In the enchanting world of baby names, there lies a treasure trove of inspiration waiting to be discovered in the animal kingdom. Picture this: a name that carries not just melody but also evokes the wild spirit and graceful elegance of nature’s creatures. From the playful bounce of a bunny to the fierce majesty of a lion, animal inspired baby names offer parents an opportunity to connect their little ones with the wonder and beauty of wildlife, fostering an inherent appreciation for nature from an early age.
Animal Inspired Baby Names For Boys
1. Bear
Whether you like grizzly, polar, black, or sun, Bear would make an adorable name for your son. This name has lumbered into the baby name world, perhaps being inspired by Bear Grylls, the British adventurer.
2. Buck
The name Buck has several meanings and origins, often associated with strength and vitality. In English, it is commonly used as a nickname for someone who is spirited or vigorous, reflecting the qualities of a male deer, which is also referred to as a buck.
3. Hawk
The name Hawk often evokes imagery of strength, freedom, and keen vision. Traditionally associated with the bird of prey, hawks symbolize sharp instincts and a powerful presence in various cultures.
4. Drake
The name Drake has several meanings and origins, making it quite interesting. Primarily, it is of English origin and means dragon or male duck. The dragon association comes from the Old English word draca, which signifies a powerful and mythical creature often symbolizing strength and bravery.
5. Fox
The name Fox has several interpretations and meanings, often tied to its origins in nature and culture. Primarily, it refers to the animal known for its cunning and adaptability. In many cultures, the fox symbolizes intelligence, cleverness, and sometimes trickery.
6. Fawn
Fawn, the name of the young deer, would make a super cute name for your daughter. It limped at the bottom of the top 1000 in the 1960s and 1970, but it’s on the roll again.
7. Finch
The name Finch has several meanings and associations, primarily rooted in nature. Traditionally, a finch refers to a small songbird belonging to the family Fringillidae.
8. Colt
The name Colt has a few different meanings and associations. Primarily, it refers to a young male horse, typically one that is under four years old. This connection to horses evokes imagery of strength, vitality, and freedom, which can be appealing qualities for parents choosing names for their children.
9. Wolf
If we were to pick our favorite, we would choose Wolf for sure. This name is used widely in the German and Jewish families as a diminutive for Wolfgang.
10. Lynx
The name Lynx has several meanings and associations, primarily rooted in nature and mythology. Most notably, a lynx is a wild cat known for its distinctive tufted ears, short tail, and keen eyesight. These animals are often found in forested areas across North America, Europe, and Asia.
11. Channing
Channing is a sophisticated English surname, ranking solidly in the top 1000 list. It gained popularity via its association with model-turned-actor Channing Tatum, who was voted as the sexiest man alive in the year 2012.
12. Raoul
Raoul is an attractive French boy name that means ‘wolf counsel.’ This three-vowel name just rolls off the tongue in a very appealing way. Raoul Dufy, the French painter, would be the worthiest namesake.
13. Leo
Leo as the name suggests is a lion boy name. It was highly popular among the Roman and has been used for more than ten popes until now. This moniker is on an international roll right too!
14. Pike
The name Pike has multiple meanings and associations, depending on the context in which it is used. As a surname, Pike is of English origin and is derived from the Old English word pic, meaning peak or point.
15. Rosamund
Rosamund, the ancient name, meaning ‘horse protection’ has several notable bearers, including actress Rosamund Pike. Despite its female association, Rosamund is used more for boys than girls.
16. Rowel
This upstanding name, meaning ‘young wolf’ brings to mind the patrician families of 19th century England. Its namesake is noted reporter Lowell Thomas.
17. Ralph
The name Ralph has been around for over a thousand years and was one of the top 30 names from 1870 to 1920. This boy’s name means ‘wolf counsel.’
Trivia
American poet, essayist, and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson is a famous namesake.
18. Auberon
The name Auberon has its roots in Old French and is derived from the Germanic name Alberich, which means noble ruler or elf ruler. In literature, Auberon is often associated with a king of the fairies, particularly in works like Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, where the character Oberon (a variant spelling) plays a significant role.
