Names That Mean Strong

Distinctive Native-American choice with forceful meaning.

Place-name of a settlement in Galilee in Israel.

The name of several minor Biblical characters, Amzi seems streamlined and modern and has the potential to catch on. Meaning "strong", it may appeal to parents who enjoy Azariah, Aziel, and Amias. "AM-tsee" is the traditional pronunciation, though "-zee" and "-zie" have also been used.

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

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.

A once-popular name that has declined in popularity in Turkey in recent years, Metin is properly spelt with a dotted İ in Turkish.

Pacome is a French saint's name rarely heard in this country, but currently being revived in its native France.

Some variants are Pacomi, Pacomio and Pacomius.

Uncommon choice too reminiscent of "bidet". Try Bridie instead.

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

Clunky Gertrude is heading towards obscurity in the US, but here's a variation that might intrigue - Gesine, also spelled Gesina.

A Turkish word name on the rise in its native country.

Geraud, as with many French variations of familiar names, makes the somewhat old-fashioned Gerard sound fresh and dashing. It's pronounced as if it ended with o, another trendy factor, though many English speakers may not get that.

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

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

Israeli-born singer Keren Ann introduced this traditional Hebrew name to the US, where it could well be mistaken for Karen. Nevertheless, 100 girls were given the name in a recent year.

Mystical and romantic with a charmingly Old Norse feel, Solveiga is the variant of Solveig that is found in Latvia and Lithuania.

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

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 40 days. This would certainly make a unique choice.

Now that Courtney is becoming more unisex for babies, surname Fortney also seems like a viable name for a boy. It fits the trend for names with an -ey ending like Huxley and Finley, with an added dash of fortitude.

A powerful Igbo name with spiritual meaning.