Are you looking for a name that will make your child stand out from the crowd? Look no further than our list of 100 badass baby names! Throughout history and fiction, countless figures have embodied strength, courage, and fearlessness, and we’ve curated a selection of names inspired by them.
From classic monikers with a tough edge to unique options that will leave a lasting impression, there’s something on this list for everyone. So if you want to give your child a name that exudes confidence and resilience, read on for our top picks.
50 Badass Boy Names
1.Audie
This Irish name means rich guard. Audie Murphy, a famous actor who starred in over 40 movies, was known for his heroic acts during the Second World War.
2. Axel
A medieval Dutch form of Absalom, meaning my father is peace, Axel Rose, the lead singer of Guns n Roses, is a notable person with this name.
3. Ayrton
An English name for a farm on the River Aire. Ayrton Senna da Silva was a renowned racing driver who saved the life of a fellow driver during a race.
4. Bjørn
From the Old Norse word for bear, Bjørn Ironsides was a Norse Viking Chief and King of Sweden.
5. Boris
The meaning of this name is unclear but Boris is the name of the artist who owns Boris Tattoo, a famous tattoo studio.
6. Bowie
This Gaelic name means yellow, fair-haired. Thanks to the English music legend, David Bowie, it became popular as a first name.
7. Brick
Originally an English slang term for a good and decent person, Brick was the name of the youngest son in the Heck family in the U.S. comedy series The Middle.
8. Bruce
A Norman name that indicates someone who is from the town of Brix in France. Bruce Springsteen, an American musician, was born in 1949, a time when the name was at its peak of popularity in the U.S. Bruce is also the first name of Batman’s true identity.
9. Camazotz
An ancient Mayan name meaning death bat. Camazotz was a hardcore figure in Mayan mythology and is thought to have inspired Batman.
10. Carl
A German name that means either man or warrior. Carl Akeley, a conservationist, was once attacked by a leopard and killed it with his bare hands.
11. Christopher
From Christos, meaning anointed, Christopher Lee, an actor known for his horror films, worked in military intelligence during WWII and is said to be a partial inspiration for James Bond.
12. Colt
Short for Colton and means charcoal town. In 2019, Colt was ranked number 210 on the top boys’ names list of the U.S. Social Security Administration.
13. Cooper
An English boy’s name meaning barrel maker. Cooper has a surname-as-a-first-name chic and is a badass name, especially for the child of a brewer or someone in a profession that makes or uses barrels.
14. Damon
From Greek mythology, meaning to tame. In Greek legend, Damon replaced Pythias, who was imprisoned and allowed to go temporarily free.
15. Dex
Short for Dexter, which means one who dyes. It has a short, choppy, and badass feel and has become popular worldwide.
16. Donovan
From the Irish surname, which means descendant of Donndubhan, meaning brown, dark. It is ideal for someone of Irish heritage looking for an edgy, badass boys’ name.
17. Enzo
May come from the German Anzo, meaning giant, or it can be an abbreviation of names ending in Enzo. Enzo Ferrari was a racing driver who founded one of the world’s premier supercar manufacturers.
18. Ferris
A surname related to Fergus, meaning man of vigor. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, in which the title character skips school, defeats his principal, and jumps on a parade float, has contributed to the name’s badass reputation.
19. Faust
The name Faust is of Latin origin, meaning auspicious or lucky. Johann Georg Faust, a German traveler who practiced alchemy, magic, and astrology, inspired the legend of the man who sold his soul to the devil. While this may not inherently seem badass, the name itself certainly is.
20. Flynn
Flynn is an Anglicized version of the Irish name Flann, which translates to “red.” It has gained popularity in the US since the early 2000s and would be an excellent choice for someone with Irish heritage seeking a badass name.
21. Gibson
Gibson is a name that means “son of Gib,” with Gib being short for Gilbert, which means “bright pledge.” In 1894, Orville Gibson began selling his homemade instruments from his home in Kalamazoo, Michigan, which led to the establishment of the coolest guitar manufacturing company ever – Gibson.
