication and cultural distinction.
  16. Corrado

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Conrad

    • Description:

      A Latinate name with a lot of dash and bravado.
  17. Grahame

    • Description:

      Grahame is a Scottish and English variant of Graham, derived from the Old English 'grāhamm' or the Anglo-Norman 'grand hom,' meaning 'gray home' or 'grand home' respectively. This spelling with the final 'e' gives the name a slightly more traditional and distinguished appearance. Notable bearers include Scottish author Kenneth Grahame, who wrote the children's classic 'The Wind in the Willows.' While less common than the standard Graham spelling, Grahame maintains the same friendly, reliable character with a touch of literary sophistication. The name has declined in popularity since its peak in the mid-20th century, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with historical depth and Scottish heritage.
  18. Emani

    • Origin:

      Variation of Iman, Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "faith"

    • Description:

      Ivan is a fairly gender-neutral name in the US, while Emani is much more popular than the original for girls....and a lot less popular for boys.
  19. Georg

    • Description:

      Georg is a masculine name representing the Germanic and Scandinavian form of George, ultimately derived from the Greek name Georgios (Γεώργιος), meaning "farmer" or "earth-worker" from the elements "ge" (earth) and "ergon" (work). This variant has been particularly popular in German-speaking countries, the Nordic nations, and parts of Eastern Europe for centuries. Notable bearers include composer Georg Friedrich Händel, mathematician Georg Cantor, and physicist Georg Ohm. Unlike the English George, Georg is typically pronounced with a hard 'g' sound at the end (gay-org). While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, the name maintains steady popularity in Germany, Austria, and Scandinavian countries, where it is appreciated for its classic, dignified character and cultural heritage.
  20. Aodhfionn

    • Origin:

      Gaelic, Irish

    • Meaning:

      "blessed fire"

    • Description:

      An unusual compound name also spelled Aodhfin.

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