Animal Names for Boys

There isn't much information out there about this vanishingly rare name, but its posited meaning of "nobleman" suggests that it may derive from the same Old English route as the word Earl, eorl. It is also sometimes listed as an Irish name, possibly a form of Ardghal/Ardal, meaning "high valor".

As a Spanish and Portuguese name, Brayan is a variant of the Celtic Brian, familiar in Mexico, Brazil, Spain, Italy and France. As a modern invention, it blends Brayden with Bryan, tying it the to the strong meaning of Brian and the fish-related meaning of Braden.

Pronounced like the word "even," this was a common name among the ancient royal families of Ireland, and has now become popular again.

A Robert nickname out of use for hundreds of years, but now sounds cooler than Bob or Rob for a modern boy.

This Grayson-soundalike has a long and distinguished pedigree, having belonged to both a Roman emperor and a 4th century Catholic saint who founded the see of Tours in central France. It would make a fabulous namesake for an important Grace in the family.

Ancient nickname that sounds cuter than its modern alternatives -- but be aware that in the days of the horse and buggy, it was most often used for the horse.

With Win and Winner gracing birth certificates, why not Champion?

A unisex Nahuatl name with a strong and stylish sound, but a meaning that some might find off-putting.

This variation of Ivan, itself a form of John, entered the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2022. Double As are trending across the states, such as Saanvi and Aarush, and Ivaan is running right along with them — all the way into the Top 1000 in 2022.

The unlikely name of the hero of Jhumpa Lahiri's The Namesake, named for an author his father revered.

With place names extending their range, this is an unmapped possibility, though a bit stiff. Baltimore, Maryland was named after Cecil Calvert, the 2nd Baron Baltimore. Baltimore is ultimately derived from the Irish Baile an Tí Mhóir, meaning "town of the big house."

Diodorus derives from the Greek elements Dios, meaning "of Zeus," and doron, "gift." Diodorus Siculus, a Greek historian from the first century BC, is the most notable bearer.