Choosing a name for your baby boy can be exciting yet challenging. Some parents might want a name that reflects certain qualities. If you’re looking for a name that means “cunning,” you’re in the right place. Cunning can suggest cleverness, wit, and intelligence. It can be a great quality to symbolize in your child’s name.
Today, we’ll share some unique and meaningful boy names that carry the essence of cunning. From historic names to those with rich cultural backgrounds, these names can offer strength and creativity. Let’s look at some options that might inspire you for your little one’s name!
Boy Names That Mean Cunning
1. Alden
The name Alden means ‘old friend’ and is often associated with someone wise and clever, showing a sense of cunning in their friendships.
2. Asher
Asher means ‘blessed’ and can symbolize a cleverness that brings good fortune and success, highlighting a cunning nature.
3. Bevan
Bevan means ‘young poet’ and suggests a creativity and cleverness in thought, evoking a sense of cunning in artistry.
4. Bramble
This unique name means ‘a thorny bush’ and can relate to a protective and cunning personality that knows how to navigate challenges.
5. Callum
Callum means ‘dove’ but also embodies a wisdom that can suggest a cunning intelligence in navigating life’s complexities.
6. Clever
The name itself directly relates to its meaning – someone who is quick-witted and cunning in their decisions and actions.
7. Clys
Clys translates to ‘clambering’ or ‘to climb,’ indicating a clever approach to obstacles, thus reflecting cunning.
8. Conley
With its meaning ‘clever, brave,’ Conley embodies both strength and cunning in facing challenges head-on.
9. Doyle
Doyle means ‘dark stranger’ and can imply a mysterious and cunning character that intrigues those around them.
10. Duncan
Duncan means ‘dark warrior,’ reminding us of the cunning strategists who succeed in battle.
11. Elan
Elan means ‘enthusiasm or vigor,’ indicating a cleverness that comes with a spirited approach to life.
12. Ewan
Ewan means ‘born of the yew tree’ and often reflects a sense of wisdom that includes cunning and intelligence.
13. Goran
Goran, meaning ‘mountain worker,’ evokes thoughts of someone who cleverly tackles life’s uphill battles.
14. Hugo
A name meaning ‘mind’ or ‘intellect,’ Hugo reflects a cleverness that suggests cunning decisions.
15. Jace
Jace means ‘the healing’ but carries a coolness that suggests cunning in relationships and social skills.
16. Jett
Meaning ‘black,’ Jett also represents someone who can be quick and cunning in making decisions.
17. Kavan
Kavan means ‘handsome’ and often relates to an attractive cunning that draws others in.
18. Keir
Keir means ‘dark-haired’ and can symbolize a mysterious cunning nature that keeps secrets.
19. Lyle
Lyle means ‘an island’ but also symbolizes cleverness as it suggests independence and self-reliance.
20. Nash
Nash means ‘by the ash tree’ and reflects cunningness in navigating nature and surroundings.
21. Orson
Orson means ‘bear cub’ which can symbolize a hidden intelligence and cleverness when facing challenges.
22. Puck
Inspired by Shakespeare’s character, Puck means ‘a mischievous sprite’ and wholly embodies cunning wit.
23. Quin
Quin means ‘wisdom’ and carries a sense of cleverness that is integral to cunning personalities.
24. Rafe
Rafe means ‘counsel or wolf’ highlighting a cunning nature associated with both wisdom and stealth.
25. Ronan
Ronan means ‘little seal’ and suggests a cleverness associated with nimble navigation of life’s waters.
26. Sage
The name Sage means wise and can evoke cleverness and wit resembling the qualities of cunning.
27. Spero
Spero means ‘hope’ but carries a cleverness that indicates rising above challenges cunningly.
28. Sterling
Sterling means ‘of high quality’ which can indicate the cleverness in ensuring the best outcomes.
29. Tatum
Tatum means ‘cheerful’ and can suggest a cunning understanding of social interactions that create joy.
