Boy Names Lists · Name Image
Bold Boy Names (with Meanings & Popularity)
Across 10 pages
of 10
Rustam
Persian
"tall, strongly-built, brave"
This variation of Rostam might be more English-friendly given its resemblance to the familiar Russ or Russell.
Theobald
German
"courageous people"
This is one of the least known or used of the Theo names, quite possibly because of its last syllable. In Samuel Butler's 1903 novel The Way of All Flesh , there is a clergyman character named…
Thorin
Norse and Scandinavian
"thunder or brave and daring"
Some sources give Thorin as a variation of the thunder god name Thor, equivalent to Thoren, while others says it comes from the verb að þora, meaning "to dare." This is a dwarf's name that first…
Valiant
English word name from Latin
"brave"
While still very rare, the name Valiant was given to six baby boys in the US last year. And it's an inspiring choice.
Valor
Word name
"courage and bravery"
This modern virtue name gives a nod to ancient chivalry and could also work as an updated form of the classic Victor. A bold choice, but one that an increasing number of parents have been making in…
Vikram
Hindi
"valorous"
Another traditional Indian name, best known here via novelist Vikram Seth.
Willard
English from German
"resolutely brave"
Unfortunate identification with an army of rats in the movie of the same name.
Draco
Greek from Latin
"dragon"
For as long as we all shall live, Harry Potter's sneering nemesis.
Lucifer
Latin
"light-bearer"
Lucifer is the name of the archangel cast into hell and while theologians disagree on whether he and Satan are separate beings, it long been on the list of forbidden names for religious and…
Adventure
English word name
"an exciting experience or undertaking that is typically bold or risky"
A wild word name, associated with risk taking, thrill, discovery, and exploration, Adventure has yet to appear in the US stats, though in a recent year, Venture was chosen for 16 boys and Quest for…
Venture
Diminutive of Bonaventure, English word name
"fortune; new, exciting, and dangerous project"
A distinctive word name or a short form of the Italian Bonaventura, Venture could make a bold choice, similar in style to Knight, Worthy, Brave, Truth, and Valor. It has been given to around 10 boys…
Slate
Word name
One of the more unusual of the current crop of strong, single-syllable boys' names, evoking the images of both old-fashioned blackboards and modern stepping-stones and countertops.
Cyan
English
"greenish blue color"
Cyan is a highly unusual blue-green color name, a classmate of Celadon and Cerulean. It does come with the homey nickname Cy.
Flint
English
"born near outcrop of flint"
Flint is one of the new macho names on the rise today, part old-school tough guy, part rebel. You won't find a tougher, steelier-sounding name; it's part of a genre on the rise along with cousins…
Ajax
Greek mythology name
"mourner, earth land"
Ajax is the name of two Greek heroes, both who fought in the Trojan war and feature in Homer's "Iliad". Distinctive yet familiar in sound, thanks to similar choices like Jack, Asa, and Ajay, Ajax is…
Alamo
Place-name, Spanish
"poplar tree"
The unique O-ending makes this name memorable, especially for someone with ties to Texas.
Alpha
Greek, first letter of the alphabet
Over 50 baby boys were named Alpha last year, along with eight baby girls. Expect a lifetime of "alpha male" jokes, which could prove daunting or confidence-building for your own little Alpha.
Ax
Word name or short form of Axel
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…
Ziggy
German, diminutive of Siegfried and Sigmund
"victorious peace; victorious protection; victory"
Perhaps the ultimate nicknamey name, Ziggy manages to sound cool, cutesy, spiky, and energetic all at once. It brings to mind the glam-rock of Bowie's Ziggy Stardust and the cool vibes of reggae…
Boss
English word name
If you like the idea of King and Prince but find them too regal, too royalist, this might be the name for you. Eight boys were called Boss in a recent year, and while it may feel like a totally…