Animal Names for Boys

  1. Derin
    • Origin:

      Variation of Darren, Irish
    • Meaning:

      "little great one"
    • Description:

      A rare, gender-neutral take on Darren. As a feminine name, Derin has Turkish roots.
  2. Callaway
    • Origin:

      English from Latin
    • Meaning:

      "pebbly place"
    • Description:

      Another animated Irish surname, this one with jazzy ties to the immortal "Dean of American Jive," Cab Calloway.
  3. Ajani
    • Origin:

      Nigerian, Yoruban
    • Meaning:

      "the victor"
    • Description:

      An easily assimilated African name, a novel twist on Johnny.
  4. Hadeon
    • Description:

      Hadeon is a rare masculine name with unclear etymological origins, though it may be a modern variation of names like Hadrian or Hayden. The name carries a contemporary feel with its unique construction and strong consonant sounds. The 'Had-' beginning potentially connects it to the Greek 'Hades,' though more likely it shares roots with Germanic or English name elements. Its rarity makes it appeal to parents seeking a distinctive name with a modern sound. Hadeon has a commanding presence and projects strength while maintaining a certain melodic quality. Though uncommon in naming databases and historical records, it fits well with current trends toward unique names with ancient-sounding qualities.
  5. Heliodor
    • Origin:

      Gemstone name
    • Description:

      Also known as green beryl, Heliodor is the name of a sun-kissed colored gemstone. The name is reminiscent of other -dor names such as Theodore, Esidore, Isidor, Landor, Salvador etc.
  6. Blues
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "slow, sad, songs of lamentation; a music genre of black American folk origin"
    • Description:

      While Ivy Blue has made the color a more popular choice for girls, Blues — as in the musical style — could feel more masculine. While some may find it a sad and gloomy choice, thanks to the phrase "having the blues", the musical connection gives it greater potential. It could make for a laid-back name that oozes cool and works as an alternative for those wanting to avoid more obvious choices like Indigo or Hendrix.
  7. Elion
    • Description:

      Elion is a masculine name with multiple potential origins. It may derive from Greek roots meaning "sun" or serve as a variation of Elian or Elyan. In some contexts, it can be connected to the Hebrew element "El" meaning "God" or "divine." The name has seen limited but steady usage across different cultures, appearing in Baltic, Greek, and occasionally Jewish naming traditions. In modern usage, Elion might appeal to parents seeking a name with ancient resonance but contemporary sound. The name shares phonetic qualities with more common names like Elliot or Elian while maintaining a distinctive character. While never reaching widespread popularity, Elion offers a melodic quality and cross-cultural adaptability that gives it subtle appeal in diverse communities.

  8. Dior
    • Origin:

      French surname
    • Meaning:

      "golden"
    • Description:

      Dior was among the fastest-rising names for both girls and boys in the US in the early 2020s, but was the fastest-falling name for boys in the 2023 statistics.
  9. Everson
    • Origin:

      English surname
    • Meaning:

      "son of Evert or Eve"
    • Description:

      An established surname that fits well with today's trend for the "Ever" sound – and a similar-yet-different alternative to Emerson. Historically, it denoted a descendent of Evert, a form of Everard, meaning "brave boar", or a descendent of Eve or its medieval English diminutive Evot, meaning "life".
  10. Hannibal
    • Origin:

      Punic and Assyrian
    • Meaning:

      "grace of Baal, god of fertility and fortune"
    • Description:

      These days, it's thought of less as the name of the great general and more as the first name of Lecter the fictional cannibal. Either association is too heavy for a child to bear.
  11. Aether
    • Origin:

      Greek mythology name
    • Description:

      Aether, who might be equated with the word ether, is a primeval Greek god who is light itself. He embodies the brightness between the dome of heaven and the air surrounding the earth.
  12. Garrick
    • Origin:

      Teutonic
    • Meaning:

      "mighty warrior"
    • Description:

      A rarely used last-name-first-name, never as popular as cousins Garrett or Derek.
  13. Friedrich
    • Origin:

      German variation of Frederick
    • Description:

      One of the most familiar German names, with an upright Prussian image. Friedrich might just have been out for long enough to start coming back in.
  14. Faris
    • Origin:

      Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "rider, knight"
    • Description:

      A great uncommon English-Arabic crossover choice, easily pronounceable internationally.
  15. Edon
    • Description:

      Edon is a masculine name with roots in several cultures. In Albanian, it means 'knowledge' or 'wisdom,' while some sources connect it to Hebrew origins meaning 'powerful' or 'strong.' The name shares phonetic similarities with Eden, though with a more masculine ending. Edon has gained moderate popularity in Kosovo and Albania but remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries. The name's simplicity makes it easily pronounceable across languages while maintaining a distinctive quality. Edon has a modern, strong sound with its short syllable structure and clear ending. It appeals to parents seeking a name that's straightforward yet not overly common, with positive connotations of intelligence and strength.

  16. Emilien
    • Origin:

      French form of Emil
    • Meaning:

      "friendly"
    • Description:

      Might make a worthy masculine spin on either of the uber popular Emma or Emily.
  17. Alcide
    • Origin:

      French version of Heracles
    • Meaning:

      "glory of Hera"
    • Description:

      This is the French version of Alcides, birth name of the Greek mythological Heracles (Hercules). You're more likely to recognize it as the name of the hot True Blood werewolf, Alcide Herveaux.
  18. Ashby
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "ash tree farm"
    • Description:

      This Ashley-like surname name actually made the US Top 1000 around the turn of the 20th century. Used very quietly today in equal numbers -- about a dozen each -- for boys and girls. Ashby is a major thoroughfare in Berkeley, California.
  19. Carden
    • Origin:

      English occupational name
    • Meaning:

      "wool carder"
    • Description:

      Highly unusual but stylish-sounding occupational name, with a pleasant association with gardens.
  20. Gardner
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "keeper of the garden"
    • Description:

      Surely one of the most pleasant and evocative of the occupational options.