Names That Mean Ruler

An oldy-world feeling nickname-name, used for a number of names such as Gerard (said with a sound G) and Gethin (said with a hard first consonant). In the US, it may be associated with the General Educational Development (GED) tests, which are equivalent to a high school diploma. 

The Finnish variant of Erica that is based on the male form, Eerik.

Eerika

Raja is a widely-used Arabic or Sanskrit name that works for girls as well as boys. Five baby girls were named Raja and seven given the Rajah spelling in the US last year, where for boys the popularity of the spellings was reversed: 18 Raja to ten Rajah.

Raja

Fryderyk

A compound name, blending classic, international Ana, and the modern Aubrey. It could be pronounced in two different ways. 

Aubreyana

Ulrica has an Old World sound, but is perhaps enough like Erika and Annika that it could work today. Also spelled Ulrika, it was borne by a 18th century Swedish queen and Olympic ice hockey player, Ulrica Lindström.
 
The meaning of the name is slightly debated, with some sources suggesting it derived from Wulfric, meaning "wolf ruler", while other believe it comes from Ulrich, meaning "rich, noble and royal heritage".

Ulrica

Harri and Harrie are two underused short forms of the under-appreciated classic Harriet. Another adorable nickname, Hattie, is used more than three times as much as Harriet.

Harri

This Scottish Gaelic form of the Germanic name Walter is also seen in the form Bhaltair. 

Bhàtair

This cute Finnish name could make for a fun way to honour a relative named Henry. A notable namesake is racing driver Heikki Kovalainen.

Heikki

Americus, the foundation for the place-name America, is a Latin name meaning "home ruler". Relatives include the Italian Amerigo and the German Emmerich.

Americus

A compound name, blending modern feeling Aubrey with the classic Anne. 

Aubreyanne

Aubria

Meredith has been considered primarily a girl's name since the fifties, before which it was more commonly used for boys. Comic actor Jay Mohr recently named his son Meredith, which might help it swing back into the blue column. The traditional Welsh pronunciation puts the stress on the middle syllable, making Red a cool nickname possibility.

Meredith

Fredi is a spelling that can be used for either gender, but it is usually a diminutive form of Frederica, Frederika, or Winifred. With its cheerful ending 'i,' Fredi has a friendly, approachable quality while maintaining its connection to more formal traditional names. 

The name has seen moderate usage across Europe, particularly in Germanic and Scandinavian countries. In English-speaking regions, it has a vintage charm that aligns with the trend of reviving nickname-style names as formal names. Fredi's brevity, unpretentious nature, and unisex potential make it appealing to modern parents seeking something simultaneously familiar yet uncommon.

Fredi

Combining the elements 'frid' (peace) and 'ric' (ruler, power), Frederico carries a strong, noble connotation that has appealed to families across generations. The name has been borne by numerous European royalty and nobility throughout history, lending it an air of distinction and heritage.
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In Latin American countries, Frederico remains moderately popular, often shortened to the friendly nickname 'Fredo' or the more distinctive 'Rico.' The name has a romantic, musical quality with its rolling syllables, making it feel both sophisticated and warm. While less common in English-speaking countries, it offers an international alternative to the more standard Frederick.

Frederico

Harrie is one adorable short form of Harriet, an under-appreciated classic. Another adorable short form, Hattie, is over three times as popular as the original.

Harrie

Like Mitzi, the bubbly Fritzi/Fritzie shows signs of rising again,

Fritzie

Like Mitzi, the bubbly Fritzi shows signs of rising again. Has a bit of a comic-strip feel.

Fritzi

So-old-it's-cute-again short from of Harriet, reminiscent of Patsy and Betsy but fresher and more appealing than either of those choices.  Hattie is another adorable short form.

Hatsy

Unfashionably ornate female form of unfashionable Roderick. 