30. Torin
Torin means ‘chief or leader’ suggesting a natural cunning in guiding others.
31. Vance
Vance means ‘by the marsh’ and indicates a cleverness when it comes to dealing with situations.
32. Wade
Wade means ‘to go’ and reflects a cunning approach to moving through life’s obstacles.
33. Zane
Zane means ‘God is gracious,’ but can suggest a cleverness in seeing opportunities.
34. Alaric
Alaric means ‘ruler of all’ and reflects a cunning intelligence in leadership functions.
35. Baird
Baird means ‘poet’ and implies a cunning creativity that uses wordplay cleverly.
36. Bram
Bram means ‘father of a multitude’ which symbolizes a cunning mind in managing relationships.
37. Cormac
Cormac means ‘son of the charioteer,’ suggesting strength and a cunning nature in overcoming challenges.
38. Darcy
Darcy means ‘dark one’ and implies a clever mysterious edge that can be associated with cunning.
39. Elwood
Elwood means ‘elder tree wood’ which can indicate a deep-rooted wisdom, related to cunning intelligence.
40. Gaelan
Gaelan means ‘little church’ but implies a cleverness in navigating social dynamics.
41. Heath
Heath means ‘descendant of the heather’ which implies an adaptable nature connected to cunning.
42. Ilan
Ilan means ‘tree’ and indicates a strong presence with a clever ability to withstand life’s pressures.
43. Keene
Keene means ‘sharp, keen’ which directly relates to cunning and intelligence.
44. Larkin
Larkin means ‘rough’ but can suggest a cunning way to approach obstacles.
45. Mael
Mael means ‘prince’ and provides a connection to cunning rulership and strategy.
46. Niall
Niall means ‘passionate or champion’ indicating an intelligent and cunning approach to leadership.
47. Odin
A name from Norse mythology, Odin signifies wisdom and cunning intelligence in decisions.
48. Pax
Pax means ‘peace’ yet implies a clever diplomacy when navigating tough situations.
49. Quinn
Quinn means ‘wise’ and is associated with cleverness, reflecting cunning qualities.
50. Rian
Rian means ‘little king,’ showcasing a cleverness required in a cunning leader.
51. Sinclair
Sinclair means ‘from the saint’s land,’ providing a sense of clever resilience.
52. Talon
Talon implies strength in having keen claws, relating to a cunning nature in survival.
53. Upton
Upton means ‘upper town’ providing a cleverness in navigating life’s social situations.
54. Vale
Vale means ‘valley,’ symbolizing a clever approach to the depths of life difficulties.
55. Wilfred
Wilfred means ‘desires peace’ often navigating challenges with clever cunning.
56. Xander
Xander means ‘defender of men,’ showing a cleverness when acting on behalf of others.
57. Yarrow
Yarrow can be interpreted to mean ‘to help’ embodying a benevolent cunning to assist others.
58. Zephyr
Zephyr means ‘west wind,’ showing a clever and light approach to life.
59. Abner
Abner means ‘father of light,’ indicating a cleverness in illuminating paths.
60. Barak
Barak means ‘blessing,’ so one can view this as a cunning relationship with good fortune.
61. Caius
Caius means ‘rejoice,’ reflecting the cleverness of finding joy even in hardships.
62. Drystan
Drystan means ‘riot’ and ties to a youthful cunning in playful mischief.
63. Emeric
Emeric means ‘powerful,’ which can correlate to a cunning resourcefulness.
64. Fintan
Fintan means ‘white fire,’ symbolizing a clever passion that burns brightly.
65. Garret
Garret means ‘spear strength,’ showcasing a cleverness when facing foes.
66. Harlan
Harlan translates to ‘rocky land,’ and relates to battle strategies indicative of cunning.
67. Isidore
Isidore means ‘gift of Isis,’ implying a clever charm that draws others in.
68. Janek
Janek means ‘God is gracious’ but conveys a clever adaptiveness to situations.
69. Kellan
Kellan means ‘slender’ or ‘mighty’, indicating a clever nature in achieving strength.
