165+ Tough, Badass Boy Names (That You Didn't Know Were In) (2024)

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Searching for badass boy names for your little one that are tough and edgy, but still cute? Then pull up a seat, mama, because you’re in the right place. I’m a baby names expert and here are my top picks for badass baby boy names in 2023.

Originally Published Mar 7, 2022 ・ Updated Sept 27, 2023

What is an edgy boy name, exactly?

Edgy boy names typically use some of the less common letters in them like z and x: Zephyr, Zion, Onyx, Kendrix, Axel, Phoenix and Knox.

The badass feel of a name can also come from its meaning. The name Odin comes from Old Norse: it means lord of frenzy and has serious viking vibes. Kane means warrior, and Arno is German for eagle.

Names with aristocratic vibes like like Reign, Kingston and Cash are another direction to go when choosing an edgy boy name.

There are so many different places to dig for inspiration when it comes to searching for badass boy names – and this baby names list does just that!

Here’s what’s in store –

Modern Badass Baby Boy Names

Badass Place-Inspired Baby Names

Unique Badass Baby Boy Names

Rare Badass Boy Names

Badass Celebrity Boy Names

Badass Viking Names

Boy Names with Badass Meanings

Modern Badass Baby Boy Names

Some of our top picks when it comes to choosing a badass name for your little babe, these tough boy names are in style in 2023.

Picked from United States’ Social Security Administration baby name data for 2022, these names are either in the ranks of the top 100, or found on the list of top-movers; baby names that increased in popularity over the past year.

Lennox

Origin: Scottish origin
Meaning: elm grove
Rank: #254
About: Isn’t there just something so edgy and unique about a boy’s name with an x?

Grey

Origin: English
Meaning: a neutral color
Rank: #716
About: This Americana boy’s name has only recently made its way on to the baby names charts in the US, first cracking the top 1000 in 2013, and gaining steam ever since. For middle names, you could either lean towards a more traditional, classic boy’s name like Grey Alexander, go Biblical with Grey Elijah or Grey Malachi, or turn up the tough by pairing it with another name from this list, like Ledger.

Hayes

Origin: English origin
Meaning: hedged area
Rank: #229

Zayn

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God’s gracious gift
Rank: #281

Wilder

Origin: English
Meaning: untamed
Rank: #368

Koa

Origin: Hawaiin
Meaning: warrior
Rank: #546

Jett

Origin: British, English
Meaning: a type of black gemstone similar to onyx, or referring to an airplane, also known as a jet
Rank: #244

Axel

Origin: Danish
Meaning: father of peace
Rank: #76

Lincoln

Origin: English
Meaning: the lake settlement
Rank: #45

Beau

Origin: French origin
Meaning: beautiful, or romantic partner
Rank: #94

Carter

Origin: Scottish, English, Irish origin
Meaning:one who transports goods by cart
Rank: #39

Ever

Origin: American
Meaning: always
Rank: > 1000

Cruz

Origin: Old English
Meaning: brave or fierce person
Rank: #297

Mack

Origin: Scottish/Irish
Meaning: son of or greatest
Rank: #470

Asher

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: happy, blessed
Rank: #25

Arlo

Origin: Old English
Meaning: rock hill
Rank: #190

Zayden

Origin: Arabic origin
Meaning: to increase
Rank: #204

Maverick

Origin: American
Meaning: independent
Rank: #47

Easton

Origin: Scottish/English
Meaning: from the east settlement
Rank: #70

Oscar

Origin: Scandinavian, Irish
Meaning: God’s spear, or deer lover
Rank: #226

Roman

Origin: Latin
Meaning: citizen of Rome; from Rome
Rank: #75

Crew

Origin: English
Meaning: a group of people
Rank: #267

Onyx

Origin: Greek
Meaning: nail, strong or a black gemstone
Rank: #355

Knox

Origin: Scottish
Meaning: from the small hill
About: Although this name has a meaning all on its own, it could also be associated with badass, Johnny Knoxville, or be thought of to give off western vibes when connected to Knoxville, Tennessee
Rank: #200

Otto

Origin: German
Meaning: wealth
Rank: #309

Stone

Origin: British
Meaning: dweller by the rocks\
Rank: #982

Tripp

Origin: English
Meaning: traveller
Rank: #436

Lennox

Origin: Scottish, Gaelic
Meaning: elm grove
Rank: #248

Otis

Cool Place-Inspired Baby Boy Names

Our next set of the best badass boy are place names – names inspired by cities, countries, continents and more, from around the world.

