I’ve always been into the notion of giving Junior a moniker with some pizzazz – a badass name that stands a few notches above the rest.
But strong, cool and a slight hint of a rebel? That can be a tricky thing to get just right.
That’s why I compiled this list of badass boy names.
Want something spiky, maybe? Got it. Classic? Got that too. Something totally unique? Sure thing.
We’re talking mythological names such as Apollo or Zeus, and short, punchy names such as Jett or Knox.
Some are rockstar-like (hey there, Axel!), others are Southern and rough and rugged and tough. The common thread? Strength, attitude, swagger and personality to spare.
But what I love about Badass Boy Names most is that they image confidence and strength, but they never boast and exaggerates.
So if you’re searching for a durable, cool, and multi-faceted baby boy name, read on for this list of badass boy names and choose the one that suits your little legend like a glove.
Table of Contents
Modern Badass Boy Names
I always tend to love fresh names that feel readymade for now, but when you throw in some badass?
Wow. Modern badass boy names are cool, powerful and sleek, with an added vibe of cutting-edge edge.
These are names for parents who want something that feels like it could have been born yesterday but is built to last.
- Romeo – (Italian) Pilgrim to Rome, Roman
- Draco – (Greek, Latin) Dragon
- Marley – (English) Pleasant seaside meadow
- Anakin – (American) Warrior
- Draven – (Scottish, Gaelic) Of the raven, Hunter, Of the dark waters
- Kaiser – (German) Emperor
- Cannon – (British) Rule, Discipline, Wolf cub
- Dex – (Latin) Dyer, Right-handed, Dexterous
- Smith – (English) Blacksmith
- Tempest – (English) Stormy, Turbulent
- Alpha – (Greek) Beginning, First letter of the Greek alphabet
- Mingus – (Scottish) Tenants of a manor
- Zephyr – (Greek) West wind
- Ripley – (English) Strip of clearing in the woods
- Indiana – (American) Land of the Indians
- Westley – (British) Western meadow
- Diesel – (German) People, Gift of Yahweh
- Spike – (English) A very large nail
- Nirvana – (Sanskrit) Place of great bliss
- Banks – (British) Governor, Edge of the river
- Major – (Latin) Greater, A military rank
- Luca – (Italian) Bringer of light, Man from Lucania
- Storm – (English) Tempest, A violent weather disturbance
- Nico – (Italian) People of victory
- Bowie – (Scottish) Blond
- Remington – (English) Place on a riverbank
- Jersey – (English) Geirr’s island
Popular Badass Boy Names
You might be looking for a name that makes a splash but has some name recognition.
Well, that’s exactly these popular badass boy names do – they strike that perfect balance of being recognizable and voice-pleasing, but also badass and strong and still edgy.
- Dante – (Latin) Enduring
- Matteo – (Italian) Gift of God
- Lennon – (Irish) Lover
- Kaden – (Scottish) Companion, Battle, Fighter
- Cain – (Hebrew) Spear, Possessed
- Maximus – (Latin) Greatest
- Thiago – (Brazilian, Hebrew) Supplanter, Holder of the heel
- Adonis – (Greek) Lord
- Damien – (French, Greek) To tame, Subdue
- Ford – (English) Dweller at the ford
- Rory – (Irish) Red king
- Simone – (French, Hebrew) Hearkening
- Teo – (Spanish) Gift of God
- Santiago – (Latin) Saint James
- Maximilian – (Latin) Greatest
- Charlie – (German) Free man
- Zander – (Greek) Defending men
- Finley – (Irish, Scottish) Fair-haired hero
- Reign – (English) Rule
- Milan – (Italian, Slavic) Gracious, Dear
- Parker – (English) Park keeper
- Kylo – (Scottish) Narrow spit of land
- Arya – (Sanskrit, Greek) Noble, Spiritual, Song, Air, Wind
- Presley – (English) Priest’s meadow
- Hayden – (English) Hay valley
- Max – (Latin) Greatest
- Bodhi – (Sanskrit) Awakening, Enlightenment
- Theo – (Greek) Divine gift, Brave people
- Zion – (Hebrew) Highest point
- Grey – (British) Gray-colored, Gray-haired
Cool Badass Boy Names
Cool badass boy names are the kind of names that belong to the dude who will save the world in jeans and a leather jacket.