22. Gotz
Gotz is a short form of Gottfried, meaning “peace of God.” Götz von Berlichingen, a German mercenary known as Iron Hand because of his prosthetic, gained notoriety in a 1504 siege when he responded to a surrender request with the phrase, “Leck mich am Arsch,” which is the first recorded instance of “kiss my ass.”
23. Griffin
Griffin is the Latinized form of Gruffudd, an ancient Welsh name that means “strong lord” or “strong prince.” This name evokes images of hand-to-hand combat in hard-fought, muddy battles and is associated with the mythical creature that is part-lion, part-eagle.
24. Holden
Holden is a place name derived from Old English, meaning “deep valley.” Holden Caulfield, the protagonist of The Catcher in the Rye, is often considered a rebel or a whiner. Still, there is no denying that the name carries a rebellious aura. This may be why it has surged in popularity in the US.
25. Hugh
Hugh is an English name that means “heart,” “mind,” or “spirit.” Hugh Glass, an American frontiersman, became a legend after surviving a grizzly bear attack and being left for dead by his companions. He set his broken leg, let maggots eat his wounds, and traveled for six weeks to reach the nearest settlement.
26. Ignatius
The meaning of Ignatius is uncertain, but it may be derived from a Roman family name that was changed to resemble the Latin word for “fire.” Ignatius is on the badass list simply because it sounds like a hardcore name. It can also be shortened to Iggy, as in the grandfather of punk, Iggy Pop.
27. Ivar
Ivar is a name of Norse origin, meaning “bow of yew” or “warrior.” This name is popular in the Netherlands and Sweden, making it a great choice for families with Dutch or Scandinavian heritage.
28. Kurt
Kurt is a German name derived from Conrad, which means “brave advisor”. Kurt Cobain, Nirvana’s late singer-songwriter and frontman, has made this name even more popular.
29. Jack
Jack is an English name derived from John, meaning “God is gracious”. The infamous pirate Captain Jack Ward is a famous bearer of this name, inspiring the character Captain Jack Sparrow.
30. Jax
Jax is a shortened version of Jackson, an Old English surname that means “son of Jack.” This name gained popularity after the TV show Sons of Anarchy featured the tough biker Jax Teller.
31. Jonas
Jonas is a Northern European name derived from Jonah, meaning “dove.” Jonas Salk, who developed the vaccine for polio, is a notable bearer of this name.
32. Joseph
Joseph is a Hebrew name meaning “he will add.” Joe Boyle, who fought a shark, built a gold mining empire and established his machine gunner company, is a noteworthy bearer of this name.
33. Jude
Jude is an English name derived from Judas, meaning “praise.” This gender-neutral name is becoming more popular among boys.
34. Jett
Jett is derived from the English word “jet,” meaning “intense, dark, black.” This name is associated with an image of someone who is extremely badass.
35. Leif
Leif is a name of Old Norse origin, meaning “descendant” or “heir.” Viking Leif Erikson is thought to have been the first European to set foot in North America, establishing Vinland around the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
36. Leo
Leo is a name derived from the Latin word for “lion.” Leo Major, who refused to be sent home from WWII despite losing one eye, is a notable bearer of this name.
37. Logan
Logan is a Scottish name meaning “little hollow”. This name became more popular in 1974, when Wolverine first appeared in the Marvel universe.
38. Lyle
Lyle is derived from the Norman French word “l’isle”, meaning “island.” Lyle Bouck Jr., who led an 18-man unit that held off an entire division of 500 German soldiers, is a famous bearer of this name.
39. Macsen
Macsen is an Old Welsh version of Maximus, meaning “the greatest”. This name strikes a perfect balance between mainstream and pretentious.
