Sometimes, parents pick trending names they find on social media, only to discover later that it has an undesirable meaning. Others stick to popular names or classic options, yet you might be surprised that some names actually mean death or other darker meanings. For example, Azrael and Samael are biblical names, but did you know that both mean “the angel of death”? We’re sharing baby boy names with meanings below, with unique, rare, popular, modern, and vintage choices. Which one do you think suits your baby best?
The Most Popular Boy Names With Meanings
1. Andrew
Origin: English and Greek boy name
Meaning: “Manly” and “strong”
Description: Variants of this name include “Andie” and “Anders”
2. Arthur
Origin: Greek and Old English boy name
Meaning: “Strong as a bear” (“artos” means “bear”)
Description: Powerful name after the legendary King Arthur with his knights of the round table
3. Charles
Origin: German boy name
Meaning: Free man
Description: Variants of this name include “Carl” and “Charlie”
4. Eric
Origin: Scandinavian and Old Norse
Meaning: Complete ruler
Description: Variants of this name include “Erik”
5. Liam
Origin: German and Irish boy name
Meaning: “Protector” or “strong-willed warrior”
Description: Warrior name that can be a standalone name or a nickname for “William”; the #1 most popular boy name in the US in 2021 (1)
6. Michael
Origin: English and Hebrew name
Meaning: Who is like God?
Description: This angel name is after the captain of the archangels. He led the war against evil, such as driving Lucifer and the other fallen angels from heaven.
7. Peter
Origin: English, Hebrew, Latin, and Greek name
Meaning: Stone or rock
Description: It’s a biblical boy name after one of Jesus’ disciples. He’s originally called Simon, but Jesus renamed him Peter (he was later called “Simon Peter”) to symbolize the rock on which He will build the church.
8. William
Origin: Old German and Old English
Meaning: Strong-willed warrior
Description: It was the #6 most popular baby boy name in the US in 2021. (1)
Romantic Baby Boy Names
1. Adonis
Origin: Greek and Latin
Meaning: Handsome man
Description: Known in Greek mythology as the goddess Aphrodite’s lover
2. Agapito
Origin: Spanish, Greek, and Italian boy name
Meaning: “Love and affection” or “beloved”
3. Beau
Origin: French
Meaning: “Sweetheart,” “love,” or “handsome”
Description: Standalone given name or pet name for boys
4. Bubba
Origin: American
Meaning: “Brother” or “pal”
Description: Used as a nickname or given name
5. Casanova
Origin: Catalan and Italian name
Meaning: New house
Description: This name is associated with the Italian traveler who gained a reputation as a “great lover.”
6. Cupid
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Passionate desire
Description: He’s known as the Roman god of attraction, desire, and erotic love. In most artwork, he is depicted as a small, child-like person with wings, carrying a bow and arrow. He is said to use his arrow to make people fall in love.
7. Eros
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Desire
Description: Cupid’s counterpart among the male Greek gods; he’s also known as the god of desire and love; he also has a bow and arrow, according to the myth
8. Romeo
Origin: Latin and Italian
Meaning: Pilgrim to Rome
Description: The male protagonist of the William Shakespeare classic about a pair of star-crossed lovers, “Romeo and Juliet”
9. Solomon
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Peace
Description: The king of Israel who was known for his wisdom and for having 700 wives plus 300 concubines (according to the Bible)
10. Tristan
Origin: French
Meaning: Sorrowful
Description: Romeo’s counterpart in another story about star-crossed lovers, “Tristan and Isolde”
Powerful Leader & Ruler Boy Names Based On Great Men Of History
1. Alexander
Origin: English and Greek name
Meaning: Defender of men
Description: Popular vintage boy name with different variants in various languages, including “Alessandro” in Italian and “Aleksander” in Polish; powerful namesake includes Alexander the Great, a powerful ancient king in Macedonia (empire in Europe)
