Bold Boy Names (with Meanings & Popularity)

  1. Diablo
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "devil"
    • Description:

      The Spanish word for "devil" makes for a very daring baby name, but in the era of babies names Hades, Azrael, Loki and even Lucifer, it feels like a plausible possibility. Indeed, 5 baby boys were named Diablo in 1975 – the only year the name has made the US extended list for either sex.
  2. Scorpio
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "scorpion"
    • Description:

      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.
  3. Allard
    • Origin:

      French and English surname
    • Meaning:

      "noble and brave"
    • Description:

      Derived from the personal name Adalhard.
  4. Eagle
    • Origin:

      Nature name
    • Meaning:

      "eagle, a bird"
    • Description:

      Solemn but soaring name with patriotic symbolism.
  5. Boulder
    • Origin:

      Nature name
    • Description:

      A tough and rugged nature name.
  6. Jimbo
    • Description:

      Jimbo is a masculine name that originated as a familiar, affectionate nickname for James. With English-American origins, it combines the shortened form 'Jim' with the suffix 'bo,' which was a popular addition to nicknames in the southern United States. This playful diminutive has occasionally been used as a given name in its own right, particularly in the late 20th century when informal names gained acceptance. Jimbo conveys a friendly, approachable quality with a distinctly casual American flair. While not commonly found on birth certificates, it maintains popularity as a nickname and carries associations with down-to-earth warmth and unpretentious charm. The name has folksy appeal and projects an easygoing personality.
  7. Jocko
    • Description:

      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.
  8. Epic
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Description:

      Epic feels like it could be the boys' version of Saga. Epic poetry tells some of our most celebrated stories - from Beowulf and the Odyssey, to the Divine Comedy and Paradise Lost. Despite being short, Epic is a lot of name, so it might be a choice for an adventurous middle name.
  9. Vivid
    • Origin:

      English from Latin
    • Meaning:

      "bright, bold"
  10. Brazen
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "bold"
    • Description:

      A new, rising word name for boys that has the advantage of sharing sounds with more common names like Bryson and Braydon. And the disadvantage of getting confused with them.
  11. Cort
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "brave"
    • Description:

      Short and curt.
  12. Hardy
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "bold, brave"
    • Description:

      Hardy is a spirited and durable un-Germanic German surname that is starting to be used in this country.
  13. Grizzly
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "gray"
    • Description:

      Now that Bear is becoming a hot name, can Grizzly be far behind? A handful of baby boys did get this name last year in the US.
  14. Rustam
    • Origin:

      Persian
    • Meaning:

      "tall, strongly-built, brave"
    • Description:

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

      Italian, Spanish, Portuguese
    • Meaning:

      "strong as a bear"
    • Description:

      This Latinate form of Bernard hovered in the lower regions of the US Top 1000 from the late 1940s until 2006, possibly inspired by the character in West Side Story. It remains popular in Portugal and it does have a little more flair than the grandpa style Bernard.
  16. Wild
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      Asking for trouble.
  17. Rodolfo
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "bold wolf"
    • Description:

      Romanticizes Rudolph and distances the name from the red-nosed reindeer. After remaining steadily in the US Top 500 for much of the twentieth century, Rodolfo has been slipping of late.
  18. Power
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

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

      Greek, first letter of the alphabet
    • Description:

      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.
  20. Nandor
    • Origin:

      Hungarian, Scandinavian
    • Meaning:

      "bold voyager"
    • Description:

      Interesting and energetic international form of Ferdinand.

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