AHEAD: The ultimate list of badass baby names for boys.

Not looking to raise another Michael or Steve?

Below, you’ll find a huge list of over 300 badass boy names along with their meanings and current popularity.

Some have an edgy and cool vibe just based on their look and sound. Others are badass because of their meanings related to strength, bravery, and power.

No matter what style you’re going for, you’ll find tons of badass boy names that will set the stage for your son to become a free-thinking and self-confident little man.

Related: Badass Girl Names

​Badass boy names that just sound cool

We’re kicking off our list with a bunch of edgy names that are perfect for a badass little boy born in 2025.

Axel or Axl

• Name meaning: Father of peace.
• Popularity: Axel ranks #72 and Axl is #897.

Cade or Kade

• Name meaning: Barrel.
• Popularity: Cade ranks #279 and Kade is #350.

Cannon or Kannon

• Name meaning: Artillery.
• Popularity: Cannon ranks #636 and Kannon is #819.

Crew or Krew

• Name meaning: Group.
• Popularity: Crew ranks #260 and Krew is #647.

Dane

• Name meaning: God is my judge. Person from Denmark.
• Popularity: #898

Gage

• Name meaning: Money lender. Pledge.
• Popularity: #732

Gibson

• Name meaning: Son of Gilbert. Also a famous guitar company.
• Popularity: This badass name last ranked in 2018.

Hendrix

• Name meaning: Son of Hendrik or estate ruler.
• Popularity: #303

Jagger

• Name meaning: Carter.
• Popularity: #854

Jax or Jaxx

• Name meaning: God is gracious.
• Popularity: Jax ranks #287 and Jaxx is no longer ranked in the top 1000.

Jett

• Name meaning: Black.
• Popularity: #206

Ledger

• Name meaning: Tribe + spear.
• Popularity: #561

Lennon

• Name meaning: Lover, blackbird, cloak.
• Popularity: This cool hippie name ranks #754 for boys and #243 for girls.

Madden

• Name meaning: Little dog.
• Popularity: #644

Maddox

• Name meaning: Fortunate. Son of Madoc.
• Popularity: #195

Paxton

• Name meaning: Peace town.
• Popularity: #257

Phoenix

• Name meaning: A mythical bird that rises from the ashes and is born again. The name also means dark red.
• Popularity: This badass nonbinary name ranks #269 for boys and #348 for girls.

Quentin or Quinton

• Name meaning: Estate of the fifth child.
• Popularity: Quentin ranks #768 and Quinton is #812.

Raiden or Rayden

• Name meaning: Thunder and lightning.
• Popularity: Raiden ranks #423 and Rayden is #761.

Ranger

• Name meaning: Forest guardian.
• Popularity: This cool boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Roman

• Name meaning: Citizen of Rome.
• Popularity: #66

Ryder

• Name meaning: Horseman.
• Popularity: This badass baby name ranks #129 for boys and #993 for girls.

Ryker or Riker

• Name meaning: Rich. (Will Riker is First Officer on the Enterprise in Star Trek: The Next Generation.)
• Popularity: Ryker ranks #184 and Riker isn’t ranking.

Slade

• Name meaning: From the valley.
• Popularity: This cool boys’ name hasn’t ranked since 2010.

Troy

• Name meaning: Foot soldier. An ancient city in modern-day Turkey.
• Popularity: #462

Xavier or Zavier

• Name meaning: Castle. New house.
• Popularity: Xavier ranks #105 and Zavier is no longer ranked in the top 1000.

Zayden or Zaiden

• Name meaning: Invented name.
• Popularity: Zayden ranks #191 and Zaiden is #518.

If you like these badass names for boys you might also like this list of edgy baby names.

Badass boy names meaning fiery, passionate, and rebellious

These next badass boy names are perfect for a little maverick who challenges the status quo.

Aiden or Ayden or Aidan or Aden or Aydin

• Name meaning: Little fire.
• Popularity: Aiden ranks #40, Ayden ranks #190, Aidan is #286, Aden is #660, and Aydin is #696.

Related: Middle Names for Aden

Blaze

• Name meaning: Fiery.
• Popularity: #765

Brenner

• Name meaning: Charcoal burner.
• Popularity: This B name isn’t ranking.

Cole

• Name meaning: Charcoal.
• Popularity: #155

Creed

• Name meaning: Set of beliefs. (This name reminds me of the Office)
• Popularity: #678

Damian or Damien

• Name meaning: To tame.
• Popularity: Damian ranks #108 and Damien is #330.

Damon

• Name meaning: To tame.
• Popularity: #424

Diesel or Diezel

• Name meaning: Fuel.
• Popularity: Neither spelling of this badass boys’ name is ranking.