2. Barack
Origin: Arabic
Meaning: “Blessed” or “blessing”
Description: Famous namesakes include former US President Barack Obama, the country’s first African-American president
3. Henry
Origin: French and German name
Meaning: House ruler
Description: Several kings of England and other countries had this name, including Henry of Flanders, who formed the Latin Empire after conquering the Byzantine empire in the 1200s
4. Julius
Origin: Greek and Latin
Meaning: “Youthful,” “downy-bearded,” and “devoted to Jove (also known as Jupiter, the Roman king of the gods)”
Description: Famous namesakes include Julius Caesar, the leader who created the Roman Empire
5. Martin
Origin: Latin
Meaning: “Dedicated to Mars (the Roman god of war)”
Description: Famous namesakes include Martin Luther King Jr., the American activist and church reformist
6. Napoleon
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Lion of the new city
Description: Famous namesakes include French emperor Napoléon Bonaparte who conquered many parts of Europe during the French Revolution and the Revolutionary Wars
7. Winston
Origin: Old English and Anglo-Saxon
Meaning: “Joyful stone” or “wine’s town”
Description: Famous namesakes include writer and leader Winston Churchill who led Britain’s victory during the Second World War
Strong Boys From Literature & Pop Culture
1. Albus
Origin: Latin
Meaning: White
Description: Powerful witch name after the fictional character, Professor Albus Dumbledore, in the “Harry Potter” series
2. Aragorn
Origin: Sindarin (invented Elven language by J.R.R. Tolkien)
Meaning: Noble valor
Description: Ranger who would later become the king in “The Lord of the Rings”; he’s one of the central characters in the trilogy
3. Dustin
Origin: Old Norse
Meaning: Thor’s stone
Description: One of the brave main characters in the Netflix series “Stranger Things”; he’s known for having curly hair and no teeth (due to the actor’s real-life medical condition that was written into the story)
4. Gandalf
Origin: Old Norse
Meaning: Wand elf
Description: Powerful wizard and one of the leaders in “The Lord of the Rings”; he fought the fearsome creature known as the Balrog and died, but was reincarnated and renamed (from “Gandalf the Gray” to “Gandalf the White”)
5. Godric
Origin: Old English
Meaning: God’s ruler
Description: After Godric Griffyndor, one of the founders of Hogwarts in the “Harry Potter” series; students under the Gryffindor House are known to be brave and loyal
6. Stark
Origin: Old High German and Old English
Meaning: Strong
Description: Last name of Tony Stark, known as the Iron Man in Marvel’s Avengers series; it’s also used as a given or middle name for boys
Lucky Boy Names
1. Bennett
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Blessed
2. Bonaventure
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Good fortune
3. Chance
Origin: English
Meaning: Good fortune
4. Edmund
Origin: Old English boy name
Meaning: “Riches” or “prosperity”
5. Felix
Origin: Latin name
Meaning: “Fortunate” or “lucky”
Rich & Luxurious Boy Names
1. Behrouz
Origin: Persian
Meaning: Prosperous
2. King
Origin: English
Meaning: Royalty
Description: Also a last name (e.g., Martin Luther King); it’s often picked more as a middle name or nickname rather than a first name
3. Rex
Origin: Latin name
Meaning: King
Description: Honorific that you can also use as a middle name for boys
4. Rian
Origin: Irish boy name
Meaning: Little king
5. Royce
Origin: German
Meaning: Fame
Description: Gender-neutral name used for the luxury car brand Rolls-Royce
6. Ryker
Origin: German
Meaning: Rich
Description: Can combine with “Ryder” for twin boy names
7. Ulrich
Origin: German boy name
Meaning: Prosperity and power
Cool & Badass Boy Names With Meanings
1. Aiden
Origin: Irish name
Meaning: Little fire
Description: Name that means “fire”; variants include “Aodhán” and “Aidan”
2. Anders
Origin: Scandinavian
Meaning: “Masculine” or “manly”
Description: Variant of “Andrew”
3. Armstrong
Origin: Scottish and Middle English
Meaning: “Strong fighter” or “someone with strong arms”
What Are Uncommon & Unique Names For A Boy?
