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.

Raider is one of the new genre of badass word names, which also includes Rogue, Rebel, Danger, Wilder, and so on. Choose it at your own peril.

More than 300 babies have been named Shooter in the US since 2002, which, depending on who you ask, is arguably about 300 too many. One of the violent names for boys that have gained traction in recent years, the most optimistic view perhaps is that parents were thinking about sports or honoring a family connection to the militiary when choosing this name.

A popular choice for black cats, Jinx has become a quietly used option for baby boys in the US. Previously, it had been largely given to girls, likely because it appeared in the James Bond movie Die Another Day on a character played by Halle Berry.

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.

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.

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

Another traditional Indian name, best known here via novelist Vikram Seth.

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

A tough and rugged nature name.

Interesting and energetic international form of Ferdinand.

Dionysius derives from Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, revelry and fertility. This Romanized spelling has been used for poets, soldiers, and saints throughout the centuries, but is hardly ever seen today.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

An English surname and occasional first name deriving from the same root as Baldwin, "bold or brave friend".