Animal Names for Boys
- Izem
Origin:
BerberMeaning:
"lion"
- Aminta
Origin:
Variation of Amyntas, GreekMeaning:
"defender"Description:
Aminta is now considered a feminine name, but it originated as a variation of Amyntas, a name connected to numerous ancient kings. In the 16th century, Torquato Tasso, an Italian poet, wrote a play titled Aminta about a lovestruck shepherd who falls for a beautiful nymph named Silvia.
- Allister
- Bow
- Gower
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"pure"Description:
This Old Welsh name associated with blacksmiths has never caught on, but it has the right two-syllable occupational feel to qualify for revival. Gower Champion was a successful midcentury dancer, choreographer and director on the Broadway stage, in films and on TV.
- Corby
Origin:
English, diminutive of CorbinDescription:
A casual take on Corbin.
- Dewi
Origin:
Diminutive of Dafydd, Welsh variation of DavidDescription:
The name of the patron saint of Wales is virtually unknown in the US under this spelling. There were no baby boys named Dewi or Dewie in the US in 2021, though there were 35 named Dewey. Incredibly enough, Dewey ranked among the US Top 1000 for an entire century, from 1887 to 1986, reaching as high as Number 19 in 1898.
- Bezai
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"eggs"Description:
Biblical family with 323 children. That's a lot of eggs.
- Chazaiah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"God has seen"Description:
More orthodox spelling of a name that also appears as Hazaiah and Hazaia. An obscure Biblical choice that has some modern zest.
- Calvino
- Indus
Origin:
Place nameDescription:
From the name of the river which flows through Pakistan, India, and Tibet.
- Fabius
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"bean"Description:
Though the Fabian or Fabio versions are more often heard today, Fabius is the Roman family name they originated from. The general Quintus Fabius Maximum was famous for his strategic delaying tactics, so this might be a good choice for a child who is born late!
- Isaïe
Origin:
French, HebrewMeaning:
"salvation of the lord"Description:
French variant of Isaiah
- Antaine
- Bax
- Detroit
Origin:
Place nameDescription:
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.
- Armen
Origin:
ArmenianMeaning:
"Armenian"Description:
Naming your son Armen is like naming him Roman, or German -- it's the term that denotes a person of Armenian descent. Armen has been used as a first name for centuries and is an unusual yet approachable choice, especially if you want to honor your Armenian heritage.
- Ésaïe
Origin:
French, HebrewMeaning:
"salvation of the lord"Description:
French variant of Isaiah
- Ilex
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"holly"Description:
The Latin name for the holly tree would make an interesting nature-inspired alternative to Alex.
- Andi