Animal Names for Boys

The title of a Shakespeare play based on legends featuring the early Celtic King Cunobelinus, whose name derives from the Gaulish sun god Belenus.

Extravagant virtue name which is notably the first name of the British TV detective Inspector Morse.

Russian diminutive of Alexei, borne by the protagonist in Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov. Alyosha, like most other Russian diminutive forms, is not generally given as a standalone name in Russia itself.

A unisex Chinese and Vietnamese with an appealingly simple, vowel-rich spelling.

Short form of Adebayo

Diarra has a nice meaning, but we could see it leading to possible teasing re association with a certain digestive problem.

A name from Irish history and legend, deriving from the Gaelic word for the raven. Uncommon in contemporary Ireland, although the related name Fiachra is a Top 250 choice there.

Icelandic word that means "bay." Not a sanctioned Icelandic name.

The name of the Hindu elephant-headed god of success and wisdom, son of Shiva and Parvati.

This variation of Amadeus may not be as familiar in the United States, but it has potential for French speaker and those with a French lineage.

Derived from the Cherokee word adohi, meaning "woods." But buyer beware: Adahy is very close to the Cherokee word for "poison," adahi'i.

One of those place and surname names that hasn't be used much as a first name yet -- but could soon. You could think of it as a fun, one-syllable twist on Amos. Ames is also notable as a surname that comes from a female name, Amys or Amice, ultimately deriving from the Latin amicus, "friend".

The African name Ayan was first seen on the US Top 1000 for boys in 2014. It's both simple and distinctive, a winning combination.

Strongly identified with peace-accord-seeking Egyptian president Anwar el-Sadat.

Dalton is a name with multi-faceted appeal. Many are attracted to the name's resemblance to other two-syllable n-ending favorites: Colton, Holden, and cousins. Others see it as a trendy Western name, recalling the legendary Dalton Brothers gang. It also has something of an upscale, preppy feel connected to the exclusive New York private school.