Strong boy names range from classic names with a little more gravitas and a related meaning, to tough boy names with rock ’n’ roll swagger. Looking for a little inspiration? Check out these manly names for your baby boy.
Ace
KISS member Ace Frehley sports this word name, which is associated with winning and victory—think of aces in golf or tennis, or simply “acing the test.”
Alaric
This offbeat choice could make a fresh way to pay homage to an Alan or Eric. It means “all-powerful ruler.”
Axel
The Guns ’n’ Roses frontman actually spells it Axl, but this more traditional version could still be ranked among the tough boy names.
Bernard
This classic may see some new interest after former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders. It means “brave as a bear.”
Bowie
The surname of rock legend David Bowie also has a sharper connection—the Bowie knife.
Brian
Brian is one of the classic strong boy names—that’s its actual meaning!
Donnelly
This Irish surname means “brave one,” and could be a unique way to honor a Don in your family.
Drew
This shorter take on the classic Andrew shares its meaning—“strong and manly.” It’s currently in the top 400 names for boys.
Evardo
This off-the-beaten-path Spanish name means “hardy,” and could be shortened to the popular “Ever.”
Everett
Currently resting just outside the top 100, Everett means “brave as a wild boar.”
Griffin
No, not Gryffindor. But you can see why J.K. Rowling created the Hogwarts House name from this name: Griffin is one of the more powerful boy names. It means “strong lord.”
Jagger
The surname of swaggering Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger has become a popular baby name in its own right.
Jet
Whether you associate this name with the black precious stone or the fast flyer, Jet is definitely one of the top badass boy names.
Magnus
This bold Latin name is uberpopular in Scandinavia, and means “great and powerful.”
Rebel
Talk about your tough boy names! Rebel’s a word name with plenty of swagger.
Rex
From the Latin word for “king,” Rex is a classic way to get to that trendy “x” ending—and one of the more timeless, yet powerful boy names.
Rio
Rio means “river” in Spanish—and has been used as a tough cowboy name in numerous old Westerns. It’s also been used as a girls’ name, thanks in part to the classic Duran Duran tune.
Watson
It may be more commonly associated with Sherlock Holmes’ partner in solving crimes, but this Scottish surname makes our list of manly names—it means “powerful warrior.”
Wolf
Wolf Blitzer may be the name’s current most famous wearer—but the fierce animal lends its strength to the name. (If you’re more of a traditionalist, go with the German Wolfgang—as in Mozart—and let your kiddo shorten it to simply Wolf.)
Wyatt
While a few brave souls have brought this into the girls’ side of the equation (including Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher), Wyatt remains one of the most popular and masculine boy names around. (It’s currently #33 in baby name popularity.) Wyatt means “brave in war.”
Zeppelin
A very off-the-beaten path baby name choice, most parents who select it are huge fans of the classic rock band Led Zeppelin.
More baby boy name ideas:
- Boy Names That Start With C
- Boy Names That Start With J
- Greek Names For Boys & Girls
- Biblical Names: Beautiful Names In The Bible
Photo: Getty
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