"You may have heard of the term “main character energy” tossed around in recent years. The idea that we ought to prioritize ourselves and our happiness seems pretty appealing. The mindset exudes confidence, self-assurance, self-love, and respect. Sounds pretty great, right?
The idea is especially appealing when we think about the hopes we have for our little one. What parent doesn’t want their little boy to grow up to have everything main character energy entails? That’s why we’re saying let’s start them off on the right foot with a baby name that captures it all. So, below is a list of main character baby boy names that are perfect for fostering a strong sense of self.
We’re drawing inspiration from actual main characters, iconic figures, and names that simply stand out. The goal? To provide a list of options that will make others say, “Wow, what cool a name!” They’re all strong, many unique, and some may seem a little out there at first, but keep reading for 35 strong boy names giving main character energy.
Baby Boy Names that Give Main Character Energy
Atticus
Anyone who has an appreciation for literature or has taken a high school Language Art class likely recognizes Atticus as the father and lawyer in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. While it’s debatable whether or not he is considered the main character of the book, this name meaning “from Attica” certainly has the potential to be.
Bear
As one of the most powerful names on our list, naming your little cub Bear will all but ensure he grows to be strong, brave, and loyal. The name might start growing in popularity thanks to the nickname of the titular character in the hit series The Bear.
Brandt
It’s no surprise this Norse name made our list as it is a strong, one-syllable name. This is especially true as it translates to “sword” and “fiery torch.”
Buchanan
Literary minds may quickly go to Daisy Buchanan of The Great Gatsby. While the character’s given name is highly feminine, her surname can be seen as highly masculine and means “of the canon.”
Chosen
It doesn’t get much more main character than a name that means “one of divine favor.” This highly unique name is sure to be turning heads.
Clark
Whether you have an appreciation for Superman or the Griswolds, both Clarks exude undercover strength and stability. Clark means “clerk,” “cleric,” or “scholar,” perfect for a little one ready to learn.
Colter
For a Western-style baby name, Colter is a snappy alternative to the popular Colton and refers to a “colt-herder.”
Cullen
Anyone who has completed their Twilight rewatch of the year might have a great affinity for this name inspired by the sparking vampire himself, Edward Cullen. Of Irish roots, it is said to mean “son of the holy one” and “handsome.”
Dawson
It’s not a requirement to live near a creek or to have the last name Leery to select this name meaning “son of David” for your little one.
Finnick
Fans of The Hunger Games will recognize Finnick as a champion. Related to the old name Fenwick, it refers to a “marshland farm.”
Fitzgerald
Works by F. Scott Fitzgerald likely have a place in many of our hearts. This name meaning “son of the spear-ruler” is an undeniably cool surname that makes a great first name.
Gregor
While Gregory is pretty common, somehow, the loss of one letter makes this title feel even more strong and masculine. The Greek baby name has the noble meaning of “watchful” and “vigilant.”
Gideon
Ensure your little one grows up to stand up for what he believes in by giving him this title meaning “great warrior.”
Harrison
Harrison Ford may be a real human, but he certainly has had the leading role in some iconic works. Give your little one the same sense of esteem with this name meaning “son of Harry.”
Heath
For a little one as powerful as the forces of nature, Heath might be the perfect title. It refers to unattended land where shrubbery grows.
Hoyt
A masculine name with a long history is just what a little one needs to exude main character energy. Hoyt is a Norse and Middle English title referring to a “long stick.”
Jetson
The original futuristic family would be proud to know they are the namesake for a little one. The surname fittingly means “son of Jet” and is perfect for a little one ready to concur his future.
Kent
Kids learn pretty quickly just how cool Superman is, even in human form. They’ll be excited to learn they share a name with one of the coolest superheroes out there with this Celtic name meaning “edge.”
Kenzo
This Japanese name essentially embodies everything you could want for your little one. It holds the meanings of “healthy” and “wise.”
Leander
You won’t find a name more ferocious in our list of main character baby boy names than this Greek title meaning “lion man.”
Leonidas
Speaking of ferocious, another name of Greek origin is Leonidas. It also holds an animal-like meaning of “son of a lion.”
Marcellus
Fans of The Vampire Diaries spin-off, The Originals, will recognize this name as a fearless leader who always seeks justice. Fittingly and as pointed out in the series, his Latin title refers to a “little warrior.”
Montana
We’ll never turn down a name that’s football-related and reminiscent of a mountainous state. This particular inclusion is inspired by four-time Super Bowl champion and Hall of Famer, Joe Montana.
Neo
If you see shorter names trending in the coming year, don’t be surprised. This snappy option meaning “new” and “gift” is the way to go if you like short and sweet.
Ramsey
Gordon, Mason, and Lewis are a few iconic Ramsey’s to draw inspiration from. The name meaning “low-laying land” is perfect for a musical or culinary genius.
Rex
A name more fit for royalty can’t be found than this Latin title meaning “king.”
Revere
If pregnancy has you shouting, “The baby is coming! The baby is coming!” you may be embodying the expectation of one Paul Revere. He holds a surname that means “to admire or esteem,” which is just as perfect for your newborn.
Riggins
Anyone who knows and loves the 2000s sports TV drama, Friday Night Lights, likely remembers this name as one of the main characters. Just as in the show, the name is primarily known as a surname, but we think it would make an adorable first title for an aspiring sports star and beyond.
Salvatore
You can’t watch The Vampire Diaries without falling in love with at least one of the Salvatore brothers. (Remember, it’s okay to love them both). The beautiful Italian name means “savior.”
Sylvester
It doesn’t get much more main character than Rocky Balboa himself. Not only does this name exude triumphant victory, but it also holds the earthy meaning of “wooded.”
Thaddeus
A name with this much might is sure to turn some heads, especially since the Aramaic name means “heart” and “courage.”
Turner
Those of us who dreamed of setting sail on the Black Pearl with Will Turner in Pirates of the Caribbean may have locked in the perfect baby name with this one. This occupational surname refers to a woodworker.
Valentino
This Spanish name embodies great characteristics we all want for our little ones—both “strength” and “health.”
Walker
Have your little one “walk” into life with the confidence of the most iconic Texas Rangers with this British title.
Wolfgang
It doesn’t get much cooler than a kid with this unique name meaning “traveling wolf.” Shorten it to Wolf or Wolfie for the ultimate nickname.