Names That Mean Ruler
Across 9 pages
of 9
Czar
Balkan variation of Tsar, meaning "Caesar or ruler"
"Caesar or ruler"
One way to set up a superiority complex in your child is to call your child Czar as American actor Rockmond Dunbar did in 2016.
Thierry
French variation of Theodoric
"ruler of the people"
A hugely popular choice in France back in the 60s and 70s, Thierry took the number one spot in 1964,though it has since dropped out of the French Top 500. Derived from the Germanic Theodoric (not a…
Dietrich
German
"ruler of the people"
This form of Theodoric, familiar via Marlene, is a possible German import. It is an Anglicized ancestor of Derek and all its variations. A noted bearer was acclaimed classical German baritone and…
Roderica
German
"renowned ruler"
Unfashionably ornate female form of unfashionable Roderick.
Torvald
Norse
"Thor's ruler"
Torvald, not to be confused with Torvill of skating fame, is a Norse name which might be of interest to parents looking for Thor-related options. Torvald is most familiar in the English-speaking…
Ericson
Old Norse
"son of the eternal ruler"
Ericson, also spelled Erickson and Erikson (and with -sen endings too), is a Nordic surname that makes a strong choice. Ericson may continue the trend Harrison, Jefferson and Jackson started.
Roderick
German
"famous ruler"
The aristocratic--if not haughty--Roderick was nevertheless consistently in the Top 1000, reaching as high as Number 221 in 1967, when it was not uncommon to run into a Rod or a Roddy. It's at a low…
Isolde
Welsh, German
"ice ruler"
Sleek, sharp, and soulful, Isolde is the German form of Iseult, the fabled lover of Tristan in the Arthurian romances. First appearing in the 12th-century, the name was fairly popular in the form of…
Frederique
French feminine form of Frederic
"peace ruler"
Frederique, the soigne name of Dutch-born model Frederique Van der Wal, is a lot more sophisticated than the dated MONIQUE. Still, as feminine forms of the Fred names go, we prefer the Italian…
Zolten
Variant of Zoltan
"Sultan; ruler"
Zolten is a variant spelling of Zoltan, which is currently in the Top 50 in Hungary, its country of origin. We recommend you stick with the original spelling, which remains extremely rare.
Gautier
French variation of Walter
"ruler of an army"
Often spelled Gauthier, this could make a distinctive way to honor Grandpa Walter, but first syllable pronounced 'goat' might be a problem.
Serayah
Variation of Seraiah, Hebrew
"God is ruler"
The biblical Seraiah may have been male, but all the modern babies named Serayah or Seraiah are female, some inspired by actress Serayah McNeill of Empire .
Waldemar
German
"famous ruler"
The American child given this name of four kings of Denmark, not to mention one so similar to that of the Harry Potter archvillain Lord Voldemort, might have to pay a large emotional import tax.
Gearóidín
Irish form of Geraldine
"spear ruler"
Gearóidín is familiar to our Irish members, but is probably unseen outside the Emerald Isle. It would provide some steep challengers to people unfamiliar with Irish names, but since that hasn't…
Ulric
English variation of Ulrich and Wulfric, German
"rich and noble heritage; wolf power"
Also related to the word for wolf, this name has a first syllable that's not appealing to the American ear. Better ic-ending choices: Dominic, Frederic, Eric.
Ladomir
Croatian form of Vladimir
"famous ruler"
This Croation take on Russian stalwart Vladimir has a softer sound that may appeal to many.
Dick
Diminutive of Richard
"dominant ruler"
Dick was a once-common short form of Richard; replaced by Rick or Richie, and finally by the full name itself. Rude meaning -- make that two rude meanings -- pretty much knocks this one out of…
Suresha
Sanskrit
"ruler of the gods"
Older form of Suresh.
Empress
English word name
"Female ruler of an empire, consort of an Emperor"
Yet another noble name to join King, Prince, Princess, et al. The name Empress was given to over 100 baby girls in the US last year.
Fritzie
German, diminutive of Frederica
"peaceful ruler"
Like Mitzi, the bubbly Fritzi/Fritzie shows signs of rising again,