Drake

• Name meaning: Dragon. Also a male duck.
• Popularity: #683

Eagan

• Name meaning: Fiery or son of fire.
• Popularity: This badass E name isn’t ranking.

Iggy

• Name meaning: Fiery.
• Popularity: This I name isn’t ranking.

Keegan or Kegan

• Name meaning: Son of Aodhagán, meaning fire.
• Popularity: Keegan ranks #627 and Kegan isn’t ranking.

Maverick

• Name meaning: Independent-minded person. An unbranded animal.
• Popularity: #37

Related: Middle Names for Maverick

Mccoy

• Name meaning: Fire.
• Popularity: #974

Rhys or Reece or Reese

• Name meaning: Fiery, enthusiastic, and passionate.
• Popularity: For boys, Rhys ranks #353, Reece is #449, and Reese is #524. For girls, Reese ranks #174, and the other spellings aren’t ranking.

Related: Middle Names for Reese

Tyson

• Name meaning: Nickname for someone with a fiery personality.
• Popularity: #394

Wilder or Wylder

• Name meaning: Untamed.
• Popularity: Wilder ranks #421 and Wylder is #727.

If you like these fiery badass names for boys you may also like this list of Scottish names.

​Badass nature names for boys

All of these badass baby names for boys are inspired by the earth, the sea, and the sky.

Calix or Calyx or Kalix

• Name meaning: Husk or pod.
• Popularity: None of the spellings of this badass name are ranking.

Camden

• Name meaning: Winding valley.
• Popularity: #181

Colt or Kolt

• Name meaning: Young horse.
• Popularity: Colt ranks #264 and Kolt isn’t ranking.

Corbin or Corben

• Name meaning: Crow.
• Popularity: Corbin ranks #454 and Corben isn’t ranking.

Falcon

• Name meaning: Bird.
• Popularity: This bird baby name isn’t ranking.

Ford

• Name meaning: River crossing.
• Popularity: #521

Forrest or Forest

• Name meaning: Wooded area.
• Popularity: Forrest ranks #427 and Forest is #697.

Fox

• Name meaning: Wild animal.
• Popularity: #805

Gavin

• Name meaning: White hawk.
• Popularity: #231

Harlan

• Name meaning: Rocky land.
• Popularity: #653

Hart

• Name meaning: A male deer.
• Popularity: This one-syllable boy’s name isn’t ranking.

Hawk

• Name meaning: Bird of prey.
• Popularity: This badass H name isn’t ranking.

Hayden or Haden

• Name meaning: Heather or hay valley.
• Popularity: Hayden ranks #160 for boys and #263 for girls. Haden is not ranking for either gender.

Holt

• Name meaning: Grove of trees.
• Popularity: This tree baby name isn’t ranking.

Ibis

• Name meaning: A large wading bird.
• Popularity: This badass boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Kellan

• Name meaning: Swamp. Slender.
• Popularity: Kellan ranks #835 and Kellen is #919. Kellin isn’t ranking.

Kylo

• Name meaning: A variation of Kyle, which means narrow land.
• Popularity: #405

Lennox

• Name meaning: Elm field.
• Popularity: This cool name ranks #255 for boys and #628 for girls.

Lynx

• Name meaning: A wild cat with a short tail and tufted ears. A constellation.
• Popularity: This totally badass name isn’t ranking.

Onyx

• Name meaning: A layered black stone.
• Popularity: #308

Oren or Orin or Orrin

• Name meaning: Ash or pine tree. Little pale green one.
• Popularity: This O name isn’t ranking.

Radley

• Name meaning: Red meadow.
• Popularity: This rad name isn’t ranking for either gender.

Ridge

• Name meaning: A chain of mountains or hills.
• Popularity: #505

Rivo

• Name meaning: Stream.
• Popularity: This Italian boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Rowan or Rowen

• Name meaning: Reddish-brown tree known for its scarlet berries and mystical history.
• Popularity: For boys, Rowan ranks #76 and Rowen is #490. For girls, Rowan ranks #233 and Rowen isn’t ranking.

Silas or Sylas

• Name meaning: Man of the forest.
• Popularity: Silas ranks #81 and Sylas is #463.

Related: Middle Names for Silas

Sirius

• Name meaning: Glowing. This is the brightest star in the night sky.
• Popularity: This outer space baby name isn’t ranking.

Slate

• Name meaning: Grayish rock.
• Popularity: This earthy name isn’t ranking.

Storm

• Name meaning: Weather event.
• Popularity: This moody name isn’t ranking.

Talon

• Name meaning: Claw of a bird of prey.
• Popularity: #955

Tiger

• Name meaning: The largest member of the cat family.
• Popularity: This fierce boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Topaz

• Name meaning: Birthstone for the month of December.
• Popularity: This great winter baby name isn’t ranking for either gender.