40. Magnus
Magnus is a Latin name meaning “great”. This name has been used by countless Vikings, kings, and dukes of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, as well as two holders of the “World’s Strongest Man” title, making it an intimidating name.
41. Ragnar
Ragnar is a Germanic name derived from the name Reynold, which means wise army. While it was once a common name in Norway and Iceland, it’s less popular today. However, if you’re looking for a name that evokes the image of a fierce Viking warrior wielding an axe, Ragnar might be the perfect choice for your child.
42. Roald
Roald is an Old Norse name that means famous ruler. One of the most well-known bearers of this name was Roald Amundsen, a Norwegian explorer who led the first successful expedition to sail through the Northwest Passage and was the first person to reach the South Pole.
43. Slade
Slade is a name of Old English origin, meaning valley. Despite its humble meaning, the name has been borne by some notable figures. For example, during World War II, Slade Cutter was a United States Naval officer famous for his record in sinking enemy Japanese warships. In fiction, Slade Wilson was the alter-ego of the supervillain Deathstroke.
44. Subutai
Subutai is a name of uncertain origin and meaning. However, it is widely recognized as the name of one of the most accomplished military strategists in history. Subutai served under Genghis Khan and was responsible for coordinating the movements of armies across hundreds of miles, using tactics that were centuries ahead of their time.
45. Thomas
Thomas is a Greek name that means twin. One of the most famous bearers of this name was Thomas-Alexandre Dumas, the son of a French aristocrat and a slave from Haiti. Despite facing discrimination due to his mixed-race background, Dumas became a respected military leader known by his enemies as “The Black Devil.” His story inspired the novel “The Count of Monte Cristo.”
46. Tycho
Tycho is a name of Old Norse origin derived from Thor, meaning thunder. Despite its mythological roots, the name is associated with a real-life badass: Tycho Brahe, a Danish mathematician and astronomer who contributed significantly to astronomy. Brahe famously lost part of his nose in a duel over a mathematical formula.
47. Waverly
Waverly is an English name with a lovely meaning: restless meadow. It might not sound particularly badass, but it’s worth noting that the name has been borne by some impressive women throughout history. For example, Waverly Woodson was an African-American medic who landed at Omaha Beach during World War II and spent 30 hours saving wounded soldiers’ lives while under enemy fire.
48. Witold
Witold is a Polish name derived from Vytautas, meaning “to drive away the nation.” One of the most notable bearers of this name was Witold Pilecki, a member of the Polish resistance during World War II who volunteered to be imprisoned at Auschwitz so he could gather intelligence. Pilecki organized a resistance movement within the camp and escaped after three years.
49. Yonatan
Yonatan is a Hebrew name that means “God has given.” One of the most well-known bearers of this name was Yonatan Netanyahu, an Israeli soldier killed during Operation Entebbe, a hostage-rescue mission in Uganda. Netanyahu was a skilled military leader remembered for his bravery and dedication to his country.
50. Yusuf
Yusuf is a name with Arabic and Turkish origins that signifies “he will add.”
A story has been circulating about Yusuf Alchagirov, an octogenarian Russian shepherd reportedly attacked by a bear. During the encounter, Yusuf bravely fought off the bear, but at some point, he was thrown off a cliff. Although he sustained some bruises, Yusuf was discharged the following day. There is no information available about the bear’s condition after the altercation.
50 Badass Girl Names
51. Aella
Aella is a name of ancient Greek origin, meaning a swiftly moving wind.
In Greek mythology, Aella was a warrior from the tribe of the Amazons. She was well-known for her prowess in battle, where she wielded a double-headed axe.
52. Agnes
Agnes is derived from the Greek word “hagnos,” which means pure or chaste.
Agnes Randolph, a Scottish Countess, is celebrated for her fortitude and bravery. For over five months, she defended Dunbar Castle against a powerful English army that laid siege to her fortress.
53. Alexia
Alexia is a Greek name that translates to “defender of the people.”
