AHEAD: The ultimate list of strong masculine names for baby boys.

If you’re looking for a solid male name for your little warrior, you’re in the right place.

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

Some have a masculine vibe just based on their look and sound. Others are strong because of their meanings related to strength, bravery, and power.

Feel free to use the Table of Contents to navigate—or just keep scrolling!

​Strong boy names that sound cool

We’re kicking off our list with a bunch of names with strength-related meanings.

Aiden or Aden

• Name meaning: Little fire.
• Popularity: Aiden ranks #40, Ayden ranks #190, Aidan is #300, Aden is #834, and Aydin is not ranked.

Archer

• Name meaning: Bowman.
• Popularity: #130

Brennan

• Name meaning: Brave, raven, sorrow, or drop.
• Popularity: Not ranked

Caden

• Name meaning: Battle. Round.
• Popularity: Caden ranks #198 and Caiden is #495.

Ethan

• Name meaning: Strong, firm, long-lived.
• Popularity: Ethan ranks #25 and Eithan is #370.

Everett

• Name meaning: Strong and brave. Wild boar.
• Popularity: #88

Gavin

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

Kane

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

Liam

• Name meaning: Will. Resolution. Helmet. Protector.
• Popularity: #1

Miles

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

Owen

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

Rhys or Reece or Reese

• Name meaning: Fiery, enthusiastic, and passionate.
• Popularity: For boys, Rhys ranks #353, Reece is #449, and Reese is #630. For girls, Reese ranks #174 and the other spellings aren’t ranking.

Ryder

• Name meaning: Horseman.
• Popularity: Ryder ranks #129 for boys and is no longer in the top 1000 for girls.

Troy

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

If you like the first batch of strong names for boys you might also like this list of short boy names.

​Strong unusual boy names

The following strong boy names are unique without being too far out there.

Alpha

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

Arrow

• Name meaning: Object shot from a bow.
• Popularity: This powerful (but cute) baby name isn’t ranking.

Conan

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

Draco

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

Falcon

• Name meaning: Bird.
• Popularity: This unusual F name isn’t ranking.

Knight

• Name meaning: Honored soldier.
• Popularity: This masculine K name isn’t ranking.

Ledger

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

Magnus

• Name meaning: Great.
• Popularity: #767

Mayer or Meyer

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

Merrick

• Name meaning: Fame and power.
• Popularity: This strong unusual boy name isn’t ranking.

Odin or Oden

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

Orson

• Name meaning: Bear.
• Popularity: This powerful O name isn’t ranking.

Patton

• Name meaning: Fighter’s town.
• Popularity: This boy’s name isn’t ranking.

Raiden or Rayden

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

Thor

• Name meaning: God of strength, thunder, and rain.
• Popularity: This unique strong boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Triton

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

If you like these strong unusual boy names you might also like this list of space names.

​Strong masculine names for baby boys

These names are masculine in both their sound and meaning.

Abbott

• Name meaning: Father.
• Popularity: This strong A name isn’t ranking.

Abner

• Name meaning: Father of light, creator of the sun and stars.
• Popularity: #974

Abraham

• Name meaning: Father of many.
• Popularity: #202

Anderson

• Name meaning: Son of Anders.
• Popularity: #328

Atlas

• Name meaning: From Greek mythology: a Titan who was forced to support the heavens on his shoulders. Also a collection of maps.
• Popularity: #149

Austin or Austen

• Name meaning: Magnificent. The state capital of Texas.
• Popularity: Austin ranks #96 and Austen hasn’t ranked since 2006.

Axel or Axl

• Name meaning: Father of peace.
• Popularity: Axel ranks #76 and Axl is #845.

Benjamin or Ben

• Name meaning: Son of my right hand.
• Popularity: Benjamin ranks #7 and Ben is #763.

Bryson or Brycen

• Name meaning: Son of Brice.
• Popularity: Bryson ranks #122 and Brycen is #667.

Cannon

• Name meaning: Artillery.
• Popularity: #504

Carson

• Name meaning: Son of marsh dwellers.
• Popularity: #98

Chase

• Name meaning: To hunt.
• Popularity: #125

Diego

• Name meaning: One who takes the place of another. Spanish version of James.
• Popularity: #126

Donovan

• Name meaning: Brown-haired man.
• Popularity: #423

Dorian

• Name meaning: Several possible meanings: From Dorus, a legendary Greek hero. From Doris, a district of Ancient Greece. Child of the sea.
• Popularity: #567

Edgar

• Name meaning: Rich. Spear.
• Popularity: #409

Edison

• Name meaning: Son of Edward.
• Popularity: #615

Evander

• Name meaning: Good man. Also a South African town.
• Popularity: This masculine baby name isn’t ranking.

