Animal Names for Boys

Very common in early Ireland and still in use there today, it was the name of an eighth century high king and also a saint. Not as well known in this country as Fergus, Fergal is currently appearing as a character on the TV series Catastrophe.

Authentically spelled İlkin, this would be an unusual (to English speakers) pick for a firstborn boy.

The original spelling Ayman is much more common around the world, and would likely be considered more fashionable in the US, with its Y.

In Welsh, a diminutive of Iorwerth. As a Japanese name, Iori stands alone.

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. It shares the same root as other popular Arabic names, including Muhammad and Hamid.

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

Old Irish spelling of Dermot / Diarmaid. This spelling is commonly used in the legend of Diarmuid and Gráinne, a love story from Irish legend.

It's tempting to think of Gui as the Spanish form of Guy, but it's short for Guillermo.

If you find Grover too fusty and furry, this is a much cooler-sounding alternative.

In the US, Emmanuel has held steady around the Top 200 for a quarter century now, but this variation has dropped off the Top 1000 for three of the past seven years. It was Number 974 in 2016.

More likely to be spelled Constantine, this was the name of the first Christian emperor of the Roman empire, as well as three Scottish kings. Previously thought of as too bulky and unwieldy a name for a modern child, these days it would be perfectly acceptable.

This variation of Idris brings Edward into the mix.

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

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

This old-school Nordic name derives from the Old Norse word jarl, meaning "leader, chief".

An undiscovered gem with clunky, buttoned-up appeal and a literary feel thanks to poet Delmore Schwartz.