Animal Names for Boys
- Deian
Description:
Deian is a masculine name with Welsh origins, pronounced approximately as 'DAY-an.' In Welsh tradition, it's believed to be a form of Dafydd (the Welsh equivalent of David), though some sources connect it to ancient Celtic elements meaning 'divine' or 'bright.' The name carries significant cultural importance in Wales, where it maintains steady usage as a traditional Welsh name that honors the country's linguistic heritage. Deian has a melodic, flowing quality that's characteristic of many Welsh names. Outside of Wales and Welsh communities, Deian remains relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality while still being reasonably straightforward to pronounce. The name projects qualities of brightness, clarity, and perhaps a connection to Welsh cultural traditions. Its uncommon status makes it appealing to parents seeking a name with Celtic roots and a distinctive sound.
- Dwight
Origin:
German and DutchMeaning:
"white or blond"Description:
This presidential name is in style limbo today - or, some might say, in the the sweet spot of familiar but little-used.
- Esker
Origin:
Nature nameMeaning:
"sandy ridge"Description:
A geographical term for a long, winding ridge of stratified sand and gravel, caused by glaciation.
- Atari
Origin:
Israeli surname; JapaneseMeaning:
"son of the chemist; I'm about to win"Description:
Atari the baby name is directly correlated with Atari the company. It joined the baby name charts in 1979 when the popular video game Space Invaders was released. It was given to small numbers of boys and girls for the next few years and reemerged in 2006 following Atari Bigby's NFL draft.
- Caiden
Origin:
Variation of Caden/KadenMeaning:
"round or barrel; battle"Description:
A variation of the popular Caden, Kayden, Kaden, and so on, Caiden is in the US Top 500 and the UK Top 1000. When you combine all the spelling variations however, Caiden begins to feel and sound like a Top 20 choice in the States.
- Aki
Origin:
Japanese; FinnishMeaning:
"born in the autumn; ancestor"Description:
A name known in several cultures, also through animated book character Tiger Aki. Finnish author Aki Ollikainen is another notable bearer.
- Arledge
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"dweller at the rabbit lake"Description:
Stiff and formal surname. Try Roone instead.
- Elan
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"tree"Description:
When given the French pronunciation (ay-LAN), has a great deal of esprit and élan.
- Eneko
Origin:
BasqueMeaning:
"my little one"Description:
Despite Eneko's very sweet meaning, it packs a lot of historical punch. Eneko Aritza was the first Basque king of Pamplona. It is somewhat related to the more well known Inigo.
- Eon
Description:
Eon is a concise masculine name with ancient Greek origins, derived from the word 'aiōn' meaning 'life force,' 'vital energy,' or 'eternity.' In scientific contexts, an eon represents a billion years, giving the name connotations of timelessness and endurance. Throughout history, the name has maintained a steady but uncommon presence across cultures. In Korean contexts, Eon has different origins and meanings. The name appeals to parents seeking a short, powerful name with philosophical depth. Its brevity makes it distinctive in Western naming traditions, while its cross-cultural adaptability and profound meaning related to time and existence give it intellectual appeal.
- Burton
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"fortified enclosure"Description:
Prissy, no matter how you spell it.
- Comet
Origin:
word nameDescription:
This cosmological name has a zippy feel that might work well for the galactic parent looking for the perfect name for their own little star.
- Fenris
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"fen-dweller"Description:
Variation of Fenrir.
- Gwyn
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"fair, blessed"Description:
Short, simple, gentle, undeniably Welsh but easy to spell and pronounce – there's a lot to like about this underused gem. In the States it's been almost exclusively female, perhaps due to the greater familiarity of Gwen, but it definitely feels like a candidate to reclaim for the boys.
- Fiorenzo
Origin:
Italian, masculine variation of FlorenceDescription:
For lovers of that romantic city.
- Aiko
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"beloved child"Description:
Common Japanese name rising for both sexes in the US.
- Aragon
Origin:
Spanish place nameDescription:
Equally strong, dramatic and romantic, this name of an old kingdom in the Iberian Peninsula and a modern Spanish community as well, would give a boy an instant pedigree.
- Hades
Origin:
Greek mythological nameDescription:
The name of the god of death and the underworld in Greek mythology is definitely a dark and daring choice. The Roman version Pluto is more associated with the used-to-be planet or Mickey Mouse's side-kick dog.
- Adael
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"ornament of God"Description:
Names ending in -iel or -ael are very much in for boys, with Azrael, Aziel, Gabriel, Rafael, and Jasiel in the US charts. Adael is another to add into the mix. An option for those who like Adam but want something with more of a twist, Adael is derived from Adiel or Adaiah, meaning "ornament or adornment of God".
Given to just 21 boys in 2022, Adael had a huge leap in popularity in 2023 when it was given to 151 boys.
- Brewer
Origin:
English, occupational surnameDescription:
Brewer is a surname turned first name that comes from the occupational name for someone who brews beer. Definitely a cool guy name.