Picking a name for your baby is a thrilling task, right?
When it came time to name my son, I read baby names like I was about to start a new job.
And even after I had finally found the perfect first name, there was still another step to this puzzle: the middle name.
This is funny because middle names for boys are naming’s mascots.
They don’t always get the spotlight that first names do, but they have that bit of meaning, swagger, personality.
And for boys, a cool, strong middle name is what can complete their full name.
Think about it: A middle name can celebrate a family tradition, a tribute to a dear family member, make a bold statement, or round out a quirky first name.
If you went with a traditional first name such as William, for instance, have some fun with Cruz or Kai in the middle.
Or maybe you’ve chosen a bold and unique name, then a middle name such as James or Thomas gives it a bit of context.
There’s no rule, which is what makes this section of naming so fun.
So whether you’re into something classic, trendy, or out of the box, here’s a list that will leave you inspired.
Let’s get to some of the coolest middle names for boys that you’ll just have to repeat them in your head because they’re so good.
Table of Contents
Popular Middle Names for Boys
- Matthew – (Hebrew) Gift of God
- Anthony – (Latin) From Antium
- Juan – (Spanish, Manx) The Lord is gracious
- Kye – (Welsh, American) Keeper of the keys, Ocean
- Seth – (Hebrew) Placed, Appointed
- Reid – (English) Red-haired
- Jai – (English) Bluebird
- Daniel – (Hebrew) God is my judge
- Lawrence – (Latin) From Laurentium, Bay laurel
- Jack – (English) God is gracious
- Alan – (Irish) Handsome, Little Rock, Deer
- Rhett – (English, Dutch) Advise
- Neil – (Irish) Cloud
- Timothy – (Greek) Honoring God
- Sean – (Irish, Hebrew) God is gracious
- Zain – (Arabic) Beauty, grace
- Kash – (British, German) Box maker, Merry, Lively
- Joe – (Hebrew) God will add
- Bridger – (English) Lives near the bridge
- Kyng – (British) King, Tribal leader
- Pascal – (French) Easter child
- Houston – (Scottish) Hugh’s town
- Chance – (French, English) Chancellor, Good fortune
- Baldwin – (German) Brave friend
- Amen – (Egyptian, Hebrew, Greek) Certainty, Truth, The hidden one
- Timber – (British) Wood
Unique Middle Names for Boys
- Akiro – (Japanese) Bright boy
- Judd – (Hebrew) Flowing down
- Kanye – (Nigeria) Honor, Tribute
- Bandit – (English) Outlaw, Thief
- Dev – (Sanskrit) God
- Vigo – (Italian) Settlement
- Blade – (British) Knife, Sword
- Acre – (English) A unit of land area
- Fiero – (Italian) Proud
- Octavian – (Latin) Eighth
- Endeavour – (English) Challenge, Endeavor
- Zayd – (Arabic) Increase, Growth
- Mario – (Italian) Warlike
- Baron – (English) A lord of the realm
- Achille – (French) Thin-lipped
- Crash – (American) To collide violently
- Gino – (Italian, Greek) Ever-living, Well-born, Noble, Farmer
- Sire – (English) Royalty, Father
- Ax – (Hebrew) Father is peace
- Imre – (Hungarian, German) Strength
- Rush – (English) Basket weaver
- Striker – (English) Aggressive man
- Baird – (Scottish) Minstrel, Poet
- Quay – (French) Wharf
Badass Middle Names for Boys
- Atticus – (Latin) From Attica
- Royal – (English) Royal
- Xavier – (Basque) New house
- Boone – (English, French) Blessing, Lucky
- Nash – (English) By the ash tree
- Knox – (Scottish) Round hill
- Crew – (English) A band, Group of people who work together
- Huck – (British) River bend, Bog, Heart, Mind
- Thiago – (Brazilian, Hebrew) Supplanter, Holder of the heel
