From modern picks to rare and bold choices, this list of 200 cool names for boys includes meanings, origins, and a few celebrity-inspired surprises.
When I got pregnant with my first baby, I was confident I was having a girl. The day I learned the gender, as I lay with cold goop on my baby bump, listening to my baby’s heartbeat on the machine next to me, the nurse asked, “Do you want to know the gender?” Of course, I said yes! And then she announced, “I see a penis!”
My tears weren’t sad tears, of course. I just didn’t expect to be having a boy, which I know is silly. Among the swirl of emotions, I realized none of my carefully chosen girl names would do me any good. I suddenly needed to come up with a list of cool boy names that felt just as meaningful and exciting. I wanted something strong, stylish, and maybe even a little different. If you’re on the same search, you’re going to love this list of cool names for boys!
Celebrities often pave the way for cool boy names that are stylish, unique, and sometimes totally out there. Some are instantly lovable — others, not so much. Take Elon Musk, for example. We all know he named his son X Æ A-Xii (pronounced “X Ash A-12”). It’s a futuristic choice, and while it fits the man who builds rocketships, it’s not exactly a top pick for most parents looking for cool names for boys.
That said, many celebs have chosen names that strike the perfect balance of edgy, trendy, and meaningful. Here are some of our favorite celebrity-inspired cool boy name ideas…
- Ace: Jessica Simpson
- Axl: Fergie and Josh Duhamel
- Gideon: Neil Patrick Harris
- Bear: Alicia Silverstone
- Reign: Kourtney Kardashian
- Cash: Joshua and Tobe Morrow
- Wyatt: Sheryl Crow
- Silas, Phineas: Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel
- Ocean: Forest Whitaker
- KAL-EL: Nicolas Cage (Yes, as in Superman! This reminds me of one of my favorite shows my husband and sister got me into: “Smallville.”)
- August (Gus): Mandy Moore and Taylor Goldsmith
- Beau: Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott
- Crew: Chip and Joanna Gaines
- Francisco: Lin-Manuel Miranda and Vanessa Nadal
- Maverick: Michael and Nicole Phelps
- Miles: Chrissy Teigen and John Legend
- Moroccan: Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon
- Moses: Tamron Hall and Steven Greener
- Psalm: Kim Kardashian and Kanye West
- Romeo: Alec and Hilaria Baldwin
- Sebastian: America Ferrera and Ryan Piers Williams
- Leo (Leodis): Keke Palmer
- Riley: Meghan Trainor
- Gus (August), Ozzie (Oscar): Mandy Moore
- Isaac, Malachi, Roman: Ashley Graham
- Egypt, Genesis: Alicia Keys
- Maceo: Halle Berry
- Manolo: Sofia Vergara
- Gene: Amy Schumer
- Alexander: George and Amal Clooney
- Future, Win: Ciara and Russell Wilson
- Archie: Megan Markle and Prince Harry
- See more celebrity baby names
Most non-celebrity parents may not get away with naming their son after Superman and instead opt for a name that’s a bit more grounded — but still fun and bold. Don’t worry — you can absolutely give your son a name that stands out. Keep reading for our ultimate list of cool boy names that are stylish, strong, and full of personality.
