Animal Names for Boys

This variation of Ahmad is one of the most popular Arabic names among Muslim families the world over and is now the most used spelling in the USA.

A mostly undiscovered alternative to the ultra-popular Colton; just 80 baby boys were named Coleson in 2016. It's also a surname name in its own right.

What life Hadrien and Hadrian enjoy today, they owe to Adrian along with the revival of ancient Roman names in general. Hadrian was a 2nd century Roman emperor famous for his wall.

This form, coming from various elements, has started to take off on its own.

Innocent, the name of thirteen popes, is rarely heard in a secular setting, where its loaded meaning could open the door to ridicule.

An old-school great-grandpa name, like Irving and Ernest, that may just be ready for revival. It's also a well-known name in Hungary and elsewhere in central and eastern Europe. As a surname, it's associated with jazz sax player Booker Ervin.

A less common — and biblical — alternative to Liam. Eliam joined the Top 1000 for the first time in 2021. In Puerto Rico, it's a Top 50 choice.

A Greek name more familiar in English speaking countries in its feminine form, Anastasia, this masculine version bears further consideration. The traditional nickname is Sakis, as used by notable bearer, Anastasios "Sakis" Rouvas, a Greek film and television artist and former pole vaulter.

Middle name possibility for a nature-loving family -- Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke used it for their son's middle name.

The name of the main protagonist of Avatar: The Last Airbender was coined for the movie from Chinese characters meaning "peaceful" and "rise; raise". Aang is also used as a given name in Indonesia, where it derives from akang — a word used to refer to one’s elder brother or one of his peers.

A Persian and Arabic name which belonged to the author of the 11th century Persian epic poem: the Shahnameh (also Firdausi, Ferdowsi). It derives from an Arabic word meaning "paradise".

Another Spanish boys' name that relates to a goddess, the Egyptian Isis. San Isidro is the patron saint of Madrid.

This original spelling may present its challenges outside of Ireland, but it certainly has a more poetic look to it. Those daunted by the pronunciation obstacles may wish to consider Keenan.

This is another form of the name the angel Raphael assumes for himself when he becomes human. One of the few attractive Biblical names that has not yet been discovered by modern parents, Azarias is certainly ripe for the taking.

Emry is an abbreviated form of Emery but might also be considered a relative of the Welsh Emrys. Emry was used for only 35 baby boys in the US last year and about 150 girls, placing it well below the Top 1000.

This name shares sounds with Keagan and Teagan, but has its own roots in Irish culture. Freestyle Motocross rider Brian Deegan may be partly responsible for this name's entrance into the US Top 1000.

This anglicized spelling of the already anglicized Alistair originates from the Scottish form of Alexander. Some might think it lacks the flair of the -air ending, while others might find it sleeker and simpler. Either way, in the US, it's the second most popular spelling after Alistair, ahead of both Alasdair and Alastair, while in the UK, it is in use, but least preferred of the four.

Futuristic variation of Cyrus. Cyrax is a character in the Mortal Kombat video game series.

Islwyn is the name of a mountain in Wales which has a pleasant fluid sound. Islwyn has recently been made more familiar through Runescape.

Musical association with Igor Stravinsky, but also Dr. Frankenstein's right-hand man.