These are packed to the brim with badassery and, if you don’t believe me, check out this list of epic-ass names that boast personality for days.
- Orlando – (Italian) Famous throughout the land
- Talon – (French) Large claw of a bird of prey
- Bjorn – (Swedish) Bear
- Severus – (Latin) Stern
- Rip – (Dutch) Might
- Errol – (British) Nobleman, Warrior
- Zero – (Italian, Sanskrit) Void
- Baxter – (English) Baker
- Arno – (German) Eagle
- Dionysius – (Greek) God of Nysa
- Thor – (Norse, Scandinavian) Thunder
- Maxen – (English, Welsh) Greatest
- Helix – (English) A curve in three-dimensional space
- Neon – (Greek) New
- Thorn – (English) Prickle
- Rock – (English) Rock, Rest
- Ax – (Hebrew) Father is peace
- Blaze – (English) Fire
- Jupiter – (Latin) Godfather
- Knight – (English) A mounted man-at-arms serving a feudal superior
- Rambo – (Invented) Name of Sylvester Stallone’s character
- Breaker – (English) One who breaks something
- Onyx – (English, Greek) Onyx
- Sir – (British) Honorable masculine title
- Hunter – (English) One who hunts
- Flynn – (Irish) Descendant of the red-haired one
- Nikos – (Greek) Victory of the people
- Mercury – (Roman) Messenger of the gods, Quicksilver
- Everest – (British) Dweller on the Eure River
- Cloud – (English) Visible vapor, Man of great wisdom
Trending Badass Boy Names
The trending badass names are those that are rising in popularity, but not so much that you lose their gutsy, badass feel.
If you’re into being totally modern and right there with the trends, these trending badass names will be right up your alley.
- Soren – (Danish, Norwegian) Stern
- Lucian – (Latin) Light
- Evander – (Scottish, Greek) Bow warrior, Strong man
- Calix – (Latin) Chalice
- Lucifer – (Latin) Light-bearer
- Xander – (Greek) Defending men
- Sloane – (Irish) Raider
- Lazarus – (Latin, Greek, Hebrew) God is my helper
- Bartholomew – (Aramaic) Son of the furrow
- Mika – (Japanese) Beautiful fragrance
- Romilly – (English) Citizen of Rome
- Mac – (Scottish, Irish) Son of
- Barnaby – (English, Aramaic) Son of consolation
- Ozias – (Greek) Salvation
- Gaia – (French, Greek, Latin) Earth mother, Rejoicing
- Artemis – (Greek) Safe, Butcher
- Lincoln – (English) Town by the pool
- Ellington – (English) Ellis’ town
- Moses – (Egyptian) Delivered from the water
- Remus – (Latin) Twin, Double, Oar
- Lucius – (Latin) Light
Classic Badass Boy Names
Classic need not be boring – especially when it comes to badass names.
If you want a classic name that’s been around for decades but still makes a statement, then these badass picks are for you.
- Kenneth – (Scottish, Irish) Born of fire, Handsome
- Benedict – (Latin) Blessed
- Perseus – (Greek) To destroy
- Jasper – (Persian) Bringer of treasure
- Wolfgang – (German) Traveling wolf
- Zeno – (Greek) Gift of Zeus
- Nicodemus – (Greek) Victory of the people
- Ragnar – (Norse) Warrior, Judgment
- Booker – (English) Scribe
- Horatio – (English, Latin) Hour, Time
- Drake – (English) Dragon, Male duck
- Levon – (Armenian) Lion
- James – (Hebrew) Supplanter
- Crimson – (English, Arabic) Rich deep red
- Balthazar – (Phoenician) Baal protects the King
- Jude – (Hebrew) Praised
- Ward – (English) Guard, Watchman
- Octavius – (Latin) Eighth
- Romulus – (Latin) Citizen of Rome
- Hollis – (English) Dweller at the holly trees
- Achilles – (Greek) Thin-lipped
- Joni – (English) God is gracious
- Caesar – (Latin) Cut
- Ezra – (Hebrew) Help
- Axl – (Scandinavian) Father of peace
- Ralph – (English, German) Wolf-counsel
- Torben – (Danish, German) Thunder bear
- Journey – (English) Passage from one place to another
- Hero – (Greek) Demi-god
- Finn – (Irish) White, fair
- Jada – (Spanish) Jade
- Bastian – (Latin, Greek) Man of Sebastia
- Rhys – (Welsh) Ardor
- Dmitri – (Greek) Follower of Demeter
Unique Badass Boy Names
Unique badass boy names give you something different — names that are distinct but still retain that rebel, tough guy feel.