If you’re searching for a modern and unique name, Alexia is an excellent option. In 2019, it ranked 632nd on the Social Security Administration’s list of popular names.
54. Amy
Amy comes from the Latin name “Amata,” which means beloved.
Amy Johnson was a pioneering aviator who was the first woman to fly solo from London to Australia. This trailblazing woman held multiple international records for flight times until her death during World War II.
55. Azima
Azima is an Arabic name that means great, powerful, or magnificent.
This name is perfect for parents who want their child to exude strength and power. It should also be noted that Azima is the feminine version of Azim, which means perseverance in Turkish, adding another layer of meaning to this already impressive name.
56. Bertha
Bertha is a Germanic name that means bright and famous.
Bertha Benz, the wife of automobile inventor Carl Benz, was instrumental in improving her husband’s invention. She took the car on a 66-mile journey without his knowledge and made many improvements along the way. This act of rebellion led to the first car sales.
57. Bessie
Bessie is a diminutive form of Elizabeth, which means “my God is my oath.”
Bessie Coleman was the first African American woman and Native American to earn a pilot’s license. As the daughter of an African American mother and Cherokee father, Bessie’s legacy inspires many people today.
58. Blaze
Blaze is derived from the Latin word “balbus,” which means lisping.
If you’re looking for a bold and tough name, then Blaze might be a perfect choice. This modern name has a rugged sound to it that is sure to make an impact.
59. Cleo
Cleo is a shortened version of the Greek name Cleopatra, which means “glory of the father.”
Cleo is a name that conveys strength and power, as it is associated with the legendary queen Cleopatra. The short and punchy format of the name makes it a great choice for parents who want a modern and timeless name.
60. Delilah
Delilah, a Hebrew name, has connotations of fragility and weakness due to the story of Samson and Delilah. However, it is also a unique and bold name choice, as evidenced by its ranking of 88 in the 2019 U.S. baby name charts.
61. Edith
Edith is derived from the Old English Eadgyð, which means wealth and war. Edith Cavell, a British nurse, aided the escape of over 75 soldiers and 100 civilians from occupied Belgium during World War I. She was executed by a German firing squad for her bravery.
62. Emma
The name Emma originally served as a nickname for Germanic names that began with Ermen, meaning universal. Emma Gatewood, a 67-year-old grandmother, completed the 2,168-mile Appalachian trail three times, becoming the first woman to do so.
63. Faiza
Faiza, a feminine form of the Arabic name Faiz, means victorious. This name is not overly common, making it a unique choice for parents seeking a strong and powerful name for their daughter.
64. Fatima
Fatima, an Arabic name, means to abstain. Fatma Al-Fihri founded the al-Qarawiyyin mosque in Fez, Morocco, in 859 CE, which later became the University of al-Qarawiyyin, the world’s oldest learning institution.
65. Finley
Finley is an anglicized version of Fionnlagh, which means fair warrior. This name is ideal for parents with Scottish or Irish heritage who want a spirited name for their daughter.
66. Frankie
Frankie is a diminutive form of the names Frank and Francis derived from the Ancient Germanic tribe, the Franks. Once a popular name choice for girls in the 1930s, it has recently gained popularity again.
67. Hattie
Hattie is a shortened form of Harriet, which means leader of the army in Old English. Hattie Gossett, Hattie Lawton, and Hattie Caraway are all powerful women who embody the strength and leadership associated with this name.
68. Heddy
Heddy is derived from the Germanic Hadewig, which means battle or war. Hedy Lamarr, a famous movie star, was also an inventor, having co-created a complex frequency-hopping technology and contributed to several aircraft designs.
69. Henryka
Henryka is the Polish feminine form of Henry, which means home ruler. Henryka Krzywonos was a Polish MP who played a critical role in the Polish revolution of 1989, beginning a strike by halting the tram she was driving, ultimately resulting in Polish independence.
