74 Fierce Names That Mean Lion - Page 4

The ancient Leontios, the name of several early saints and a Byzantine empire, may rise again with the pride of lion names so fashionable in Europe, from Leo to Leon to Leonie. The Latinized version is Leontius.

An alternative form of the bright, leonine name Sundiata, Sundjata is associated with Sundiata Keita, the 13th century founder and prince of the Mali Empire in Western Africa. He is remembered and celebrated in the Epic of Sundiata, which is still taught today.

A powerful, storied name, used by countless significant figures throughout history in Central and South Asia, whose appeal in the U.S. may be limited by its near-homonymy with the word "sure."

Leonato is one of the main characters in Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, the noble governor of Messina on whose property most of the play takes place. His daughter Hero and his niece Beatrice are the two main female romantic leads in the play. His character is ambiguous; he starts out friendly and amiable, but he reacts very harshly to rumors that his daughter has lost her "honor" before marriage.

Singer Ruslana Stepanivna Lyzhychko, who goes by her first name, won the Eurovision contest in 2004 and remains a popular artist in Ukraine.

Sounding like a cross between Nancy and Natalie, Nantale might have potential as same-but-different African-to-American crossover.

This ancient name, belonging to a 4th century BCE Greek statesman and general, would be one of those unique baby names with lots of more down-to-earth nickname potential, including Tim and Leon. Another notable bearer is Timoleon Jimanez, former leader of the rebel group Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia.

This variation of the surname Loeb works even better than the original as a first name, though any child named Loew will inevitably have to endure a lifetime's worth of "high and...." jokes. Other leonine options: Leopold or Lionel.

A poetic and bold choice, this name derives from the Middle English word for lioness and appears in Arthurian Legend. She features in Thomas Malory's 15th-century tale Le Morte d'Arthur in which she is rescued from a castle after her sister Lynet seeks the help of the knight Gareth. Lyonesse is also the name of an imaginary land between Cornwall, England, and the Scilly Isles which is said to have been swallowed by the ocean in a single night.

Hebrew name rarely heard in the U. S. , making it a distinctive choice.

Concise but versatile, Hafsah is a popular name for girls among Muslims. Also spelled Hafsa, it is a significant name in Islamic tradition, having been borne by the daughter of Umar, the second caliph, who was also the fourth wife of the prophet Muhammad.

Fierce choice from the Oromo culture of Ethiopia.

Lovely African name that you may recognize from The Lion King.

In Africa, Safari is often used a name for a baby born during a journey. Americans and more likely to think of riding in Jeeps, taking photos of giraffes, lions, and the like. Nevertheless, Safari is an intriguing name, although one best reserved for the middle.