Animal Names for Boys

Most commonly associated with artist M.C. Escher, Escher makes a great hero name that would fit in nicely with the surname names of today.

A classic Irish "top-o'-the-mornin' surname with a lot of rhythm and pizzazz.

This surname borne by several early Welsh leaders has a lot of energy.

Breccan may be the original saints' name, but in the modern U.S., the spelling Brecken is the most popular form, followed by Breckin. A winner by any spelling.

This rare spiritual word name could see a boost now that Josh Brolin used it for his daughter, born in December of 2020. Like many of the new additions to this category, Chapel is appropriate for a baby of either sex.

Adaiah is a rare Old Testament name with a pleasing sound.

Sounds like exactly what it is: The name of a romance novel hero.

An epithet of the sun and the Hindu god Shiva, also borne by a 12th century Indian astronomer. Bhaskar, a common Indian surname, is related.

Avni is derived from Avniel, a Hebrew first and surname with a strong meaning. It is also a separate masculine Albanian name meaning "helper." The nickname Avni has a fresh, gender-neutral feel, although it has separate origins for girls and boys. The feminine version of this name is Sanskrit and means "earth."

Alvie is the spelling parents tend to prefer, and may rise along with Archie, Alfie, and Albie. The Alvy variation is strongly associated with Alvy Singer, Woody Allen's character in Annie Hall.

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

A cute diminutive of Jack, already technically a nickname for John, famously borne by Hong Kong actor, director and martial artist Jackie Chan.

Variant of the popular Slavic name Bogdan, meaning "given by god".

Gambit means ploy or trick, which makes it an appropriate name for a little player. Eight boys were named Gambit in the US in one recent year.

A French form of Benedict that makes a smooth and elegant choice, although the pronunciation may trip people up in an English speaking environment.

For better or worse, this name is still firmly attached to the TV series Gilmore Girls. It's one of a number of Scottish and Irish surname names beginning with Gil, meaning "servant". In this case, it's "servant of Mary", making it a subtle male Marian name.

This common Scandinavian name, also spelled Osmund, is only occasionally heard in this country.

Iku is an easily assimilated Japanese name.

A two-initial nickname sometimes used on birth certificates — although these initials have a slang meaning you may prefer to avoid.