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Searching for badass boy names for your little one that are tough and edgy, but still cute? Then pull up a seat, mama, because you’re in the right place. I’m a baby names expert and here are my top picks for badass baby boy names in 2023.
Originally Published Mar 7, 2022 ・ Updated Sept 27, 2023
What is an edgy boy name, exactly?
Edgy boy names typically use some of the less common letters in them like z and x: Zephyr, Zion, Onyx, Kendrix, Axel, Phoenix and Knox.
The badass feel of a name can also come from its meaning. The name Odin comes from Old Norse: it means lord of frenzy and has serious viking vibes. Kane means warrior, and Arno is German for eagle.
Names with aristocratic vibes like like Reign, Kingston and Cash are another direction to go when choosing an edgy boy name.
There are so many different places to dig for inspiration when it comes to searching for badass boy names – and this baby names list does just that!
Here’s what’s in store –
Modern Badass Baby Boy Names
Some of our top picks when it comes to choosing a badass name for your little babe, these tough boy names are in style in 2023.
Picked from United States’ Social Security Administration baby name data for 2022, these names are either in the ranks of the top 100, or found on the list of top-movers; baby names that increased in popularity over the past year.
Lennox
- Origin: Scottish origin
- Meaning: elm grove
- Rank: #254
- About: Isn’t there just something so edgy and unique about a boy’s name with an x?
Grey
- Origin: English
- Meaning: a neutral color
- Rank: #716
- About: This Americana boy’s name has only recently made its way on to the baby names charts in the US, first cracking the top 1000 in 2013, and gaining steam ever since. For middle names, you could either lean towards a more traditional, classic boy’s name like Grey Alexander, go Biblical with Grey Elijah or Grey Malachi, or turn up the tough by pairing it with another name from this list, like Ledger.
Hayes
- Origin: English origin
- Meaning: hedged area
- Rank: #229
Zayn
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: God’s gracious gift
- Rank: #281
Wilder
- Origin: English
- Meaning: untamed
- Rank: #368
Koa
- Origin: Hawaiin
- Meaning: warrior
- Rank: #546
Jett
- Origin: British, English
- Meaning: a type of black gemstone similar to onyx, or referring to an airplane, also known as a jet
- Rank: #244
Axel
- Origin: Danish
- Meaning: father of peace
- Rank: #76
Lincoln
- Origin: English
- Meaning: the lake settlement
- Rank: #45
Beau
- Origin: French origin
- Meaning: beautiful, or romantic partner
- Rank: #94
Carter
- Origin: Scottish, English, Irish origin
- Meaning: one who transports goods by cart
- Rank: #39
Ever
- Origin: American
- Meaning: always
- Rank: > 1000
Cruz
- Origin: Old English
- Meaning: brave or fierce person
- Rank: #297
Mack
- Origin: Scottish/Irish
- Meaning: son of or greatest
- Rank: #470
Asher
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: happy, blessed
- Rank: #25
Arlo
- Origin: Old English
- Meaning: rock hill
- Rank: #190
Zayden
- Origin: Arabic origin
- Meaning: to increase
- Rank: #204
Maverick
- Origin: American
- Meaning: independent
- Rank: #47
Easton
- Origin: Scottish/English
- Meaning: from the east settlement
- Rank: #70
Oscar
- Origin: Scandinavian, Irish
- Meaning: God’s spear, or deer lover
- Rank: #226
Roman
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: citizen of Rome; from Rome
- Rank: #75
Crew
- Origin: English
- Meaning: a group of people
- Rank: #267
Onyx
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: nail, strong or a black gemstone
- Rank: #355
Knox
- Origin: Scottish
- Meaning: from the small hill
- About: Although this name has a meaning all on its own, it could also be associated with badass, Johnny Knoxville, or be thought of to give off western vibes when connected to Knoxville, Tennessee
- Rank: #200
Otto
- Origin: German
- Meaning: wealth
- Rank: #309
Stone
- Origin: British
- Meaning: dweller by the rocks\
- Rank: #982
Tripp
- Origin: English
- Meaning: traveller
- Rank: #436
Lennox
- Origin: Scottish, Gaelic
- Meaning: elm grove
- Rank: #248
Otis
- Origin: English
- Meaning: wealth
- Rank: #613
Cyrus
- Origin: Persian
- Meaning: sun
- Rank: #326
Zev
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: wolf
- Rank: #956
Kylo
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: sky, heavenly
- Rank: #436
Thaddeus
- Origin: Aramaic
- Meaning: gift of God
- Rank: #807
Azriel
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: God is my help
- Rank: #734
Zen
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: meditation
- Rank: #911
Tobias
- Origin: Hebrew origin
- Meaning:God is good
- Rank: #277
Cool Place-Inspired Baby Boy Names
Our next set of the best badass boy are place names – names inspired by cities, countries, continents and more, from around the world.