Wolf

• Name meaning: A large canine.
• Popularity: This badass W name isn’t ranking.

Zev

• Name meaning: Wolf.
• Popularity: #881

Zorin

• Name meaning: Golden dawn.
• Popularity: This cool nature name isn’t ranking.

If you like these badass nature names you’ll also like these earthy boy names or these plant baby names.

Badass geographical boy names

All of these cool names for boys are inspired by famous places!

Bolton

• Name meaning: Settlement with a dwelling. A large town in North West England.
• Popularity: This cool boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Cairo

• Name meaning: Victorious. The capital of Egypt.
• Popularity: #333

Dakota

• Name meaning: Friend or ally. North and South Dakota are midwestern states.
• Popularity: This badass 3-syllable name ranks #329 for boys and #262 for girls.

Dallas

• Name meaning: Skilled. A city in northern Texas.
• Popularity: This cool D name ranks #252 for boys and #615 for girls.

Dax

• Name meaning: A town in southwestern France.
• Popularity: #558

Dayton

• Name meaning: A city in western Ohio.
• Popularity: This badass boys’ name is no longer ranked in the top 1000.

Denver

• Name meaning: Place in Colorado meaning green valley.
• Popularity: This rugged name ranks #512 for boys and #780 for girls.

Evander

• Name meaning: Good man. Also a South African town.
• Popularity: #780

Everest

• Name meaning: The world’s tallest mountain.
• Popularity: #837

Fenway

• Name meaning: Fenway Park is the home of the Boston Red Sox.
• Popularity: This badass boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Harlem

• Name meaning: A district of New York City known for its rich black history and culture.
• Popularity: #911

Houston

• Name meaning: Hugh’s town. A large city in Texas.
• Popularity: #689

Hudson

• Name meaning: Son of Hudd or Hugh. A huge river that flows through New York.
• Popularity: #21

Jackson

• Name meaning: Son of Jack.
• Popularity: #28

Related: Middle Names for Jackson

Kano

• Name meaning: Might mean god of the waters, capability, or masculine power. The second largest city in Nigeria.
• Popularity: This cool city name isn’t ranking.

Knox

• Name meaning: Round-topped hill. Knoxville is the largest city in East Tennessee.
• Popularity: #208

London

• Name meaning: From the great river. The capital of England and the United Kingdom.
• Popularity: This L name isn’t ranking for boys. For girls, Londyn ranks #277 and London ranks #313.

Memphis

• Name meaning: Enduring and beautiful. A city in Tennessee.
• Popularity: #489

Nash

• Name meaning: By the ash tree. Nashville is the capital of Tennessee.
• Popularity: #259

Rome

• Name meaning: The capital and largest city in Italy.
• Popularity: #520

Tilden

• Name meaning: Person from a valley. A regional park in the San Francisco Bay Area.
• Popularity: This cool boys’ name isn’t ranking.

If you like these geography-inspired badass boy names you’ll also like this huge list of city names.

Powerful badass boy names meaning strength and bravery

These badass names are perfect for any little boy who will grow up to be a hero…
Alec

• Name meaning: Defender.
• Popularity: #840

Darrow

• Name meaning: Spear.
• Popularity: This strong boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Denzel

• Name meaning: Might mean tall fortress.
• Popularity: This badass name is no longer ranked in the top 1000.

Diego

• Name meaning: One who takes the place of another. Spanish version of James.
• Popularity: #135

Drew

• Name meaning: Strong and manly.
• Popularity: This 4-letter name ranks #540 for boys and #761 for girls.

Garrett

• Name meaning: Irish version of Gerard, meaning spear strength.
• Popularity: This name is no longer ranked in the top 1000.

Gunner or Gunnar

• Name meaning: Battle fighter.
• Popularity: Gunner ranks #439 and Gunnar ranks #593

Kane or Cain

• Name meaning: Warrior.
• Popularity: Kane ranks #399. Kain and Kaine aren’t ranking. Cain ranks #925

Leander

• Name meaning: Lion man.
• Popularity: This powerful boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Leo

• Name meaning: Lion.
• Popularity: #18

Leon

• Name meaning: Greek version of Leo, meaning Lion.
• Popularity: #148

Lex

• Name meaning: Short for Alexander, meaning defender.
• Popularity: This 3-letter boy’s name isn’t ranking.

Related: Middle Names for Alex

Lyon

• Name meaning: Lion or brave.
• Popularity: This French name isn’t ranking.

Miles or Myles

• Name meaning: Soldier.
• Popularity: Miles ranks #43 and Myles ranks #106

Thiago or Tiago

• Name meaning: Portuguese version of Jacob and James, meaning one who takes the place of another.
• Popularity: Thiago ranks #71 and Tiago isn’t ranking.