Fielder

• Name meaning: Dweller in open land.
• Popularity: This strong male name isn’t ranking.

Gideon

• Name meaning: One who cuts down.
• Popularity: #310

Grant

• Name meaning: Tall.
• Popularity: #212

Grayson

• Name meaning: Son of the steward.
• Popularity: Grayson ranks #35, Greyson is #83, and Graysen is #928

Related: Middle Names for Grayson

Griffin

• Name meaning: A fierce or dangerous person.
• Popularity: #232

Harrison

• Name meaning: Son of Harry.
• Popularity: #120

Jackson

• Name meaning: Son of Jack.
• Popularity: #14

Related: Middle Names for Jackson

Jefferson

• Name meaning: Son of Jeffrey.
• Popularity: #723

Luke

• Name meaning: Man from Lucania, a historical region of Southern Italy.
• Popularity: #32

Major

• Name meaning: Significant. A high-ranking army officer. A key in music.
• Popularity: #412

Mario or Marius

• Name meaning: Might mean Roman war god Mars, male, or sea.
• Popularity: Mario ranks #348 and Marius isn’t ranking.

Maximo

• Name meaning: Greatest.
• Popularity: #731

Orion

• Name meaning: A giant in Greek mythology. A constellation of a hunter.
• Popularity: #314

Ranger

• Name meaning: Forest guardian.
• Popularity: This strong masculine name isn’t ranking.

Roman

• Name meaning: Citizen of Rome.
• Popularity: #75

Ruben or Reuben

• Name meaning: Behold, a son.
• Popularity: Ruben ranks #460 and Reuben is #883.

Silas or Sylas

• Name meaning: Man of the forest.
• Popularity: Silas ranks #91 and Sylas is #536.

Strong-sounding male names

The following boys’ names are strong in their sound or appearance, rather than their meanings.

Abel

• Name meaning: Breath.
• Popularity: #220

Adam

• Name meaning: Son of the red earth.
• Popularity: #102

Atticus

• Name meaning: Person from Athens.
• Popularity: #284

Bennett

• Name meaning: Blessed.
• Popularity: #74

Boden

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

Brooks

• Name meaning: Small stream.
• Popularity: #73

Cade

• Name meaning: Barrel.
• Popularity: #279

Caleb

• Name meaning: Devotion.
• Popularity: #51

Callum

• Name meaning: Dove.
• Popularity: Callum ranks #222 and Calum is #886.

Cameron

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

Dane

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

Dylan

• Name meaning: Son of the sea.
• Popularity: Dylan ranks #34, Dillon ranks #766, and Dilan is #758.

Hamilton

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

Holt

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

Hudson

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

James

• Name meaning: One who follows.
• Popularity: James ranks #4 and Jimmy is #818.

Landon

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

Lincoln

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

Logan

• Name meaning: Little hollow.
• Popularity: This strong baby name ranks #39 for boys and #310 for girls.

Merritt

• Name meaning: Boundary gate.
• Popularity: This fancy boy name isn’t ranking.

Nathaniel

• Name meaning: He has given.
• Popularity: Nathaniel ranks #143 and Nathanael is #720.

Noah

• Name meaning: Motion. Or rest.
• Popularity: For boys, Noah ranks #2. For girls, Noah is ranking #640 and Noa is #298.

Rowan

• 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.

Shane

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

Theodore or Theo

• Name meaning: God-given. Divine gift.
• Popularity: Theodore ranks #7 and Theo is #78.

Related: Middle Names for Theo

Walker

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

If you liked this batch of strong male names you’ll also like this list of southern names for boys.

Boy names that mean strong

If you’re looking for a tough boys’ name that literally means “strong” (or “strength”) this next batch is for you!

Aaron or Aron

• Name meaning: Strong. Mountain of strength. Teacher. Exalted.
• Popularity: Aaron ranks #68 and Aron is #745.

Ander or Anders

• Name meaning: Scandinavian version of Andrew, meaning strong and manly.
• Popularity: Ander ranks #560 and Anders is #844.