Perfect for the parents who love to travel, these cool & unique baby names make a great choice –
Rhodes
- Origin: Greek origin
- Meaning: where roses grow
- Rank: > 1000
- About: One of the famous Greek islands
Zealand
- Origin: Dutch
- Meaning: sea land
- Rank: > 1000
Camden
- Origin: Scottish
- Meaning: winding valley
- Rank: #175
- About: A borough in London famous for the Camden Market, one of the world’s most lively and bustling outdoor markets
Jasper
- Origin: Persian
- Meaning: treasurer
- Rank: #128
- About: A national park in the Canadian Rocky Mountains
Bronx
- Origin: American
- Meaning: Bronck’s Land
- Rank: > 1000
- About: A borough in New York
York
- Origin: British
- Meaning: boar settlement
- Rank: > 1000
- About: Part of the word New York
Rome
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: citizen of Rome
- Rank: #656
- About: The capital city of Italy
Berlin
- Origin: German
- Meaning: borderline or river rake
- Rank: > 1000
- About: Germany’s capital
Everest
- Origin: British
- Meaning: dweller of the Eure river
- Rank: #832
- About: Mount Everest is the world’s highest mountain
Zion
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: the highest point
- Rank: #144
- About: A place in the Bible referred to as the “city of refuge”
Denver
- Origin: French, English
- Meaning: green valley
- Rank: #480
- About: A city in the state of Colorado where the Rocky Mountains are visible
Cairo
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: victorious
- Rank: #306
- About: The capital of Egypt, on the Nile River
Atlas
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: to carry
- Rank: #129
- About: Literally, an atlas is a book of maps or charts
Francisco
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: free man
- Rank: #288
- About: This name was a top pick by UK-based professional baby namer, SJ Strum
- Nicknames: Frankie, Frank
Unique Badass Baby Boy Names
Next up – badass baby names that are totally unique & uncommon. Outside of the ranks of the top 100 most popular baby names for boys in the US, these unique baby boy names are less commonly used, but all still have edgy vibes.
If it’s important to you that your little guy is the only one in his class with his name, these picks are great baby names for you to consider –
Ziggy
- Origin: Old German
- Meaning: victorious protector
- Rank: > 1000
Wilde
- Origin: old German
- Meaning: hunter
- Rank: > 1000
Hugo
- Origin: Old German
- Meaning: heart or mind
- Rank: #434
Lane
- Origin: Finnish/Estonian or English
- Meaning: wave or path or roadway
- Rank: #261
Tatum
- Origin: Old English
- Meaning: bringer of joy
- Rank: #385
Kit
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: carrier of Christ
- Rank: > 1000
Ace
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: one, unity
- Rank: #156
Zeus
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: sky, shine
- Rank: > 1000
- About: A Greek mythology great, the name Zeus is an incredibly rare name choice
Bjorn
- Origin: Scandinavian origin
- Meaning: bear
- Rank: #766
Cyrus
- Origin: Persian
- Meaning: sun
- Rank: #350
Sonny
- Origin: English
- Meaning: son
- Rank: #497
Royal
- Origin: French, British
- Meaning: kingly one
- Rank: #370
Max
- Origin: Germanic/English
- Meaning: greatest
- Rank: #159
Legend
- Origin: English
- Meaning: a semi-mythical story passed down through generations
- Rank: #132
Zeke
- Origin: Germanic/Hebrew
- Meaning: God strengthens, short for Ezekiel
- Rank: #619
Archie
- Origin: English
- Meaning: genuine, bold, short for Archibald
- Rank: #399
Chase
- Origin: Old English
- Meaning: to hunt
- Rank: #125
Knox
- Origin: Scottish
- Meaning: from the small hill
- Rank: #221
Milo
- Origin: Latin origin
- Meaning: dear, beloved
- Rank: #127
Jax
- Origin: English
- Meaning: God is gracious
- Rank: #243
Bodhi
- Origin: Sanskrit
- Meaning: awakening or enlightenment
- Rank: #284
Nash
- Origin: English
- Meaning: by the ash tree
- Rank: #233
Beckett
- Origin: English
- Meaning: dweller by the brook
- Rank: #198
Tanner
- Origin: English
- Meaning: leather maker
- Rank: #358
Brixton
- Origin: Old English
- Meaning: Brock’s town
- Rank: #548
Otto
- Origin: German
- Meaning: wealth, prosperity
- Rank: #336
Kane
- Origin: Celtic origin
- Meaning: warrior
- Rank: #329
Ford
- Origin: American
- Meaning: an iconic auto brand
- Rank: #439
Bear
- Origin: French, German origin
- Meaning: strong and brave animal
- Rank: #826
Van
- Origin: Welsh, Russian
- Meaning: God is gracious
- Rank: #873
- About: One of my favorite unique badass boy names, Van channels some serious free-spirited vibes, reminding me of both the super trendy sneaker brand, Van’s, as well as the cool, carefree van life lifestyle.
