Baby Name Meanings
Names That Mean Protector, Defender, or Guardian
Across 6 pages
of 6
Shura
Russian, diminutive of Alexandra
"defending men"
Shura is a unisex Russian nickname for Aleksandr or Aleksandra, themselves forms of Alexander. Less known in the English-speaking world than Sasha, it's also more assertive — probably because of that…
Alexane
French variation of Alexandra
"defending men"
This unusual form of Alexandra might be seen and pronounced as a combination of Alex and Anne.
Zhansaya
Kazakh
"comfort of the soul; soul shadow; soul protection; protector of life"
Zhansaya is a beautiful and comforting name, popular in its native Kazakhstan. A Top 20 choice back in the 2000s, it has since declined slightly in use, but remains familiar and appealing. The name…
Warne
German, English
"one who watches over, defends and protects; one who cautions; army; park-keeper; alder-tree"
Robust and strong in sound and more often used as a surname, Warne has a variety of meanings depending on what root you follow. From its German roots, it likely comes from warnan meaning "to watch…
Vahan
Armenian, “shield”
This handsome name remains undiscovered outside of Armenia, but its stylish V initial and -an ending make it an attractive choice for the taking. In Armenia, Vahan has been going in and out of the…
Ásmundur
Icelandic, Old Norse
"God is the protector; divine protection"
Appearing as Asmund, Aasmund, and Åsmund across Scandinavia, this is the Icelandic variation of the Old Norse name, Ásmundr . Comprised of as and mund meaning "God" and "protection", it may be…
Åsmund
Norwegian, Norse
"God is the protector; divine protection"
While Aasmund and Asmund are also used, it is Åsmund that is the most familiar spelling of this name in Norway. Derived from the Old Norse Ásmundr, it is a cognate to the Old English Osmund. Borne by…
Ansel
German
"with divine protection"
Ansel, primarily associated with the great western photographer Ansel Adams, famed for his magnificent photographs of the Yosemite Valley, could make a creative artist-hero choice. For Adams it was a…
Billy
English, diminutive of William
"resolute protection"
Cute kid with freckles, bouncing a Spalding ball. Cool couple Helena Bonham Carter and Tim Burton put the name Billy Burton on their son's birth certificate. While the classic William, name of the…
Anselm
German
"with divine protection"
A somewhat solemn appellation, Anselm is a saint's name, connected to the twelfth century archbishop of Canterbury, and in modern times tied to the German neo-expressionist painter Anselm Kiefer.
Wilma
Diminutive of Wilhelmina
"resolute protection"
In the US, Wilma is appears to be eternally fossilized in Bedrock as Fred Flintstone's wife, but in Sweden it's a Top 10 hottie. It did have its moment in the US--from 1912 to 1940 it was a Top 100…
Bill
English, diminutive of William
"resolute protection"
Most Bills today are dads...or grandpas. The younger Williams are usually nicknamed Will, or called by their full names.
Rosamund
German
"horse protection"
This lovely, quintessentially British appellation, also spelled Rosamond, is the name of a legendary twelfth-century beauty. Rare on these shores, it is more than worthy of importation. There was a…
Wilhelm
German variation of William
"resolute protection"
This dignified German form of William belonged to two German Emperors and Kings of Prussia, as well as a host of other important historical figures. These include composer (Wilhelm) Richard Wagner,…
Pim
Dutch diminutive of Willem or William
"resolute protection"
Short but spirited, Pim is in the Top 200 in The Netherlands, though it is little-known elsewhere. A diminutive of Willem (or William), it possibly emerged via its rhyme with alternative, more direct…
Sigmund
German
"victorious protection"
The connection to Freud is a strong one, but this German name has a strong and interesting sound and great nickname potential: Ziggy, Iggy, Sim, Sid...
Esmond
English
"graceful protection"
Though slightly haughtier and less accessible than cousin Edmond, Esmond could appeal to some parents seeing a distinguished appellation. It began being used (albeit sparingly) in England in the…
Wylie
English, Scottish
"from the Wylye River, from the willow clearing; resolute protection"
Wylie is a friendly rodeo name with the unisex vibe of Riley and the cowboy air of Wesley and Wyatt. Also spelled as Wiley, two forms have been out of the US charts since the 1940s and 1970s…
Gwilym
Welsh variation of William
"resolute protection"
The Welsh version of William is almost unheard-of across, but it's fairly straightforward and could make a good heritage choice or alternative honor name.
Anselmo
Italian from German
"with divine protection"
Lighter Latin version of Anselm.