- Icarus – (Greek) Follower, The one who reaches the sky
- Brock – (English) Badger
- Tripp – (French) One who tripped
- Sirius – (Latin, Greek) Burning, Glowing, Dog star
- Colt – (British) Young horse
- Story – (English) An account of incidents or events
- Keanu – (Hawaiian) The coolness or The cool breeze
- Talon – (French) Large claw of a bird of prey
- Bruce – (Scottish, English, French) From the brushwood thicket
- Stone – (British) Stone, Dweller by the rocks
- Gage – (French) Oath, Pledge
- Bjorn – (Swedish) Bear
- Argo – (Greek) Shining, Glistening
- Severus – (Latin) Stern
- Blaise – (Latin) One who stutters
- Saber – (French) Sword, Patient
- Noble – (Latin) Aristocratic
- Urban – (Latin) Of the city
- Mack – (Scottish, Irish) Son of
- Steel – (British) Like steel
- Ransom – (English) Shield’s son
- Fitz – (Scottish) Son of
- Booker – (English) Scribe
Cool Middle Names for Boys
- Oliver – (Latin) Olive tree
- Louis – (German, French) Renowned warrior
- Apollo – (Greek) Destroyer
- Luke – (Greek) Man from Lucania
- Ignatius – (Latin) Fiery
- Patrick – (Latin) Noble, Patrician
- Matthias – (Aramaic) Gift of God
- Clark – (English) Scribe, Cleric, Scholar
- Lorenzo – (Italian) From Laurentium
- Marcel – (French) Little warrior
- Wayne – (English) Maker of wagons
- Oscar – (English, Irish) God spear, Deer-lover or Champion warrior
- Flint – (English) Born near outcrop of flint
- Giovanni – (Italian) God is gracious
- Ezio – (Italian, Greek) Eagle
- Ruben – (Hebrew) Behold, a son
- Justus – (Latin) Just
- Locke – (English) Enclosure, Fortified place
- Tom – (Aramaic) Twin
- Zeus – (Greek) Sky, Shine
- Carlos – (Spanish) Free man
- Hawk – (British) Hawk, a bird, Bird of prey
- Link – (British) Ring, Link
- Obsidian – (Latin) Of Obsidius, A type of volcanic glass
- Jimmy – (Hebrew) Supplanter
- Hans – (German) God is gracious
- Brick – (English) Good person, Building stone
- Wilder – (German) Untamed, Wild
- Rock – (English) Rock, Rest
Modern Middle Names for Boys
- Truett – (English) Dry wood, River bend
- Joaquin – (Hebrew, Spanish) God will judge, Established by God
- Creed – (British) Guiding principle, Doctrine, Belief
- Rune – (English) Secret
- King – (English) Monarch
- Lebron – (French) Brown-haired one
- Fynn – (Irish) Bright, Fair
- Drake – (English) Dragon, Male duck
- Kaiser – (German) Emperor
- Cannon – (British) Rule, Discipline, Wolf cub
- Darwin – (English) Dear friend
- Roan – (Irish, Scottish) Little redhead
- Macklin – (Scottish) Son of the servant of Saint John
- Case – (British) Case-maker
- Pike – (American) Pike, a fish
- Makai – (Hebrew) Who is like God
- Shaquille – (Arabic) Well developed, Handsome
- Jeter – (French) To throw, Stone, Rock
- Sir – (British) Honorable masculine title
- Landry – (French, English) Ruler
- Everest – (British) Dweller on the Eure River
- Cru – (French) A high-quality vineyard, Weir
- Denver – (English, French) Green valley, From Anvers
- Ridge – (British) An elevated body part or structure
- Knowledge – (English) The information and understanding gained from experience or education
- Swift – (English, Irish) Quick, Windblown
- Austen – (Latin) Great, Magnificent
- Kolt – (English) Young horse
- Wiley – (Scottish, German, English) Resolute protection, From Wylye
- Porter – (English, French) Doorkeeper or carrier
- Kingsley – (English) King’s meadow
- Rome – (Latin) Citizen of Rome, From Rome, Italy
- Cruz – (Spanish) Cross
- Koen – (Dutch) Bold advisor
- Radley – (English) Red meadow
Short Middle Names for Boys
