Names That Mean Strong

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.

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

A powerful Igbo name with spiritual meaning.

A Top 100 pick in Israel that feels simple and appealing enough to work in almost any language.

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.

Maoz is a symbolic name given to boys born at Hannukah because of the song "Maoz Tzur," "Rock of Ages," which is sung at that time.

Energetic nickname name.

A rare member of the popular -iel group of Biblical names, with a powerful sound and meaning.

This obscure Zulu name was chosen by Stevie Wonder.

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.

Uzziah was an Old Testament king of Judah, among other personages. The initial U is a bit funky for modern tastes; we don't see this one enjoying a revival ala Isaiah and Noah anytime soon.

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

This name was used by the royal House of Luxembourg in the Middle Ages, as a diminutive of Irmentrude. We definitely think this spunky shortening improves upon the heavy German original.

In Greek mythology Alcmene was mother of Herakles by Zeus, who tricked her by disguising himself as her absent husband. The name has the evocative meaning "strength and power of the moon", made from combining the Greek elements alke (power) and mene (moon), although "strength and wrath" is another possible interpretation, using the element menis.

Girlish for Ethan: attractive and unusual.

The Invictus Games, a multinational sporting event for wounded, injured, and sick armed service personnel, introduced this Latin word and concept to the general population, especially after the games hosted Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's budding romance.