Andrew

• Name meaning: Strong and manly.
• Popularity: #65

Barrett

• Name meaning: Bear strength.
• Popularity: #207

Bryan or Brian

• Name meaning: Strong, noble, virtuous.
• Popularity: Bryan ranks #305 and Brian is #317.

Bryant

• Name meaning: Strong, noble, virtuous.
• Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.

Conall

• Name meaning: Strong wolf.
• Popularity: This powerful baby name isn’t ranking in the U.S. but is relatively popular in Ireland.

Drew

• Name meaning: Strong and manly.
• Popularity: #540 for boys.

Eitan

• Name meaning: Hebrew version of Ethan, meaning strong, long-lived, or firm.
• Popularity: This masculine name isn’t ranking.

Ezekiel or Ezequiel

• Name meaning: God will strengthen.
• Popularity: Ezekiel ranks #50 and Ezequiel is #336.

Gabriel

• Name meaning: God is my strength.
• Popularity: #38

Garrett

• Name meaning: Irish version of Gerard, meaning spear strength.
• Popularity: #482

Hezekiah

• Name meaning: Biblical name meaning God strengthens.
• Popularity: #531

Kenji

• Name meaning: Strong and vigorous. Intelligent second son.
• Popularity: #826

Leonard

• Name meaning: Brave or strong lion.
• Popularity: #693

Valentino or Valentin

• Name meaning: Strength.
• Popularity: Valentino ranks #515 and Valentin is #711.

Zeke

• Name meaning: God will strengthen.
• Popularity: #640

If you like these boy names that mean strong you might also like this list of Irish names.

Uncommon strong boy names

The following masculine names aren’t ones you hear every day.

Brant

• Name meaning: Sword.
• Popularity: This strong B name hasn’t ranked since 2001.

Carden

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

Chasen

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

Chester

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

Conway

• Name meaning: Might mean chief of the water.
• Popularity: This dominant boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Denzel

• Name meaning: Might mean tall fortress.
• Popularity: This powerful name last ranked in 2013.

Everest

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

Farrell

• Name meaning: Man of valor.
• Popularity: This uncommon boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Farrow

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

Forrester

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

Garrison

• Name meaning: Son of Garret.
• Popularity: This masculine G name last ranked in 2014.

Gibson

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

Griffith

• Name meaning: A fierce or dangerous person.
• Popularity: This uncommon boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Hanson or Hansen or Hensen

• Name meaning: Son of Hans or Henry.
• Popularity: This male H name isn’t ranking.

Harris

• Name meaning: Son of Harry.
• Popularity: This uncommon strong name isn’t ranking.

Jeter

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

Kano

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

Lorcan

• Name meaning: Little fierce one.
• Popularity: This tough L name isn’t ranking in the U.S. but is relatively popular in Ireland.

Maxton

• Name meaning: Greatest or greatest town.
• Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.

Mckinley

• Name meaning: Child of the fair hero. Presidential name.
• Popularity: This heroic nonbinary name isn’t ranking for boys but ranks #634 for girls.

Radigan

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

Storm

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

Thaddeus

• Name meaning: Might mean courageous heart, one who praises, or gift of God.
• Popularity: #903

If you like these uncommon strong boy names you might also like this list of badass names.

​Boy names that mean warrior

These strong boy names meaning warrior are perfect for your brave little fighter.

Alonzo or Alonso

• Name meaning: Noble. Ready for battle.
• Popularity: Alonzo ranks #537; Alonso ranks #845.

Armando

• Name meaning: Soldier.
• Popularity: Armando ranks #567.

Chad

• Name meaning: Warrior or battle leader.
• Popularity: This one-syllable boys’ name hasn’t ranked since 2018.

Duncan

• Name meaning: Dark warrior.
• Popularity: Duncan ranks #930.

Gunner or Gunnar

• Name meaning: Battle fighter.
• Popularity: Gunner ranks #439; Gunnar ranks #594.

Gunther

• Name meaning: Battle fighter.
• Popularity: This powerful boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Hogan

• Name meaning: Young warrior.
• Popularity: This tough baby name isn’t ranking.

Igor

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

Kayden or Kaiden or Kaden

• Name meaning: Battle.
• Popularity: Kayden ranks #114; Kaiden ranks #170; Kaden ranks #282; Caden ranks #198; Cayden ranks #326; Caiden ranks #495.

