Animal Names for Boys

Demetri is a masculine name of Greek origin, derived from Demetrius, which honors Demeter, the Greek goddess of agriculture and fertility. The name literally translates to 'follower of Demeter' or 'earth-lover.' This shorter variant maintains the classical heritage while offering a more streamlined, contemporary feel. Demetri has gained moderate popularity in the United States and Europe, particularly appealing to parents seeking names with historical depth and cross-cultural appeal. The name appears in Greek, Russian, and Eastern European naming traditions, making it recognizable across multiple cultures. With its strong consonants and rhythmic three-syllable pronunciation, Demetri projects strength and sophistication while remaining approachable.

Light and cheerful as its meaning but with plenty of substance, Ilari is the Finnish form of Hilarius and Hillary.

Strongly connected to Elie Wiesel — Holocaust survivor, Nobel laureate, and author of the influential book Night.

Seen as feminine in English-speaking countries, Dani is a Top 100 boy name in the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Name of a tragic mythological hero, used as a surname in the works of James Joyce; heavy but ponderous for an American boy, though pulled off very well by single-name musician Daedalus and writer and artist Daedalus Howell.

This name of a saint from Galway whose monastery became a center of learning is an undiscovered Irish Gaelic gem. Undiscovered in the US, that is: Iarlaith is a Top 100 name in Ireland.

The K makes this slightly more modern than its more traditional original

Streamlined spelling found all across Europe. The Spanish Filipo has extra zip.

Reversed vowels make it seem less fierce.

Danté is a masculine name that adds a stylized accent to the classic Dante, emphasizing its Italian pronunciation. The name derives from the Medieval Latin name Durante, shortened to Dante, meaning 'enduring' or 'steadfast.' It gained lasting fame through the 13th-century Italian poet Dante Alighieri, author of 'The Divine Comedy.' The accent in Danté guides pronunciation and adds a touch of sophistication. This name carries powerful literary and cultural associations while maintaining a strong, concise sound. Though not extremely common, Danté has maintained steady usage, particularly in Italian-American communities and among families appreciating its literary heritage, elegant sound, and the boldness of its two-syllable structure.

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.

Historically, this name derives from Aldric, the name of an early medieval saint. Today, parents are more likely to see it as a blend of elements from Aidan and Patrick, Frederick, etc.

There are many more appealing Irish surnames than Foley, and certainly more positive meanings. If Foley is a genuine family name, this would be all right in the middle.

The meaning is endearing, but it also feels uncomfortably like a short form for Caroline. Its artistic reference is British sculptor Anthony Caro.

Surname name Grayson has become quite popular in recent years, bringing with it Gray, Grey, Greyson, and, yes, Graysen.

Well used in the Latino and Italian-American communities.

Not a great idea to associate your newborn with drug lords.

You may be familiar with Celeste, but have you considered this beautiful choice for a boy, currently highly fashionable in France, derived from Latin Caelestis ("of the sky; heavenly").

The name of a prophet in the Qur'an. In the US, Hud is more likely to be used as a nickname for Hudson.

Celestine is more familiar as a female name these days, but it also has a long history of male usage – most notably, as the name of five popes. It ultimately derives from the Latin caelum "heavens, skies".