If you’re looking for something different and unforgettable, this list of unique badass names is full of badass ideas.
- Orpheus – (Greek) The darkness of the night
- Eros – (Greek) Desire
- Calypso – (Greek) She who hides
- Icarus – (Greek) Follower, The one who reaches the sky
- Rowan – (Scottish, Irish) Rowan tree, Little redhead
- Yves – (French) Yew wood
- Nero – (Latin) Stern
- Helios – (Greek) Sun
- Lux – (Latin) Light
- Kenzo – (Japanese) Strong and healthy
- Vesper – (Latin) Evening star
- Sirius – (Latin, Greek) Burning
- Thelonious – (Latin, German) Lord, People
- Aeneas – (Greek) The praised one
- Story – (English) An account of incidents or events
- Raven – (English) A large black bird
- Ender – (Turkish) Very rare
- Ajax – (Greek) Eagle
- Stone – (British) Stone, Dweller by the rocks
- Brutus – (Latin) Heavy, Dull
- Endymion – (Greek) Dive into, Enter
- Hermes – (Greek) The messenger god
- Argo – (Greek) Shining, Glistening
- Conall – (Irish) Strong as a wolf
- Ransom – (English) Shield’s son
- Xerxes – (Persian) Hero among heroes
- Jinx – (Latin) Spell or charm
- Gatsby – (German) From Gaddesby
- Nori – (Japanese) Doctrine or seaweed
- Bronson – (English) Son of brown-haired one
- Judd – (Hebrew) Flowing down
- Zeus – (Greek) Sky, Shine
- Django – (Romani) I awake
- Ever – (English) Eternity, Granite
- Hawk – (British) Hawk, a bird, Bird of prey
Unisex Badass Baby Names
These unisex names work for any little boy or girl and give everything you’re looking for in a name with a little bit of extra strength and also versatility.
Want a little something tough or a little something frothier? This list of unisex badass names has it all!
- Scottie – (English) Scot
- Carmen – (Spanish) Garden
- Maven – (Hebrew) One who understands
- Kai – (Hawaiian) Sea
- Phoenix – (Arizona, Greek) Dark red
- Bibi – (French, Arabic) Toy, Delight, Lady
- Demi – (French, Greek) Half, Small, Follower of Demeter
- Astro – (Greek) Star
- Belen – (Spanish) Bethlehem, House of bread
- Link – (British) A link
- Domino – (Latin) Lord, Master
- Titan – (Greek) Defender
- Rooney – (English, Gaelic) Descendent of the champion
- Dune – (French) Sand hill
- Alaska – (Native American) Great land
- Roux – (French, Latin) Russet
- Lennox – (Scottish) Elm grove
- Sparrow – (English) Sparrow, a bird
- Gray – (British) Gray-haired
- Tavi – (Aramaic) Good
- Wilder – (German) Untamed, Wild
- Rebel – (Word name) Rebel
- Dusty – (German) Brave warrior, Dusty area
Southern Badass Boy Names
Southern badass boy names have that gritty, rugged feel of a scrappy cowboy with a hint of that Southern charm.
If you want your little boy’s name to have a little Southern swagger, these names will give him that down-home, rough-and-tumble feel.
