“Alpha male.” 

If you’ve been in the online space for you a while, chances are that you have heard that phrase. You may also have heard about the “beta male”, which is often the most commonly used alongside the alpha male description. There are others, too, such as the gamma, delta, sigma, and omega (male). 

But what are these? What’s the obsession with these Greek alphabets? And why should you (or anyone) care?  

Good questions, and that’s the point of this article. 

You see, these are simply labels that pop culture came up with to describe various types of men. Like the colours of a rainbow, men come with different personalities, attitudes, and preferences. For this reason, society came up with a way to identify and categorize men accordingly (but respectfully). 

The whole idea comes from a study of male species and their relationships with the females in the animal kingdom. Within the hierarchy, the popular “Alpha” male is the one who attracts the females for procreation purposes. He is feared and respected amongst the males; he is admired and sought after by the females.  

But then, that’s the animal world. Things are significantly different in the human world, especially in modern times. Raw, masculine aggression and strength are no longer needed to lead or protect; things have changed. Today, alpha males are no longer the only ones who represent women’s ideals. Men are now also admired for their intelligence, wit, humour, contributions, support, personality, attitude, and so on. This has made other male personality types relevant and respectable. 

But why are these personality categories important? Why should anyone care? 

The male personality categorization helps you understand better who you are as a man. It lets you understand your strengths and weaknesses, helping you achieve the best balance and become your best self, if that’s what you want (and why not?) When a man has a full and healthy sense of self, he is better able to navigate the complications and challenges of life in the areas of relationships, family, work, and so on. This article provides useful insights into these aspects for men looking to better themselves.  

With all that said, here are six male personality types. Which one are you? Find out below. 

1. Alpha male 

This is probably the most popular and most admired male personality type — understandably so.  

The alpha male is an assertive leader who loves to take control. He radiates charm, confidence and an imposing presence. He is seen as a symbol of masculinity. He is the ideal man for most men — the men’s man. Feel free to call him the “bad boy” of the male universe. An alpha male knows what he wants, isn’t scared to take charge and make decisions, and doesn’t back down in a fight. He loves a good competition and is driven to achieve success. Explains why every man wants to be like him, and most women want to associate with him.  

Now I know that you’re quietly sitting there and reading this, thinking “Oh my, that’s me!” 

• Common personality traits: brave, ambitious, social, enterprising 

• Typical career areas: CEO, manager, military leader, politician or any positions of power and leadership 

• Ideal spouse: a beta-type female (humble, kind, and nurturing) 

• Real alpha male examples: Leonidas from 300, late rapper Tupac Shakur, former US President Donald Trump, Nollywood legend Pete Edochie, Terseer Kiddwaya (BBN Season 5 housemate) 

Handy tip: 

As an alpha male, your will, charisma, and confidence are admirable. Your self-consciousness and assertive nature are enviable. But nobody has it all and that’s what makes us human. Try to balance your awesome side with a little more empathy. Learn to be more open to listening to other people and to compromise more often. Remember — great leadership is about great relationships.

 

2. Beta male

This is arguably the second most popular male personality type. The beta male is characteristically friendly, nurturing and empathetic. He is kind and unpretentious. Seemingly the opposite of the alpha male, the beta male is shyer and more quiet, prioritizing personal relationships over material or career attainments. For these reasons, beta males are considered supportive and considerate partners. If you’re a beta male, you’re a catch for most women because they know you listen, share, and communicate. Women will want to make you their besties or romantic partners; children will love to be around you. You’re for the happy and the long-term. 

• Common personality traits: kind, moderate, and supportive 

• Typical career areas: medical field, health and/or social worker, teacher 

• Ideal spouse: a kind and supportive, but more firm and spontaneous woman  

• Real beta male examples: Samuel Tarly in Game of Thrones, Ed Sheeran, Nollywood veteran Tony Umez (d-a-a-a-r-l-i-n-g!), Ozo Chukwu (BBN Season 5 housemate) 

Handy tip: 

If you are a beta male, chances are you value emotional connection and are an empathic listener. But this likeable personality can earn you that “Mr. Nice guy” tag most of us hate to be called. It can get you into difficult situations that cause emotional anguish. Keep in mind that you deserve as much as you give, so be sure to create boundaries, prioritize self-care, and build support systems that help you overcome these situations while maintaining great relationships. 

Also be sure to keep your reserved nature in check, as this can potentially interfere with your sparkling showings. 

3. Gamma male 

Call them the energy of the party. Gamma males are typically interesting, adventurous and creative individuals. They are fun-loving, merry-hearted gentlemen with life’s experiences and refined tastes. 

A gamma male is portrayed as an independent-thinker who is not restricted by societal expectations. He embraces his own uniqueness and would typically dance to the tune of his own music. He loves to travel or explore new things, and believes that his goal in life is to have fun, rewarding experiences. This loud and explosive male loves to be on the move, having a great time and forging strong friendships wherever he finds himself.  

Because he is spontaneous and tends to think differently, he often has an eccentrically interesting view on life. This makes him an exciting friend and partner. As a parent, the gamma male encourages personal growth and self expression.  

• Common personality traits: adventurous, spontaneous, fun-loving and goofy 

• Typical career areas: actor, musician, events coordinator, travel guide 

• Ideal spouse: a homely, organized women who can help him stay balanced  

• Real gamma male examples: Jay Gatsby from The Great Gatsby, footballer Paul Pogba, afrobeats artiste Davido, Nollywood vet Charles Okocha 

Handy tip: 

As a gamma male, you are always on the go, enjoying great life’s experiences from your endless adventures. These are admirable, but learn to settle down once in a while for a clear and focused mind. 