Zander

• Name meaning: Protector.
• Popularity: #355

If you like these powerful badass boy names you might like this list of short boy names.

Badass boy names inspired by winning

All of these badass boy names are perfect for a little champion with a competitive spirit!

Ace

• Name meaning: One, unity, or expert.
• Popularity: #157

Alpha

• Name meaning: First letter of the Greek alphabet. Socially dominant.
• Popularity: This boy’s name isn’t ranking.

Carlin

• Name meaning: Little champion.
• Popularity: This unusual C name isn’t ranking.

Colin or Collin

• Name meaning: Cub (baby animal) or victory of the people.
• Popularity: Colin ranks #334 and Collin ranks #486

Darren

• Name meaning: Little great one.
• Popularity: #986

Kyro or Kairo

• Name meaning: Victorious. Cairo is the capital of Egypt.
• Popularity: Kairo ranks #234 and Kyro ranks #614. Cairo ranks #333.

Magnus

• Name meaning: Great.
• Popularity: #767

Max

• Name meaning: The greatest.
• Popularity: Max ranks #163 and Maximus ranks #320

Mayer or Meyer

• Name meaning: Superior.
• Popularity: This badass M name isn’t ranking.

Nico or Niko

• Name meaning: People of victory.
• Popularity: Nico ranks #240 and Niko ranks #319

Nile or Niall or Niles

• Name meaning: Champion. The longest river in Africa.
• Popularity: None of these N names are ranking.

Ziggy

• Name meaning: Victory.
• Popularity: This Z name isn’t ranking.

If you like these powerful badass boy names you might also like this list of Greek names.

Unique badass names for boys

These cool baby names aren’t ones you hear every day!

Abner

• Name meaning: Father of light, creator of the sun and stars.
• Popularity: #997

Adler

• Name meaning: Eagle.
• Popularity: This badass name is no longer ranked in the top 1000.

Blaine

• Name meaning: Slender.
• Popularity: This badass name is no longer ranked in the top 1000.

Branson

• Name meaning: Son of the raven.
• Popularity: This badass name is no longer ranked in the top 1000.

Brennan

• Name meaning: Raven, sorrow, drop, or brave.
• Popularity: This badass name is no longer ranked in the top 1000.

Cullen

• Name meaning: Holly tree. (This name makes me think of Twilight).
• Popularity: #997

Dash

• Name meaning: To move quickly.
• Popularity: #905

Draco

• Name meaning: A constellation meaning ‘dragon’.
• Popularity: This cool boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Fenmore

• Name meaning: Dear love.
• Popularity: This badass name is not currently ranking for either gender.

Gatlin

• Name meaning: Companion.
• Popularity: #806

Idris

• Name meaning: Lord or studious.
• Popularity: #788

Judson

• Name meaning: Son of Jordan or Judd.
• Popularity: #863

Kenzo

• Name meaning: Wise. Healthy. Humble. Three.
• Popularity: #618

Korbin or Korbyn or Korben

• Name meaning: Crow.
• Popularity: None of these spellings are currently ranking in the top 1000.

Kyson

• Name meaning: Son of Ky or Kyle.
• Popularity: #417

Riggs

• Name meaning: One who lives by the ridge.
• Popularity: #733

Zaid or Zayd

• Name meaning: To increase.
• Popularity: Zaid ranks #723 and Zayd ranks #731.

If you like these unique badass boy names you might like this list of 1-syllable names.

​Badass regal names for boys

If your little prince is going to grow up to be a king, he’ll need a fitting name.

These badass boy names mean royalty, ruler, and nobility.

Ansel

• Name meaning: Follower of a nobleman. With divine protection.
• Popularity: This unusual A name isn’t ranking.

Avery

• Name meaning: King of elves.
• Popularity: Avery ranks #241 for boys and #29 for girls.

Related: Middle Names for Avery

Baron or Barron

• Name meaning: A member of the British nobility, also known as a lord. (This is the name of Donald Trump’s youngest son).
• Popularity: Neither spelling of this name is ranking.

Brendan or Brendon

• Name meaning: Prince.
• Popularity: Both names are no longer ranked in the top 1000.

Darian or Darien or Darion

• Name meaning: Possessing goodness. Rich and kingly.
• Popularity: None of these spellings are currently ranking in the top 1000.

Derek or Derrick

• Name meaning: From Theodoric, meaning ruler of the people.
• Popularity: Derek ranks #271 and Derrick ranks #553. Derick and Derrek aren’t ranking.

