Troublemaker Names

Lookout, world! The trend of using nicknames as given names means we have some troublemakers on our hands. But don't worry, these names are given in affection and won't actually turn your little boy into a troublemaker. He'll do that all on his own.


Whatever your motivation, if you're in search of a baby name that is the opposite of bland, preppy, or stuffy, look no further. These spunky word names run the gamut from unusual to mainstream, and they are all filled with mischief.

• Brazen
  This bold word name came to me probably in part due to a blogger who chose the name Mazen for her son. It's an unusual choice not too distant from the name Bryson.
• Cannon
  This name means "clergyman" but has another, more explosive side to it if you see it as a word name.
• Diesel
  A surname that came to be associated with fuel, Diesel sounds edgy and energetic. It's also helped along by Fast & Furious actor Vin Diesel.
• Dragon
  A mythical fire-breathing bad-boy name that is noted by Laura Wattenberg as one of the fastest-rising names that isn't in the top 1,000.
• Gunner
  Ranked at 293, Gunner has a military association and is right on target.
• Raiden
  Raiden sits in the middle of the top 1,000 names. It made this list because of its "raid" sound and Mortal Combat associations, but it's also a respelling of the name Rayden.
• Rebel
  There's no double meaning behind this name—Rebel is a nickname-turned-given name that makes a defiant statement.
• Rekker
  A perfect name for a troublemaker, Rekker was recently chosen by celeb couple Cam Gigandet and fiancée Dominique Geisendorff. Can also be spelled Wrecker.
• Rowdy
  This name got lots of exposure as Clint Eastwood's character on Rawhide. 
• Storm, Stormy
  A nature name with turbulent associations, this name becomes a little bit cheesy only if it belongs to a meteorologist.
• Maverick
  A nonconformist name that appeared after the 2008 presidential election. It's on its way up and sits at #356 for 2012.
• Wilder
  Wilder is a surname and word name. Chosen by Oliver Hudson, actor and son of Goldie Hawn, for his son.
• Wolf
  One of the kids in my neighborhood has this rebellious nature name. Can also be short for the more dramatic, German name Wolfgang. 

Would you give your son or daughter a troublemaker name? What are your favorites from this list?