70. Ida
Ida, originating from the Germanic Id, means work. Ida B. Wells, born into slavery, became an investigative journalist and co-founded the Alpha Suffrage Club. She received a posthumous Pulitzer Prize for reporting on the atrocities of lynching.
71. Irena
The name Irena has roots in Greek, deriving from the word Eirene, which translates to peace.
During World War II, Irena Sendlerowa saved Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto despite facing torture by the Gestapo and the threat of death. She never disclosed the names or locations of the children.
72. Isabella
Isabella is a medieval variant of Elizabeth, meaning “my God is my oath.”
Isabella Bird was a fearless British traveler who chronicled her journeys in “A Lady’s Life in the Rocky Mountains.” She defied convention by riding astride instead of side-saddle and even sued The Times for suggesting she dressed like a man.
73. Jade
Jade comes from Spanish and means “stone of the flank.”
Jade is also the name of a superhero in DC Comics and the protagonist in “Beyond Good and Evil.” It’s the name of Mick Jagger’s daughter and has a rebellious, rock star vibe.
74. Katherine
The meaning of Katherine is uncertain and may refer to torture, each of the two, or purity.
Katherine Switzer was the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon in 1967, defying the race’s prohibition on women runners. A race organizer attempted to pull her from the race, but she finished it.
75. Kim
Kim is a shortened form of Kimball, which means “chief of war.”
Kim Deal was the original bassist for The Pixies and frontwoman for The Breeders. The Pixies had a significant influence on artists like Kurt Cobain.
76. Komako
Komako is a Japanese name meaning “pony and child.”
Komako Kimura was a suffragist in Japan who faced government threats to shut down her theater for producing a play in support of women’s rights. Rather than shutting down, she made performances free and was arrested.
77. Lepa
Lepa is a Serbian name that means “beautiful.”
Lepa Radić was a resistance member during World War II at age 17. Captured during battle, she refused to betray other resistance members in exchange for her life and was hanged.
78. Lilith
Lilith is believed to have originated from Mesopotamian demons called lilû, and means “of the night” or “night monster.”
In Jewish folklore, Lilith is Adam’s first wife and is banished from the Garden of Eden because she refuses to submit to his authority.
79. Lillian
Lillian is derived from the Latin word for the flower lily, lillium.
Lillian Ngoyi was a political activist in South Africa who helped launch the Federation of South African Women. She was imprisoned for 15 years under house arrest for her fight against apartheid.
80. Lorelei
The origin of Lorelei is unclear, but it may be related to the Germanic word ley, meaning “rock.”
In German romantic literature, Lorelei is the name of a maiden who lives on a rocky headland on the Rhine. Her singing is said to lure sailors and boaters to their death.
81. Maud
Maud is a Dutch name that means “strength in battle.”
Maud Stevens Wagner was a remarkable rebel well before the punk era. She was the first known female tattoo artist in the United States, and all her art was created by hand instead of using a tattoo machine.
82. Milunka
Milunka is a Slavic name that means “dear.”
Milunka Savić cut her hair, dressed as a man, and went to war in place of her brother. She completed ten deployments before being injured, and her true gender was discovered. Savić holds the record as the most highly decorated female combatant in history.
83. Nila
Nila means “dark blue” in Sanskrit.
Nila manages to sound edgy and dark while still being feminine. It is a modern name, although it had a brief period of popularity in the United States during the 1930s.
84. Nikita
Nikita is a Russian name that means “victor.”
Nikita is a short and powerful name without being too aggressive. It gained popularity in the United States during the late 1980s, perhaps due to the Elton John song of the same name.
85. Omu
Omu is an Osomari title that means “queen.”
Omu Okwei is recognized as the greatest queen in Nigerian history. She established an extensive business empire and collaborated with the invading British while preserving significant Nigerian traditions.
86. Patti
Patti is a diminutive of Patricia, a Roman name that means “nobleman.”