Kennedy

• Name meaning: Helmeted chief.
• Popularity: This strong presidential name hasn’t ranked for boys. For girls, Kennedy ranks #72.

Kinley

• Name meaning: Warrior.
• Popularity: This baby name isn’t ranking for boys. For girls, Kinley ranks #597.

Koa

• Name meaning: Warrior.
• Popularity: Koa ranks #298.

Louie

• Name meaning: Warrior or knight.
• Popularity: Louie ranks #610.

Luis or Louis or Lewis

• Name meaning: Warrior or knight.
• Popularity: Luis ranks #134; Louis ranks #237; Lewis ranks #469.

Marcel or Marcellus or Marcelo

• Name meaning: Young warrior.
• Popularity: Marcel ranks #760; Marcellus ranks #875; Marcelo ranks #523.

Milo or Mylo

• Name meaning: Soldier. Dear or beloved.
• Popularity: Milo ranks #121; Mylo ranks #710.

Murphy

• Name meaning: Sea warrior.
• Popularity: For boys, this water baby name ranks #896. It currently ranks #519 for girls.

Peyton

• Name meaning: Fighter’s estate.
• Popularity: This strong P name ranks #605 for boys and #142 for girls.

Trace

• Name meaning: Fighter. Superior. Also a location name.
• Popularity: Trace ranks #674 for boys and isn’t ranking for girls.

Vicente

• Name meaning: Conquering.
• Popularity: Vicente ranks #628.

Victor

• Name meaning: Conqueror. Winner.
• Popularity: Victor ranks #217.

Vincent

• Name meaning: Conquering.
• Popularity: Vincent ranks #120.

Vincenzo

• Name meaning: Conquering.
• Popularity: Vincenzo ranks #744.

Walter

• Name meaning: Powerful warrior, bright warrior, forest warrior.
• Popularity: Walter ranks #267.

Werner

• Name meaning: The defending warrior. The defender.
• Popularity: This strong W name isn’t ranking.

If you like these boy names that mean warrior you might also like this list of Italian names.

Boy names that mean protector

It’s hard to imagine now, but one day your tiny little son might grow up to be your greatest protector.

Alec

• Name meaning: Defender.
• Popularity: #840

Alessio

• Name meaning: Defender.
• Popularity: This powerful boys’ name isn’t ranking in the U.S. but is currently popular in Italy.

Alexander or Alex

• Name meaning: Defender.
• Popularity: Alexander ranks #22 and Alex is #202.

Related: Middle Names for Alex

Alistair or Allister

• Name meaning: Defender. (Scottish version of Alexander).
• Popularity: Alistair ranks #920 and Allister isn’t ranking.

Edmond or Edmund

• Name meaning: Guardian or protector. Wealth or fortune. Prosperous.
• Popularity: This powerful boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Edward or Eddie

• Name meaning: Wealth or fortune. Prosperous. Guardian or protector.
• Popularity: Edward ranks #213 and Eddie is #858.

Raymond or Ramon

• Name meaning: Counseling protector or famous protector.
• Popularity: Raymond ranks #360 and Ramon is #853.

Sergio

• Name meaning: Protector. Servant of the law.
• Popularity: #406

William

• Name meaning: Vehement protector.
• Popularity: #10

Wilson

• Name meaning: Desire, helmet, protection. Son of Will.
• Popularity: #670

Xander or Zander

• Name meaning: Protector.
• Popularity: Xander ranks #215 and Zander is #355.

If you like this batch of strong male names you might also like this list of Greek boy names.

​Names that mean brave

These strong boy names are perfect for a courageous little guy.

Archie

• Name meaning: Truly brave.
• Popularity: Archie ranks #347.

Atreus

• Name meaning: Fearless. (Greek mythology name).
• Popularity: Atreus ranks #457.

Brayden or Braden

• Name meaning: Brave. Wide valley.
• Popularity: Brayden ranks #160; Braden isn’t ranking.

Casey or Case or Kasey

• Name meaning: Vigilant or brave.
• Popularity: Casey ranks #316; Case ranks #709. Kasey isn’t ranking for either gender.

Emery or Emory

• Name meaning: Brave or industrious.
• Popularity: Emery ranks #750; Emory ranks #831 for boys. For girls, Emery ranks #70; Emory ranks #366; Emerie ranks #557.

Hubble or Hubbell

• Name meaning: Brave heart.
• Popularity: This courageous boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Jabari

• Name meaning: Brave or fearless.
• Popularity: Jabari ranks #922.

