Names That Mean Strong

This unique one-syllable name was added to the mix by Mariel Hemingway for her now grown model/actress daughter; it could make a distinctive middle name or Bree substitute.

András is the form of Andrew used in Hungary, where it is a Top 50 boy name.

Pronounced KILL-on, might lead a young boy astray--though that doesn't seem to have halted the progress of the popular Killian.

Long considered Mr. Hall's exclusive property, it's now ready to be adopted by others.

An ancient saint's name belonging to an 8th century English missionary. Variants include Walpurga and Walpurgis.

More than 50 baby girls were named Griffin in the US last year, while the old Welsh name makes the Top 250 for boys.

A cool and straightforward Vietnamese name, which resembles the increasingly popular Hawaiian name Koa.

Tetsu is a female name with an unusually strong and powerful meaning. It sounds spunky and cute too.

A venerable name closer to MELISSA than the original MILLICENT.

The name of several minor Biblical characters seems streamlined and modern.

An Anglo-Saxon name borne by the queen of Alfred the Great. American novelist Helen Ricker wrote under the pen-name Elswyth Thane. Variants include Elswith, Ealswith and Ealhswith.

Pleasingly quaint and dainty New Testament possibility; the nickname Dru modernizes it.

Preferable to its parent name, Arnoud, in the Netherlands.

Melisende, the mellifluous name of a 12th century queen of Jerusalem, gave rise to the more modern (but less lovely) Millicent. Other old forms include Melisent, Malasintha, and the French Melisande, a fairy tale heroine.

This name has considerable meaning in the Islamic world, as Hamzah the brave was the uncle and protector of the Prophet of Islam. A more contemporary Hamzah is the eldest son of the late King Hussein and Queen Noor of Jordan. More commonly encountered in English-speaking countries as Hamza.

Romaric was derived from the German elements hrôm, meaning "fame," and rîcja, "strong." It's the name of an obscure Frankish saint who left his life as a courtier to become a monk.

The Albanian form of Aaron has a stylish look and sound, sharing that Au- beginning with stylish choices like August and Auden.

French given and surname.

Variously spelled Swithun or Swithin, and associated with St. Swithin's day, July 15th, which is famous as a weather predictor a la Groundhog's Day: supposedly, the weather on his feast day will continue for forty days. This would certainly make a unique choice.

Sometimes heard in the Latino community, has not crossed over into others.