- Zane – (Hebrew, Arabic) God is gracious, Beauty
- Lev – (Hebrew, Russian) Heart, Lion
- Ralph – (English, German) Wolf-counsel
- Mac – (Scottish, Irish) Son of
- Kane – (Celtic) Warrior
- Paul – (Latin) Small
- Frank – (German, French) Frenchman, Free man
- Zev – (Hebrew) Wolf
- Emil – (Latin) Rival
- Oz – (Hebrew) Strength, Powerful, Courageous
- Leif – (Scandinavian) Heir, Descendant
- Ben – (Hebrew) Son of
- Dax – (French) Leader
- Art – (Irish) Noble one, Bear man, Champion
- Wes – (British) Western meadow
- Jed – (Hebrew) Beloved of God
- Finn – (Irish) White, Fair
- Rhys – (Welsh) Ardor
- Hale – (English) Someone who lives in a hollow
- Xan – (Greek) Defending men
- Dart – (British, French) Oak, Small pointed missile thrown by hand
- Penn – (English) Enclosure
- Pax – (Latin) Peace
- Leon – (Greek) Lion
- Shawn – (Hebrew) God is gracious
- Jon – (Hebrew) God is gracious, God has given
- Dan – (Hebrew) God is my judge
- Leo – (Latin) Lion
- Gus – (Latin) Majestic, Exalted, Of Augustus
- Fox – (English) Fox, a bushy tailed wild animal
- Poe – (English) Peacock
- Tai – (Chinese) Great extreme
- Mae – (Hebrew) Bitter, Pearl, Beloved, Month of May
Classic Middle Names for Boys
- Theodore – (Greek) Gift of God
- Samuel – (Hebrew) Told by God
- Andrew – (Greek) Strong, Manly
- Peter – (Greek) Rock, Stone
- Adam – (Hebrew) Son of the red earth
- Russell – (French) Redhead, Fox-colored
- David – (Hebrew) Beloved
- Richard – (German) Dominant ruler
- Mark – (Latin) Warlike
- Carl – (German) Free man
- Thomas – (Aramaic) Twin
- Kent – (English, Celtic, Irish) Edge, Fair, Handsome, Born of fire
- Allen – (English, Scottish) Handsome, Cheerful
- Bishop – (British) Bishop, Overseer
- Niles – (Scandinavian) Son of Neil
- Steve – (Greek) Garland, Crown, Wreath of honor
- Burton – (English) Fortified enclosure
- Freeman – (English) Free man
- Crosby – (Irish) Village with crosses
- Ames – (Latin) Friend
- Yann – (French, Breton) God is gracious
- Vaughn – (Welsh) Small
- John – (Hebrew) God is gracious
- Basil – (Greek) Royal
- Hart – (English) Stag
- Benjamin – (Hebrew) Son of the right hand
- Joseph – (Hebrew) He shall add, God shall add
- Odysseus – (Greek) Wrathful
- Charles – (German) Free man
- Edward – (British) Wealthy guard
- Alonzo – (Italian) Noble, Ready
- Hamilton – (English, Scottish) Treeless hill
- Sly – (Latin) Wooded, Forest, Skillful, Crafty, Cunning
- Pierce – (English) Son of Piers
- Early – (British) Eagle wood
- Vern – (English) Place of alders
- Chan – (Cambodian) Sweet-smelling tree
- Reason – (French, English) Of raison, Reasoning
- Sayer – (English) Woodcutter, Reciter
Elegant Middle Names for Boys
- William – (German) Resolute protection
- Vincent – (Latin) Conquering
- Hugh – (English, German) Mind, Intellect
- Grant – (Scottish, French) Large
- Amadeus – (Latin) Lover of God
- Hector – (Greek) Holding fast
- Eugene – (Greek) Wellborn, Noble
- Ulysses – (Latin) Of Odysseus, Voyage, Wrathful
- Santiago – (Latin) Saint James
- Leonidas – (Greek) Lion
- Thelonious – (Latin, German) Lord, People
- Ciro – (Italian) Sun
- Benicio – (Spanish) Blessed
- Ettore – (Italian) Holds fast
- Emiliano – (Italian, Spanish, Latin) Work
- Piers – (Greek) Rock
- Faro – (Italian) Lighthouse
- Clint – (British) Fenced settlement, Settlement on the River Glyme
- Epiphany – (Greek) Manifestation, Vision of God, Bringing light
- Michelangelo – (Italian) The messenger who is like God
- Ean – (Scottish) God is gracious
- Dean – (English) Church official
- Gianni – (Italian) God is gracious
