Baby Names

For Your Rebel Without a Cause: 95 Edgy and Cool Baby Names

written by BRETT NICOLE HAYDEN
Source: @beeaninspiration
Source: @beeaninspiration

Searching for the perfect baby name can be difficult. You have to decide where to draw inspiration from and then review the endless options before finally whittling down the list of your favorites. You may also want to avoid the most popular baby names, so it can be exciting to look outside the traditional box for a baby name. That’s where we come in.

Enter: edgy and cool baby names. Not only are these baby names unique, or simply names that give main character energy, but they’re monikers that feel just a little rebellious. We drew inspiration from well-known rebels, as well as names that are just simply cool to round out our list. If your baby name searching has brought you here for something different, read on for 95 of our favorite edgy and cool baby names.

Edgy and Cool Baby Names for Girls

Antoinette

A lovely name that is “highly praiseworthy,” Antoinette is sure to always turn some heads.

Avril

A millennial icon of edge, Avril Lavigne is the inspiration for this French name meaning “to open.”

Brigitta

Fans of the classics may opt for the traditional and lovely, Bridgette. Add a little bit of spice and Irish roots, and you’ll get this poetic name meaning “strength.”

Bronwyn

This name certainly has a classical feel to it, perhaps because of its similarities to names like Brontë or Byron from literary works. No matter what, it’s out of the box in the perfect way—especially since the Welsh name means “white raven.”

Calista

Because your little one is sure to be the “most beautiful,” consider giving her this mythological-sounding name of Greek and Roman origin.

Cleo

A nickname for Cleopatra—who had all of the main character energy you could imagine—Cleo is the perfect mix of edgy and sweet.

Ebony

This gorgeous name all but stops you in your tracks as it’s so lovely yet uncommon. The Latin name holds the meaning of “deep black wood.”

Eve

For Christians, Adam and Eve were the original rebels, having eaten the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. The Hebrew name means “life.”

Iris

Whether you’re a fan of “rainbows,” the Goo Goo Dolls, or both, Iris is the perfect baby name for your little girl.

edgy baby names
Source: @tinygirlgang

Juniper

Nature is filled with rebels of all kinds. This may just be one of the cutest nature-inspired baby names and we love that it means “evergreen.”

Karasi

A daughter who loves “life” and is full of “wisdom” is all a parent could want. Ensure your little one has both with this gorgeous African name, pronounced “care-uh-see.”

Legacy

Rebels always leave behind a legacy. A little girl of this name is sure to create many stories in her lifetime.

Lilith

Mythological, edgy, and cool baby names go hand-in-hand. In both Jewish and Mesopotamian mythology, Lilith was known as the Biblical Adam’s first wife who was banished from the Garden of Eden. Talk about edgy! The Akkadian name means “belonging to the night.”

Odette

A little one of this name is sure to grow up to be successful as the French and German name means “wealthy.”

Priscilla

While her husband may have been known as the rebellious one, Priscilla Presley is a great person to draw inspiration from as well. Her Latin name means “ancient.”

Scarlett

While this French name simply means “red,” it certainly feels much more powerful than its denotation.

Sybil

Witchy baby names will, of course, have a bit of an edge to them. This one that comes from Greece holds the meaning of “prophetess” and “oracle.”

Veda

Raise a little brainiac with this unique Sanskrit name meaning “knowledge” and “wisdom.”

Xiomara

For a little lady not afraid to stand up for herself, this strong girl’s name of Spanish origin means “ready for battle.”

Zelda

While Zelda might conjure up images of retro video games for some, this edgy name of German origin has a fierce meaning: “gray battle maid.”

More Edgy Baby Girl Names

  • Alaska
  • Allegra
  • Arizona
  • Astrid
  • Calypso
  • Chicago
  • Clover
  • December
  • Dylan
  • Elora
  • Ginger
  • Hazel
  • Harlow
  • Henley
  • Lennon
  • Lolita
  • Lyric
  • Margo
  • Mina
  • Nalo
  • Night
  • Pandora
  • Riley
  • Sage
  • Soliel

Edgy and Cool Baby Names for Boys

Ambrose

With a meaning like “immortal,” it doesn’t get much edgier than this Greek baby name.

Apollo

Brought to our list by an iconic figure in Greek and Roman mythology, this powerful name fittingly means “destroyer.”

Arlo

It’s not often that sweet and edgy go hand-in-hand, but in this case, it feels fitting. This short but sweet Old English title means “fortified hill.”

For Marvel Comics fans, it doesn’t get much cooler than The Incredible Hulk. Inspired by his human name, Bruce Banner, this distinctive French name means “flag.”

Cash

A founding member of Outlaw Country Music had to make our list of edgy and cool baby names. The one and only Johnny Cash has a surname that means “money.”

Caspian

Be inspired by geography with the Caspian Sea or kids literature thanks to Prince Caspian of The Chronicles of Narnia with this name, meaning “white.”

Clyde

It would be tough to find a more rebellious duo than Bonnie and Clyde. While he’s not exactly the role model we want for our little ones, he does have a cool old-school name that means “cleansing.”

Colt

A perfect option for a western baby name as well, Colt embodies the Wild West with the meaning of “young horse.”

Dean

The original Rebel Without a Cause had to make our list. Ensure your little one is as cool as James Dean with this Old English moniker meaning “valley.”

Gunnar

Something about Old Norse names feels cool already. But Gunnar is made even edgier with the meaning of “war” and “battle.”

edgy and cool baby names
Source: @akdphoto

Joaquin

Few actors have the same edge as Joaquin Phoenix, who has brought us iconic roles like The Joker and Johnny Cash. His ultra-cool name means “established by God.”

Jett

You’re sure to raise a citizen of the world with this snappy name that elicits imagery of an aircraft. It also holds the cool meaning of “jet black.”

Hawk

Animal baby names are always cool, and this unusual option is even more admirable. Plus, it’s the surname of the original Sk8er Boi, Tony Hawk.

Hendrix

It doesn’t get much cooler than a classic Jimi Hendrix tune. Give your little the namesake of one of the greatest to ever do it with this title meaning “estate ruler.”

Maverick

Maverick is all but synonym with rebel with the meaning of “independent-minded person.” Plus, it’d be tough to name a cooler movie of this generation than Top Gun: Maverick.

Patton

A powerful army commander is a great place to draw edgy inspiration from, especially one known for his bravery, George S. Patton. His surname couldn’t be more fitting as it means “fighter’s town.”

Phoenix

Joaquin’s surname, the Arizona state capitol, and the mythical bird make this name one of the edgiest on our list. A little one of this title is sure to be the coolest kiddo in town.

Sebastian

A name meaning “revered” ensures your little one will grow up to receive all of the respect he deserves.

Waylon

Outlaw Country Music wouldn’t be what it is without a pioneer like Waylon Jennings. The forgotten Old English and Norse masculine name means “land by the road.”

Zeppelin

Looking into your newborn’s eyes will basically be a Stairway to Heaven, so why not give him this highly unique title inspired by the classic rock band Led Zeppelin?

More Edgy Baby Boy Names

  • Ace
  • Atlas
  • Axel
  • Blaze
  • Bowie
  • Brock
  • Bronx
  • Cade
  • Cosgrove
  • Damon
  • Dexter
  • Duncan
  • Enzo
  • Fox
  • Harlem
  • Hunter
  • Jagger
  • Jax
  • Kendrick
  • Lazer
  • Ledger
  • Maddox
  • Major
  • Ridge
  • Trace
  • Wade
  • Walker
  • Wyatt
  • Xavian
  • Zane
  • Zade