Perfect for the parents who love to travel, these cool & unique baby names make a great choice –

Rhodes

Origin: Greek origin
Meaning: where roses grow
Rank: > 1000
About: One of the famous Greek islands

Zealand

Origin: Dutch
Meaning: sea land
Rank: > 1000

Camden

Origin: Scottish
Meaning: winding valley
Rank: #175
About: A borough in London famous for the Camden Market, one of the world’s most lively and bustling outdoor markets

Jasper

Origin: Persian
Meaning: treasurer
Rank: #128
About: A national park in the Canadian Rocky Mountains

Bronx

Origin: American
Meaning: Bronck’s Land
Rank: > 1000
About: A borough in New York

York

Origin: British
Meaning: boar settlement
Rank: > 1000
About: Part of the word New York

Rome

Origin: Latin
Meaning: citizen of Rome
Rank: #656
About: The capital city of Italy

Berlin

Origin: German
Meaning: borderline or river rake
Rank: > 1000
About: Germany’s capital

Everest

Origin: British
Meaning: dweller of the Eure river
Rank: #832
About: Mount Everest is the world’s highest mountain

Zion

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: the highest point
Rank: #144
About: A place in the Bible referred to as the “city of refuge”

Denver

Origin: French, English
Meaning: green valley
Rank: #480
About: A city in the state of Colorado where the Rocky Mountains are visible

Cairo

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: victorious
Rank: #306
About: The capital of Egypt, on the Nile River

Atlas

Origin: Greek
Meaning: to carry
Rank: #129
About: Literally, an atlas is a book of maps or charts

Francisco

Origin: Latin
Meaning: free man
Rank: #288
About: This name was a top pick by UK-based professional baby namer, SJ Strum
Nicknames: Frankie, Frank

Unique Badass Baby Boy Names

Next up – badass baby names that are totally unique & uncommon. Outside of the ranks of the top 100 most popular baby names for boys in the US, these unique baby boy names are less commonly used, but all still have edgy vibes.

If it’s important to you that your little guy is the only one in his class with his name, these picks are great baby names for you to consider –

Ziggy

Origin: Old German
Meaning: victorious protector
Rank: > 1000

Wilde

Origin: old German
Meaning: hunter
Rank: > 1000

Hugo

Origin: Old German
Meaning: heart or mind
Rank: #434

Lane

Origin: Finnish/Estonian or English
Meaning: waveorpath or roadway
Rank: #261

Tatum

Origin: Old English
Meaning: bringer of joy
Rank: #385

Kit

Origin: Greek
Meaning: carrier of Christ
Rank: > 1000

Ace

Origin: Latin
Meaning: one, unity
Rank: #156

Zeus

Origin: Greek
Meaning: sky, shine
Rank: > 1000
About: A Greek mythology great, the name Zeus is an incredibly rare name choice

Bjorn

Origin: Scandinavian origin
Meaning: bear
Rank: #766

Cyrus

Origin: Persian
Meaning: sun
Rank: #350

Sonny

Origin: English
Meaning: son
Rank: #497

Royal

Origin: French, British
Meaning: kingly one
Rank: #370

Max

Origin: Germanic/English
Meaning: greatest
Rank: #159

Legend

Origin: English
Meaning: a semi-mythical story passed down through generations
Rank: #132

Zeke

Origin: Germanic/Hebrew
Meaning: God strengthens, short for Ezekiel
Rank: #619

Archie

Origin: English
Meaning: genuine, bold, short for Archibald
Rank: #399

Chase

Origin: Old English
Meaning: to hunt
Rank: #125

Knox

Origin: Scottish
Meaning: from the small hill
Rank: #221

Milo

Origin: Latin origin
Meaning: dear, beloved
Rank: #127

Jax

Origin: English
Meaning: God is gracious
Rank: #243

Bodhi

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: awakening or enlightenment
Rank: #284

Nash

Origin: English
Meaning: by the ash tree
Rank: #233

Beckett

Origin: English
Meaning: dweller by the brook
Rank: #198

Tanner

Rare Badass Boy Names

Next up, these super cool yet rare baby boy names all fall outside of the top 1000 most popular baby names for boys in the US, bestowing them with a classification of truly unique, or rare:

Slade

Origin: English
Meaning: valley
Rank: > 1000

Trigg

Origin: English
Meaning: trustworthy, faithful
Rank: > 1000

Roscoe

Origin: Scandinavian
Meaning: deer wood
Rank: > 1000

Tave

Origin: Latin
Meaning: eighth
About: A totally unique nickname for Gustav, this name was a top pick by baby names YouTuber, Heidi, from Baby Names Sunday
Rank: > 1000

Arrow

Origin: English
Meaning: a projectile fired from a bow
Rank: > 1000

Hendrick

Origin: Danish/Old German
Meaning: home leader
Rank: > 1000

Mooney

Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: the wealthy one
Rank: > 1000

Vaughn

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: little
Rank: > 1000

Marlo

Origin: Old English
Meaning: driftwood
Rank: > 1000

Wolfgang

Origin: German
Meaning: wolf’s path
Rank: > 1000

Kendrix

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: bold ruler
Rank: > 1000

Dune

Origin: Dutch, French
Meaning: a mound or ridge of sand formed by the wind, especially on a coast or in the desert
Rank: > 1000

Yates

Origin: English
Meaning: the gates
About: This unique name could also be referencing Richard Yates, a famous early American author
Rank: > 1000

Flint

Origin: English
Meaning: a type of hard rock
Rank: > 1000

Chief

Origin: American
Meaning: leader
Rank: > 1000

Beck

Origin: Germanic/Hebrew
Meaning: stream
Rank: > 1000

Rockwell

Origin: English
Meaning: rock spring
Rank: > 1000

Holt

Origin: Old English
Meaning: small wood or grove of trees
Rank: > 1000

Zephyr

Origin: Greek
Meaning: west wind
Rank: > 1000

Linus

Origin: Greek
Meaning: flax colored
Rank: > 1000

Celebrity & Movie-Inspired Badass Boy Names

Is reality tv your guilty pleasure? This next group of rare baby boy names is inspired by some of our favorite celebs, movies and stars:

North

Origin: English
Meaning: a family who lived in the North; also, a baby name used by Kim Kardashian and Kanye West
Rank: > 1000

Jethro

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: overflow
Rank: > 1000
About: The ultimate tough boy name, the name Jethro could be thought of as an ode to the British rock mega-band, Jethro Tull, famous for songs like Locomotive and Aqualung.

