If you’ve been searching for cool boy names to consider and add to your baby name list, you won’t want to miss out on these 100 tough boy names. Every name is unique and all are strong boy names for babies.
There is a wide range of options here but all are suitable for your upcoming bundle of joy. If you’re on the fence still about what to name your baby boy, start here to expand your options and thoughts. Who knows…you just might find the perfect name that you’ve been searching for!
There may be affiliate links in this article. Please see my disclosure for more information.
Related:Seriously Handsome Southern Names for Boys
100 TOUGH BOY NAMES
Here are 100 tough boy names that you’re going to love. I’ve taken the time to alphabetize them at the bottom of the post for you, but in the next section I’ve listed them with the meanings and origins. Enjoy!
Related:Country Names for Boys That You’re Gonna Love
Rugged Boy Names that You Won’t Want to Miss
Here are the same names and order as listed above, but these have the origins and meanings now as well.
Aaron: (Hebrew) This name is actually a Hebrew masculine name that means “mountain of strength”. It’s quite popular as well.
Related: Strong Girl Names
Ace:(English) Meaning “number one”, does it really get any more tough sounding? When it comes down to it, having a name that always means you’re in first sets the bar pretty high.
Check out this NEW + affordable childbirth course
She has options for both natural AND medicated birth!!. Use coupon code AUDREY10 for 10% off!
Adrian:(Latin) While this name means (Man of Adra), it’s actually a masculine Latin name that was given to several martyrs and various saints.
Aiden:(Irish) Meaning “fiery”, this is one strong boy name for babies. While it’s quite popular for boys to be named this, it’s also becoming popular as a unisex baby name as well.
Related:Handsome Two Syllable Boy Names
Alexander:(Greek) If you’re looking for rugged boy names, this just might be the one! This name means “defender of the people” and is often used as a strong first name for boys, but sometimes shortened down to Alex as well.
Amell:(German) While this might be one of the strong yet different boy names, it’s meaning of “power of an eagle” is anything but weak.
Amory:(German) Meaning “leader”, I find great comfort in this masculine boy name. I really like the way it sounds and the spelling reminds me of the word armour as well.
Apollo:(Greek) Ranking high on my list of cool boy names, this unique one means “to destroy”. It also reminds me of Apollo 13 and makes me think of space as well.
Related: Cute One Syllable Boy Names
Related: Three Letter Boy Names
Archer:(English) Meaning “bowman”, this is a great tough name for boys that can be geared towards hunted or marksmanship. It could also work for nature names or outdoorsy names as well.
Arlo:(English) This name means “army hill” and sounds pretty tough, if you’re asking me. It ranks #278 on the popularity charts for boys names as well.
Atticus:(Latin) Meaning “man of Attica”, does it get more rugged sounding than this? And if you’re a book fan, you just might recognize this name as well from the book “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
Related: Boy Names With Nicknames
Ax:(Hebrew) “Father is peace” is the true meaning of this tough name for boys, however just the name itself is what actually sounds quite masculine and tough to me. Reminds of me being out in the woods, chopping up lumber to feed to fireplace for the upcoming winter months.
Axel:(Scandinavian) This name is also German, too and means “father of peace” as does the shorter version of this name above. It’s pretty popular and ranks #94 on the list of names for boys.
Azai:(Aramaic) Literally meaning “strength”, this is one of those masculine boy names that also just sounds really cool and unique as well.
Banner:(English) Meaning “flag bearer”, this name needs to be on your radar. Although the meaning of the name might not represent being tough, just saying it outloud does in fact make it sound like a totally cool boy name to consider.
Barrett:(German) If you’re looking for tough, consider this masucline boys name. This name means “bear strength”.
Bart:(Hebrew) Meaning “son of the Earth”, you may find that this condensed name might just be the perfect fit for your upcoming little bundle of joy.
Beck:(Hebrew) This is one strong name for boys! It literally means “martyr” and also sounds pretty cool, too. Popular in the US as well for musicians to have this as their name, too.
Blade:(English) Meaning “cutting edge”, I think we can all agree that there isn’t anything about this name that just doesn’t sound tough, right?
Bo:(Swedish) This masculine name for boys means “to live” and is often shortened from longer names like Beaufort.
