Animal Names for Boys

Common in Sweden, Alric is part of the family of medieval sounding names, like Alaric, Casimir and Leopold that are increasing gaining a fanbase, perhaps as an antidote to the modern inventions that are becoming more prolific.

Gwion is a name from old Welsh literature: according to "The Tale of Taliesin", it was the name of the legendary poet Taliesin before he transformed into a bard. Gwion is used steadily in small numbers in Wales. Elsewhere in the world, it would strike a good balance of uncommonness and simplicity, and be pretty unique.

Ezekiel and Ezequiel have both featured in the US Top 1000 since the 1980s , though it has been since the 2010s that they've become favorites. Joining Biblical or international style choices such as Gabriel and Raphael, Ezekiel is in the Top 100, while this Spanish and Portuguese variation sits comfortably in the Top 400.

Up-and-coming surname name that may evoke thoughts of ballet dancer Misty Copeland or one of the many towns called Copeland.

Fin is a concise, impactful masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Irish tradition, it's a shortened form of Fionn or Finn, meaning 'fair' or 'white,' connected to the legendary Irish hero Finn MacCool. In Scandinavian countries, Fin derives from Old Norse, possibly meaning 'wanderer' or relating to the Finnish people. The name's brevity makes it appealing to modern parents seeking minimalist names with historical depth. While traditionally a nickname, Fin has gained popularity as a standalone name in recent decades, particularly in English-speaking countries. Its cross-cultural appeal, straightforward pronunciation, and connection to folklore contribute to its growing usage as parents embrace shorter, distinctive names with strong sounds.

The quintessential midcentury nickname, famously found in Arthur Miller's play "Death of a Salesman."

This spelling variation of Cason isn't quite as widely used as the original.

Antares is a star in the Scorpio constellation, making it an interesting choice for babies born under that zodiac sign. It is the fifteenth-brightest star in the night sky, appearing as a reddish star when viewed with the naked eye. This reddish tint is what lent the star its name, whcih mean "equal to Ares" who is the god of war and associated with the red planet Mars.The sky's other name is Alpha Scorpii, but Antares is a far more romantic choice.

Appropriately used for anime antagonists, not human babies.

This name's buttoned-up British vibe is what makes it cool - that, and the fact that it was chosen by Anne Bronte as her pseudonym - Acton Bell. That's quite the literary - and may we add feminist - credential for a name. For those with an adventurous edge, Acton is one of the highest peaks in Antarctica.

Uplifting name that's technically for boys but practically would work much better for girls.

Rarely used independently, it's more often the start of a multisyllabic German mouthful.

This Czech form of Eugene sounds fresher than the English variant, with its on-trend Ev- beginning and cool -zhen ending sound.

Ido is a multicultural name seldom heard in modern America but popular in the Middle East. As transliterations, Ido and its other form Iddo are equally correct.

Cosmas was the name of an Arabian saint who was martyred with his twin brother Damian. They are the patron saints of physicians.

Sean and Robin Wright Penn chose this name for their son to honor their friend Dennis Hopper; others might associate it with the painter Edward. Couldn't be more spirited.

Rarely used in the last two centuries, but might be worth dusting off and holding up to the light.

Japanese-born fashion designer Issey Miyake, known for his techno-clothes, could provide baby naming inspiration.

A historic name seeing some modern use among French-speaking parents.

Part Hollis, part Colin, Hollin definitely has a cool factor. It's also the medieval English word for holly.