Duke

• Name meaning: Leader. English nobility.
• Popularity: #684

Enzo

• Name meaning: Italian version of Henry, meaning estate ruler.
• Popularity: #90

Fallon

• Name meaning: Descended from a ruler.
• Popularity: This F name isn’t ranking for boys and ranks #689 for girls.

Kaiser or Kaizer or Kyzer or Kyser

• Name meaning: Emperor.
• Popularity: Kaiser ranks #764. Kaizer, Kyzer, and Kyser aren’t ranking.

Knight

• Name meaning: Honored soldier.
• Popularity: This badass boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Kyron

• Name meaning: Might mean hand, little dark one, ruler, or leader.
• Popularity: This K name isn’t ranking.

Nero

• Name meaning: One of Rome’s most infamous emperors.
• Popularity: This unique name isn’t ranking.

Nolan

• Name meaning: Noble or famous.
• Popularity: #57

Owen

• Name meaning: Noble or young warrior.
• Popularity: #19

Reagan

• Name meaning: Little king.
• Popularity: This R name isn’t ranking for boys. It currently ranks #168 for girls.

Rex

• Name meaning: King. (Also reminiscent of the dinosaur, Tyrannosaurus rex).
• Popularity: #722

Triton

• Name meaning: God of the Sea. King Triton is a character in The Little Mermaid.
• Popularity: This badass T name isn’t ranking.

If you like these regal badass names for boys you’ll also like this huge list of royal boy names.

Popular (but cool) boys’ names

“Trendy” may or may not be your thing, but these top-ranking names are all pretty cool, IMHO.

(If you’d rather, you can jump ahead to rare badass boy names!)

Asher

• Name meaning: Happy or blessed. One who lives by an ash tree.
• Popularity: is no longer ranked in the top 1000

Related: Middle Names for Asher

Cameron

• Name meaning: Crooked nose.
• Popularity: #58

Carter

• Name meaning: Transporter of goods.
• Popularity: #48

Related: Middle Names for Carter

Chase

• Name meaning: To hunt.
• Popularity: #155

Cooper

• Name meaning: Wood repairer. One who makes wooden barrels.
• Popularity: #52

Declan

• Name meaning: Man of prayer.
• Popularity: #132

Dylan

• Name meaning: Son of the sea.
• Popularity: Dylan ranks #33, Dillon ranks #766, and Dilan ranks #758. Dylan ranks #648 for girls.

Easton

• Name meaning: East-facing place.
• Popularity: #96

Emmett

• Name meaning: Universal.
• Popularity: Emmett ranks #118 and Emmitt ranks #655

Evan

• Name meaning: God is gracious.
• Popularity: #137

Ezra

• Name meaning: Helper.
• Popularity: This badass name ranks #15 for boys and #762 for girls.

Harrison

• Name meaning: Son of Harry.
• Popularity: #128

Hunter

• Name meaning: One who hunts.
• Popularity: This cool baby name ranks #115 for boys and #807 for girls.

Jace

• Name meaning: Lord is salvation.
• Popularity: Jace ranks #110, Jayce ranks #166, and Jase ranks #613.

Jameson

• Name meaning: Son of James.
• Popularity: Jameson ranks #103 and Jamison ranks #660.

Jaxon

• Name meaning: God is gracious.
• Popularity: Jaxon ranks #86, Jaxson ranks #138, Jaxxon ranks #846, and Jaxen isn’t ranking.

Jayden

• Name meaning: Thankful.
• Popularity: Jayden ranks #352, Jaden isn’t ranking, and Jaiden ranks #502.

Jude

• Name meaning: Short for Judah, meaning praised.
• Popularity: #161

Kai

• Name meaning: Sea.
• Popularity: For boys, Kai ranks #61 and Kye ranks #938. For girls, Kai ranks #940.

Kayden or Kaiden

• Name meaning: Battle.
• Popularity: Kayden ranks #114, Kaiden ranks #170, and Kaden ranks #282. Caden ranks #198, Cayden ranks #793, and Caiden isn’t ranking.

Landon

• Name meaning: Long hill.
• Popularity: Landon ranks #97, Landen ranks #810, and Landyn ranks #895.

Lincoln

• Name meaning: Town by the pool or settler by the lake.
• Popularity: #64

Logan

• Name meaning: Little hollow.
• Popularity: This cool baby name ranks #38 for boys and #356 for girls.

Lucas or Luke

• Name meaning: Man from Lucania, a historical region of Southern Italy.
• Popularity: Lucas ranks #9, Lukas ranks #238, and Luke ranks #31.

Mason

• Name meaning: One who works with stone.
• Popularity: Mason ranks #30 and Maison isn’t ranking.

Parker

• Name meaning: Park keeper.
• Popularity: This badass name ranks #91 for boys and #121 for girls.

