Dog Names That Mean Survivor or Fighter

  1. Lutza
    • Origin:

      Russian variation of Louise, feminine variation of Louis, German and French
    • Meaning:

      "renowned warrior"
    • Description:

      Lutza is largely unknown in the English-speaking world and might remain that way, due to its resemblance to klutz.
  2. Lova
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Lovisa, Swedish
    • Meaning:

      "renowned warrior"
    • Description:

      Lova, a Louise relative virtually unknown in the US, is one of the top girl names in Sweden.
  3. Aniceta
    • Origin:

      Latinized feminine form of Ancient Greek
    • Meaning:

      "unconquerable"
    • Description:

      A delicate name with strong roots, Aniceta is most often used in contemporary Spain. Saint Anicetus was an ancient pope and martyr.
  4. Cadman
    • Origin:

      Anglo-Saxon
    • Meaning:

      "warrior"
    • Description:

      Caedmon is considered the first English poet -- a nice literary tie-in to the streamlined version.
  5. Dustin
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "brave warrior"
    • Description:

      Just a few years ago, Dustin, Dylan, and Daryl seemed like radical, edgy names for girls; now even Great-aunt Alberta wouldn't raise an eyebrow.
  6. Vicky
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Victoria
    • Meaning:

      "victory"
    • Description:

      This once vivacious midcentury nickname is rarely used for modern babies.
  7. Loja
    • Origin:

      Finnish and Swedish variation of Louise
    • Meaning:

      "famous warrior"
    • Description:

      Most famously borne by Loja Saarinen, a Finnish-American artist and wife of architect Eliel Saarinen. She was born Minna Carolina Mathilde Louise Gesellius and went by Louise or Loja.
  8. Marceli
    • Origin:

      Polish variation of Marcellus, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "young warrior"
  9. Kaikoa
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian
    • Meaning:

      "sea warrior"
    • Description:

      A bold and energetic Hawaiian name which blends two fashionable favorites: Kai and Koa.
  10. Harm
    • Origin:

      Dutch diminutive of Herman, German
    • Meaning:

      "soldier, warrior"
    • Description:

      Not a viable option if your baby is going to speak English.
  11. Samurai
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "warrior, knight"
    • Description:

      Historically, the samurai were a professional warrior class in pre-industrial Japan, who would train from a young age to be highly skilled in archery, swordmanship, and fighting on horseback. It is believed their name comes from the word saburau, and means "one who serves", in reference to the fact that they would serve the lords of Japan.
  12. Katsu
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "victory"
    • Description:

      As well as meaning victory, the name Katsu is strongly associated with heroism and masculinity.
  13. Sanjaya
    • Origin:

      Sanskrit
    • Meaning:

      "triumphant"
    • Description:

      This variation of the popular Indian name Sanjay was borne by a popular-against-all-odds American Idol contestant.
  14. Junaid
    • Origin:

      Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "warrior"
    • Description:

      This Arabic names has many spelling variations but this is the one that of the more phonetic transliterations and is therefore most used in English-speaking countries.
  15. Werther
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "worthy warrior"
    • Description:

      In literature identified with The Sorrows of Young Werther -- not much to wish on a child.
  16. Faizah
    • Origin:

      Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "victorious"
    • Description:

      Captivating Arabic choice, sometimes transcribed as Fa'izah.
  17. Irelia
    • Origin:

      English invented name
    • Meaning:

      "fighter, leader"
    • Description:

      A fictional name from the League of Legends video game franchise. Its meaning has been suggested as "fighter, leader or powerful", due to the carrot.
  18. Arnar
    • Origin:

      Icelandic from Norse
    • Meaning:

      "eagle warrior"
    • Description:

      A common name in Iceland, from the same origins as Arnold et al.
  19. Nakoa
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian
    • Meaning:

      "the warriors"
    • Description:

      Nakoa is a Top 100 name for boys in Hawaii. It became more widely known after actors Lisa Bonet and Jason Mamoa chose it for their son.
  20. Nasser
    • Origin:

      Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "the winner"
    • Description:

      Commonly used Muslim name, also sometimes chosen to honor Egyptian president Gamal Abdel-Nasser.

Introducing the Nameberry App

Nameberry App
Find your perfect baby name together with our new mobile app.
  • Swipe through thousands of names with your partner
  • Names you match on are saved to your shared list
  • Get personalized recommendations that learn based on your and your partner's preferences
  • Partner with friends and family to find names you all love
  • Backed by Nameberry's 20 years of data around name preferences.
Sign up to be notified when the app launches and to receive a discount on full access.
Nameberry App Logo