Animal Names for Babies

An old money surname passed down in notable American families. Christopher Plummer's middle name was Orme.

Love the name wren but need something not quite so trendy? Consider Jedda. Jedda is derived from the word 'djida' meaning "wren" in the language of the Noongar people of Western Australia. Jedda was also the name of the eponymous heroine of the film "Jedda", which was one of the first Australian films to be shot in color and was the first to be shown at the Cannes Film Festival (it was nominated for the Palme d'Or). The perfect name for nature enthusiasts and film buffs alike.

With the exception of Deborah, names are more often related to honey than to bees. This graceful name honors the bright and busy bee, making it perfect for that energetic little girl. Leia is an obvious nickname with wide appeal.

Several animal names, from Fox to Wolf and even to Tiger, ccan work, but Cougar should stay in its cage. Even John Mellencamp has dropped it.

Rare but rising, Gryphon is an intriguing name that combines several stylish associations. The Gryphon spelling relates directly to the fierce legendary creature that's eagle in front, lion behind. But there's also the authentic boys' name Griffin, a name that's maintained consistent popularity for a quarter century without getting too popular.

Appealing name because, in German and Yiddish, it also means "dear" or "heart".

Orm was a common name in the Viking Age, when children were often given names of animals. Animal names were thought to provide protection to those who had them.

This Thai nature name is closely associated with popular young Thai-Chinese actress Pimnitchakun Bumrungkit, who uses it as her nom de guerre.

If you feel a burning need to gussy up Ray -- think again.

This is one of the few butterfly names that is distinctly masculine, found as a surname in Finland.

A rare nature name and an interesting way to familiar nicknames like Libby, Lula, Lulu, and Bel, Libelula (or Libélula) comes from the Spanish word for "dragonfly". The name itself comes from the Latin word for "level" and "balanced" (libella and liberatum), in reference to the horizontal wings of the insect.

Sounds more like a car than a baby name. Some sources related it to the English surname Carter, which would be more stylish these days.

Fur names. We don't think so.

An interesting choice for people looking for a nature name that is off the beaten track. Mumbai-based actor and songwriter Mayur Puri is a notable bearer of this name.

Charming Gallic possibility but with some obvious playground problems.

Ranine name with a bouncy rhythm.

Cherokee option for a spring-born child.

This evocative Spanish surname would make an unusual but lively choice for a girl.

Feline choice that could work well on a boy with Cherokee heritage. Or get meta and use it for your cat.

A striking Nordic name with ancient roots, Svala (and its less common variant form Svale) derive from the Old Norse name for the swallow. This could be a great choice for nature lovers and fans of Edith Piaf (piaf being a term for a swallow).