Animal Names for Boys

Transformation of the stolid Gilbert into an animated surname name.

Gnaeus was one of the most common forenames used by the ancient Romans (there were only 40 or so to choose from). It is thought to have originated as a name for babies with birthmarks, although it was just as often used for family reasons. Many Roman names, like Titus and Caius, are back in fashion now, but Gnaeus just isn't so accessible to modern English speakers.

This surname ultimately derives from a Galician place name meaning "fig tree", but has spread all over the Spanish-speaking world. It's not certain if it's ever been used as a first name, but it could work - especially as it's reminiscent of the operatic character Figaro.

May cut it in Budapest, but not in Boise. Just Fritz would be preferable.

A Nephite soldier mentioned in The Book of Mormon. Its meaning is not clear: it may derive from Hebrew amar "to speak", or from Omri, or from the gentilic Amorite.

Actress America Ferrera, of Ugly Betty fame, has pretty much feminized this name in the US.

While Angel is primarily used among Hispanic baby boys, Angeles is overwhelmingly feminine. This is because it's typically a reference to Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles, a title of the Virgin Mary.

A name from the Choctaw tribe of Mississippi and Alabama.

We had Egypt listed as a girls-only place-name until singer Alicia Keys and rap producer husband Swizz Beatz used it for their son...and why not? Egypt certainly works as well for a boy as for a girl.

A high energy Italian word name.

The Old Testament Adinah was a male soldier, not the same as the beautiful daughter of Jacob and Leah, Dinah. But in modern Israel, Adinah and Adina are also used as names fori girls.

Crassus was an unflattering Roman cognomen — essentially, a surname that was originally given based on personal characteristics. It's unlikely it would be used today.

An occupation name that sounds odd to the modern ear but enjoyed some use a century ago. May make a comeback as a more genteel brother to the new union of boys (and girls) with worker names such as Mason, Carter, and Bailey.