Brant:(English) Meaning “proud”, this sounds like a strong name for boys that is certain to catch attention as well. It’s not an overly unique name but it is gaining in popularity throughout the years.
Brendon:(Irish) This is a great choice for strong boy names for babies because it literally means “prince”. And isn’t your bundle of joy absolutely going to be your very own prince at your house?
Brock:(English) While this name means “badger”, it’s often found on cool baby name lists and has a masculine and tough ring to it, if you’re asking my opinion. There are over 14,000 people named Brock in the world as well.
Need to learn how to breastfeed? Check out Stacey’s Milkology course
She has affordable learning for breastfeeding, pumping, and going back to work!
Bruce:(English) Meaning “the willowlands”, this name is one name that is absolutely associated with being tough. Think of all the famous men who have this name like Bruce Lee and Bruce Lee, to name a few.
Bruno:(German) This tough boy name means “shield” and there really isn’t anything that’s going to beat out that. A shield is literally used to stop things from getting harmed so this tough name is a good one. And if you like Bruno Mars, there’s also that angle as well.
Related: Popular 4 Letter Boy Names
Related: 100+ Modern Boy Names
Brye:(Celtic) This name means “strength” and is often used in other variations as well like Bryson or Bryce.
Brutus:(Latin) Meaning “heavy”, you might want to consider this as a good maculine boys name. I associate it with the word brute which then makes me think of force or strength.
Buck:(English) Since this world literally means “male deer”, you might not think it’s means tough…but out in the woods, the male deer are quite tough! Plus, saying this name out loud says like a great choice for rugged boy names.
Butch:(American) Meaning “manly”, it’s plain to see that this name is simple yet masculine.
Cage:(English) While this name means “confining structure”, I think we can all agree that there is a toughness factor to this name. Don’t believe me? Just say it out loud. It also reminds me of cage fighting, so that elicits toughness and masculinity as well.
Related: Hippie Names for Boy’s and Girl’s
Charles:(German) Simply meaning “man”, this is a rugged boys name that is popular all over the world.
Chuck:(French) Meaning “free man”, I automatically think of one of the toughest names that people know in America, Chuck Norris.
Clint:(English) This name means “steep cliff” but again reminds me of another masculine icon, Clint Eastwood.
Conrad:(German) This name means “bold” and is one of those cool boy names that also just sounds a little bit unique and rugged as well.
Colt:(English) This boys name means “young horse” and if you’ve ever been around a colt in real life, you know that they are tough as nails and full of spunk. Damien:(Greek) Meaning “to tame” this name is actually quite popular for boys. It currently ranks #108.
Dean:(English) This name is actually associated as being a masucline English name but its meaning is “valley”. But if you think of people like James Dean when you hear this name, you know that the toughness is there.
Related: Fantasy Fiction Boy Names
Denzel:(Cornish) Meaning “from the high stronghold”, this is one masculine name that is unique enough to stand out from the crowd.
Donly:(Irish) This name is a unique boys name but means “descendent of valiant man Donnghal”. I think that this name is masucline in just how it sounds once spoken.
Donovan:(Irish) Meaning “dark”, this name carries an aura about it that just sounds masculine and tough.
Doug:(Scottish) This name means “stream” and is a common masculine name for boys in the world. It’s shortened from Douglas quite often but can be used on its own as well.
Drake:(English) Meaning “dragon”, it just has a ring of ruggedness to it. Especially if you think about all the fire-breathing dragons that there are in fairy tales. Those things are tough.
Dustin:(German) In German, this name means “brave fighter”. There isn’t anything more masculine than thinking of a brave soldier or fighter fighting for his country.
Ebert:(German) Meaning “strong”, this is another great example of a strong but different boy names that might be just what you’re looking for.
Ethan: (Hebrew) This is another masculine name that means “strong” and is certain to turn heads if given to your son.
Gage: (French) Meaning “one who is defiant” (oh dear), you’re going to love this masculine and tough boys name.
Garrett: (German) This name means brave and needs to be on your radar. It’s gaining in popularity among boys names as well.
Griffin: (Irish) Literally meaning “half eagle – half lion”, this is one tough creature and also one tough name!
