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Dog Names That Mean Strong, Brave, or Powerful

  1. Gerda

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian

    • Meaning:

      "enclosure, stronghold"

    • Description:

      Mythological goddess of fertility whose name seems, ironically, among the least attractive.
  2. Walburga

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "strong protection"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "rich, strong"

    • Description:

      Dark, woody name that's brings to mind rich panelling, beautiful colors and luxury.
  4. Malthe

    • Origin:

      Danish

    • Meaning:

      "Rule / Power"

    • Description:

      This name has been used in Denmark since the 13th Century, and is once again very popular there, now being in the Top 10. We don't see it crossing the Atlantic anytime soon, despite the strong meaning.
  5. Sovereign

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "supreme ruler, ultimate power"

    • Description:

      Sovereign is a new addition to the baby name lexicon, recently used by such celebrity parents as Cam Newton and Usher for their daughters. But don't mistake it for an exclusively feminine name — part of Sovereign's appeal is its gender-neutral status, as it's given to roughly equal numbers of girls and boys each yera.
  6. Reynold

    • Origin:

      English from German

    • Meaning:

      "powerful counsel"

    • Description:

      Serious surname choices, the latter form known via award-winning author Reynolds Price.
  7. Takeo

    • Origin:

      Japanese

    • Meaning:

      "strong as bamboo"

    • Description:

      Well used in Japan, appreciated for its powerful meaning.
  8. Bride

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "strength or exalted one"

    • Description:

      Technically a pet form of Brigid and very commonly heard in Ireland, but pronunciation problems complicate Bride as a name choice in America.
  9. Narve

    • Origin:

      Dutch

    • Meaning:

      "healthy, strong"

    • Description:

      Harv and Marv are out, and this difficult Dutch choice doesn't fare any better.
  10. Gerry

    • Description:

      Gerry is a friendly, approachable masculine name that functions both as a standalone name and as a diminutive of Gerald, Gerard, or Geraint. Derived from Germanic roots meaning 'spear ruler' or 'brave with a spear,' Gerry carries the history of these longer forms while offering a more casual, accessible feel. The name peaked in popularity in the mid-20th century and maintains associations with that era. Gerry has cross-cultural appeal, being recognized in English-speaking countries as well as throughout Europe. Notable bearers include musicians Gerry Rafferty and Gerry Marsden, lending the name a somewhat artistic, musical association. Though less commonly given today as a formal name, it remains a well-recognized and affable choice.

  11. Drucilla

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "strong"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Andrea, feminine form of Andrew

    • Meaning:

      "strong and manly"

    • Description:

      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.
  13. Etana

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "strength of purpose"

    • Description:

      Girlish for Ethan: attractive and unusual.
  14. Menno

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Meine, Dutch

    • Meaning:

      "strength"

    • Description:

      The Mennonites took their name from Menno Simons, a Dutch leader of the Anabaptists. His name, which is a nickname of Meine, is still used today in the American Mennonite community.
  15. Fort

    • Origin:

      French, English

    • Meaning:

      "strong; a protected building, a stronghold"

    • Description:

      A saints name and a word name, this is a modern, original way to convey a powerful meaning, especially in the middle place.
  16. Loewy

    • Origin:

      Swiss and German nickname for brave person

    • Description:

      Enigmatic choice of enigmatic John Malkovich.
  17. Aimilios

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "strength"

    • Description:

      This male relative of the Emily family was borne by two Greek saints, one a fourth century martyr who destroyed pagan images and the other a ninth century bishop. Variations include Emilios and Aemilios. The Latin Aemilius, from the ancient family name, may be unrelated.
  18. Bernardo

    • Origin:

      Italian, Spanish, Portuguese

    • Meaning:

      "strong as a bear"

    • Description:

      This Latinate form of Bernard hovered in the lower regions of the US Top 1000 from the late 1940s until 2006, possibly inspired by the character in West Side Story. It remains popular in Portugal and it does have a little more flair than the grandpa style Bernard.
  19. Beren

    • Origin:

      Turkish

    • Meaning:

      "strong, smart"

    • Description:

      Beren is a gender-neutral name that's rare in the US, given last year to 20 baby boys and only five baby girls. But it's simple, distinctive, and yes, strong, plus it comes with an amazing nickname -- Berry.
  20. Sendoa

    • Origin:

      Basque

    • Meaning:

      "strong"

    • Description:

      Relatively unknown outside of its native region, Sendoa is an intriguing international name with a strong meaning.