- Robert – (English, German) Bright fame
- Lionel – (French) Young lion
Nature Inspired Middle Names for Boys
- Cale – (Hebrew) Dog, Wholehearted
- Everett – (German) Brave boar
- Falcon – (English, French) Falcon, a bird
- Branch – (English, French) Paw, Branch of a tree
- Guido – (Italian) Guide, leader
- Crue – (Welsh) Weir, Crossing
- Federico – (Italian, German) Of Frederick, Peaceful ruler
- Bourbon – (British) Henry V Duke of Bourbon
- Enrico – (Spanish) Ruler of the home
- Cloud – (English, German) Visible vapor, Man of great wisdom
- Donato – (Latin) Given by God
- Hiawatha – (Iroquois) He makes rivers
- Folke – (Scandinavian) People’s guardian
- Calvert – (English) Calf herder
- Fort – (French) Strong
- Donte – (Italian) Lasting
- Wade – (English) At the river crossing
- Elder – (British) Elder tree, Revered one
- Cub – (English) Young lion, cub or fox
- Bridge – (British) Lives near the bridge
- Coal – (British) Rocky
- Dice – (British) Dice, Chance, Luck
- Mountain – (English) Mountain
- Albany – (Latin) From Alba
- French – (British) Frankish, From France
- Hubertus – (Latin, German) Bright, Shining intellect
- Brace – (English) To prepare, To strengthen
- Koi – (Japanese) Carp
- Calm – (English) Peaceful, Quiet
Hipster Middle Names for Boys
- Felix – (Latin) Happy, fortunate
- Cyrus – (Persian) Sun
- Henry – (German) Estate ruler
- Otto – (German) Wealthy
- Simon – (Hebrew, Greek) He has heard, Flat-nosed
- Harrison – (English) Son of Harry
- Calvin – (Latin) Bald, Hairless
- Winston – (English) Wine’s town
- Moss – (English) Descendant of Moses
- Whistler – (English) One who whistles
- Leopold – (German) Brave people
- Thor – (Norse, Scandinavian) Thunder
- Jasper – (Persian) Bringer of treasure
- Lennox – (Scottish) Elm grove
- Orion – (Greek) Heaven’s light
- Wesley – (English) Western meadow
- Mccoy – (Irish) Fire
- Bodhi – (Sanskrit) Awakening, Enlightenment
- Cairo – (Arabic) The strong
- Puck – (Irish) Goblin, Sprite
- George – (English, Greek) Farmer
- Nile – (English) Dark blue, Indigo
- Lyle – (Scottish, English, French) Someone who lives on an island
- Wolf – (German) Wolf
- Fionn – (Irish) Fair or white
- Leaf – (Scandinavian) Heir
- Myles – (Latin) Soldier
- Grove – (English) Grove of trees
- Canyon – (Spanish) Footpath
- Bear – (English, German) Bear, The brown one
Word Inspired Middle Names for Boys
- Clay – (British) Clay worker, Mortal
- Arc – (English) Part of a curve, Electrical discharge between 2 electrodes
- Suede – (French) Swedish
- Dagger – (English) A sharp pointed short knife
- Paradox – (English) A logically self-contradictory statement/situation
- Worth – (English) Enclosure, Homestead
- Price – (Welsh) Son of Rhys
- Count – (English) Nobleman
- Abacus – (English) An instrument for making arithmetic calculations
- Smoke – (English) A visible suspension of airborne particles and gases
- Zio – (Italian) Uncle
- Keen – (English, Irish) Bold, Battle
- Bronze – (English) A yellow, brown alloy of copper
- Alp – (Turkish) Hero
- Reyes – (Spanish) Kings, Royalty
- Anchor – (British) Stability
- Polo – (Tibetan) Brave wanderer
- Nacho – (Spanish) Fiery
- Judge – (French) Judge
- Cap – (French) Chaplain
- Kaizer – (German, Latin) Emperor, Hairy
- Javelin – (Latin) A lightweight throwing spear
- Gauge – (British) Measure, Pledge
- Vice – (English) Moral depravity or corruption
- Terre – (French) Earth
- Bravo – (Italian, Spanish) Good, Skillful, Courageous, Wild
- Sheikh – (Arabic) Leader
- Cage – (English) Prison, Confining structure with bars