Gunner: (Scandinavian) Meaning “bold warrior”, you can be certain that this cool name stands out from the crowd.
Related: Nature Names for Boys
Guy: (French) This baby boys name means “leader” and proves that toughness can mean a wide variety of things.
Harold: (English) This name means “army commander” and who is going to say that it isn’t a tough name.
Heath: (English) Meaning “someone who lived at”, this might not be your traditional tough name. But there are many tough men that have this name and showcase it proudly.
Herbert: (German) This masculine boys name means “army” which indicates quite a tough and powerful force.
Hercules: (Latin) Is there any tougher of a name than this? It actually means “the glory of Hera”.
Hunter: (English) Meaning “one who hunts”, it’s a tough gig to go out into the world and provide for yourself and your family.
Ike: (Hebrew) This name means “he laughs”, but if you’re asking me, I think of toughness because of how it reminds me of our past president.
Jax: (English) Meaning “god has been gracious”, this name just sounds really tough. Go ahead, say it…sounds tough, right?
Jackson: (English) This boys name means “son of Jack” and is often used as a first name but sometimes shortened down to Jack or Jax.
Javier: (Spanish) This popular boys name actually ranks in at #244. It means “castle” and is a masculine Spanish name and sometimes spelled as Xavier as well.
Jerry: (English) Meaning “ruler with a spear”, this name just shows it’s dominance.
Jesse: (Hebrew) The true meaning of this name is “gift” but I can’t help but think of one of the toughest men out there, Jesse James.
Juan: (Spanish) Meaning “God is gracious”, this name is quite popular and typically associated with toughness in the Spanish culture.
Julius: (Latin) This name means “devoted to Jove” but we all know this name as being associated with Julius Caesar.
Kalmin: (Scandinavian) This cool but unique boys name means “manly” and I’d have to agree!
Knox: (Scottish) Meaning “round hill, I’d have to say that all I really think about when I hear this name is Fort Knox. And we all know how tough that place is.
Kwan: (Korean) This name literally means “strong” and I have to say that I really think that this is a great name for little boys. Leo: (German) This is actually a shortened version of the name Leon and means “brave people”.
Liam: (German) Meaning “strong protector”, this is one totally unique name that will make your little man stand out.
Related:Unique Boy Names (that aren’t too out there)
Malin: (English) This name literally means “strong, little warrior”.
Manuel: (Hebrew) “God is with us” is the meaning of this name and I feel that this shows the strength that your little bundle of joy can truly have.
Max: (Latin) Meaning “the greatest”, this is just an absolutely strong and tough sounding name. Who’s going to want to challenge the greatest?
Maximus: (Latin) This name means “greatest” as well and is sometimes used as the full first name for Max or Maxwell.
Mitch: (Hebrew) Meaning “who is like God”, there is something about this name that just has a masculine feeling to it.
Check out this NEW + affordable childbirth course
She has options for both natural AND medicated birth!!. Use coupon code AUDREY10 for 10% off!
Nick: (Greek) “Victory of the people” is what this name means…and that sounds pretty strong to me!
Noah: (Hebrew) This name means “rest” but you know that we’re all probably thinking of the super strong and well-known story about Noah’s Ark.
Orion: (Greek) Meaning “rising in the sky”, anything space related is strong and masculine if you’re asking me. I also associate this to Orion’s belt.
Oscar: (Irish) This name means “friend” but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a bit of toughness behind this name as well. I think of the famoux boxer, Oscar De La Hoya.
Owen: (Welsh) Meaning “young warrior”, this boy’s name is just too cute! I love this name so much, that I’m saving this on my maybe list of names for later.
Phoenix: (Greek) This boys name means “bright red”, but I think that it’s tough because it sounds unique and is a really cool boys name.
Rebel: (German) Meaning “rebel”, your son will be able to tackle anything that comes before them.
Rico: (Spanish) This name means “dominant ruler” and also has quite a nice ring to it as well.
Rider: (English) Meaning “horseman”, it’s pure truth that taming and riding a horse is a very masculine job.
Rob: (German) Although typically known as Robert, this name means “bright fame”. And it’s no secret that it takes a lot to make it in the world today, especially if fame and fortune are on the line.