Leonardo

• Name meaning: Italian and Spanish variation of Leonard, meaning brave lion.
• Popularity: Leonardo ranks #84.

Leopold

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

Lyon

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

Riley

• Name meaning: Courageous or wood clearing.
• Popularity: Riley ranks #223 for boys and #43 for girls.

Valor

• Name meaning: Courage.
• Popularity: This strong V name isn’t ranking.

Wyatt

• Name meaning: Brave in war.
• Popularity: Wyatt ranks #47.

If you like these boy names that mean brave you might also like this list of German names.

Strong boy names meaning fiery, passionate, and rebellious

The following masculine names are perfect for a little maverick who challenges the status quo and blazes his own trail in life.

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

Diesel or Diezel

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

Eagan

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

Keegan or Kegan

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

Kenneth

• Name meaning: Fire-born. Handsome.
• Popularity: #262

Maverick

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

Related: Middle Names for Maverick

Mccoy

• Name meaning: Fire.
• Popularity: #974

Tyson

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

Wilder or Wylder

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

If you like these fiery strong names for boys you may also like this list of edgy baby names.

​Strong boy names inspired by winning

These strong boy names for babies are perfect for a little champion with a competitive spirit!

Ace

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

Cairo or Kairo or Kyro

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

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 is #486

Darren

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

Kamal

• Name meaning: Perfection, superiority, accomplishment, beauty. Lotus. Pale red.
• Popularity: This exotic boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Kendrick

• Name meaning: Greatest champion. Family ruler.
• Popularity: #479

Max

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

Nicholas or Nicolas or Nikolas

• Name meaning: People of victory.
• Popularity: Nicholas ranks #109, Nicolas is #193, and Nikolas is #650

Nico or Niko

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

Nile or Niall or Niles

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

Sterling

• Name meaning: Excellent. First-rate. Type of silver.
• Popularity: #403

If you like these winning-inspired strong boy names you might also like this list of two-syllable names.

Strong regal names for boys

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

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 strong name is ranking. Baron last ranked in 2008.

Brendan or Brendon

• Name meaning: Prince.
• Popularity: Brendan ranks #885 and Brendon hasn’t ranked since 2013.

Darian or Darien or Darion

• Name meaning: Possessing goodness. Rich and kingly.
• Popularity: Darian, Darien, and Darion aren’t ranking.

Darius

• Name meaning: Possessing goodness. Rich and kingly.
• Popularity: #728

Derek or Derrick

• Name meaning: From Theodoric, meaning ruler of the people.
• Popularity: Derek ranks #271 and Derrick is #757. Derick last ranked in 2012. Deric 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 mighty F name isn’t ranking for boys and ranks #689 for girls.

Henry

• Name meaning: Estate ruler.
• Popularity: #8

Kaiser or Kaizer or Kyzer or Kyser

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

Kyron

• Name meaning: Might mean hand, little dark one, ruler, or leader.
• Popularity: This powerful K name last ranked in 2011.

Landry

• Name meaning: Powerful land ruler.
• Popularity: This strong baby name isn’t ranking for boys or girls.

Nolan

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

Patrick

• Name meaning: Nobleman or ruler.
• Popularity: #224

Reagan

• Name meaning: Little king.
• Popularity: This presidential R name hasn’t ranked for boys since 2017. It currently ranks #168 for girls.

Rex

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

Ryan

• Name meaning: Little king.
• Popularity: This mighty baby name ranks #83 for boys and #677 for girls.

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

​Strong boy names inspired by animals

Here are some fierce baby name ideas for your wild one.

Adler

• Name meaning: Eagle.
• Popularity: #943

Ari

• Name meaning: Lion.
• Popularity: This strong 3-letter name ranks #344 for boys and #463 for girls.

Arthur or Arturo

• Name meaning: Bear-like.
• Popularity: Arthur ranks #128 and Arturo is #621.

Bear

• Name meaning: Animal.
• Popularity: #817

Channing

• Name meaning: Young wolf or church official.
• Popularity: This masculine name hasn’t ranked since 2017.

Connor

• Name meaning: Lover of hounds.
• Popularity: Connor ranks #126, Conor is #462, and Conner is #514.

Drake

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

Falkner

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

Fowler

• Name meaning: Falcon trainer
• Popularity: This masculine name isn’t ranking.

Fox

• Name meaning: Wild animal.
• Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.