Patti Smith is known for her edgy and intelligent lyrics and rebellious attitude toward the music industry. She is sometimes referred to as the punk poet laureate.
87. Prudence
Prudence is a medieval English name that means “prudent, wise, and skillful.”
In 1983, the post-punk band Siouxsie and the Banshees covered the Beatles song “Dear Prudence,” which became a favorite of Jerry Garcia, who also recorded a version.
88. Rhiannon
Rhiannon is a Welsh mythological name that means “great queen.”
In Welsh mythology, Rhiannon is a strong-willed woman of the otherworld who defies societal expectations by marrying the man she chooses instead of her betrothed. Singer Stevie Nicks also had a hit song with the same name.
89. Ruby
Ruby is derived from the Latin word “ruber,” which means “red.”
Ruby was the name of a brief yet incredible rock band formed by John Fogerty after leaving Creedence Clearwater Revival. Ruby Rose is an American actress who famously left her role as Batwoman on the CW network, which we consider a bold move.
90. Sela
Sela means “rock” in Hebrew.
When searching for badass names associated with rock music, we discovered Sela. Although it means “rock” in Hebrew, we decided it had a strong and tough sound.
91. Sojourner
Sojourner refers to someone who stays temporarily. A remarkable woman, Sojourner Truth, is recognized by the Smithsonian magazine as one of the 100 most influential Americans ever. She was a strong woman who fought against slavery, escaped it, and recruited black soldiers for the Union army.
92. Siv
Siv is a name from Old Norse that means bride. It is pronounced as seev in Swedish and is the name of Thor’s wife, also sometimes written as Sif.
93. Stevie
Stevie is a name short for Stephanie or Steven, meaning that which surrounds. It is a cool name for girls that is also used for boys. In 2019, it ranked 524th as the most popular girl’s name in the U.S. Stevie Nicks, a celebrated American singer who has lived life on her own terms, is one example of a famous person with this name.
94. Tarja
Tarja is a Finnish name that means goodness. Tarja Turunen is a well-known symphonic metal band singer who fronted Nightwish. They are known for their talent and perseverance, which took them from being a Scandinavian band to headlining festivals regularly.
95. Tempest
Tempest comes from the Old English word that means storm. If you’re daring enough to take a risk, Tempest is a great name for a girl. Its dark and stormy connotations make it a perfect name for those who want recognition.
96. Thérèse
Thérèse is the German and Nordic version of Theresa, which may have originated from the Greek word for summer. Thérèse Bonney was a photographer from the U.S. who documented the plight of children during World War II while traveling throughout Europe.
97. Thora
- Thora is an Ancient Scandinavian feminine version of Thor and means thunder. Giving your child a name that may influence their personality is an old practice. Naming a child Thora may provide her with a head start toward a badass persona.
98. Tomoe
- Tomoe is a Japanese name that can mean earth or death. Tomoe Gozen was an onna-bugeisha, a Japanese woman of noble birth who fought alongside samurai. She is often celebrated whether she was a fictional character or an actual person.
99. Vida
Vida evolved from the Roman word vita, which means life. It is pronounced Vee-da, and we were surprised to find that it was relatively popular in the mid-1800s in the U.S. A Vida revival may be overdue for this modern and edgy-sounding name.
100. Viv
Viv is a nickname for Vivian, derived from the Latin word vivus, which means alive. Viv Albertine is famous as the guitarist for punk band The Slits. Her autobiography was listed as one of the “50 Best Memoirs of the Past 50 Years” by the New York Times.
Choosing a name for your baby that exudes strength and individuality can be a fun and exciting process. Whether you opt for a classic name with a twist or a completely unique moniker, remember that your child’s name is just one aspect of their identity.
As they grow and develop their own personality, they’ll become their own little rebel in their own right. So go forth and choose a name that makes you and your partner feel like proud parents, and watch your little one blossom into a strong and independent individual.