"courage, spirit, determination"
Origin: American English slang
Language: English
Moxie
Pronunciation: [ m-AHKS-ee ]
Pure American spunk bottled into a name
American
English
Bold
Playful
Modern
Strong
Whimsical
Meaning & Origin
"historical soft drink brand name"
Origin: American
Language: English
Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with a regional soft drink brand since 1876 - may seem unusual to some
The Story of Moxie
Moxie originated as a brand name for a bitter New England soft drink introduced in 1876, marketed for its supposed medicinal properties. The word evolved into American slang meaning courage, spunk, and determination. As a given name, it embodies the spirit of boldness and unconventional thinking that many modern parents want to instill.
Moxie gained attention as a baby name after Penn Jillette of Penn and Teller named his daughter Moxie CrimeFighter Jillette in 2005. It fits perfectly into the word-name trend that includes Brave, Rebel, and Justice.
In American vernacular, having moxie means having guts or resourcefulness. Naming a daughter Moxie is a declaration of the parent's hopes for a fearless, spirited child.
Fun Facts
- Moxie is the oldest continuously produced soft drink brand in the US, predating Coca-Cola
- Magician Penn Jillette named his daughter Moxie CrimeFighter in 2005
- The word moxie entered American English as slang for courage and nerve in the early 1900s
Moxie in Other Languages
French
Moxie
Italian
Moxie
Spanish
Moxie
Portuguese
Moxie
Popularity Over Time
#4,178
Current Rank
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Famous People Named Moxie
M
Moxie CrimeFighter Jillette
Other
2005
Daughter of magician and entertainer Penn Jillette, helping popularize the name
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #4,178
- Total SSA Count
- 35
- Cultural Origins
- American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Mox
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (American)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moxie
What does the name Moxie mean?
"courage, spirit, determination" (from American English slang). "historical soft drink brand name" (from American). Moxie originated as a brand name for a bitter New England soft drink introduced in 1876, marketed for its supposed medicinal properties. The word evolved into American slang meaning courage, spunk, and determination. As a given name, it embodies the spirit of boldness and unconventional thinking that many modern parents want to instill.
What is the origin of the name Moxie?
Moxie has American English slang, American, and English origins. In American English slang, it means "courage, spirit, determination". In American, it means "historical soft drink brand name".
Is Moxie a boy or girl name?
Moxie is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Moxie?
Moxie is pronounced m-AHKS-ee.
How popular is the name Moxie?
Moxie is currently ranked #4178 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Moxie?
Common nicknames for Moxie include Mox.
What are good middle names for Moxie?
Popular middle name pairings include Moxie Jane, Moxie Lou, Moxie Belle, Moxie Ray, Moxie Rose, Moxie Blue, and Moxie Wren.
What are good sibling names for Moxie?
Names that pair well with Moxie as siblings include Bowie, Harlow, Jagger, Rebel, Scout, Wilder, and Birdie.
How many syllables does Moxie have?
Moxie has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Moxie a common or rare name?
Moxie is an uncommon name, ranked #4178 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Moxie
Moxie is a girl name with American and English origins . The name means "courage, spirit, determination" in American English slang .
Moxie is currently ranked #4,178 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Moxie has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-AHKS-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Moxie include Mox. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.