Discover 100 beautiful baby names meaning brave. Explore names that embody Courageous and fearless from diverse cultures and traditions.
It is topographical and describes a person who lived and worked a farm of meadows or grazing lands. The derivation is from the Old English (Anglo-Saxon) pre-7th-Century “lēah” (woodland, a clearing “especially one used for farming,” a meadow), plus “mann” (human being, person “male or female”; brave man, hero; servant, vassal.”
Origin: old english (anglo-saxon)
It is residential or topographical for a person who lived at the ridge of a hill or came from one of the several places called Ridge, Ridge Hill, or The Ridge, found throughout England. This name derives from the Old English (Anglo-Saxon) pre-7th-Century word “hrycg.” A ridge is a geological feature consisting of a chain of mountains or hills that form a continuous elevated crest for some distance. Ridges are usually termed hills or mountains as well, depending on size. Ridge Forrester is a fictional character from the CBS Daytime soap opera, The Bold and the Beautiful.
Origin: old english (anglo-saxon)
This name derives from the Biblical Hebrew name “kâlêb > Kalev,” meaning “dog.” A reference to him may also be found in the Quran, although his name is not mentioned. An alternate Hebrew meaning offered for “Caleb” is “faithful, devotion, wholehearted, bold, brave one.” 1) Kalev was the godly son of Jephunneh and the faithful spy who reported the Promised Land favorably and urged its capture. 2) Kalev was also a son of Hezron and grandson of Pharez and great-grandson of Judah and the father of Hur and grandfather of Kalev, the spy.
Origin: hebrew
This name is linked to three different roots: 1) From the Ancient Germanic “*ermunaz,” meaning “strong, whole, tall, exalted, whole, great, powerful” (making it a relative of Ermenrich). 2) From the Gothic “*amal / ama-l,” meaning “work, brave, diligent, the Amali” (making it a relative of Amalric). 3) From the Old High German “*haimaz,” meaning “home, house” (making it a relative of Henry). The second element is “-ric,” from the Ancient Germanic “*rīkijaz,” meaning “kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich.” It is probable that one Germanic form was merged into a single name and later generated its variants.
Origin: germanic
This name is linked to three different roots: 1) From the Ancient Germanic “*ermunaz,” meaning “strong, whole, tall, exalted, whole, great, powerful” (making it a relative of Ermenrich). 2) From the Gothic “*amal / ama-l,” meaning “work, brave, diligent, the Amali” (making it a relative of Amalric). 3) From the Old High German “*haimaz,” meaning “home, house” (making it a relative of Henry). The second element is “-ric,” from the Ancient Germanic “*rīkijaz,” meaning “kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich.” It is probable that one Germanic form was merged into a single name and later generated its variants.
Origin: germanic
It is topographical and describes a person who lived and worked a farm of meadows or grazing lands. The derivation is from the Old English (Anglo-Saxon) pre-7th-century “mann” (human being, person “male or female;” brave man, hero; servant, vassal” plus “lēah” (woodland, a clearing ‘especially one used for farming,’ a meadow).
Origin: old english (anglo-saxon)
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Andréas (Ἀνδρέας),” which in turn derives from “anḗr (ἀνήρ) andrós (ἀνδρός),” meaning “man, adult male, husband.” In turn, the name means “manly and strong, courageous and warrior.” He was the first Apostle in the New Testament. It is traditionally popular because, according to the Christian Bible, Saint Andrew was one of the earliest disciples of Jesus and one of the twelve Apostles. Andrew the Apostle (6 BC–60 AD), called in the Orthodox tradition Prōtoklētos, or the First-called, is a Christian Apostle and the brother of Saint Peter. Like other Greek names, the name “Andrew” appears to have been common among the Jews, Christians, and other Hellenized people of the region. No Hebrew or Aramaic name is recorded for him. According to Orthodox tradition, the apostolic successor to Saint Andrew is Patriarch Bartholomew I.
Origin: greek
This name derives from the Germanic name element “*ermunaz,” meaning “strong, whole, tall, exalted, whole, great, powerful.” Originally was a short form of Germanic names that began with the element “ermen,” as Ermengarde, Ermentrude, and Ermenegilda. Emma also represents a diminutive vernacular form of Emily, Emmeline, Amelia, or any other name beginning with “em.” Emma of Normandy, one of the first to be called Emma, was a daughter of Richard the Fearless, Duke of Normandy, by his second wife, Gunnora. She was queen consort of England by successive marriages: first as the second wife to Æthelred the Unready of England (1002–1016); and then the second wife of Cnut (Canute) the great of Denmark (1017–1035). She acted as regent in Wessex in 1040. The name Emma became popular in the United States later in the 20th-century, reaching the top 100 names for girls in the late 1990s and rising to second place on the popularity chart in 2013.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Germanic (Goths) “*amal / ama-l,” meaning “work, vigor, courage, brave, bold, diligent, Amali dynasty.” The Amali (the tribe of the Amaler), also called Amals or Amalings, were the leading dynasty of the Goths, a Germanic people who confronted the Roman Empire in its declining years in the west. According to Gothic legend, the Amali was descended from an ancient hero whose deeds earned him the epithet of Amala or “mighty.”