4. Omega male 

Omega males are usually introverts who value their own personal space and need no external acceptance. They enjoy solitude and are usually self-reliant. Sometimes they might come off as not giving a care in the world about anything. 

Instead of socializing, the typically eccentric omega would rather spend time working out usually smart novel ideas of his own. Most are usually very intelligent or creative. Their theories and inventions will likely change the world for good.  

In the area of relationships, the omega isn’t exactly cut out for this. He is comfortable with and by himself, choosing instead to focus on self-growth and emotional well-being. There’s often something in his life that takes his time. This might be a comic book, gaming and computer habits, or some other nerdy pursuits. While this independence mindset may help him handle the challenges of relationships with more resilience, clearer mind and personal fulfilment, it also might just be the very opposite of what his partner wants.  

But then, the omega isn’t cursed to fail in relationship matters. To enjoy a mutually convenient, longer-term, and more healthy relationship, the omega can learn to be more emotionally available. And if he finds an agreeable woman who is ready to make compromises for his unusual side, then that might just be a match made in heaven.  

• Common personality traits: self-propelled, strategic, laid back, eccentric 

• Typical career areas: composer, inventor, programmer, lab scientist, mathematician 

• Ideal spouse: an understanding and agreeable woman willing to accommodate 

• Real omega male examples: Bran from Game of Thrones, Varun Sharma’s character as Choocha in “Fukrey”, Albert Einstein, Michael Jackson, afrobeats artiste Wizkid  

Handy tip: 

As an omega male, your ideas are usually imaginative. But spend some of that personal reflection time building healthy relationships, also. Get more involved in what you do in your daily life (outside your regular interests) and in your romantic partnerships. 

5. Delta male 

Deltas are highly accountable and keep the world on its wheels. Calm and dependable, they are steady and grounded people who succeed at offering stability and support. Reminds me of the military wing, Delta Force. See any similarities? 

Delta males are known for their high competence, hardworking attitude and adaptability, rather than their leadership and aspirations. They love to learn new skills for self-growth, not for power or any other extrinsic benefits. This helps them achieve a healthy work-life balance. If you have a delta in your circle of friends (male friends), you have an asset. They are usually reliable and modest.  

In the area of romantic relationships, delta males are characteristically dependable and loyal partners. They put family first and value the needs of loved ones. Intentional, levelheaded and committed, delta males try to promote a positive and calm environment for their kids — qualities that make them outstanding parents. 

• Common personality traits: responsible, loyal, enterprising 

• Typical career areas: accountant, engineer, paramedic  

• Ideal spouse: a supportive, appreciative, and encouraging woman who can act in your stead 

• Real delta male examples: Jim from The Office, former Anambra gov Peter Obi, Leonel Messi 

Handy tip: 

As a delta male, you are respectable and dependable. Keep it up. You can be like many people, but not many can be like you — you’re one of a kind. But try to choose your struggles and don’t be reluctant to say NO sometimes. Deltas tend to trust their abilities so much and love to help out so much to the point where it can feel choking. 

6. Sigma male 

Sigma males are the lone wolf who play by their own rules. Despite being graced with the confidence of alphas, they aren’t just interested in power or social hierarchies. Sigmas are independent and self-reliant. They characteristically don’t need any external validations.  

For these reasons, sigmas tend to place a premium on personal independence and likely have an uninvolved view on relationships. Think of them more like the introverted alpha. They can be very respectful. When they are in a romantic relationship, they establish clear boundaries and keep communications open. Because they feel complete and comfortable with their own company, sigma males tend to make good decisions that help them overcome relationship struggles. 

As parents, sigmas often make great fathers, working together with their partner to create a healthy and supportive environment for their family. 

• Common personality traits: bold, independent, wise  

• Typical career areas: entrepreneur, scholar, philosopher 

• Ideal spouse: a humble, loyal, team player  

• Real delta male examples: Gandalf from Lord of the Rings, John Wick, James Bond, Bruce Wayne in Batman 

Handy tip: 

As a sigma male, you’re viewed as someone who is comfortable in and with himself and also has a clear direction for his life and preferences. This image of self-assurance is very admirable. But then, it can feel lonely or might not even be your own unique case. Life has a lot to offer. Mingle more with friends and/or even other sigmas who align with your point of view to life.

Wrapping up 

An understanding of the different male personality types provides useful insights into the diverse spectrums of behaviours, tendencies and social dynamics shown by men. Like everything else in life, each personality type comes with its unique wins and challenges to various areas of life, including relationships, careers, and personal growth. Don’t deify or underrate any personality type.  

Are you inspired by the charisma and assertiveness of the alpha, drawn to the nurturing nature of the beta, charmed by the creativity of the gamma, impressed by the independence of the omega, pulled towards the stability of the delta, or motivated by the non-conformity of the sigma? Don’t let Greek letters define you. Like horoscopes, these are ideas that people developed to create categories for different personalities of humans (for study purposes). The key takeaway is to understand and appreciate who you are, without trying to be someone else. Recognize your own strengths, work on being the best version of yourself, and strive to maintain healthy and supportive relationships.  

Speaking of self-improvement, try to set specific goals. For example, “I’m going to be more alpha” is ill-defined. Instead, say, “I’m going to be more bold, confident, and assertive. I’m going to be more accountable, show up more, and listen better.” See the difference? The latter approach gives better direction and focus, helping you achieve the ultimate goal more easily. 

Now that you know the various male personality types, which one are you? Feel free to share in the comments. I’d love to hear from you! And hopefully, this piece will help you find a better partner, as well as improve your life generally. 

Bonne chance!