Rhett

• Name meaning: Advice.
• Popularity: #165

River

• Name meaning: Stream of water.
• Popularity: This cool nature name ranks #116 for boys and #193 for girls.

Walker

• Name meaning: Inspector of the forest.
• Popularity: #85

Weston or Westin

• Name meaning: From the western town.
• Popularity: Weston ranks #75 and Westin ranks #600.

If you like these popular badass names for boys you might also like this list of southern boy names.

Rare badass boy names

All of these unusual badass boy names are interesting and uncommon without being too far out there.

Abbott

• Name meaning: Father.
• Popularity: This 2-syllable boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Alton

• Name meaning: Old town.
• Popularity: This badass boy’s name last ranked in 2002.

Arrow

• Name meaning: Object shot from a bow.
• Popularity: This cool baby name isn’t ranking.

Borden

• Name meaning: From the boar pasture.
• Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Brent

• Name meaning: Dweller near burnt land.
• Popularity: This baby name hasn’t ranked since 2016.

Caius

• Name meaning: Rejoice.
• Popularity: This unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Carden

• Name meaning: Wood carder (one who prepares fibers for processing).
• Popularity: This badass boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Chasen

• Name meaning: Hunter.
• Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Crimson

• Name meaning: Dark red.
• Popularity: This great rainbow baby name isn’t ranking.

Croix

• Name meaning: Cross.
• Popularity: This rare boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Drago

• Name meaning: Precious or dear one.
• Popularity: This badass boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Farrow

• Name meaning: Iron worker.
• Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Gannon

• Name meaning: White or fair.
• Popularity: This G name last ranked in 2018.

Hamilton

• Name meaning: Treeless hill or crooked hill.
• Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Hutton

• Name meaning: Ridge enclosure.
• Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Jeter

• Name meaning: To throw.
• Popularity: This cool J name isn’t ranking.

Kenner

• Name meaning: Connoisseur.
• Popularity: This badass baby name isn’t ranking.

Kennon or Kennan

• Name meaning: Ancient or distant.
• Popularity: Neither spelling of this Irish name is ranking for boys or girls.

Kent

• Name meaning: Edge or border.
• Popularity: This German boys’ name last ranked in 2003.

Mayes

• Name meaning: Child of May. Might be related to “maize” (like corn).
• Popularity: This cool name isn’t ranking.

Penn

• Name meaning: An enclosure.
• Popularity: This cool P name isn’t ranking.

Radigan

• Name meaning: To uproot. Someone who lives on a patch of cleared land.
• Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Ramsay or Ramsey

• Name meaning: Low-lying land. Also means garlic island… good for keeping away vampires!
• Popularity: This badass boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Ridley

• Name meaning: Cleared wood.
• Popularity: This cool name isn’t ranking for either gender.

Rigby

• Name meaning: Ridge farm.
• Popularity: This name isn’t ranking for either gender.

Ryman

• Name meaning: Woodland clearing. (The Ryman Auditorium is a famous concert venue in Nashville).
• Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Smith

• Name meaning: Blacksmith.
• Popularity: This badass S name isn’t ranking.

Stryker

• Name meaning: Occupational name.
• Popularity: This edgy name isn’t ranking.

Trent

• Name meaning: Flooder. One who lives on a riverbank.
• Popularity: This baby name last ranked in 2020.

Zylo

• Name meaning: Invented name.
• Popularity: This cool name isn’t ranking.

If you like these rare badass boy names you might also like this list of exotic names.

​Badass baby names inspired by fiction

All of the badass names below come from strong characters in movies, television, and Greek mythology.

Atlas

• Name meaning: From Greek mythology: a Titan who was forced to support the heavens on his shoulders. Also a collection of maps.
• Popularity: #112

Bond

• Name meaning: Peasant farmer. Bond. James Bond.
• Popularity: This super badass boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Dexter

• Name meaning: Skillful. Right-handed. One of my all-time favorite shows!
• Popularity: #700

Dominic

• Name meaning: Belonging to God. “Dom” Toretto is played by Vin Diesel in the Fast and the Furious movies.
• Popularity: Dominic ranks #107, Dominick ranks #554, and Dominik isn’t ranking.

Dutch

• Name meaning: From the Netherlands. Arnold Schwarzenegger plays this badass character in the movie Predator.
• Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Ethan

• Name meaning: Long-lived, strong, firm. Ethan Hunt is played by Tom Cruise in the Mission Impossible movies.
• Popularity: Ethan ranks #25 and Eithan ranks #370.