Origin: germanic (gothic)
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Andréas (Ἀνδρέας),” which in turn derives from “anḗr (ἀνήρ) andrós (ἀνδρός),” meaning “man, adult male, husband.” In turn, the name means “manly and strong, courageous and warrior.” He was the first Apostle in the New Testament. It is traditionally popular because, according to the Christian Bible, Saint Andrew was one of the earliest disciples of Jesus and one of the twelve Apostles. Andrew the Apostle (6 BC–60 AD), called in the Orthodox tradition Prōtoklētos, or the First-called, is a Christian Apostle and the brother of Saint Peter. Like other Greek names, the name “Andrew” appears to have been common among the Jews, Christians, and other Hellenized people of the region. No Hebrew or Aramaic name is recorded for him. According to Orthodox tradition, the apostolic successor to Saint Andrew is Patriarch Bartholomew I.
Origin: greek
This name derives from the Germanic name element “*ermunaz,” meaning “strong, whole, tall, exalted, whole, great, powerful.” Originally was a short form of Germanic names that began with the element “ermen,” as Ermengarde, Ermentrude, and Ermenegilda. Emma also represents a diminutive vernacular form of Emily, Emmeline, Amelia, or any other name beginning with “em.” Emma of Normandy, one of the first to be called Emma, was a daughter of Richard the Fearless, Duke of Normandy, by his second wife, Gunnora. She was queen consort of England by successive marriages: first as the second wife to Æthelred the Unready of England (1002–1016); and then the second wife of Cnut (Canute) the great of Denmark (1017–1035). She acted as regent in Wessex in 1040. The name Emma became popular in the United States later in the 20th-century, reaching the top 100 names for girls in the late 1990s and rising to second place on the popularity chart in 2013.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Hebrew “Yehônâthân > Yônâthân,” meaning “gift of God, Yahweh has given.” Jonathan is a heroic figure in 1 Samuel in the Hebrew Bible. He was the son of King Saul and close friend of King David. The relationship between David and Jonathan is one of the most important biblical relationships. Jonathan first appears in the biblical narrative as the victor of Geba, a Philistine stronghold (1 Samuel 13), while in the following chapter he carries out a lone attack on another Philistine garrison, demonstrating his prowess and courage as a warrior. The name day is celebrated: France: 1 March, United States: 26 April, Sweden: 22 December, Germany: 29 December and Finland: 26 January.
Origin: hebrew
This name derives from the West Gothic “Fridunand,” composed of two elements: “*friþuz” (peace, tranquility, friendship) plus “*nanþi-” (bold, to be bold, daring, to dare). The name means “bold protector, brave in peace.” Romance languages adopted the name from its use in the Visigothic Kingdom. It is reconstructed as either Gothic Ferdinanths or Frithunanths. It became popular in German-speaking Europe only from the 16th century, with Habsburg rule over Spain. 1) Ferdinand I, called “the Great” (El Magno), was the Count of Castile from his uncle’s death in 1029 and the King of León after defeating his brother-in-law in 1037. According to tradition, he was the first to have himself crowned Emperor of Spain (1056), and his heirs carried on the tradition. 2) Ferdinand I, called “of Antequera” and also” the Just or the Honest,” was King of Aragon, Valencia, Majorca, Sardinia and (nominal) Corsica and king of Sicily, duke (nominal) of Athens and Neopatria, and count of Barcelona, Roussillon, and Cerdanya (1412–1416). He was also regent of Castile (1406–1416).
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the West Gothic “Fridunand,” composed of two elements: “*friþuz” (peace, tranquility, friendship) plus “*nanþi-” (bold, to be bold, daring, to dare). The name means “bold protector, brave in peace.” Romance languages adopted the name from its use in the Visigothic Kingdom. It is reconstructed as either Gothic Ferdinanths or Frithunanths. It became popular in German-speaking Europe only from the 16th century, with Habsburg rule over Spain. 1) Ferdinand I, called “the Great” (El Magno), was the Count of Castile from his uncle’s death in 1029 and the King of León after defeating his brother-in-law in 1037. According to tradition, he was the first to have himself crowned Emperor of Spain (1056), and his heirs carried on the tradition. 2) Ferdinand I, called “of Antequera” and also” the Just or the Honest,” was King of Aragon, Valencia, Majorca, Sardinia and (nominal) Corsica and king of Sicily, duke (nominal) of Athens and Neopatria, and count of Barcelona, Roussillon, and Cerdanya (1412–1416). He was also regent of Castile (1406–1416).
