Animal Names for Boys

An alternate Hebrew form of Abraham that could lead to the nickname Avi.

A name with two strong literary associations, one overwhelmingly negative -- Lolita's pedophilic narrator Humbert Humbert -- and one positive, in the preferable European version: Italian author Umberto Eco.

Scottish Gaelic form of Hilary

The mute, horn-honking Marx Brother's real name was Adolph -- so Harpo represented a huge step up. Also, it's Oprah's production company (her name spelled backward).

In Slovenia, Gaber is used as both a nickname of Gabrijel and a nature name. Gaber is the Slovene word for the hornbeam tree.

Interesting name with affable meaning.

One of the most distinguished names in literature could become a hero name in a family of poetry-lovers -- or be seen as a trendy new occupational name.

Streamlined form eases pronunciation and spelling, but somehow adds a weighty element to this British favorite. It became familiar in the U.S. via musician Gram Parsons.

Ing is an Ancient Norse fertility god whose name derives from Ingwaz, most likely meaning "ancestor." Ing himself was considered to be the ancestor of the Ingvaeone tribe. Ing is said to be the original name of the Norse god Freyr.

Upper-crusty English surname which may derive from two sources. The first is Old English meaning "horehound valley", the second is Old French meaning "little swallow", which was originally a Norman nickname given to someone resembling the bird.

Amasa is a rare Biblical name borne by two figures. One is the son of Abigail and nephew of King David, who named him commander of the rebels. This Amasa met a tragic end when he was murdered by Joab. The other Biblical Amasa was one of the Children of Ephraim.