Boy Dog Names That Start With B

If Brave isn't enough for you, you might try Braver, which has an even stronger meaning. Braver's -er ending gives it surname style.

One step up from Irwin, and that's not nearly enough.

We can hear the kids teasing him from here.

Pronounced Beecham, but still too fancy and fey. Likewise Beaufort (beautiful fort), Beaufoy (beautiful beech tree), and Beaumont (beautiful mountain).

The name of a monk who is the patron saint of blacksmiths -- not a twentieth-century occupation or baby name.

To the Anglo ear, Beto may not make sense as a short form of Gilberto, Roberto, or Alberto. But it is, and the o-ending makes is friendly, sleek, and modern.

If not for Motown founder Berry Gordy, this name would now be totally in the girl group.

Baze is a nouveau nickname that originated on the TV show "Life Unexpected," as the short form consistently used for the character Nathaniel (Nate) Bazile. Its similarity to the name Blaise lends it a feeling of authenticity, as does the fact it could work as a nickname to Basil or even Sebastian.

One way to encourage some cheers for your little one, but not recommended.

Dutch form of Baldwin

Usually reserved as a term of endearment, Baby is likely used as a name when parents have yet to choose an official one but need to register their baby. For a girl, it can be considered a nickname for Barbara too.

A Welsh saint who is the namesake of the village of St Breock in Cornwall, and is also venerated in Brittany. The name is a diminutive of Briafael ("mighty prince"). Variants include: Breock, Bryok, Breok, Briec, Brieuc, Briog.

A name best for pets.

Another servile surname, this one connected to the go-between character in "Charlie's Angels."

Bobo was the name of one of the most famous clowns in American circus history, who performed from the 1920s until the 1970s. But that's not the only reason this makes a less-than-optimal nickname.

A once-popular nickname for Albert and Bertram now being polished up by hip Brits, but still hibernating in the Land of Nerd over here.

Has some highly unfortunate World War II associations.

If you like the Irish surname feel, there are loads of more congenial options.

Belden is a little-used surname-name that might work in this age of Belles.

This is a solid surname choice for people looking for a change from Cooper, Parker and Carson. Australian parents will probably instantly associate this name with famous rock legend Jimmy Barnes, but this has an even older pedigree as a namesake - Barnes Wallis was a UK aviator and inventor, most remembered for designing the Dambuster bomb (a bomb that bounces across water to reach its target) and working on supersonic flight in the 1940s and 50s.