Jack

• Name meaning: God is gracious. There are so many badass characters with this name: Jack Ryan, Jack Sparrow, Jack Reacher, Jack Traven, and more.
• Popularity: #14

Jones

• Name meaning: Graced by God. Indiana Jones was most famously portrayed by Harrison Ford.
• Popularity: #960

Mars

• Name meaning: The fourth planet from the sun. The Roman god of war.
• Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Maximus

• Name meaning: The greatest. Russell Crowe plays this absolute badass in the movie Gladiator.
• Popularity: #320

Neo

• Name meaning: New. This amazing character is played by Keanu Reeves in the Matrix.
• Popularity: #971

Odin or Oden

• Name meaning: A god in Germanic mythology.
• Popularity: Odin ranks #361 and Oden isn’t ranking.

Orion

• Name meaning: A giant in Greek mythology. A constellation of a hunter.
• Popularity: #373

Renley

• Name meaning: Invented name. Renley Baratheon is a character in Game of Thrones.
• Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Rocky

• Name meaning: Rest. Full of rocks. Rocky Balboa, aka The Italian Stallion, was played by Sylvester Stallone in the film series.
• Popularity: #891

Titan

• Name meaning: The largest moon of the planet Saturn. In Greek mythology, the Titans were the children of the deities Uranus (heaven) and Gaea (​earth).
• Popularity: #972

If you like these fiction-inspired badass names you might also like this list of space names.

More cool names for boys

Now for the last section of this huge badass boy names list!

Alden

• Name meaning: Wise friend or old.
• Popularity: #834

Arlo

• Name meaning: Literary name. Might mean ‘between hills’.
• Popularity: Arlo ranks #158 and Arlow isn’t ranking.

Boden

• Name meaning: Hill.
• Popularity: Boden ranks #756 and Bowden and Beauden aren’t ranking.

Bowen

• Name meaning: Son of Owen.
• Popularity: #142

Bridger or Bridge

• Name meaning: Connector.
• Popularity: Bridger ranks #751 and Bridge isn’t ranking.

Caden or Cayden or Caiden

• Name meaning: Battle. Round.
• Popularity: Caden ranks #198, Cayden ranks #793, and Caiden isn’t ranking.

Callan or Callen

• Name meaning: Descendant of Cathalán.
• Popularity: Callan ranks #338 and Callen ranks #448

Callum or Calum

• Name meaning: Dove.
• Popularity: Callum ranks #222 and Calum ranks #885

Cash or Kash

• Name meaning: Money. Short for Cassius, meaning empty or vain.
• Popularity: Cash ranks #288 and Kash ranks #261

Cason or Cayson or Casen

• Name meaning: Invented name.
• Popularity: Cason ranks #787, Cayson ranks #793, and Casen ranks #747

Cruz or Kruz

• Name meaning: Cross.
• Popularity: Cruz ranks #328 and Kruz isn’t ranking.

Dalton

• Name meaning: Settlement in the valley.
• Popularity: This badass name ranks #513 for boys and isn’t ranking for girls.

Devin or Devon

• Name meaning: Fawn. Poet. Divine. County in South West England.
• Popularity: Devin ranks #462 and Devon ranks #907. Devon isn’t ranking for girls.

Edison

• Name meaning: Son of Edward.
• Popularity: #830

Felix

• Name meaning: Fortunate.
• Popularity: #192

Harley

• Name meaning: Hare meadow.
• Popularity: For boys, Harley isn’t ranking. For girls, Harley ranks #346 and Harleigh isn’t ranking.

Jaxton or Jaxtyn

• Name meaning: Modern invented name.
• Popularity: Jaxton ranks #598 and Jaxtyn isn’t ranking.

Jaylen or Jalen

• Name meaning: Invented name that might mean calm or healing.
• Popularity: Jaylen ranks #270 and Jalen ranks #434.

Kamden

• Name meaning: Winding valley.
• Popularity: For boys, Kamden ranks #603 and Kamdyn isn’t ranking. None of these K names are ranking for girls. (Camden ranks #181 for boys).

Kieran

• Name meaning: Little dark one.
• Popularity: #476

Kylan or Kylen

• Name meaning: Invented name.
• Popularity: Kylan ranks #547 and Kylen ranks #874

Kyler or Kylar

• Name meaning: Church. Monk’s cell.
• Popularity: Kyler ranks #322 and Kylar isn’t ranking.

Lawson

• Name meaning: Son of Lawrence.
• Popularity: #414

Mack or Mac

• Name meaning: Son of.
• Popularity: Mack ranks #545 and Mac ranks #651

Pierce

• Name meaning: Rock. Son of Piers.
• Popularity: #546

Porter

• Name meaning: Gatekeeper (occupation).
• Popularity: #503

Quinn

• Name meaning: Descendant of Conn.
• Popularity: This badass name ranks #452 for boys and #85 for girls.

