Animal Names for Boys

  1. Arjen
    • Description:

      Arjen is a masculine Dutch name primarily popular in the Netherlands and other Dutch-speaking regions. It originated as a Frisian form of Adrian, which derives from the Latin name Hadrianus, meaning 'from Hadria' – an ancient city in northern Italy. The name carries connotations of strength and resilience. Arjen gained international recognition largely through Dutch footballer Arjen Robben, who helped familiarize the name beyond the Netherlands. Despite this exposure, it remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries. The name has a distinct, modern sound while maintaining historical roots. Its pronunciation (AR-yen) may present challenges in non-Dutch speaking regions, but its brevity and distinctive character appeal to parents seeking a name that is both unique and established.

  2. Crys
    • Description:

      Crys is an uncommon masculine name that likely originated as a shortened form of names like Crystal, Christopher, or Chrysanthos. The name has Greek roots related to 'chrysos' meaning 'gold' or 'golden,' suggesting brightness and value. As a standalone name, Crys has a distinctive, modern feel while maintaining connections to these longer traditional names. The brevity and crisp sound of Crys gives it a contemporary edge that aligns with the trend toward shorter, punchy names for boys. Despite these positive qualities, Crys remains quite rare in usage, likely due to its stronger association as a nickname or its similarity to the word 'cry.' For parents seeking a truly unique option with subtle connections to more established names, Crys offers an unconventional choice with an intriguing sound and ancient golden associations.

  3. Heddwyn
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "holy peace"
    • Description:

      Takes Edwin one step -- make that ten steps -- too far.
  4. Broly
    • Description:

      Broly is a masculine name that gained recognition through Japanese popular culture, specifically as a character from the Dragon Ball Z anime and manga series. Unlike traditional names with ancient linguistic roots, Broly is a modern invented name that has entered naming consciousness through media influence. The character Broly is known for his extraordinary strength and fierce nature, giving the name associations with power and intensity. While relatively uncommon as a given name, it has gained some usage among fans of the series. The name has a strong, memorable sound with its two syllables and distinctive ending. Parents choosing this name likely appreciate its unique quality and pop culture significance.

  5. Garson
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "to protect"
    • Description:

      Straightforward surname with potential thanks to the rise of Carson. The actress Greer Garson gives it a splash of Hollywood glamor.
  6. Bolivar
    • Origin:

      Basque
    • Meaning:

      "mill at the riverbank"
    • Description:

      Revolutionary choice.
  7. Dinsmore
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "dark moor"
    • Description:

      This Celtic surname is familiar but barely used at all as a first name.
  8. Baldur
    • Description:

      Baldur is a masculine name with deep roots in Norse mythology, where Baldur (also spelled Baldr or Balder) was the god of light, joy, purity, and the summer sun. The son of Odin and Frigg, he was beloved by all gods and known for his beauty, goodness, and wisdom. The name likely derives from Old Norse elements meaning 'prince' or 'bold.' Baldur has maintained consistent usage in Iceland and other Scandinavian countries, though it remains relatively uncommon elsewhere. In recent years, interest in Norse mythology and Viking culture has brought renewed attention to traditional Norse names like Baldur. The name carries strong connotations of light, beauty, and nobility, making it an appealing choice for parents drawn to names with mythological significance and distinctive Scandinavian character.
  9. Gere
    • Description:

      Gere is a concise masculine name with multiple potential origins. It may be derived from the Germanic element 'ger' meaning "spear" or "warrior," connecting it to names like Gerhard or Gerald. Alternatively, it could be a short form of these longer Germanic names. In some contexts, it might be a surname used as a given name, as popularized by American actor Richard Gere. The name is quite uncommon as a first name in most Western countries, giving it a distinctive quality. Gere has a strong, simple sound that's easy to pronounce across languages, making it internationally accessible despite its rarity. The name's brevity gives it a modern feel despite its potentially ancient roots.

  10. Adventure
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "an exciting experience or undertaking that is typically bold or risky"
    • Description:

      Word name are as popular as ever—why not add Adventure to the pool?
  11. Blackburn
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "black brook"
    • Description:

      Somewhat dashing surname, but with serious teasing potential.
  12. Balendin
    • Origin:

      Catalan
    • Meaning:

      "strong, healthy"
    • Description:

      Catalan version of Valentine.
  13. Flourish
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "thrive; flair"
  14. Edmon
    • Description:

      Edmon is a masculine name derived from the Old English elements "ead" meaning wealth or fortune and "mund" meaning protection. It's a variant spelling of the more common Edmund or Edmond, which has deep historical roots tracing back to Anglo-Saxon England. The name was popularized by several saints and kings named Edmund, including St. Edmund the Martyr, an East Anglian king. Edmon offers a slightly modernized twist on the traditional spelling while maintaining its dignified heritage. While not among the most common names in English-speaking countries, Edmon has a timeless quality that balances classical origins with contemporary appeal.
  15. Evenstar
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "evening star"
    • Description:

      Evenstar is an old name for the planet Venus, the "evening star" of astronomy. Lord of the Rings fans may recognize it as a name of Arwen Undómiel.
  16. Donan
    • Description:

      Donan is a masculine name with Scottish and Irish Gaelic connections. It likely derives from the Gaelic elements 'donn' meaning brown or noble, possibly functioning as a diminutive form. The name may also connect to Saint Donnan, a 7th-century Irish missionary who was martyred on the Isle of Eigg in Scotland. The island of Eilean Donan in Scotland, site of the famous castle, shares linguistic roots with this name. While uncommon in mainstream usage, Donan has maintained quiet usage in Celtic regions and diaspora communities. The name provides a strong consonant structure with a traditional feel, appealing to parents seeking names with historical depth and Celtic heritage. Donan offers a distinctive alternative to more common Celtic-origin names.
  17. Ismaël
    • Description:

      Ismaël is the French and Arabic form of Ishmael, a name with deep biblical and Quranic significance. Derived from Hebrew origins, it means 'God will hear' or 'God has heeded.' In Islamic tradition, Ismaël is revered as the son of Ibrahim (Abraham) and is considered an important prophet. The name carries spiritual weight across multiple religions and cultures. The diaeresis over the 'e' distinguishes this variant, common in French-speaking regions and parts of the Middle East and North Africa. Ismaël has maintained consistent popularity in Muslim communities worldwide and in France, where it represents both religious heritage and multicultural identity. The name evokes themes of divine attention, spiritual legacy, and cultural richness.
  18. Amedee
    • Origin:

      French form of Amadeus
    • Description:

      This variation of Amadeus may not be as familiar in the United States, but it has potential for French speaker and those with a French lineage.
  19. Giglio
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Description:

      Although this Italian name is identical to the word for "lily", it is actually a cognate of Giles (English) or Gilles (French), meaning "young goat".
  20. Dickson
    • Origin:

      Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "son of Dick"
    • Description:

      Dickson's nickname problem keeps it from having the upside possibility of similar names like Jackson and Harrison. If you're looking for fresh baby names to honor an ancestral Richard or Dick, consider Dixon. Or better, Richardson.