Wolfe

Origin: English
Meaning: wolf-like
Rank: > 1000

Ledger

Origin: Germanic
Meaning: spear tribe
Rank: #574

Lennon

Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: lover
Rank: #670

Fox

Origin: English
Meaning: wild animal
Rank: #939
About: Aussie health & fitness blogger, Sarah’s Day, named her first born Fox Ocean in 2019.

Beckham

Origin: English
Meaning: homestead by the stream
Rank: #222

Reign

Origin: American
Meaning: to rule
Rank: #608

Cash

Origin: English
Meaning: maker of chests
Rank: #253

Jagger

Origin: Old English
Meaning: one who manages a pack of horses
Rank: #771
About: A rock band relic, the name Jagger is seriously edgy & cool

Chicago

Origin: Native American
Meaning: onion or skunk
Rank: > 1000
About: Kim Kardashian & Kanye West’s baby girl born in 2018, this cool & unique first name is actually used for both boys & girls

Phoenix

Origin: Greek
Meaning: dark red
Rank: #248
About: 2000s era socialite, Paris Hilton, named her first born Phoenix in early 2023

Bowie

Origin: Gaelic origin
Meaning: fair-haired
Rank: #950

Bourne

Origin: British
Meaning: stream
Rank: > 1000

Bond

Origin: English
Meaning: peasant farmer, but also referencing James Bond
Rank: > 1000

Badass Boy Names Inspired by Vikings

Our next set of the best badass boy names is inspired by male characters from Nordic folklore:

Magnus

Origin: Latin
Meaning: great
Rank: #728

Rune

Origin: Old Norse
Meaning: secret
Rank: > 1000

Odin

Origin: Scandinavian
Meaning: frenzy or rage
Rank: #330

Erik

Origin: Old Norse
Meaning: eternal ruler
Rank: #432

Arne

Origin: Old Norse
Meaning: eagle
Rank: > 1000

Harald

Origin: Scandinavian, German, English
Meaning: war chief
Rank: > 1000

Baby Boy Names with Badass Meanings

Next up, these cool boy names all have a strong meaning – they’re totally powerful boy names, hand-picked for your little fighter:

Brantley

Origin: Old Norse
Meaning: fiery torch; field
Rank: #268

Enzo

Origin: Italian
Meaning: ruler of the estate
Rank: #139

Cade

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: battle leader
Rank: #292

Leo

Origin: German
Meaning: lion
Rank: #31

Callum

Origin: Celtic
Meaning: brave warrior
Rank: #249

Wyatt

Origin: Old English
Meaning: brave in the world
Rank: #29

Harvey

Origin: Breton, Celtic, French
Meaning: battle worthy
Rank: #403

Caden

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: spirit of battle
Rank: #230

Gideon

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: great warrior
Rank: #333

Kaiden

Origin: Arabic, Celtic, English
Meaning: warrior
Rank: #167

Luther

Origin: Old Norse
Meaning: army leader
Rank: > 1000

Milo

Origin: Germanic
Meaning: soldier
Rank: #120

Patton

Origin: English
Meaning: fighter’s town
Rank: > 1000

Harvey

Origin: French, Celtic
Meaning: battle worthy
Rank: #403

Bertrand

Origin: German
Meaning: glorious raven
Rank: > 1000

Everett

Origin: English
Meaning: brave as a wild boar
Rank: #81

Farris

Origin: English
Meaning: iron strong
Rank: > 1000

Nolan

Origin: Irish
Meaning: champion
Rank: #65
About: This Irish boy name is totally a classic name, while still being a super popular choice in 2023

Finley

Origin: Scottish, Irish
Meaning: blonde warrior]
Rank: #282 (#218 for girls)

Griffith

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: strong chief
Rank: > 1000

Wrapping Up

From the rugged allure of Maverick to the edgy feel of Maddox, each name in this collection has the power to make a seriously bold statement and leave a lasting impression.

Whether you’re a modern mama hunting through badass boy names hoping to find something that just feels different, or your little one already has a special story to tell – remember to have fun with the whole baby naming process!

For more unique baby name ideas, check out this list of baby boy names inspired by places around the world, unique boy names that are actually last names, or these old money baby names.

Even more baby name inspo:

☁️ 105+ Whimsical Boy Names That Will *Definitely* Inspire You

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☁️185+ Vintage Boy Names (Old Fashioned Names I *Love*)