Hawk

• Name meaning: Bird of prey.
• Popularity: This strong baby name isn’t ranking.

Keaton

• Name meaning: Place of hawks.
• Popularity: #873

Leander

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

Leandro

• Name meaning: Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian version of Leander, meaning lion man.
• Popularity: #526

Leo

• Name meaning: Lion.
• Popularity: #18

Leon

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

Leonel or Lionel

• Name meaning: Young lion.
• Popularity: Leonel ranks #307 and Lionel is #494.

Leonidas

• Name meaning: Lion-like or son of a lion.
• Popularity: #477

Lynx

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

Madden

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

Osborn

• Name meaning: Bear of God.
• Popularity: This strong boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Talon

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

Taurus

• Name meaning: A constellation of a bull. From ancient Greek mythology.
• Popularity: This tough boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Tiger

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

Todd

• Name meaning: Fox.
• Popularity: This fierce name last ranked in 2015.

Wolf

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

Zev

• Name meaning: Wolf.
• Popularity: #881

If you like these animal-inspired strong boy names you’ll also like this list of bird baby names and these hippie names.

Strong boy names that are solid as a rock

All of these strong names have meanings related to… you guessed it… rocks (or stone)!

Axton

• Name meaning: Swordsman’s stone.
• Popularity: #686

Calloway or Callaway

• Name meaning: Place of pebbles.
• Popularity: This strong unusual boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Cliff

• Name meaning: A steep rock face.
• Popularity: This masculine baby name isn’t ranking.

Craig

• Name meaning: Rock.
• Popularity: This strong male name hasn’t ranked since 2017.

Dustin

• Name meaning: Thor’s stone.
• Popularity: #692

Graham

• Name meaning: Gravel.
• Popularity: #140

Harlan

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

Jasper

• Name meaning: Treasurer. Also a gemstone.
• Popularity: #122

Langston

• Name meaning: Tall stone. Long town.
• Popularity: #892

Mason or Maison

• Name meaning: One who works with stone.
• Popularity: Mason ranks #30 and Maison last ranked in 2020.

Onyx

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

Perrin

• Name meaning: Rock or pear tree.
• Popularity: This baby name isn’t ranking for either gender.

Peter

• Name meaning: Rock.
• Popularity: #210

Pierce

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

Slate

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

Stone

• Name meaning: Rock.
• Popularity: #990

If you like these stone-inspired strong boy names you’ll also like this list of earthy names and these plant-inspired baby names.

Strong baby names inspired by fiction

All of the names below come from strong characters in movies and television.

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 is #483, and Dominik is #933.

Dutch

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

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

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

Renley

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

If you like these fiction-inspired strong boy names you might also like this list of 3-syllable names.

​Strong boy names that are past their prime

Even though most of the following male names are ranking in the top 1000, I personally think they’ve seen better days.

I’ll let you decide that for yourself!

For the sake of a complete list of boy names meaning strong, here is one last batch of names!

Or jump ahead to 2025 predictions for strong boy names.

Alexis

• Name meaning: Defender.
• Popularity: Alexis ranks #472 for boys and #449 for girls.

Andres or Andre

• Name meaning: Spanish/French version of Andrew, meaning strong and manly.
• Popularity: Andres ranks #200 and Andre is #310.

Andrea

• Name meaning: Italian version of Andrew, meaning strong and masculine.
• Popularity: Andrea isn’t ranking in the U.S. but currently ranks #8 in Italy. (For American girls, Andrea ranks #173).

Andy

• Name meaning: Short for Andrew, meaning strong and manly.
• Popularity: #500

Ariel

• Name meaning: Lion.
• Popularity: Ariel ranks #519 for boys and #288 for girls.

Barnaby

• Name meaning: Young warrior. Settlement. Son of consolation.
• Popularity: This strong boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Bernard or Bernardo

• Name meaning: Brave bear.
• Popularity: Bernard last ranked in 2008 and Bernardo last ranked in 2007.

Bjorn

• Name meaning: Bear.
• Popularity: #801

Boris

• Name meaning: Many possible meanings including wolf, short, bars, snow leopard, battle, glory, and fame.
• Popularity: This tough-sounding winter boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Clovis

• Name meaning: Famous warrior.
• Popularity: This powerful boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Constantine

• Name meaning: Constant or steadfast. (A Roman emperor and the name of several Scottish kings).
• Popularity: This strong male name isn’t ranking.