- Davenport – (French) From the Dane river
Celebrity Inspired Middle Names for Boys
- Burke – (French) From the fortress
- Olaf – (Norse) Ancestor’s relic
- Knight – (English) A mounted man-at-arms serving a feudal superior
- Breaker – (English) One who breaks something
- Clancy – (Irish) Red-haired warrior
- Joon – (Korean) Ruler, Talented, Handsome
- Kipling – (English) Curer of salmon or herring
- Mowgli – (Literary) Frog, Main character in The Jungle Book
- Doc – (American) Doctor
- Knute – (Norse) Knot
- Bardo – (Aboriginal, Irish) Water, Minstrel
- Tadeusz – (Polish) Gift of God
- Edon – (Irish, Hebrew) Little fire, Era
- Gabo – (Hebrew) God is my strength
- Miklos – (Hungarian) People of victory
- Ranier – (German) Deciding warrior
- Armistead – (English) Hermit’s place
- Genghis – (Mongolian) Universal ruler
- Red – (British, Scottish) Red-haired, Clearing, River reed
- Raj – (Sanskrit) King
- Yates – (English) Gate
- Blues – (American) Blue color, Form of music
- Czar – (Balkan) Caesar, Ruler
- Free – (English) A free man, Independent
Whimsical Middle Names for Boys
- Aquarius – (Latin) Water carrier
- Brandt – (German) Dweller on burnt land
- Dharma – (Sanskrit) Truth
- Mariano – (Italian, Spanish, Portuguese) Relating to the god Mars
- Ry – (British) Horseman
- Champ – (British) Warrior, Free man
- Fortitude – (English) Mental strength in pain or adversity
- Angel – (English) Angel
- Sincere – (American) Sincere, Pure, Honest
- Kael – (Irish) Slender
- Ranger – (French) Forest guardian
- Janak – (Indian) Creator
- Strong – (British) Powerful
- Power – (Latin, English) Might, Strength, Ability
Cute Middle Names for Boys
- Hank – (German) Estate ruler
- Trip – (British) Traveler
- Jax – (British) Son of Jack, Supplanter, Holder of the Heel
- Gray – (British) Gray-haired
- Sonny – (English) Son
- Lincoln – (English) Town by the pool
- Dash – (American) To run quickly, Young lad, Bloke
- Jace – (Greek) Healer, Lord of salvation
- Oak – (British) Oak, Oak tree
- Will – (German) Desiring protection, Helmet protection
- Lucky – (American) Fortunate
- Hodge – (English) Son of Roger
Unisex Middle Names for Boys
- Taj – (Arabic) Crown
- Prince – (Latin) Prince
- Wilde – (English) Undomesticated, Uncultivated
- Neal – (Irish) Cloud
- Kerr – (Scottish) Living near wet ground
- Marti – (Catalan) Warlike
- Yale – (Welsh) Vigorous, Fertile
- Peak – (British) Pointed tip of mountain
- Malone – (Irish) Devotee of St. John, Church going
- Tempo – (Italian) Time
- Beach – (English) A shore of a body of water
- Land – (German, English) Territory, Ground, Long hill
- Curry – (English, Irish) Hill hollow, Descendant of Comhraidhe
- Stark – (English) Strong, Firm, Sturdy
- Pace – (Hebrew) Passover, Peace, Peaceful one
- Witt – (English) Keen intelligence
- Tower – (English) A tall, narrow building
- Hobson – (English) Son of Robert
Wrap Up
So I hope this boys middle name list inspired you and has given you a new perspective on how you could make your son’s name complete.
Whether you’ve chosen a name to celebrate a special family member, such as Alexander or John, or something contemporary and adventurous like Dash or Maverick, there is a middle name for you.
Remember, the middle name is a chance to be playful or sentimental, to make a statement or shine a few feathers.
It’s a name your son will remember, even if not every day.
So go easy, play around with it, and don’t be afraid to select something that has meaning for you.
Have fun with it, and happy naming!
