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?

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/