Bold Boy Names (with Meanings & Popularity)

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 Theobald Pontifex.

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.

The name of a monk who is the patron saint of blacksmiths -- not a twentieth-century occupation or baby name.

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.

Love the popular Noah but want to make it more distinctive? You can vary it to Noam, and going all the way to Noaz takes it from distinctive to unique.

If you like the idea of King and Prince but find them too sophisticated, this might be the name for you.

With word names, almost anything goes. But maybe not Ghost, unless you're naming a white dog.

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

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.

Used in Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, this strong-sounding name belonged to a hero in Persian legend. Its derivation is unclear, but the consensus seems to be that it relates to the hero’s great size and strength, possibly from Avestan raodha "to grow" and takhma "strong, brave, valiant".

The unique O-ending makes this name memorable, especially for someone with ties to Texas.

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.

A tough and rugged nature name.

Mingo is a cute nickname of the Spanish version of Dominic. It's not to be confused with Mungo, the name of the patron saint of Glasgow.

This spelling variation of Hardy is associated with the American fast-food chain.

Word name are as popular as ever—why not add Adventure to the pool?

Sounds a bit like a nickname in a Dickens novel, but this short form was used in New England a few centuries ago, back when names like Micajah were popular. Both short and long forms are now ripe for revival.

Dinand is popular in the Netherlands thanks to a local singing sensation. Dinand is one of many Dutch short forms that come from the middle or end of a name -- think Bas for Sebastian or Hans from Johannes -- rather than from the beginning as is more usual in the U.S. and UK, though we're catching on.

Possibly meaning "bold", this West African surname is less commonly found as a first name, too.

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 each year since 2020.