Animal Names for Boys

  1. Ashoka
    • Origin:

      Sanskrit
    • Meaning:

      "without sorrow"
    • Description:

      This name was borne by Ashoka the Great, a 3rd-century BC emperor of India, and inspired the Star Wars character name Ahsoka.
  2. Eastman
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "grace protector"
    • Description:

      Eastman is a solid, old-style Atlantic seaboard surname. But as a first name, we think Easton works better.
  3. Alun
    • Origin:

      Welsh spelling of Alan; river in Wales
    • Description:

      This name of a river in Wales represents a vowel change from Alan, which makes the name somewhat more intriguing, but still possibly not intriguing enough. Bonus points if you're a surfer, sailor, or you're expecting a baby born under a water sign of the zodiac: It's one of the more unusual names that mean water.
  4. Elimelech
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "my god is king"
    • Description:

      The name of the late husband of Naomi in the Bible.
  5. Heike
    • Origin:

      German, Frisian and Dutch
    • Meaning:

      "home ruler"
    • Description:

      A form of Heinrich or Henrike (Henry in English), as well as of their feminine counterparts. Now most commonly feminine, but certainly an attractive choice for either sex.
  6. Gregorios
    • Darin
      • Origin:

        Variation of Darren
      • Description:

        Darin was so popular that it nearly cracked the Top 100 in the mid-1960s, but has now dropped from sight. The original Darren is still hanging on.
    • Eidin
      • Origin:

        Welsh place name
      • Description:

        From Caeredin, the Welsh name for the Scottish capital, Edinburgh... although many people would see it simply as an alternative spelling of Aiden.
    • Avdel
      • Origin:

        Hebrew
      • Meaning:

        "servant of God"
      • Description:

        Avdel is an obscure Old Testament name with a straightforward feel and sound and the fashionable A initial. One to consider if you want a highly unusual yet not difficult Hebrew or Biblical name.
    • Ecedro
      • Cornel
        • Origin:

          Romanian, variation of Cornelius; tree name
        • Description:

          People are likely to want to put that second - Cornell University inspired - L on the end of this name, when in fact it has a completely different etymology. This name is very popular in Romania though American public intellectural Cornel West and South African athlete Cornel Fredericks broadens its use beyond Eastern Europe.
      • Eustachio
        • Atawhai
          • Origin:

            Maori
          • Meaning:

            "kind and caring"
          • Description:

            A strong-sounding name with a gentle meaning related to kindness and protection. The New Zealand Department of Conservation is called Te Papa Atawhai in Māori.
        • Aoki
          • Origin:

            Japanese
          • Meaning:

            "blue tree"
        • Dovid
          • Origin:

            Yiddish variation of David, Hebrew
          • Meaning:

            "beloved"
          • Description:

            An entirely Jewish form of David, with the handsome nickname Dov.
        • Donnan
          • Origin:

            Irish
          • Meaning:

            "small brown-haired child"
          • Description:

            This Irish saint's name makes an attractive alternative for Dylan or Donald.
        • Arrigo
          • Origin:

            Italian variation of Henry and Harry
          • Meaning:

            "estate ruler"
          • Description:

            Think Harry with a go-getter ending.
        • Arthyen
          • Origin:

            Cornish
          • Meaning:

            "bear"
          • Description:

            Cornish form of the Welsh name Arthen, meaning "bear".
        • Fender
          • Origin:

            English
          • Meaning:

            "defender, guard"
          • Description:

            Iconic guitar manufacturer that could make for an edgy baby name for rock lovers – or petrolheads; a fender is also part of a car.
        • Gandalf
          • Origin:

            Norse
          • Meaning:

            "wand elf"
          • Description:

            Gandalf is most famously the name of the powerful wizard in Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. The name is drawn from Old Norse mythology.