Rocco: (Italian) Meaning “rest”, you won’t have to worry about that with this tough boys name. This is one name that just sounds tough.
Ryan: (Irish) This boys name means “little king” and it’s no secret that it takes a strong man to run a kingdom. Seargent: (French) Literally meaning “sergent”, that’s one tough title that leads many men and women to battle.
Slevin: (Gaelic) This unique boys name means “mountain” and it’s about as tough sounding as they come. It’s a pretty safe bet that you’ve never heard this name before.
Related: Unisex Baby Names
Sloan: (Irish) Meaning “warrior” there’s no doubt that this is a super tough name.
Steel: (English) This name means “style” but we all know that there isn’t anything that can break or hurt steel.
Thor: (Scandinavian) Meaning “thunder”, there’s no question that this is a powerful sounding boys name.
Thorn: (German) This unique boys name means “tower” but if you’re asking me, no one is going to want to mess with anyone named Thorn. No one.
Titus: (Oscan) Meaning “title of honor”, you’re going to love this masucline and strong boys name.
Valentino: (Italian) “Strong” is the meaning of this name and it’s popular within the Italian community. While we tend to think of Valentine when we hear this name, it’s actually a pretty cool first name for boys as well.
Vincent: (Latin) This name literally means “conquering” and is one tough name that caught me by surprise. Who knew that was the meaning of the name Vincent?
Xander: (Latin) Meaning “to defend”, this Latin name screams masculinity.
Xavier: (Spanish) Literally meaning “a new house”, this still has a brave sound to it as well. It’s often referred to as a masculine Spanish boys name.
Need to learn how to breastfeed? Check out Stacey’s Milkology course
She has affordable learning for breastfeeding, pumping, and going back to work!
William: (German) Meaning “strong-willed warrior”, this name just oozes toughness. It’s also a really popular boys name as well.
Wyatt: (English) “Brave” is the meaning of this boys name. I also think about Wyatt Earp as well.
Zane: (Hebrew) This boys name literally means a “gift from God”. How can you really top that?!
Zeke: (Hebrew) Meaning “God strengthens”, this unique name for boys just might find a place in your heart.
- Aaron
- Ace
- Adrian
- Aiden
- Alexander
- Amell
- Amory
- Apollo
- Archer
- Arlo
- Atom
- Ax
- Axel
- Azai
- Banner
- Barrett
- Bart
- Beck
- Blade
- Bo
- Brandon
- Brant
- Brock
- Bruce
- Bruno
- Brye
- Brutus
- Buck
- Butch
- Cage
- Charles
- Chuck
- Clint
- Conrad
- Colt
- Damien
- Dean
- Denzel
- Donly
- Donovan
- Doug
- Drake
- Dustin
- Ebert
- Ethan
- Gage
- Garrett
- Griffin
- Gunner
- Guy
- Harold
- Heath
- Herbert
- Hercules
- Hunter
- Ike
- Jax
- Jackson
- Javier
- Jerry
- Jesse
- Juan
- Julius
- Kalmin
- Knox
- Kwan
- Leo
- Liam
- Malin
- Manuel
- Max
- Maximus
- Mitch
- Nick
- Noah
- Orion
- Oscar
- Owen
- Phoenix
- Rebel
- Rico
- Rider
- Rob
- Rocco
- Ryan
- Seargent
- Slevin
- Sloan
- Steel
- Thor
- Thorn
- Titus
- Valentino
- Vincent
- Xander
- Xavier
- William
- Wyatt
- Zane
- Zeke
There you have it! 100 tough names for boys that you really need to consider. Some have a masculine meaning, some just sound tough, and some are tough because of how they relate to a real person who already has that name. Whatever your reasoning, you can easily choose one of these masculine boy names as the perfect name for your upcoming bundle of joy!
Do you have a tough boy name that didn’t make the list?
Related Name Posts for Girls:
- Four Letter Boy Names
- Country Boy Names
- Southern Girl Names
- Fantasy Fiction Boy Names
- Two Syllable Girl Names
- Stylish Girl Names
- Netflix-Inspired Baby Names
- Girl Names with Nicknames
