165+ Tough, Badass Boy Names (That You Didn’t Know Were In)

 

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 2025.

Originally Published Mar 7, 2022 ・ Updated Jan 23, 2025

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 2025. 

Picked from United States’ Social Security Administration baby name data for 2023, 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: #265
• 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: #862
• 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: #209

Zayn

• Origin: Hebrew
• Meaning: God’s gracious gift
• Rank: #246

Wilder

• Origin: English
• Meaning: untamed
• Rank: #421

Koa

• Origin: Hawaiin
• Meaning: warrior
• Rank: #298

Jett

• Origin: British, English
• Meaning: a type of black gemstone similar to onyx, or referring to an airplane, also known as a jet
• Rank: #206

Axel

• Origin: Danish
• Meaning: father of peace
• Rank: #72

Lincoln

• Origin: English
• Meaning: the lake settlement
• Rank: #64

Beau

• Origin: French origin
• Meaning: beautiful, or romantic partner
• Rank: #79

Carter

• Origin: Scottish, English, Irish origin
• Meaning: one who transports goods by cart
• Rank: #48

Ever

• Origin: American
• Meaning: always
• Rank: > 1000

Cruz

• Origin: Old English
• Meaning: brave or fierce person
• Rank: #328

Mack

• Origin: Scottish/Irish
• Meaning: son of or greatest
• Rank: #545

Arlo

• Origin: Old English
• Meaning: rock hill
• Rank: #158

Zayden

• Origin: Arabic origin
• Meaning: to increase
• Rank: #191

Maverick

• Origin: American
• Meaning: independent
• Rank: #37

Easton

• Origin: Scottish/English
• Meaning: from the east settlement
• Rank: #96

Oscar

• Origin: Scandinavian, Irish
• Meaning: God’s spear, or deer lover
• Rank: #216

Roman

• Origin: Latin
• Meaning: citizen of Rome; from Rome
• Rank: #66

Crew

• Origin: English
• Meaning: a group of people
• Rank: #260

Onyx

• Origin: Greek
• Meaning: nail, strong or a black gemstone
• Rank: #308

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: #208

Otto

• Origin: German
• Meaning: wealth
• Rank: #281

Stone

• Origin: British
• Meaning: dweller by the rocks\
• Rank: #990

Tripp

• Origin: English
• Meaning: traveller 
• Rank: #456

Otis

• Origin: English
• Meaning: wealth
• Rank: #652

Cyrus

• Origin: Persian
• Meaning: sun
• Rank: #297

Zev

• Origin: Hebrew
• Meaning: wolf
• Rank: #881

Kylo

• Origin: Latin
• Meaning: sky, heavenly
• Rank: #405

Thaddeus

• Origin: Aramaic
• Meaning: gift of God
• Rank: #903

Azriel

• Origin: Hebrew
• Meaning: God is my help
• Rank: #654

Zen

• Origin: Japanese
• Meaning: meditation
• Rank: #935

Tobias

• Origin: Hebrew origin
• Meaning: God is good
• Rank: #280

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: #707
• About: One of the famous Greek islands

Zealand

• Origin: Dutch
• Meaning: sea land
• Rank: > 1000

Camden

• Origin: Scottish
• Meaning: winding valley
• Rank: #181
• 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: #122
• 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: #520
• 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: #837
• About: Mount Everest is the world’s highest mountain

Zion

• Origin: Hebrew
• Meaning: the highest point
• Rank: #125
• About: A place in the Bible referred to as the “city of refuge”

Denver

• Origin: French, English
• Meaning: green valley
• Rank: #512
• About: A city in the state of Colorado where the Rocky Mountains are visible

Cairo

• Origin: Arabic
• Meaning: victorious
• Rank: #333
• About: The capital of Egypt, on the Nile River

Atlas

• Origin: Greek
• Meaning: to carry
• Rank: #112
• About: Literally, an atlas is a book of maps or charts

Francisco

• Origin: Latin
• Meaning: free man
• Rank: #295
• 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: #415

Lane

• Origin: Finnish/Estonian or English
• Meaning: wave or path or roadway
• Rank: #254

Tatum

• Origin: Old English
• Meaning: bringer of joy
• Rank: #233

Kit

• Origin: Greek
• Meaning: carrier of Christ
• Rank: > 1000

Ace

• Origin: Latin
• Meaning: one, unity
• Rank: #157

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: #801

Cyrus

• Origin: Persian
• Meaning: sun
• Rank: #297

Sonny

• Origin: English
• Meaning: son
• Rank: #354

Royal

• Origin: French, British
• Meaning: kingly one
• Rank: #402

Max

• Origin: Germanic/English
• Meaning: greatest
• Rank: #163

Legend

• Origin: English
• Meaning: a semi-mythical story passed down through generations
• Rank: #145

Zeke

• Origin: Germanic/Hebrew
• Meaning: God strengthens, short for Ezekiel
• Rank: #640

Archie

• Origin: English
• Meaning: genuine, bold, short for Archibald
• Rank: #347

Knox

• Origin: Scottish
• Meaning: from the small hill
• Rank: #208

Milo

• Origin: Latin origin
• Meaning: dear, beloved
• Rank: #121

Nash

• Origin: English
• Meaning: by the ash tree
• Rank: #259

Beckett

• Origin: English
• Meaning: dweller by the brook
• Rank: #196

Tanner

• Origin: English
• Meaning: leather maker
• Rank: #430

Brixton

• Origin: Old English
• Meaning: Brock’s town
• Rank: #656

Otto

• Origin: German
• Meaning: wealth, prosperity
• Rank: #281

Kane

• Origin: Celtic origin
• Meaning: warrior
• Rank: #399

Ford

• Origin: American
• Meaning: an iconic auto brand
• Rank: #521

Bear

• Origin: French, German origin
• Meaning: strong and brave animal
• Rank: #817

Van

• Origin: Welsh, Russian
• Meaning: God is gracious
• Rank: #915
• 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: #236

Kingston

• Origin: British origin
• Meaning: king’s town
• Rank: #142

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

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☁️ 185+ Vintage Boy Names (Old Fashioned Names I *Love*)