1. Abiri
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: “My hero” and “my strength”
2. Aldric
Origin: German and French name
Meaning: Old ruler
3. Bidziil
Origin: Navajo (Native American)
Meaning: He is strong
4. Gautier
Origin: French
Meaning: Ruler of the army
5. Rogan
Origin: Irish
Meaning: Red-haired
What Are Strong & Powerful Names For A Boy?
1. Absko
Origin: Kenyan
Meaning: Power and strength
Description: Black boy name of African origin
2. Ansaldo
Origin: Italian boy name
Meaning: Powerful leader
3. Caesar
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Hairy
Description: Last name of the Roman Empire ruler, Julius Caesar
4. Idris
Origin: Welsh
Meaning: “Ardent lord” or “prince”
5. Kenzo
Origin: Japanese boy name
Meaning: “Wise,” “healthy,” and “strong”
6. Samson
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Sun
Description: Biblical boy name for the strong man who defeated a lion with his bare hands; his strength comes from his hair (which was blessed by God), but his lover Delilah cut it after learning about his secret(she works for his enemies)
You can also search for other powerful names here:
Powerful boy names
Courageous Warrior Names For Boys
1. Ajax
Origin: Ancient Greek
Meaning: Eagle
Description: Among the warriors in the Trojan War
2. Baron
Origin: Middle English and Old French
Meaning: “Warrior” or “fighter”
Description: Also a noble title
3. Conall
Origin: Irish
Meaning: Strong wolf
Description: Several Irish heroes have this name
4. Einarr
Origin: Old Norse
Meaning: Warrior
5. Farris
Origin: English and Greek
Meaning: “Man of courage” or “knight”
6. Jason
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Healer
Description: Hero in Greek mythology, known as the leader in the legend “Jason and the Argonauts”
We’ve prepared this comprehensive list of warrior names to help you choose one for your little one:
Warrior names for boys and girls
Mythological God Names For Boys
1. Amon
Origin: Greek and Egyptian
Meaning: The hidden one
Description: God of air in Egyptian mythology
2. Apollo
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Strength
Description: The Greek god of the sun, prophecy, and light
3. Hercules
Origin: Greek and Latin
Meaning: Hero or warrior
Description: Variants include “Herakles” or “Heracles”
4. Inti
Origin: Quechua (South American indigenous language)
Meaning: Sun
Description: Incan god of the sun
5. Jupiter
Origin: Latin and Roman
Meaning: Supreme god
Description: God of the sky and the chief god in Roman mythology
6. Njord
Origin: Norse
Meaning: Strong and vigorous
Description: Norse god of the sea and fishing
7. Orion
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Rising in the sky
Description: Legendary hero in several myths and stories, including Homer’s epic “Odyssey”
8. Thor
Origin: Old Norse
Meaning: Thunder
Description: Norse god of thunder, storms, strength, and war
9. Zeus
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “Sky” or “shine”
Description: Greek god name for the chief or king of the gods
We’ve also made these other name lists from mythology:
Greek mythology names for boys and girls
Greek gods and goddesses
What Are The Cutest & Prettiest Boy Names?
1. Ethan
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Solid, firm, and enduring
2. Malin
Origin: Old English
Meaning: Little strong warrior
Description: Nonbinary name
You can find other trendy and adorable boy names here:
Cute boy names
Biblical Names For Boys
1. Aaron
Origin: Hebrew and Egyptian
Meaning: “Exalted” or “high mountain”
Description: Moses’ brother and the first high priest of Israel
2. Abraham
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Father of multitudes
Description: One of the patriarchs of the Israelites
3. Ariel
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Lion of God
4. Elijah
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My God is Yahweh
Description: Miracle worker and prophet in the Old Testament
5. Ezekiel
Origin: Ancient Hebrew
Meaning: To strengthen God
Description: Hebrew prophet who foretold Israel’s destruction and restoration
6. Gabriel
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God is my strength
Description: Biblical and angel name
7. Melech
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: King
Here are other biblical name lists you can consider for your baby:
Biblical boy names
Biblical baby girl names
Biblical names
What Are Classic & Vintage Boy Names With Meanings?
