Baby Name Meanings
By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 10 pages
of 10
Turkish
"strong, smart"
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…
Turkish word name
"valiant"
A common Turkish word name for boys signaling valiance and bravery.
"dominant"
A Turkish word name on the rise in its native country.
Dutch
"strong, brave as a bear"
A vintage Dutch name, Berendina is the feminine form of Berend, a Dutch variant of Bernard. Can be shortened to Dina or Diny.
Italian
"bold"
A rare Italian name with the familiar sounds of Arden, Arlo, Adriano, and Arturo, it has a dashing and confident meaning, which may appeal to those who enjoy virtuous choices like Brave, Courage, and…
Diminutive of Gabriel
"God is my strength"
For English speakers, Gabi is usually short for Gabrielle. Elsewhere - such as Spain, Latin America and Israel - it can also be a male nickname for Gabriel. For rock musician Gabi Hun, it's short for…
Persian
"brave, valiant"
Elegant and strong, Tahmina is the name of a princess in the 10th century Persian epic, the Shahnameh . Meaning "brave, valiant, powerful", it is distinctly linked to Persian culture but also works…
French form of Millicent, German
"strong in work"
This old-time fairy tale name is rarely heard in the modern English-speaking world, but it's so, well, mellifluous, that it would make a lovely choice for a twenty-first century girl--a romanticized…
"healthy, strong"
Harv and Marv are out, and this difficult Dutch choice doesn't fare any better.
Hebrew
"strength of purpose"
Girlish for Ethan: attractive and unusual.
French version of Germanic Ermendrud
"universal strength"
Ermentrude was the name of two medieval queens of France. Despite these distinguished beginnings, this antique name is unlikely to catch on with contemporary parents, perhaps because the first…
Hebrew, variation of Gavriela
"God ismy strength"
Gabrina is a name sometimes heard in the Latino community, could make a distinctive alternative to Gabriela.
Irish
"strength or exalted one"
Technically a pet form of Brigid and very commonly heard in Ireland, but pronunciation problems complicate Bride as a name choice in America.
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.
Scandinavian, Norse, German, Dutch
"enclosure, stronghold; brave, hardy spear"
Gerda is one of two things: a modern, Latinized form of the Old Norse name Gerd or a feminine form of the masculine German name, also Gerd. Not currently in style, it has a strong, ancient sounding…
German
"strength of a spear"
Clunky Gertrude is heading towards obscurity in the US, but here's a variation that might intrigue - Gesine, also spelled Gesina. Gesine comes from the same roots - Geretrudis - and shares the name's…
Diminutive of Irmentrude
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.
Native American
"strong-minded"
Distinctive Native-American choice with forceful meaning.
"hard, strong man"
A viable choice that may be growing on your family tree. Hartman Turnbow was a part of Mississippi's "First Fourteen", the first group of African Americans who attempted to register to vote in the…
Short form of Hezekiah, Hebrew
"God gives strength"
Drawn from old record books, Kiah is an antiquated nickname that feels perfectly appropriate for modern times -- maybe more so than father name Hezekiah.
