Animal Names for Boys
- Fernando
Origin:
Spanish and Portuguese variation of FerdinandMeaning:
"bold voyager"Description:
Can you hear the drums Fernando? Although 58% of Nameberries prefer Ferdinand to Fernando, the Iberian variant has a softer, more romantic feel that makes it a better fit with all those Javiers, Lorenzos and Matteos.
- Carol
Origin:
English, LatinMeaning:
"man"Description:
Although now usually considered a female name in the US, Carol actually had a good run of popularity for boys too, peaking at #325 in 1937 and remaining in the US Top 1000 until the mid 1960s, when its popularity for both sexes began to decline. It derives from Carolus, the Latin form of Charles.
- Fergal
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"brave, manly"Description:
Very common in early Ireland and still in use there today, it was the name of an eighth century high king and also a saint. Not as well known in this country as Fergus, Fergal is currently appearing as a character on the TV series Catastrophe.
- Astraeus
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"star"Description:
The Titan of the dusk in Greek mythology, husband of Eos (Dawn) and father of the four Anemoi (Winds), as well as the goddess Astraea. The name is derived from Greek "aster", meaning "star".
- Dan
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"God is my judge"Description:
Often stands alone in Israel, but rarely here.
- Enrique
Origin:
Spanish variation of HenryDescription:
This is an appealing name that could cross cultural borders, but it has lost ground in recent years.
- Damek
Origin:
Slavic variation of AdamMeaning:
"son of the red earth"Description:
Damek, which you might think of as Adam with a Slavic accent, considerably freshens up the original.
- Gallagher
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"descendant of foreign helper"Description:
Gallagher is, like so many of its genre, friendly, open, and optimistic. Some might associate it with the fraternal members of the band Oasis, Noel and Liam Gallagher.
- Amare
Origin:
AfricanMeaning:
"handsome"Description:
Originating in Ethiopia, this warm-feeling name is now associated with Phoenix Suns basketball player Amare Stoudemire. It has ranked in the US Top 1000 since 2005.
- Eachann
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"keeper of horses"Description:
Authentic Gaelic name with pronunciation problems in the US. In Scotland Eachann has been anglicized as Hector, not because of its sound, but because the Trojan hero Hector had the reputation as a mighty horseman.
- Collins
Origin:
Surname derived from Nicholas or ColinDescription:
Though Collins makes the Top 1000 for girls, it sounds strong and handsome for boys too, kind of like the newly-stylish Brooks. The final s updates it from the 80s-ish Colin or the Twilightish Cullen. Might make an innovative honorific for a grandpa Nick.
- Calypso
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"she who hides"Description:
Rhythmic route to the nickname Cal. This musical moniker is another great example of a traditionally feminine name that could easily go masculine.
- Alberto
Origin:
GermanicMeaning:
"noble, bright"Description:
Alberto is the Italian, Spanish and Portuguese variation of Albert and lends a more unusual and fashionable edge to this name which is still a grandpa name to many.
- Fennel
Origin:
Vegetable and herb nameDescription:
In the garden of herb names, Rosemary and Basil are perennials and Sage is a new upshoot, but Fennel is a real rarity. The aniseed-tasting plant, used to add flavor to dishes around the world, gets its name from the Latin word feniculum, meaning "little hay". With a wholesome nature feel and a similar sound to Finn, Fennel would be an interesting name to bring to the table.
- Cyprus
Origin:
Latin from GreekMeaning:
"cypress tree; copper"Description:
This Mediterranean island name would be a plausible choice for parents with a Greek or Turkish heritage.
- Hero
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"demi-god"Description:
Though the mythological Hero was female, this name might prove too big a responsibility for a little guy to shoulder.
- Garrick
Origin:
TeutonicMeaning:
"mighty warrior"Description:
A rarely used last-name-first-name, never as popular as cousins Garrett or Derek.
- Camilo
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"young ceremonial attendant"Description:
The increasing popularity of Camila may have pushed this underrated Spanish name into the Top 1000 — though it remains far less popular than its feminine counterpart. A perfect familiar-but-rare choice.
- Hari
Origin:
HinduMeaning:
"dark, tawny"Description:
Familiar via Harry, but much more worldly.
- Hippolyte
Origin:
French from GreekMeaning:
"releaser of horses"Description:
Hippolyte is the name of an Amazonian princess AND her son, both unfortunate mythical figures. The name Hippolyte, later borne by several saints, is a not an uncommon boys' name in France, but has barely set foot on American soil and is unlikely to do so. It was the middle name of famed French playwright Jean Giraudoux.