1. Augustus
Origin: Roman and German name
Meaning: “Magnificent” and “great”
2. Conrad
Origin: German
Meaning: Brave counsel
3. Ferguson
Origin: Irish
Meaning: “Man of courage” or “man of vigor”
Boy Names With Special Meanings
Which Boy Names Mean Gift Of God?
Which Boy Names Mean Handsome?
What Boy Names Mean Strong?
Nature Names For Boys
1. Cliff
Origin: English
Meaning: Cliff-side slope
2. Kai
Origin: Hawaiian name
Meaning: Sea
3. Oliver
Origin: German
Meaning: “Olive tree” or “some who plants olive trees”
Description: The #3 most popular boy name of 2021 in the US (1)
Strong Animal-Inspired Names For Boys
1. Amell
Origin: German boy name
Meaning: Power of an eagle
Description: Gender-neutral name
2. Barrett
Origin: Old German
Meaning: “Brave as a bear” or “strength of a bear”
3. Bear
Origin: English
Meaning: Strong mammal
4. Ebert
Origin: American and German
Meaning: Brave boar
5. Leo
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Lion
Here’s a list of other fun nature-inspired names you can choose for your baby:
Nature names
Valiant Male Names From Across The World
Italian Boy Names
1. Amadeo
Origin: Italian
Meaning: To love God
2. Angelo
Origin: Italian and Latin
Meaning: Messenger from God
Description: Angel name
3. Marco
Origin: Italian and Spanish
Meaning: “Warlike” or “of Mars (Roman god of war)”
Description: Variants include “Marcus” and “Mark”
Other fun choices for Italian names:
Italian boy names
Italian girl names
Italian baby names
Hispanic Boy Names
1. Abelardo
Origin: Spanish and German
Meaning: “Brave” and “noble”
2. Arsenio
Origin: Spanish and Italian
Meaning: Virile
Description: Can also be spelled as “Arsenios”
We’ve also listed other cool name choices for your little boys and girls:
Hispanic & Mexican name
Hispanic & Mexican boy names
Hispanic & Mexican girl names
Portuguese Boy Names
1. Adão
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Man of the earth
Description: Variant of “Adam”
2. Afonso
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Ready for battle
3. Elpidio
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Hope
4. Estevao
Origin: Portuguese
Meaning: Crown
Description: Variant of “Steven”
Welsh Boy Names
1. Afan
Origin: Welsh, Celtic, Malay, and Arabic
Meaning: Growth and progress
2. Arnall
Origin: Welsh
Meaning: Strong ruler
Description: Variant of “Arnold”
3. Bryn
Origin: Welsh
Meaning: Nature name for “hill”
4. Drystan
Origin: Welsh
Meaning: Full of sorrow
Description: Variant of “Tristan”
Polish Boy Names
1. Betzalel
Origin: Polish
Meaning: In God’s shadow
2. Janusz
Origin: Polish
Meaning: God is gracious
Description: Variant of “John”
3. Lazor
Origin: Polish
Meaning: God has helped
4. Uriasz
Origin: Polish
Meaning: Yahweh is my light
Description: Variant of “Uriah”
Filipino Boy Names
Some boy names that are popular in the Philippines:
1. Arnel
Origin: German and French origins
Meaning: Eagle ruler
2. John Mark
Origin: Latin and Greek origins
Meaning: “God is gracious” or “warlike”
3. Vandolph
Origin: Invented name
Meaning: Distinguished wolf
4. Zanjoe
Origin: Italian origin
Meaning: “Comfort” and “God will increase”
5. Zoren
Origin: Basque and Spanish origin
Meaning: Happiness
Finnish Boy Names
1. Arvo
Origin: Finnish
Meaning: Worth or value
2. Jarmo
Origin: Finnish
Meaning: Appointed by God
3. Jouko
Origin: Finnish
Meaning: Strong
4. Vilho
Origin: Finnish
Meaning: Resolute defender
Description: Variant of “William”
And here’s even more international inspiration for you to choose from:
German boy names Japanese boy names Russian boy names French boy names Hawaiian name Korean boy names Irish boy names Chinese boy names
Boy Names From A To Z
Boy Names Starting With A
1. Abir
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: “Courageous,” “mighty,” and “strong”
2. Adam
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Man
Description: He’s the first man that God created out of dust, according to the Bible
