Animal Names for Boys

The gallant Basque name will age well and has a bright and soulful meaning. Earl or Ant are obvious nicknames.

Friendly, cheerful Irish name that originated as a nickname for a redhead. Potential problem: reminiscent of the Spanish custard.

DeLorean is an Anglicized variation of the French surname Deslauriers, originally used for someone who lived near laurel.

A worthy namesake is the martyred saint Thomas a Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, whose story was the basis of the Anouilh play "Becket," which became a film starring Richard Burton and Peter O'Toole.

This could be a possible replacement for the overused Tyson, though it has something of a commercial feel related to the brand of vacuum cleaners.

Ephrem is a spelling variation of the Biblical Ephraim, most often used for an early saint, Ephrem the Syrian, who was a 4th century theologian. This makes a cool, religiously appropriate choice.

Spelling it with a double I -- GEORGII -- makes it ultradistinctive, and less a generic Georgie.

Attempts to modernize traditional Isaiah has led to this overly creative spelling.

Associated all through the swing years with bandleader brothers Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey.

Variant transcription of Hosea, the original name of Joshua in the Old Testament.

In Estonian mythology, Ilmarine is a blacksmith who forges the celestial beings. He is immortal and capable of creating practically anything, but is portrayed as being unlucky in love.

A modern invented name, taken directly from the French phrase "J'adore", meaning "I love".