70. Latham
Latham means ‘from the barn’, suggesting cleverness in resource management.
71. Malachi
Malachi means ‘my angel’, showcasing a clever side to guiding and protecting.
72. Nestor
Nestor means ‘homecoming’, reflecting a cunning way to lead families back together.
73. Otis
Otis means ‘wealthy’, indicating clever strategies in achieving prosperity.
74. Penn
Penn means ‘enclosure’, and can indicate clever strategies in life’s challenges.
75. Quillon
Quillon means ‘crossing swords’, suggesting a cleverness in both combat and dialogue.
76. Ragnar
Ragnar means ‘counselor’, emphasizing the cunning intellect of leaders.
77. Selwyn
Selwyn means ‘swamp friend’, indirectly symbolizing cleverness in survival.
78. Tiberius
Tiberius means ‘of the Tiber,’ hinting at a strategic and cunning nature in governance.
79. Ulric
Ulric means ‘wolf ruler’, showing cleverness in leadership strategies.
80. Van
Van means ‘of the people’, implying cunning diplomacy with social standing.
81. Wylie
Wylie means ‘cunning’, directly showcasing the cleverness seen in many aspects of life.
82. Xavian
Xavian means ‘bright’ and suggests a cunning brightness in intellect.
83. Yates
Yates means ‘gates’, suggesting a clever approach to opening new pathways.
84. Zeke
Zeke is a diminutive of Ezekiel, meaning ‘God strengthens’, hinting at a clever resilience.
85. Arvid
Arvid means ‘eagle tree’, indicating cleverness observed in nature.
86. Brice
Brice means ‘speckled’ or ‘freckled’, representing a clever uniqueness.
87. Cavan
Cavan means ‘handsome’ indicating a clever social charm.
88. Dagan
Dagan means ‘fish’, indicating a cleverness in navigation through life’s waters.
89. Elric
Elric means ‘noble ruler’, reflecting a cunning intelligence suited for leadership.
90. Faolan
Faolan means ‘little wolf’, showcasing cunning predatory instincts.
91. Griffin
Griffin implies cunning heroism in mythical creatures.
92. Huxley
Huxley means ‘Hugh’s meadow’, reflecting a clever relationship with nature.
93. Ivor
Ivor means ‘archer’, highlighting a cunning accuracy in targets.
94. Jethro
Jethro means ‘excellence’, implying being clever in achieving high standards.
95. Kaelan
Kaelan means ‘slender’, indicating adaptability reflective of cunning.
96. Landry
Landry means ‘ruler’, highlighting clever leadership qualities.
97. Merrick
Merrick means ‘leader of the sea’, pointing to cunning attributes of survival.
98. Nikolai
Nikolai means ‘victory of the people’, showing a clever diplomat.
99. Oswin
Oswin means ‘god’s protection’, highlighting clever strategies in safeguarding.
100. Paxford
Paxford means ‘peaceful ford’, reflecting cunning approaches for harmony.
101. Quintin
Quintin means ‘the fifth’, showcasing clever sequential planning.
102. Remington
Remington implies ‘settlement of the raven’, associating cunning with survival instincts.
103. Sidwell
Sidwell means ‘from the wide valley’, highlighting cleverness in choosing paths.
104. Torben
Torben means ‘thunder bear,’ relating to clever strategic force.
105. Urban
Urban means ‘of the city’, indicative of clever social navigation.
106. Uri
Uri means ‘my light’, showcasing cleverness illuminating paths.
107. Virgil
Virgil means ‘flourishing’, indicating clever botanical strategies.
108. Wendell
Wendell means ‘a wanderer’, highlighting cleverness in exploring possibilities.
109. Xeno
Xeno means ‘foreigner’, suggesting cunning in adaptability.
110. Yarrowind
Yarrowind implies cunning wind adaptability.
111. Zander
Zander means ‘defender of men’, reflecting cunning in strategy.
112. Adair
Adair means ‘oak grove’, implying clever strength in stability.