Kyrie
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: the Lord, from the word Kyrios
- Rank: #224
Kingston
- Origin: British origin
- Meaning: king’s town
- Rank: #112
Elio
- Origin: Italian, Spanish, Latin
- Meaning: the sun
- Rank: #842
Maddox
- Origin: Welsh
- Meaning: son of Madoc; fortunate
- Rank: #174
Dash
- Origin: American
- Meaning: to run quickly
- Rank: #792
Felix
- Origin: Spanish origin
- Meaning: happy
- Rank: #193
Bronson
- Origin: English
- Meaning: son of the dark man, or son of the brown one
- Rank: #863
Bruno
- Origin: Germanic
- Meaning: brown
- Rank: #618
Cannon
- Origin: British, Irish
- Meaning: wolf cub
- Rank: #596
Thatcher
- Origin: English
- Meaning: roof maker
- Rank: #965
Wilde
- Origin: English, German
- Meaning: untamed
Burke
- Origin: German origin
- Meaning: from the strong settlement
Rook
- Origin: English
- Meaning: dark hair, crow, raven, to chase, or chariot
- About: A totally modern boy’s name with many different meanings
Zade
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: to increase
Ryder
- Origin: English origin
- Meaning: horseman, rider
Byrd
- Origin: Old English
- Meaning: birdlike
- About: A super unique choice, the only year this baby name was ranked was in 1900.
Dane
- Origin: Scandinavian
- Meaning: a person frrom Denmark
Carrick
- Origin: Gaelic
- Meaning: rock
Cavell
- Origin: Teutonic
- Meaning: one who is bold
Fletcher
- Origin: British
- Meaning: arrow maker
- Rank: #677
Zale
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: sea strength
Rare Badass Boy Names
Next up, these super cool yet rare baby boy names all fall outside of the top 1000 most popular baby names for boys in the US, bestowing them with a classification of truly unique, or rare:
Slade
- Origin: English
- Meaning: valley
- Rank: > 1000
Trigg
- Origin: English
- Meaning: trustworthy, faithful
- Rank: > 1000
Roscoe
- Origin: Scandinavian
- Meaning: deer wood
- Rank: > 1000
Tave
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: eighth
- About: A totally unique nickname for Gustav, this name was a top pick by baby names YouTuber, Heidi, from Baby Names Sunday
- Rank: > 1000
Arrow
- Origin: English
- Meaning: a projectile fired from a bow
- Rank: > 1000
Hendrick
- Origin: Danish/Old German
- Meaning: home leader
- Rank: > 1000
Mooney
- Origin: Gaelic
- Meaning: the wealthy one
- Rank: > 1000
Vaughn
- Origin: Welsh
- Meaning: little
- Rank: > 1000
Marlo
- Origin: Old English
- Meaning: driftwood
- Rank: > 1000
Wolfgang
- Origin: German
- Meaning: wolf’s path
- Rank: > 1000
Kendrix
- Origin: Welsh
- Meaning: bold ruler
- Rank: > 1000
Dune
- Origin: Dutch, French
- Meaning: a mound or ridge of sand formed by the wind, especially on a coast or in the desert
- Rank: > 1000
Yates
- Origin: English
- Meaning: the gates
- About: This unique name could also be referencing Richard Yates, a famous early American author
- Rank: > 1000
Flint
- Origin: English
- Meaning: a type of hard rock
- Rank: > 1000
Chief
- Origin: American
- Meaning: leader
- Rank: > 1000
Beck
- Origin: Germanic/Hebrew
- Meaning: stream
- Rank: > 1000
Rockwell
- Origin: English
- Meaning: rock spring
- Rank: > 1000
Holt
- Origin: Old English
- Meaning: small wood or grove of trees
- Rank: > 1000
Zephyr
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: west wind
- Rank: > 1000
Linus
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: flax colored
- Rank: > 1000
Celebrity & Movie-Inspired Badass Boy Names
Is reality tv your guilty pleasure? This next group of rare baby boy names is inspired by some of our favorite celebs, movies and stars:
North
- Origin: English
- Meaning: a family who lived in the North; also, a baby name used by Kim Kardashian and Kanye West
- Rank: > 1000
Jethro
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: overflow
- Rank: > 1000
- About: The ultimate tough boy name, the name Jethro could be thought of as an ode to the British rock mega-band, Jethro Tull, famous for songs like Locomotive and Aqualung.