3. Ambrose
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Immortal
4. Ande
Origin: African
Meaning: Pillar of strength
Description: Can be a nickname for “Andrew,” but is also a standalone given name
5. Asher
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Happiness
Description: One of Jacob’s sons and among the patriarchs of Israel’s 12 tribes
6. Azim
Origin: Turkish
Meaning: Perseverance
Boy Names Starting With B
1. Barlas
Origin: Turkish
Meaning: “Hero,” “brave,” and “warrior”
2. Bertram
Origin: Old English and German
Meaning: “Bright raven”
3. Boaz
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Swiftness
Description: One of the ancestors of King David and Jesus Christ; he’s the second husband of Ruth, a biblical girl name that means “compassionate friend”
4. Burke
Origin: Old English
Meaning: Fortress
Boy Names Starting With C
1. Chase
Origin: Middle English
Meaning: “To hunt” or “to chase”
2. Christopher
Origin: English and Greek
Meaning: Christ-bearer
3. Cyrus
Origin: Greek boy name
Meaning: Lord
Boy Names Starting With D
1. Denzel
Origin: English
Meaning: From the high stronghold
2. Dominic
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Born on the Lord’s day (Sunday)
Boy Names Starting With E
1. Eli
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Ascension
Description: Devoted priest in the Bible
2. Evander
Origin: Old Norse
Meaning: Warrior
3. Ewan
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Meaning: Warrior who is young
Boy Names Starting With F
1. Farrell
Origin: Irish
Meaning: “Man of courage” or “man of valor”
2. Fernando
Origin: Portuguese and Spanish
Meaning: Daring, brave journey
Description: Variant of “Ferdinand”
Boy Names Starting With G
1. Garrett
Origin: Old English boy name
Meaning: “Brave and hardy” or “spear ruler”
2. Griffin
Origin: Welsh and Greek
Meaning: Strong prince
Description: Half-eagle and half-lion mythical creature
Boy Names Starting With H
1. Haile
Origin: Ethiopian
Meaning: “Strength,” “power,” and force”
2. Hudson
Origin: English
Meaning: “Brave ruler” or “son of Hugh”
Boy Names Starting With I
1. Imre
Origin: German name
Meaning: Universal ruler
2. Isaac
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: One who laughs
Description: Biblical boy name for the son of Abraham and Sarah in their old age; they chose this name because they laughed after learning that they were going to have a child even if Sarah was already about to turn 90 years old
3. Ivan
Origin: Old Slavic and Russian
Meaning: God is gracious
Description: Variant of “Ian”
Boy Names Starting With J
1. James
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Supplanter
Description: James’ name meaning originates from “Jacob”
2. Jarek
Origin: Slavic
Meaning: “Fierce” and “strong”
Description: Shorter form or nickname for longer names like “Jaroslav”
Boy Names Starting With K
1. Kawan
Origin: Korean boy name
Meaning: Strong friend
2. Kendrick
Origin: Welsh
Meaning: “Hero and chief” or “royal power”
3. Koa
Origin: Hawaiian name
Meaning: “Fearless warrior,” “brave,” and “bold”
Boy Names Starting With L
1. Leonard
Origin: German
Meaning: Brave lion
2. Lucius
Origin: Roman and Latin boy name
Meaning: Name that means light
Description: Variant of “Lucian”
Boy Names Starting With M
1. Maverick
Origin: English
Meaning: Independent one
Description: Country boy name and moniker after the Texas rancher who reportedly refused to brand (mark) his cattle, unlike other ranchers
2. Max
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Greatest
Description: Standalone given name that can also be a nickname for longer names like “Maximus” or “Maximillian”
3. Moana
Origin: Maori (indigenous Polynesian)
Meaning: Ocean, deep sea
Description: Despite being a Disney princess name, this is actually a gender-neutral name
Boy Names Starting With N
1. Nathanael