113. Balthazar
Balthazar implies ‘protector of the king’, suggesting clever leadership qualities.
114. Carwyn
Carwyn means ‘blessed love’, reflecting clever diplomatic skills in love.
115. Draven
Draven signifies ‘brave’, highlighting a clever approach to courage.
116. Emory
Emory means ‘brave and powerful’, indicating clever resourcefulness in challenges.
117. Fenwick
Fenwick means ‘land by the swamp’, illustrating cleverness in survival.
118. Gentry
Gentry implies ‘noble’, reflecting cleverness in high social strategies.
119. Kaelan
Kaelan means ‘slender’, suggesting a cunning adaptability.
120. Lorian
Lorian means ‘from the place of laurel’, associating clever intellect.
121. Merrit
Merrit means ‘deserving’, indicating clever strategies in achieving value.
122. Nicodemus
Nicodemus translates to ‘victory of the people’, highlighting cleverersnapshots in leadership.
123. Oswald
Oswald means ‘divine power’, suggesting clever approaches to empowerment.
124. Paxton
Paxton means ‘peace town’, reflecting cunning inherent in harmony management.
125. Quentin
Quentin means ‘the fifth’, indicative of clever sequential thinking.
126. Rabin
Rabin means ‘great one’, showcasing clever leadership qualities.
127. Soren
Soren means ‘stern’, reflective of a serious approach to cleverness.
128. Thoren
Thoren means ‘thunder’, associating cunning force.
129. Ulises
Ulises represents ‘wrathful’, suggesting ambitious cunning.
130. Vitor
Vitor means ‘victor’, illustrating cleverness in winning battles.
131. Wilton
Wilton means ‘from the willow farm’, suggesting cleverness in agrarian strategies.
132. Yorick
Yorick implies ‘farmer’, suggesting cunning land management skills.
133. Zephyrin
Zephyrin means ‘west wind’, symbolizing clever lightness in approach.
134. Aldous
Aldous means ‘old’, hinting at wisdom and cunning in age.
135. Bramwell
Bramwell translates to ‘well by the brambles’, depicting clever resourcefulness.
136. Carrick
Carrick means ‘rocky land’, implying cleverness in climbing life’s challenges.
137. Decker
Decker means ‘roofs’, suggesting a clever approach to protection.
138. Elgan
Elgan means ‘pleasant’, highlighting a clever approach to positivity.
139. Finian
Finian signifies ‘fair’, indicating a clever strategy in equity.
140. Greenland
Greenland implies ‘land of green’, showcasing clever connections with nature.
141. Halbert
Halbert means ‘shining hero’, indicating a clever journey to heroism.
142. Imre
Imre means ‘brave’, suggesting a cleverness when facing fears.
143. Kylian
Kylian means ‘narrow’, implying cleverness in finding pathways.
144. Leif
Leif means ‘descendant’, hinting at clever heritage.
145. Myron
Myron means ‘sweet perfume’, showcasing a clever charm.
146. Norbert
Norbert implies ‘bright north’, symbolizing clever directions in life.
147. Orion
Orion means ‘rising in the sky’, alluding to a cleverness in cosmic understanding.
148. Perth
Perth implies ‘a bank’, indicative of cleverness in financial strategies.
149. Quirke
Quirke means ‘from the monastery’, suggesting cleverness in spiritual understanding.
150. Ryland
Ryland means ‘land by the rye’, symbolizing clever agricultural connections.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a name that means cunning can be a delightful way to instill qualities of cleverness and creativity in your baby boy. As we’ve seen, many names come with profound meanings that reflect not just intelligence but also adaptability and resourcefulness.
In exploring these names, you can find one that resonates with your vision for your child’s future. Names like Wylie and Clever stand directly for cunning, while others hint at qualities that embody wit and wisdom.
With such a variety of options available, you can certainly find the perfect name that meets your expectations. If you’re interested in more names, consider checking out baby names that mean fox or names that mean jester for additional clever options.