Bold Boy Names (with Meanings & Popularity)

If you're looking for a pleasing namesake that's more modern than Darrell/Darryl, this would make an excellent choice. Farrell is an Anglicized form of the Irish Fergal, and was well used as a first name into the nineteenth century, before it faded to mostly surname use.

Not for the faint of the baby-naming heart. We also like Brave as a middle name.

Sometimes pronounced MAY-nerd, which is death to a name. However, the name Maynard was given to 25 boys in 2022.

Rose and Briar are popular, and Hawthorn is cool – so why not the equally prickly Thorn? Add an E to give it a surnamey spin.

Jocko is a masculine name that originated as a diminutive form of 'Jack' or 'John.' It has Scottish roots, where it developed as an affectionate nickname. The name carries a playful, energetic quality and has occasionally been used as a nickname for athletes or performers. Jocko has never been widely popular as a formal given name in most English-speaking countries, remaining instead in the realm of nicknames or informal appellations. The name has sporadic usage in Scotland and other parts of the United Kingdom. It has a distinctive, somewhat whimsical character that sets it apart from more conventional names, appealing to parents looking for something with a light-hearted, friendly quality.

Striker is one of the new gang of boys' names that have two syllables, end in -er, spring from words, and have a macho, even aggressive meaning and image. Other examples include Breaker, Heller, and Wilder. Do the world a favor and desist.

As cool as it is frightening.

Similar in sound to the French "Thibault", which is far more popular, Tybalt is best known as the bloodlustful and brawling cousin of Juliet in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Perhaps this connotation has kept parents from using Tybalt. However, given the recent fad for all things Theo, Tybalt might offer a familiar yet unusual option for parents who like the meaning but want to swim against the current. Cute nicknames Ty and Tibby might also appeal.

Ax makes a somewhat threatening short form of the popular Axel, given to more than 3000 baby boys last year. It can also be used on its own, though it usually isn't. There were, however, seven baby boys named Axe in the US in 2015.

This ancient name is that of the hero of the epic Beowulf, which is thought to be the oldest-ever poem in English lit written in the vernacular. J. R. R. Tolkien used the poem as one of his inspirations for The Lord of the Rings.

One "bald" name we can get behind, thanks to pioneering African-American author James Baldwin – though the name is now also associated with the Baldwin brothers, particularly Alec.

Of all the astrological names —think Leo, Aries, Gemini— Scorpio probably has the most dramatically potent presence, which could prove something of a burden to a young boy.

Photographer Newton...or that hard thing you wear on your head.

The surname name Jetson may have originated as a variation on Judson, a patronymic related to Jordan, but it is more familiar to most Americans as the last name of the futuristic cartoon family. Jetson may appeal to parents as a proper form leading to the cool boy nickname Jet.

Starbaby name that might prove too supercharged for real life, but if like director Robert Rodriguez you're interested only in boys' names starting with R, you may need to add Rocket (and Rebel and Racer) to your list.

New twist on Bennett. Mack Sennett was the early movie director known as the innovator of slapstick comedy.

Power is one of the new crop -- Justice, Liberty, Peace -- of strong, clear-cut, declarative choices, though this one carries more assertiveness than virtue.

Word name with an air of mystery and edginess. Influencers Julia and Hunt Havens named their son Smoke Hemmingway in 2023.

Derived from Germanic kuni "clan, family", but also a short form of Konrad, meaning "brave counsel". Konrad I, Duke of Swabia is also known as Kuno of Öhningen.

This variation of Rostam might be more English-friendly given its resemblance to the familiar Russ or Russell.