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God has given
Description: Comes from the Hebrew name “Netan’el”; a biblical name mentioned several times in the Old and New Testaments
2. Nicodemus
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Victory of the people
Description: The name relates to the Greek goddess Nike, known to be the goddess of victory in both war and in peaceful times (such as in sports)
Boy Names Starting With O
1. Olis
Origin: Ukrainian
Meaning: Defending man
Description: Variant of “Alex”; a Ukrainian nickname or short form of “Alexander”
2. Oswald
Origin: Old English
Meaning: Divine power
Boy Names Starting With P
1. Phoenix
Origin: Egyptian and Greek
Meaning: Dark red
Description: Legendary immortal bird that rises from its ashes after death; it’s often used as a symbol of eternal life or immortality
2. Pruitt
Origin: Old French
Meaning: “Valiant” or “brave”
Boy Names Starting With Q
1. Quennel
Origin: Old French
Meaning: Country name for “someone who lives by small oak trees”
Description: Also a black boy name
2. Quinlan
Origin: Irish and Gaelic
Meaning: Strong
Boy Names Starting With R
1. Raymond
Origin: German
Meaning: “Famous protector” or “protecting hands”
Description: Variants include “Raymund” and “Raymonde”
2. Rhett
Origin: Dutch
Meaning: “Counsel” or “advice”
Boy Names Starting With S
1. Sanjaya
Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: “Triumphant” and “completely victorious”
2. Sasha
Origin: Russian unisex name
Meaning: Defending man
Description: It’s a short form or a pet name for “Alexander” or “Alexandra”
3. Sewell
Origin: Anglo-Saxon
Meaning: “Ruling sea” or “strong sea”
Description: Variants of this name include “Sewald” and “Sewall”
Boy Names Starting With T
1. Tedmond
Origin: Old English
Meaning: Protector of the land
2. Titus
Origin: Hebrew and Latin
Meaning: Title of honor
Description: Protagonist of “Titus Andronicus,” a Shakespearean tragedy
Boy Names Starting With U
1. Umar
Origin: Arabic boy name
Meaning: “Thriving” and “flourishing”
Description: It’s a variant of “Omar.”
2. Uzziah
Origin: Ancient Hebrew name
Meaning: Strength and power of God
Boy Names Starting With V
1. Valente
Origin: Mexican, Hispanic, and Roman
Meaning: “Healthy,” “strong,” and “vigorous”
Description: Comes from the Roman name “Valentinus”
2. Victor
Origin: Latin
Meaning: “Conqueror” or “winner”
Boy Names Starting With W
1. Warrick
Origin: German boy name
Meaning: Leader who defends
2. Wyatt
Origin: Old English
Meaning: Brave and hardy in battle
Description: Comes from the Old English name “Wigheard”
3. Wayan
Origin: Balinese (Austronesian ethnic language in Indonesia) and Sanskrit
Meaning: “Strength” and “energy”
Description: Used for first born sons in Balinese tradition
Boy Names Starting With X
1. Xabat
Origin: Basque
Meaning: Savior
Description: Variant of “Salvador”
2. Ximun
Origin: Basque
Meaning: Son
3. Xhafer
Origin: Albanian
Meaning: Nature name meaning “stream”
Description: Variant of “Jafar”
Boy Names Starting With Y
1. Yashvir
Origin: Hebrew and Indian
Meaning: “Brave” and “glorious”
Description: Variant includes “Yashveer”
2. Yehuda
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Praise
Description: Variants include “Yehudah” and “Judah”
3. Yoshi
Origin: Japanese name
Meaning: “Virtuous,” respectable,” “righteous,” or “good”
Boy Names Starting With Z
1. Zale
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “Sea strength”
2. Zane
Origin: Arabic boy and girl name
Meaning: Name meaning graceful
3. Zuberi
Origin: Swahili name
Meaning: Strong
Choosing Baby Boy Names
There are many different ways or methods you can use to narrow down and choose the best name for your baby:
Choosing according to the beginning letter of the name Taking your pick from the links mentioned for the names in different languages and more
REFERENCES (1) https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/
