Animal Names for Boys

The many variations of Brynn are far more popular for girls than boys in the US, but if you’d like to use it on a son, Brin is the most masculine of all the spelling options.

This Native American tribe name is an attractive option for a boy or a girl. Tia Mowry used it for her son in 2011.

Hurley is a possibility as a unisex surname-name ending with the "lee" sound. It is perhaps most associated with British actress Elizabeth Hurley, and is much rarer than Harley, because the "ur" sound is currently out of fashion (and the word "hurl" may put some off).

One Japanese name that feels Western, though not quite American.

Energetic but mellow.

The Greek equivalent of Abaddon — both a place name (that of an abyss) and a demonic angel that lives there.

Baran is barely known in the US -- unless it's mistaken for royal moniker and Trump son name Baron -- but it might make a perfect choice for a boy born under the sign of Aries.

Davey and Davy are frequently used for little boys but rarely appear on the birth certificate, Davy Crockett exempted.

An anglicized spelling of Irish Ardghal, this name is most famously borne by Ardal O'Hanlon, an actor, author and stand-up comedian best known for his role as Dougal Maguire in the comedy series Father Ted.

This appealing name of a mythical king of Tara whose reign brough prosperity to his kingdom is strongly associated with actor Sean. The Irish form is Conaire.

Ikenna's meaning makes it a subtle way to honor a father or grandfather. Ikenna is the name of a popular YouTube star.

Akari is a feminine name in Japan but gender-neutral in the US, with a slight edge as a masculine name.

A name known in several cultures.

There are many fire-related names, from Aidan to Fiammetta, but the Flame isn't one that's often found on birth certificates. It's a highly symbolic word: flames can represent faith, passion and cleansing, for example, as well as straightforward heat and light.

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.

Related to Amir and Amira, an antiquated name that holds some modern appeal.

Dagur, one of the top boys' names in Iceland, is the personification of day. His mother is Nott, or night, and together they are thought to ride in a chariot around the earth every 24 hours.