19. Corbin
Corbin is a Latin name, meaning ‘crow.’ It’s also the name of a castle where the Holy Grail is supposed to be hidden.
20. Hector
The name Hector has its roots in Greek mythology and literature, deriving from the Greek name Hektor, which means holding fast or steadfast. In ancient times, Hector was a prominent figure in Homer’s Iliad, where he is portrayed as a noble warrior and the prince of Troy. His character embodies bravery, loyalty, and honor, making the name synonymous with strength and resilience.
Animal Inspired Baby Names For Girls
1. Sable
Sable is the name of an animal from the marten family. This moniker says luxury and refinement to us. It’s also associated with a soap opera from the “Dynasty” days.
2. Lark
This moniker is getting some well-deserved attention now as a baby girl name after being obscure for over a century. This animal-inspired name means “something done for fun”.
3. Anemone
The name Anemone has its roots in Greek, where it translates to windflower. This delicate and vibrant flower is often associated with various meanings in different cultures.
4. Puma
If you’re seeking an ultra-cool name for your daughter, go with Puma. It was recently chosen by singer Erykah Badu for her daughter.
5. Yara
Yara, the sleek and distinctive name of the butterfly is favored hugely by the Hispanic community. It was used for 154 baby girls last year and is fashionable in South America and Spain as well.
6. Raven
The bird with black plumage has a name that would sound great on a black-haired girl. It may not be as prominent as it was in its heyday, but it’s still popular with African-American parents.
Trivia
Popular American actress, singer, and songwriter Raven Symone is a popular bearer of this name.
7. Kitty
The name Kitty is often considered a diminutive form of the name Katherine or Catherine, which has Greek origins meaning pure.
8. Tora
Tora, the Japanese name for Tiger, is used more for girls than boys. It stands apart from other ‘ora’ names like Flora and Nora via its association with the Jewish Holy Book Torah.
9. Cat
Cat is the chicest and stylish Catherine nickname for girls. It’s uncommon that Cate and the animal association give this name a certain edge.
10. Birdie
The name Birdie has a charming and whimsical quality, often associated with lightness and freedom, much like the birds it references. Traditionally, it is considered a diminutive form of names like Bertha or Berenice, but in modern usage, it stands on its own as a unique and endearing name.
11. Ursula
This saint’s name with a literary background means ‘little female bear.’ Surprised? Don’t be! It has also featured in a number of literary works, including Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” and “Two Gentlemen of Verona”.
12. Panda
Whether you believe it or not, but even Panda saw a brief usage as girls’ name in the 1960s. Kimya Dawson, the Indie musician, named her daughter Panda.
13. Beverly
Beverly meaning ‘beaver’ is a relatively uncommon name with just five girls receiving this name in the year 2014.
14. Deborah
Deborah, the English name, meaning ‘bee’ was the fourth most popular baby girl name in the 1950s. Debby would make the best nickname for Deborah.
15. Paloma
Baby-names meaning ‘dove’ carry a peaceful symbolism. And out of all the dove names, Paloma is our favorite. It’s become one of the top 1000 names for two decades.
16. Vanessa
This ultra-feminine name is associated with a species of butterfly. This moniker was invented by Jonathan Swift for his novel.
17. Poe
Poe is a literary name, meaning ‘peacock.’ This name was used for just five baby girls last year, which makes it a unique pick for your daughter.
18. Adolfa
Adolfa is a German girl name meaning ‘noble wolf.’ Luise Adolpha Le Beau, the German composer of classical music, is its famous bearer.
19. Arachne
The name Arachne has its origins in ancient Greek mythology, where it is associated with a skilled weaver. Arachne was a mortal woman renowned for her exceptional weaving abilities, so much so that she dared to challenge the goddess Athena to a contest.
20. Ariel
The Biblical name Ariel, meaning ‘lion of God’ , enjoyed popularity in 1989 following the release of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.”