- Zane – (Hebrew, Arabic) God is gracious, Beauty
- Crew – (English) A band, Group of people who work together
- Billie – (English) Resolute protection
- Sunny – (English) Sunshine, Cheerful temperament
- Boone – (English, French) Blessing, Lucky
- Tripp – (French) One who tripped
- King – (English) Monarch
- Rae – (English) Ewe
- Brock – (English) Badger
- Skye – (Scottish) Island of clouds, Winged
- Cy – (Persian, Greek) Sun, Lord
- Salem – (Hebrew, Arabic) Safe, Peaceful, Perfect
- Harley – (English) The long field
- Zeb – (Hebrew) Gift of Jehovah, Dwelling of honor
- Colt – (British) Young horse
- Gage – (French) Oath, pledge
- Stevie – (Greek) Crown
- Emerson – (English) Son of Emery
- Gunner – (Scandinavian) Bold warrior
- Monroe – (Scottish) Mouth of the Roe river
- Brynn – (Welsh) Hill
- Indy – (British) Land of the Indians
Hipster Badass Boy Names
These names are the perfect underground indie names that are cool in all the right ways – stylish, street and strong.
If you can imagine your son wearing a leather jacket at the coffee shop, then these hipster badass boy names are for you!
- Winnie – (English) Holy peacemaking, Gentle friend
- Opal – (Sanskrit) Gem
- Scout – (French) To listen, Sent to discover
- Huck – (British) Bog, Corner, Heart, Mind
- Zebedee – (English, Hebrew) Gift of God
- Indigo – (Greek) Indian dye
- Boaz – (Hebrew) Swiftness
- Inigo – (Basque, Spanish) Fiery
- Sutton – (English) From the southern homestead
- Jethro – (Hebrew) Excellence
- Bronte – (Greek) Thunder
- Bruce – (Scottish, English, French) From the brushwood thicket
- Jones – (English) God is gracious
- Mccoy – (Irish) Fire
- Ziggy – (German) Victory
- Bruno – (German) Brown
- Aspen – (British) Aspen tree, Shaking tree
- Laszlo – (Hungarian) Glorious ruler
- Winter – (British) Winter
- Frankie – (German) From France, Free man
- Leonidas – (Greek) Lion
- Coco – (French, Spanish, Italian) Cocoa, Darling, Palm tree, Smiling face
- Greer – (Scottish, Latin) Alert, Watchful
- Lou – (French) Renowned warrior
- Keanu – (Hawaiian) The cool breeze
- Ferris – (Irish, English) Strong man, Ironworker
- Sia – (Old Norse) Victory
- Jago – (Spanish, Cornish) Supplanter
- Ike – (Hebrew) Laughter
- Murphy – (Irish) Sea warrior
Nature Badass Boy Names
These names are gritty, earthy, and muscular.
Nature badass names are an excellent choice for outdoorsy parents who want a name that has some edge or grit to it – names that are rooted in the mountains, the beasts and birds, or else the elements and forces of nature.
- Diego – (Spanish) Supplanter
- Aksel – (Danish, Hebrew) The father is peace
- Gunther – (German) Battle warrior
- Butch – (British) Illustrious, Butcher
- Thorne – (English) Thorn thicket
- Fabio – (Italian, Spanish) Bean grower
- Urso – (Italian, Latin) Bear
- Donahue – (Irish) Dark fighter
- Barack – (Hebrew, Swahili, Arabic) Lightning, Blessing
- Hayes – (English) Hedged area
- Clemmie – (French) Mild, Merciful
- Denver – (English, French) Green valley, From Anvers
- Afton – (Swedish) Afternoon, Evening, Scottish river
- Gomer – (Hebrew) To complete
- Hux – (German) Hook, Of Hugh, Mind
- Clarke – (Latin) Clerk, Scholar
- Aziz – (Arabic) Powerful, Beloved
- Redd – (British) Clearing, Red
- Crosby – (Irish) Village with crosses
- Dempsey – (Irish) Proud
- Blanco – (Spanish) Fair, White
- Curtis – (French) Courteous
- Elton – (British) From the old town, Ella’s town
- Braxton – (English) Brock’s settlement
- Houston – (Scottish) Hugh’s town
- Dallas – (Irish) Skilled
- Egan – (Irish) Little fire
- Dino – (Italian) Little sword, Brave bear
- Elvis – (Norse) All wise
- Brody – (Irish, English, Scottish) Broad eye or island
- Crockett – (English) Large curl
Celebrity Badass Boy Names
Celebrities are the experts at picking the best showstopper names, and if you want to snag a badass name with a star power flair, these are the most coveted celebrity-inspired boy names to go for.
