When we think of modern-day action heroes, we think immediately of James Bond, Furiosa, Jack Reacher, Ellen Ripley, Sarah Conner, and Snake Plissken. They’re cool—in attitude and under pressure—tough as nails, brave, and capable of almost inhuman physical feats. We know what makes them great action heroes. But what makes a great modern action hero name?
We’re not going to say there are rules of thumb, but there are commonalities among the names of certain types of action heroes and heroines. Take your traditional action hero in the mold of a James Bond. These more traditional heroes and heroines are going to have vastly different names from those in dystopias or stories that have comedic or over-the-top qualities. Think about what tone you’re going for when crafting your story. That will help you to determine what kind of name to choose.
The Traditional
Many of the most iconic action heroes have first names that are very traditional and classic (James, John, Jason). These familiar and traditional names instantly make the heroes relatable, even though their actions will be far beyond what you have probably experienced in your own life. You know people with these names, and so it’s easy to bond with them right away when they are first introduced. Their first names make them feel in reach.
These traditional names are then paired with a strong, easy-to-say-and-remember surname (Shaft, McClane, Rambo). They’re often punchy one-or two syllable names. The traditional name is then paired with a catchy last name with a possible double meaning. These last names sometimes serve as additional characterization for your hero, reflecting a quality of who they are. (Jason Bourne, for instance, has borne a lot of suffering when we meet him.) Or their last names are synonymous with action, fighting, or pain. (See Chuck Norris’s Frank Shatter in Hellbound or Steve McQueen’s Frank Bullitt.) Often times with the traditional-first-name hero, they are better known by their last name.
The Untraditional
On the flip side, you have your action heroes with names that can be outright bonkers (Snake) or way outside the norm to be new (Katniss) or so old they’re new again (Conan). This makes the name unforgettable because there’s no one else out there with that name (at least not until people start naming their babies after the hero you created!) These heroes tend to populate stories with a more humorous or irreverent bent. It makes sense then that their names would be similarly over the top.
Where to Find Inspiration
Obviously, you can find inspiration anywhere, but for an action hero, we recommend digging into history for the names of great warriors, generals, and heroes. History has already imbued these names with heroic qualities. For example, in choosing a name like Julius, you can quickly tie your character’s qualities in that of Caesar. Your inspiration doesn’t even have to be a specific person but perhaps a warrior culture like the Roman Empire, the Vikings, or King Arthur. And speaking of King Arthur, myth is also a great place to find name inspiration.
Inspiration can also be found in words closely associated with action, fighting, battle, and war. This can be from history, but it can also be from fiction. Shakespeare, mythology, and ancient texts like The Odyssey, Dante’s Inferno, Paradise Lost, and the Epic of Gilgamesh could be rich sources of inspiration. You can also look to the Bible for inspiration.
The name you pick can be a nickname or a proper name. If you’re going relatable, we recommend still giving your action hero a more traditional name. If going over the top, let it be a nickname or just don’t explain it–that can be part of their mystique. Remember, however, to consider other factors, such as era, in selecting your protagonist’s name. This is where our 10 Essential Tips for Choosing a Character Name can be a great help!
By no means should you feel restricted by what’s come before, though. Just because past formulas have followed the rules we’ve discussed above doesn’t mean you have to when crafting your action hero. Especially in our global world and with the vast connectivity of the internet, there’s a lot more room and possibility for inspiration.
That said, here are some of our suggestions for modern action hero names, divided into types, from your Everyman to your Wild Card.
The Everyman/Everywoman
- Abby
- Adam
- Billy
- Bob
- Charlie
- Chris
- Frank
- Jack
- James
- Jane
- Jen
- Joe
- John
- Lee/Leigh
- Liz
- Luke
- Robert
- Ryan
- Phillip
- Sarah
- Tom
- Tony/Toni
- Will
Noble Heroes
- Abe
- Ántonia
- Aurelius
- Cassius
- Charlie
- Elijah
- Ezra
- Geronimo
- Hendrix
- Ignatius
- Jack
- James
- John
- Magda
- Mike
- Prue
- Rafe
- Tecumseh
- Tom
- Ulysses
- Willa
Anti-Heroes
- Billie
- Cash
- Denny
- Dexter
- Evander
- Ezra
- Finn
- Gage
- Leif
- Logan
- Lolita
- Marcus
- Marlowe
- Maverick
- Omar
- Ragnar
- Slade
- Sutton
- Titus
- Trixie
- Zander
- Zane
Nickname Names
- Bix
- Buck
- Bull
- Cal
- Chuck
- Dash
- Dax
- Hal
- Hank
- Hawk
- Hex
- Jax
- Jules
- Kaz
- Kit
- Len
- Lou (or Lu)
- Mac (or any name starting with Mac)
- Min
- Mo
- Oz
- Pip
- Slim
- Trip
- Tuck
Battle-Related Names
- Archer
- Blaise
- Bowie
- Cannon
- Flint
- Garrison
- Gunnar
- Hunter
- Knox
- Mace
- Major
- Marshall
- Maverick
- Rebel
- Trigg (as in, Trigger)
- Victor
Surname First Names
- Adair
- Adler
- Anderson
- Beck
- Brant
- Brookes
- Byrnes
- Crawford
- Frost
- Hendrix
- Hennessy
- Jackson
- Mills
- Riggs
- Stone
- Sutton
- Wick
Tragic Heroes
- Ajax
- Atticus
- Bellatrix
- Cage
- Caine
- Cato
- Electra
- Gray
- Hamlet
- Helena
- Lance
- Lear
- Maxim
- Oedipus
- Seneca
- Thea
Those are our suggestions! What do you think? Do any of these modern action hero names jump off the page and into an Aston Martin to escape from the mob? Let us know, and give us your suggestions for the other writers out there!