Gerardo

• Name meaning: Spanish version of Gerard, meaning spear strength.
• Popularity: #586

Harold

• Name meaning: Military power or army ruler.
• Popularity: #926

Harvey

• Name meaning: Battle worthy or blazing iron.
• Popularity: #327

Kevin

• Name meaning: Of noble birth. Handsome.
• Popularity: #186

Ludwig

• Name meaning: Famous warrior.
• Popularity: This powerful male name isn’t ranking in the U.S. but is popular in Germany.

Neil

• Name meaning: Several possible meanings such as cloud, passionate, victory, honour, or champion.
• Popularity: #811

Raul

• Name meaning: Spanish version of Ralph, meaning counsel wolf or famous wolf.
• Popularity: #596

Ricardo or Riccardo

• Name meaning: Powerful, brave, or strong.
• Popularity: Ricardo ranks #372. Riccardo isn’t ranking in the U.S. but currently ranks #9 in Italy.

Richard or Ricky

• Name meaning: Powerful, brave, strong.
• Popularity: Richard ranks #221 and Ricky is #871.

Roy

• Name meaning: King or red.
• Popularity: #553

Steven or Stephen

• Name meaning: Wreath, crown, honor, reward, royalty, fame.
• Popularity: Steven ranks #250 and Stephen is #363.

If you still haven’t found the perfect strong baby name for your son, check out the lists below…

2025 Predictions

I predict the following strong boy names will rise in popularity in 2025.

What do you think?

Ezra

Current rank: #15

Ezra’s vintage appeal and melodic sound have pushed it from #243 in 2010 to #15 in the latest rankings—a 94% increase. Actors Ian Somerhalder and Nikki Reed named their son Ezra in 2017.

Felix

Current rank: #192

With its cheerful meaning (“lucky, successful”) and international appeal, Felix rose steadily in recent years. Hollywood couple Elizabeth Banks and Max Handelman named their son Felix in 2011.

Hudson

Current rank: #21

Hudson’s rugged, nature-inspired vibe and popularity as a surname have made it a top choice, especially in recent years. Since 2010, Hudson has risen steadily from #143—a notable climb that reflects its appeal to modern parents.

Maverick

Current rank: #37

Fueled by the Top Gun: Maverick reboot in 2022, this name embodies a bold, adventurous spirit. Holding steady at #37, Maverick has become a popular choice for parents looking for an independent-sounding name.

Silas

Current rank: #81

Silas offers vintage charm with a gentle sound, climbing from #321 in 2010 to #81—a 75% increase. Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel named their son Silas in 2015.

Theodore

Current rank: #7

Theodore’s classic charm and the widely loved nickname Theo drove it from #170 in 2010 to #7 in 2023, a significant rise. Ivanka Trump named her son Theodore in 2016, giving it further visibility. This strong name is likely to stay within the top 10 and possibly reach the top 5 by 2025.

Walker

Current rank: #85

Walker’s rugged, outdoorsy appeal and surname-like feel make it a unique but approachable choice. It gained attention when Miranda Kerr and Evan Spiegel named their son Walker in 2021.

Valentino

Current rank: #515

Valentino’s romantic, Italian elegance saw it rise steadily, though it remains outside the top 500. Ricky Martin named his son Valentino in 2008, and its association with the luxury brand adds to its appeal.

Xander

Current rank: #215

Xander’s sleek and edgy style makes it a popular alternative to Alexander. Rising from #307 in 2010 to #215, it has gained celebrity appeal, especially after January Jones named her son Xander in 2011. This strong baby name is likely to continue its steady rise,

Zane

Current rank: #277

Zane’s modern, minimalist style and strong cowboy charm helped it climb steadily. Nick Cannon named his son Zane in 2022, bringing additional visibility. This strong short name is expected to rise in popularity as it resonates with fans of sleek, one-syllable names.

These predictions combine trend momentum, celebrity influence, and cultural resonance, giving them a strong edge in the forecast for 2025.

What say you, oh seekers of strong boy names?

​More baby name ideas:

• The Ultimate List of Southern Boy Names for 2025
• 135 Short Boy Names for Modern Babies
• 3 Syllable Boy Names that are Modern & Masculine

​Final thoughts on strong masculine names for babies

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

The source for popularity data is SSA.

This article was originally published on Dec 22, 2022 and was updated on Nov 6, 2024.

Strong Boy Names