Shane

• Name meaning: Graced by God.
• Popularity: #555

Soren

• Name meaning: Stern or severe.
• Popularity: #544

Tatum

• Name meaning: Bringer of joy. Tate’s homestead.
• Popularity: This cool baby name ranks #233 for boys and #226 for girls.

Travis

• Name meaning: Toll keeper. To cross.
• Popularity: isn’t ranking

Trevor

• Name meaning: From the large village.
• Popularity: #550

Tristan

• Name meaning: Noise or sadness. (You may want to make up another meaning haha).
• Popularity: #253

Zane or Zayn

• Name meaning: God is gracious. Beauty and grace.
• Popularity: Zane ranks #277, Zayn ranks #246, Zayne ranks #433, and Zain isn’t ranking.

If you haven’t found the perfect badass boys’ name yet, check out the lists below…

Predictions for 2025

Of the badass boy names on this list, there are 3 that I believe are poised to see sharp rises in popularity in 2025…

Atlas

Current rank: #112

This name has demonstrated remarkable and consistent upward momentum, climbing from #780 when it first entered the charts in 2013 to #112 in 2023 – that’s a climb of 668 positions in just a decade.

Its most recent jump from #128 to #112 between 2022-2023 shows the momentum isn’t slowing.

The name gained significant visibility when actress Shay Mitchell (Pretty Little Liars) chose it for her daughter in October 2019, perfectly timing with the name’s notable jump from #290 in 2018 to #227 in 2019. What’s particularly interesting is that Mitchell’s use of Atlas for a girl hasn’t slowed its rise as a boy’s name – in fact, the name has climbed over 100 positions since her choice.

Atlas perfectly captures multiple current naming trends: mythological references (following the success of similar names like Ares), word names with powerful meanings, and the two-syllable structure shared by many current top boys’ names.

The name also benefits from its ‘as’ ending, which we’re seeing more frequently in trending names (like Silas and Elias).

Given its steady upward trajectory and acceleration in recent years, Atlas is one of the badass boy names that’s perfectly positioned to break into the top 100 for the first time in 2025.

Rocky

Current rank: #891

This name is poised for a dramatic comeback, driven by Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker choosing it for their son in late 2023.

While currently sitting at #891, Rocky has a rich popularity history tied to the iconic Rocky Balboa character – after the first film’s release in 1976, the name jumped from #383 to #328 in just one year, eventually reaching its peak modern usage around #300 in the late 1970s and early 1980s during the franchise’s heyday.

Now, nearly 50 years after Stallone’s character first inspired parents, the Kardashian-Jenner family’s proven influence on baby names (consider Stormi’s meteoric rise after Kylie’s choice) combined with current naming trends favoring both word names and “tough guy” vintage choices suggests Rocky is prime for resurgence.

This badass boy name hits multiple sweet spots: it has the masculine strength parents are increasingly drawn to, the nature-name connection modern parents love, and now a fresh cultural relevance for a new generation.

Rome

Current rank: #520

This name is experiencing a meteoric rise since first appearing in the top 1000 just four years ago. After debuting at #971 in 2020, it has rocketed up 451 positions to #520 in 2023 – that’s nearly halving its ranking position in just three years.

The surge has been particularly dramatic recently, with a 136-spot jump from #656 to #520 in 2023 alone, making it one of the year’s biggest climbers.

The momentum gained extra fuel when actress Shay Mitchell chose it for her second child in 2022, creating a fascinating “sibling set” connection with her firstborn Atlas (another rapidly rising name).

Rome hits multiple sweet spots in current naming trends: it’s a place name (following the success of names like Hudson, #21 in 2023), it’s a single syllable (like top-ranked names Jack and James), and it carries both historical gravitas and modern edge.

The name also benefits from the growing popularity of ‘virtue-adjacent’ names that suggest strength and power (like Reign, Legend, and Saint).

With its dramatic three-year ascent from debut to mid-charts, celebrity validation, and perfect alignment with current naming patterns, Rome appears poised to crack the top 300 by 2025.

What say you? Will these badass boy names go viral this year?

More baby name ideas:

• 135 Short Boy Names for Modern Babies
• 3 Syllable Boy Names that are Modern & Masculine
• 15 Very Awesome Boy Names that Start with V

Final thoughts on badass names for boys

Hopefully, you’ve found a few lead contenders on this list of badass baby names for boys, or at least come away with some baby name inspiration.

Now, the tricky part is narrowing down your list of favorites!

My best advice to you is to save them all on a list on your phone. Read the list over every day. One by one, erase any name that doesn’t seem sufficiently badass. If you do this enough times, eventually you’ll get to ‘the one’!

Congratulations and good luck choosing the perfect badass name for your son!

The source for popularity rankings is SSN.

This article was originally published on Dec 4, 2022 and was updated on Nov 8, 2024.

Badass Boy Names