Dog Names That Mean Strong, Brave, or Powerful
- Audrina
Origin:
Variation of AudreyMeaning:
"noble strength"Description:
Audrina is a name that owes its fame to overnight reality TV sensation Audrina Partridge, one of the original cast of the MTV reality series The Hills.
- Amaury
Origin:
French form of AmalricMeaning:
"work power"Description:
Friendlier french form of ancient Germanic royal name Amalric or Emmerich.
- Othniel
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"lion of god, or strength of god"Description:
Othniel is mentioned in the Bible and Tanakh (in the Book of Judges) where he is the first of the biblical judges mentioned. Othniel was related to Caleb, which might make these two names a nice biblically themed sib-set.
- Valero
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"strong"Description:
Rare Spanish form of Valerius
- Bia
Origin:
Greek, Portuguese, RomanianMeaning:
"force; blessed; white"Description:
A bright and bouncy micro name, far rarer than Mia or Gia.
- Takeo
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"strong as bamboo"Description:
Well used in Japan, appreciated for its powerful meaning.
- Conal
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"strong as a wolf"Description:
If there are too many Connors in your neighborhood, this name is equally authentic and much more unusual. Spelled Conal or Conall, it's a prominent name in Irish history, borne by a number of kings and heroes.
- Ken
Origin:
Diminutive of Kenneth; JapaneseMeaning:
"born of fire or handsome; healthy and strong"Description:
In many minds this one belongs to Barbie, but with such positive meanings and international connections, can Ken make the transition to usability again?
- Romary
Origin:
French variation of Romaric, German, and Scottish surnameMeaning:
"famously strong"Description:
Romy lovers, here's a new one for you! Romary is a surname with French and Scottish roots and has historically been a masculine given name in France. It would be a great choice on either sex, but feels slightly more feminine with the -mary ending and Romy nickname.
- Malthe
Origin:
DanishMeaning:
"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.
- Denzel
Origin:
CornishMeaning:
"from the high stronghold"Description:
This old Cornish name took on a whole new identity via Denzel Washington, who has inspired several thousand namesakes. The actor was named after his father, who was named for a Dr. Denzel, who delivered him.
- Bedelia
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"strength or exalted one"Description:
This fanciful Irish extension of Bridget is known here through the wacky Amelia Bedelia books for kids -- an association your child may or may not like.
- Willard
Origin:
English from GermanMeaning:
"resolutely brave"Description:
Unfortunate identification with an army of rats in the movie of the same name.
- Aza
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"powerful"Description:
Aza is an excellent Arabic choice: elegant and simple. Too simple for you? Consider Aziza.
- Bernie
Origin:
Diminutive of Bernard, EnglishMeaning:
"strong; brave as a bear"Description:
It's been shown that notable political figures often impact the use of their names, and the same can — sort of — be said about Bernie Sanders. His name increased in use by 47% between 2015 and 2016 (albeit, to a peak of only 21 baby boys given the name). By 2017, Bernie has decreased in usage by almost 60%.
- Rainey
Origin:
Word name or diminutive of Regina, LatinMeaning:
"queen"Description:
Has an old-time country feeling, perhaps due to Ma Rainey, considered the "Mother of the Blues". This is the most popular spelling of the name, given to about 50 girls last year, with half as many called Rainy and a quarter named Rainie, the spelling used by Andie MacDowell for her now-grown daughter.
- 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.
- Bali
Origin:
Place-name and SanskritMeaning:
"strength"Description:
Evokes picture-postcard image of colorful Indonesia. Bali Barret is a Paris fashion insider who oversees women's style for Hermes. Bali rhymes with tally or galley.
- Valens
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"strong, vigorous, healthy"Description:
A common Roman cognomen, borne by a 4th-century Roman emperor among others. From the same root as vale, the Roman word of parting, which means "be well". Note: the Classical Latin pronunciation for this name would be "WAAH-lens" (so if using this name around purists, beware!).
- Cairo
Origin:
Place name, ArabicMeaning:
"the strong; the conqueror"Description:
On trend for boys but with plenty of unisex appeal too, the place name Cairo was put on the map for girls when model Beverly Peele chose it for her daughter. Given to around 50 girls each year, it hasn't caught on just yet but with its similar sounds to Kaia and Skyler, it might do in the future.