Wolfe
- Origin: English
- Meaning: wolf-like
- Rank: > 1000
Ledger
- Origin: Germanic
- Meaning: spear tribe
- Rank: #574
Lennon
- Origin: Gaelic
- Meaning: lover
- Rank: #670
Fox
- Origin: English
- Meaning: wild animal
- Rank: #939
- About: Aussie health & fitness blogger, Sarah’s Day, named her first born Fox Ocean in 2019.
Beckham
- Origin: English
- Meaning: homestead by the stream
- Rank: #222
Reign
- Origin: American
- Meaning: to rule
- Rank: #608
Cash
- Origin: English
- Meaning: maker of chests
- Rank: #253
Jagger
- Origin: Old English
- Meaning: one who manages a pack of horses
- Rank: #771
- About: A rock band relic, the name Jagger is seriously edgy & cool
Chicago
- Origin: Native American
- Meaning: onion or skunk
- Rank: > 1000
- About: Kim Kardashian & Kanye West’s baby girl born in 2018, this cool & unique first name is actually used for both boys & girls
Phoenix
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: dark red
- Rank: #248
- About: 2000s era socialite, Paris Hilton, named her first born Phoenix in early 2023
Bowie
- Origin: Gaelic origin
- Meaning: fair-haired
- Rank: #950
Bourne
- Origin: British
- Meaning: stream
- Rank: > 1000
Bond
- Origin: English
- Meaning: peasant farmer, but also referencing James Bond
- Rank: > 1000
Badass Boy Names Inspired by Vikings
Our next set of the best badass boy names is inspired by male characters from Nordic folklore:
Magnus
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: great
- Rank: #728
Rune
- Origin: Old Norse
- Meaning: secret
- Rank: > 1000
Odin
- Origin: Scandinavian
- Meaning: frenzy or rage
- Rank: #330
Erik
- Origin: Old Norse
- Meaning: eternal ruler
- Rank: #432
Arne
- Origin: Old Norse
- Meaning: eagle
- Rank: > 1000
Harald
- Origin: Scandinavian, German, English
- Meaning: war chief
- Rank: > 1000
Baby Boy Names with Badass Meanings
Next up, these cool boy names all have a strong meaning – they’re totally powerful boy names, hand-picked for your little fighter:
Brantley
- Origin: Old Norse
- Meaning: fiery torch; field
- Rank: #268
Enzo
- Origin: Italian
- Meaning: ruler of the estate
- Rank: #139
Cade
- Origin: Welsh
- Meaning: battle leader
- Rank: #292
Leo
- Origin: German
- Meaning: lion
- Rank: #31
Callum
- Origin: Celtic
- Meaning: brave warrior
- Rank: #249
Wyatt
- Origin: Old English
- Meaning: brave in the world
- Rank: #29
Harvey
- Origin: Breton, Celtic, French
- Meaning: battle worthy
- Rank: #403
Caden
- Origin: Welsh
- Meaning: spirit of battle
- Rank: #230
Gideon
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: great warrior
- Rank: #333
Kaiden
- Origin: Arabic, Celtic, English
- Meaning: warrior
- Rank: #167
Luther
- Origin: Old Norse
- Meaning: army leader
- Rank: > 1000
Milo
- Origin: Germanic
- Meaning: soldier
- Rank: #120
Patton
- Origin: English
- Meaning: fighter’s town
- Rank: > 1000
Harvey
- Origin: French, Celtic
- Meaning: battle worthy
- Rank: #403
Bertrand
- Origin: German
- Meaning: glorious raven
- Rank: > 1000
Everett
- Origin: English
- Meaning: brave as a wild boar
- Rank: #81
Farris
- Origin: English
- Meaning: iron strong
- Rank: > 1000
Nolan
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: champion
- Rank: #65
- About: This Irish boy name is totally a classic name, while still being a super popular choice in 2023
Finley
- Origin: Scottish, Irish
- Meaning: blonde warrior]
- Rank: #282 (#218 for girls)
Griffith
- Origin: Welsh
- Meaning: strong chief
- Rank: > 1000
Wrapping Up
From the rugged allure of Maverick to the edgy feel of Maddox, each name in this collection has the power to make a seriously bold statement and leave a lasting impression.
Whether you’re a modern mama hunting through badass boy names hoping to find something that just feels different, or your little one already has a special story to tell – remember to have fun with the whole baby naming process!
For more unique baby name ideas, check out this list of baby boy names inspired by places around the world, unique boy names that are actually last names, or these old money baby names.
Even more baby name inspo:
☁️ 105+ Whimsical Boy Names That Will *Definitely* Inspire You
☁️ 159+ Handsome One Syllable Boy Names That Are Short & Strong
