Animal Names for Boys

The Old Norse god Óthinn was also known by the epithet Grímr — translated into Middle English as Grim.

Gage we get. Cade we get. But Cage? Not really, and yet, it was given to about two dozen baby boys in one recent year.

Fiorello is one of the few floral names that works well for a boy. The colorful three-term World War II New York Mayor La Guardia made this one famous -- in fact he was nicknamed "the Little Flower". His life was the basis for the 1959 musical called, appropriately, "Fiorello!"

If you want to go waaaaay beyond William, consider this Welsh form, which can also be spelled Gwilym, Gwilim, or Gwillym.

An appealing Hindi name borne by Mindy Kahling's architect father Avu Chokalingam. She bestowed it on her son Spencer as a middle name in 2020.

Enitan's origins are in the Yoruba language of Southwestern Nigeria. It has a lovely meaning, referring to a person of notoriety.

A saint and surname often heard in Italy.

Fans of the classic French film actor Jean Gabin might want to consider this one. Gabin is also a harmonica-playing character in the manga and anime series "Mirmo!"

Singer Perry is long gone, but the beautiful northern Italian lake conjures up a clear and tranquil image.

This occupational surname could find new life with those wishing to honor someone in their heritage who was connected to the tough-as-nails breed that was the pre-modern coal miner. Coll and Collie are some sweet nickname options to tone down the formality of this name.

Strong name, with a regal, romantic natural imagery image.

If you can't decide between Ethan or the original Hebrew form, Eitan, you may arrive at Eithan.

This variation of Theodore is familiar here mostly via the great Russian novelist Dostoyevsky. It was also the name of three early tsars of Russia.

A saint’s name, Anglicized from Adomnán or Ádhamhnán, which may derive either from Ádhamh (Adam) or from Gaelic adomnae "great fear". St Eunan was a 7th century abbot of Iona best known for his "Law of Innocents", which protected women, children and non-combatants.

Holston is a uniquely Southern place name — that of a river, lake, and mountain in Tennessee, as well as a town in Virginia. Holston was first used for the river, previously called the Cherokee River. It was adapted from the surname of pioneer Stephen Holstein, who resided alongside the river. Holstein was the name of a Saxon tribe and is now a region in Germany.

The Welsh form of Tristan, and the name of a counselor to King Arthur.

Seems destined to be the preferred short form of this old French name, with its brief, modern, word name feel.