- Silas – (Aramaic, Latin, Greek) Of the forest, Prayed for
- Atticus – (Latin) From Attica
- Cassius – (Latin) Hollow
- Otis – (German) Wealthy
- Magnus – (Scandinavian, Latin) Greatest
- Royal – (English) Royal
- Cleo – (Greek) Glory
- Roman – (Latin) Citizen of Rome
- Quinn – (Irish) Descendent of Conn
- Orson – (Latin, English) Bear cub
- Xavier – (Basque) New house
- Arden – (English) Valley of the eagle, High
- Nash – (English) By the ash tree
- Knox – (Scottish) Round hill
- Everly – (English) Wild boar in woodland clearing
- Amadeus – (Latin) Lover of God
- Shiloh – (Hebrew) Tranquil
- Dion – (Greek) Child of heaven and earth
- Harlow – (English) Rock hill, Army hill
- Marlowe – (English) Driftwood
- Viggo – (Scandinavian) War
- Damon – (Greek) One who tames, Subdues
- Remi – (French) Oarsman
Vintage Badass Boy Names
If you’re looking for a vintage name that has a cool, retro vibe while still feeling perfectly modern, these vintage badass names are for you.
- Titus – (Latin) Title of honor
- Osiris – (Egyptian) With strong eyesight
- Lance – (English, German) Land
- Fitz – (Scottish) Son of
- Vida – (Spanish) Life
- Baz – (Irish, Greek, Arabic) Fair haired, King, Falcon
- Quincy – (French, Latin) Estate of the fifth son
- Jarvis – (French) Servant spear
- Marmaduke – (Irish) Devotee of Maedoc
- Atlas – (Greek) Bearer of the heavens
- Buck – (English) Male deer, Rabbit
- Caro – (English, French) Free man
- Wolfe – (German, Irish) Wolf
- Asher – (Hebrew) Fortunate, Happy one
- Buster – (British) Tough guy
- Jules – (Latin, Greek) Youthful, Soft, Downy
- Sterling – (English) Of the highest quality
- Bix – (Invented) Nickname of Bix (Bismark) Beiderbecke
- Freddie – (German) Peaceful Ruler, Power
- Bristol – (British) Meeting place by the bridge
- Dez – (Irish) Of Desmond, South Munster
Bohemian Badass Boy Names
If you’re looking for a name that’s just quirky enough but full of character, then our list of bohemian badass names will definitely have you covered.
- Thelonius – (Latin) Lord
- Waldo – (German) To rule
- Puck – (Irish) Goblin, Sprite
- Moe – (Hebrew) Delivered
- Holiday – (English) Holy day
- Justice – (English) The quality of being just or fair
- Wylie – (Scottish) Resolute protection
- Koa – (Hawaiian) Warrior
- Dexter – (Latin) Right-handed, Skillful, One who dyes
- Clyde – (Scottish) Warm, Friendly
- Hopper – (English, Dutch) Leaper, Dancer, Hop grower
- Zen – (Japanese) Meditation
- Poe – (English) Peacock
- Memphis – (Greek) Enduring, Beautiful
- Dash – (American) To run quickly, Young lad
Short Badass Boy Names
If you want a name that says a lot, while leaving things unsaid, this list of male names short and sweet is definitely for you.
- Jade – (Spanish) Stone of the side
- Leon – (Greek) Lion-man
- Ari – (Hebrew) Lion of God
- Doc – (American) Doctor
- Jet – (British, Dutch) Black stone, Home ruler
- Boris – (Slavic) Small, Battle glory, Wolf
- Axel – (Scandinavian) Father of peace
- Bo – (Norse) To live
- Izzy – (Hebrew) God contends, My God is an oath
- Nyx – (Greek) Night
- Fox – (English) Fox, a bushy tailed wild animal
- Rex – (Latin) King
- Halo – (Greek) Divine aura, Disc of the sun
- Dax – (French) Leader
- Kit – (English) Pure
- Oz – (Hebrew) Powerful, Courageous
- Fia – (Irish, Portuguese, Italian) Wild, Deer, Weaver
- Rue – (English, French) Regret, Street
Handsome Badass Boy Names
If you’re looking for a name that’s striking as it is strong, you’ll find what you need on this list.
