Finding a character name for a story, a game, or a creative project often requires drawing from existing universes. The letter B offers a reservoir of characters from Western animation, manga, Disney films, and more recent series. This selection of twenty names covers very different registers, from child heroes to anime protagonists, providing concrete starting points for your creations.
1. Babar, the elephant king of French animation
Babar is a crowned elephant, the hero of a French series adapted from Jean de Brunhoff’s album. His name immediately evokes royalty, wisdom, and an animal world structured around a court and a family.
For a story, choosing a cartoon character name starting with b like Babar steers the narrative towards a noble and benevolent register. This name works well for an authoritative yet fair character or for an animal leader in a children’s tale.
2. Bambi, the Disney fawn turned archetype
Bambi remains one of the most recognizable Disney characters. The name, short and sweet, is associated with vulnerability, the wild, and the transition from childhood to adulthood.
In a narrative project, Bambi can inspire a fragile character facing a hostile environment. The sound of the name, with its two open syllables, makes it easy to remember and pronounce in all languages.
3. Bart Simpson, the quintessential mischievous child
Bart, son of Homer Simpson, embodies childhood rebellion in a satirical setting. The character is constructed as an archetype of the television rascal, recognizable at first glance.
Bart works for any mischievous or rebellious character. If your story features a child who humorously defies authority, this model remains a direct and readable reference for the audience.
4. Belle, the heroine of Beauty and the Beast
Belle stands out from Disney princesses with her love for reading and her refusal to conform to her village’s expectations. The name carries narrative irony: she is the one who sees beyond appearances.
A character named Belle, or inspired by this model, can carry a story where intelligence prevails over strength. The name remains widely used in Francophone narratives for cultured heroines.
5. Bulma, the scientist from Dragon Ball
Bulma is one of the first characters introduced in Dragon Ball. An inventor, pilot, and strategist, she accompanies Son Goku from the beginning of the adventure. Bulma is also Vegeta’s partner and the mother of Trunks, giving her a central role in several narrative arcs.
For a female character who combines technical intelligence and a strong personality, Bulma offers a solid model.
6. Bakugo Katsuki, the explosive hero of My Hero Academia
Bakugo is a complex rival in My Hero Academia. His quirk, Explosion, reflects both his power and his angry temperament. The character’s journey shows an evolution from arrogance to a form of combative maturity.
This name suits a competitive character, driven by pride but capable of growth. Bakugo illustrates the rival who pushes the main hero to surpass themselves.
7. Baloo, the bear from The Jungle Book
Baloo brings lightness and the philosophy of “the bare necessities” in The Jungle Book. His name, simple and warm, is associated with joy of life and a rejection of social constraints.
In a story, a character inspired by Baloo can play the role of the laid-back mentor, teaching by example rather than discipline.
8. SpongeBob, the absurd character from Bikini Bottom
SpongeBob has become a cultural icon far beyond its target audience. The series relies on absurd humor and overflowing energy.
Using “Bob” as a base name for an optimistic, naive, and indestructible character is a choice that works in comedic or parodic registers.
9. Boruto, Naruto’s son in the Shonen universe
Boruto Uzumaki carries the weight of his father’s legacy while seeking to carve out his own path. The series explores the difficulty of growing up in the shadow of a famous father.
This name suits a “second-generation” character, faced with expectations and the need to stand out. Boruto represents the heir who refuses to be a copy.
10. Bianca, the mouse from The Rescuers
Bianca is an elegant mouse who appeared in Disney’s The Rescuers. She combines refinement and courage, making her a more nuanced character than she appears.
The name Bianca, of Italian origin, adds a touch of European elegance to an adventure character. It fits well for a discreet yet determined heroine.
11. Barbapapa, the transformable family
The Barbapapas form a family of creatures capable of changing shape at will. Each member has a distinct personality trait: music, science, ecology, reading, art. This differentiation allows for choosing a name based on the desired temperament for your character.
The series continues to air with new episodes, keeping the reference alive for younger generations. Barbapapa remains an active universe, not just nostalgic.
12. Batman, the dark knight in animated form
Batman has been adapted into numerous animated series, from Batman: The Animated Series to more recent versions. The character offers a model of a hero without superpowers, driven by will and technological resources.
For a dark story or an urban narrative, the Batman model inspires vigilante characters motivated by a foundational trauma.
13. Bluey, the Australian family series
Bluey features a young Blue Heeler puppy and her family in everyday adventures centered around imaginative play. The series is distinguished by the quality of its dialogues and the accuracy of its family situations.
The name Bluey works for a childlike, curious, and inventive character. Bluey lends itself to stories about family and imaginative play rather than pure action.
14. Bob the Builder, the hero of the construction site
Bob the Builder solves concrete problems in each episode. His slogan, “Can we fix it?”, structures a narrative scheme based on cooperation and problem-solving.
This name fits a pragmatic, solution-oriented character in a realistic or educational context.
15. Boule, the boy from Boule and Bill
Boule is an ordinary boy whose adventures revolve around his relationship with his dog Bill. The duo illustrates the child-animal friendship in a humorous everyday setting.
A character named Boule fits into a familiar register, without heroic pretensions. It’s a good choice for everyday stories where humor arises from mundane situations.
16. Bill, the cocker spaniel from Boule and Bill
Bill completes the duo by providing the animal perspective on human situations. The name, short and impactful, is easy to integrate into any story involving a loyal companion.
The difference between Boule and Bill illustrates a useful point for creation: two linked characters benefit from having names that contrast in sound but are similar in length.
17. Baki Hanma, the fighter from the eponymous manga
Baki is the protagonist of a manga centered on martial arts and physical surpassing. The story follows his quest for power and his confrontation with his father Yujiro Hanma.
This name suits a character obsessed with a personal challenge, in a pure action register.
18. Bartok, the bat from the film Anastasia
Bartok is a secondary character from the film Anastasia. He combines comedy with unexpected courage.
The name Bartok, inspired by the Hungarian composer, adds a cultural dimension to an endearing character. It works for a funny and memorable sidekick.
19. Babidi, the sorcerer from Dragon Ball Z
Babidi is an antagonist from Dragon Ball Z whose goal is to resurrect Majin Buu. His power relies on mental manipulation rather than brute strength.
- The name evokes sorcery and cunning, useful for a manipulative antagonist
- Babidi functions as the “brain” behind a larger physical threat
- His physical weakness contrasts with his real power, creating an interesting narrative tension
20. Bellatrix Lestrange, the witch from the Harry Potter universe
Bellatrix comes from the Harry Potter universe. The Latin name (bellatrix means “female warrior”) carries the violence and fanatical loyalty of the character.
For a female antagonist character, Bellatrix offers a model of destructive devotion. The name stands out for its length and musicality, making it memorable in a cast of characters.
These twenty names cover registers ranging from children’s tales to action manga, through satire and adventure films. The choice of name steers the tone and genre of the narrative even before the story begins. Starting from an existing character to create your own remains one of the most effective methods to quickly anchor a narrative identity.
