Shooter

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.

Previously known only as the nickname of musician Waylon "Shooter" Jennings, Jr., the word became a "proper" name when painter Julian Schnabel used it for his newborn son with gallerist May Andersen back in 2013. The name was given to at least 24 other boys the same year, though it has never been used to the same extent since.

Joining ranks with Cannon, Caliber, Gunnar, and Trooper, it might be worth typing "shooter" into your news app and having a flick through the latest headlines before you commit to using the name. Plus, the aforementioned options might give you the same feel, but with just a bit more subtlety.

You could also check out this list of

Pronounced SHOO-ter.

As of October 2026, Shooter ranked #13881 in US births in 2024 SSA, peaked at #3624 in 2009.