- Nikolai – (Russian) People of victory
- Blaise – (Latin) One who stutters
- Cruz – (Spanish) Cross
- Kenny – (Gaelic) Handsome, Born of fire
- Enzo – (Italian) Home ruler
- Sullivan – (Irish) Dark eyes
- Beck – (English) One living beside a small stream
- Rhett – (English, Dutch) Advise
- Corbin – (English, French) Crow, Raven
- Rocco – (Italian, German) Rest
- Van – (British) Marsh
- Penn – (English) Enclosure
Badass Boy Names inspired by Word
These word inspired badass boy names take an ordinary word and turn it into something cool and unusual.
- Steele – (English) Steel
- Blade – (British) Knife, Sword
- Crash – (American) To collide violently
- Striker – (English) Aggressive man
- Buzz – (American) Village in the woods
- Rosario – (Spanish) Rosary
- Shooter – (English) Marksman, A person who uses a gun
- North – (British) North
- Judge – (French) Judge
- Bandit – (English) Outlaw, Thief
- Stormy – (English) Storm, Tempest
- Cash – (English) Shining, Excelling man
- Shade – (Arabic, American) Singer, In the shadow
- Wild – (German) Hunter, Untamed
- Jazz – (American) Jazz
Strong Badass Boy Names
If you want a name for your son that carries some serious weight, then these strong badass boy names are just what you’re looking for.
- Everett – (German) Brave boar
- Ziv – (Hebrew) Brilliance
- Maverick – (American) Independent, Nonconformist
- Griffin – (Welsh) Strong lord
- Wiley – (Scottish, German, English) Resolute protection, From Wylye
- Chance – (French, English) Chancellor, Good fortune
- Baldwin – (German) Brave friend
- Falcon – (English, French) Falcon, a bird
- Guthrie – (Scottish) Windy place
- Bear – (English, German) Bear, The brown one
- Steel – (British) Like steel
Badass Boy Names from Mythology
- Vulcan – (Latin) To flash
- Hercules – (Greek) Glory of Hera
- Odin – (Old Norse) God of frenzy, Poetic fury
- Poseidon – (Greek) Lord of the Earth, Earth-shaker
- Hades – (Greek) God of the Underworld, Unseen
- Beowulf – (Old English) Bee wolf
- Ragnarok – (Old Norse) Final battle of the Gods
Whimsical Badass Boy Names
- Moxie – (English) Aggressive energy, Driven
- Alvar – (German) Elf warrior
- Scorpio – (Latin) Scorpion
- Dharma – (Sanskrit) Truth
- Marvel – (Spanish) Miracle to marvel at
- Cato – (Latin) All-knowing
- Power – (Latin, English) Might, Strength, Ability
- Channing – (English, Irish) People of Cana, Wolf cub
Royal Badass Boy Names
- Mufasa – (African) King
- Vladimir – (Slavic) Great ruler, Peaceful ruler
- Maddox – (Welsh) Son of Madoc
- Harry – (English) Estate ruler
- Kingsley – (English) King’s meadow
- Duke – (English) British nobleman
- Prince – (Latin) Prince
Cute Badass Boy Names
- Ash – (English) Ash tree
- Boomer – (Dutch) Gatekeeper
- Milo – (Latin, German) Soldier, Merciful
- Rocky – (English, Italian) Rock, Rest
- Monty – (English) Pointed hill
- Beckett – (English, Irish) Bee cottage, Little brook
- Joey – (Hebrew) God will increase
- Roscoe – (Norse) Deer forest
- Pepper – (English, Latin) Hot spice
- Bobby – (Latin) Foreign, Shining glory
- Flash – (American, English) Bright Light
Wrap up
And there you have it: a list of badass boy names and all their individual flavours and edge!
From vintage-sounding throwbacks to current-day hotness, they span the ranger of Badassdom.
What I love about badass names is that they can be steamrollers without being grim, fashion-forward without being faddish, hipsterish without being hipster.
A baby may be cute, but a truly badass name is going to serve your boy well for a lifetime.
Whether it’s by coolness, by strength, by subtlety, or just because it’s so out-there, these badass boy names will be hard to forget.
Happy Naming!