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Germanic name element “*ermunaz,” meaning “strong, whole, tall, exalted, whole, great, powerful.” Originally was a short form of Germanic names that began with the element “ermen,” as Ermengarde, Ermentrude, and Ermenegilda. Emma also represents a diminutive vernacular form of Emily, Emmeline, Amelia, or any other name beginning with “em.” Emma of Normandy, one of the first to be called Emma, was a daughter of Richard the Fearless, Duke of Normandy, by his second wife, Gunnora. She was queen consort of England by successive marriages: first as the second wife to Æthelred the Unready of England (1002–1016); and then the second wife of Cnut (Canute) the great of Denmark (1017–1035). She acted as regent in Wessex in 1040. The name Emma became popular in the United States later in the 20th-century, reaching the top 100 names for girls in the late 1990s and rising to second place on the popularity chart in 2013.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Old High German “Eginhard / Eginhart,” composed of two Ancient Germanic elements: “*agi- / *agaz” (awe, terror, fear, dread) or “*agi,ō” (edge, corner, sharpness “of a weapon,” sword) plus “*harduz” (hard, strong, brave, fearless, powerful). In turn, the name means “one who scares with his strength, one who possesses powerful weapons.” 1) Ekkehard I († 973) was a monk of the Abbey of Saint Gall. 2) Ekkehard II († 990) was a monk of the Abbey of Saint Gall, who became known for his sequence of poetry. 3) Ekkehard IV (~980–1056) was a monk of the Abbey of Saint Gall and the author of the “Casus Sancti Galli and Liber Benedictionum.”
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Old High German “Eginhard / Eginhart,” composed of two Ancient Germanic elements: “*agi- / *agaz” (awe, terror, fear, dread) or “*agi,ō” (edge, corner, sharpness “of a weapon,” sword) plus “*harduz” (hard, strong, brave, fearless, powerful). In turn, the name means “one who scares with his strength, one who possesses powerful weapons.” 1) Ekkehard I († 973) was a monk of the Abbey of Saint Gall. 2) Ekkehard II († 990) was a monk of the Abbey of Saint Gall, who became known for his sequence of poetry. 3) Ekkehard IV (~980–1056) was a monk of the Abbey of Saint Gall and the author of the “Casus Sancti Galli and Liber Benedictionum.”
Origin: germanic
In Finnish mythology, Ahti or Ahto is a heroic character of oral poetic tradition. It is the name of the Finnish god of the ocean, rivers, and fishing.
Origin: finnish
This name derives from the Proto-Finnic “Ilma,” which means “air, space, time.” Adopted in the 19th-century as a first name, it represents the shortened from the name Ilmarinen, a skilled Kalevala blacksmith. Ilmarinen is a heroic blacksmith and made the dome of the sky, the Sampo, and various other magical devices in the Kalevala. Ilmarinen is a member of the group of heroes who steal the Sampo. Like Väinämöinen, he also has many stories told of his search for a wife, reaching the point where he forges one of gold.
Origin: finnish
This name derives from the Germanic (Gothic) “Adalfuns / Hildefons,” composed of two elements: “*aþalaz / *hildiz” (noble, nobleman, aristocratic, eminent, glorious, excellent / battle, fight) plus “*funsaz” (ready, to predispose, willing, eager, to tread). In turn, the name means “eager for war, ready for battle, noble and brave.” The first element, which formed different names over time, were merged into a single form and, therefore, in a single-family of names. The name in various forms has spread first in Spain and the Iberian Peninsula due to the numerous Visigoth kings and their descendants. Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696–1787) was an Italian Catholic bishop, spiritual writer, scholastic philosopher and theologian, and founder of the Redemptorists, an influential religious congregation. He was canonized in 1839 by Pope Gregory XVI. Pope Pius IX proclaimed him a Doctor of the Church in 1871.
Origin: germanic (gothic)
This name derives from the Old High German “Eginhard / Eginhart,” composed of two Ancient Germanic elements: “*agi- / *agaz” (awe, terror, fear, dread) or “*agi,ō” (edge, corner, sharpness “of a weapon,” sword) plus “*harduz” (hard, strong, brave, fearless, powerful). In turn, the name means “one who scares with his strength, one who possesses powerful weapons.” 1) Ekkehard I († 973) was a monk of the Abbey of Saint Gall. 2) Ekkehard II († 990) was a monk of the Abbey of Saint Gall, who became known for his sequence of poetry. 3) Ekkehard IV (~980–1056) was a monk of the Abbey of Saint Gall and the author of the “Casus Sancti Galli and Liber Benedictionum.”
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Germanic name element “*ermunaz,” meaning “strong, whole, tall, exalted, whole, great, powerful.” Originally was a short form of Germanic names that began with the element “ermen,” as Ermengarde, Ermentrude, and Ermenegilda. Emma also represents a diminutive vernacular form of Emily, Emmeline, Amelia, or any other name beginning with “em.” Emma of Normandy, one of the first to be called Emma, was a daughter of Richard the Fearless, Duke of Normandy, by his second wife, Gunnora. She was queen consort of England by successive marriages: first as the second wife to Æthelred the Unready of England (1002–1016); and then the second wife of Cnut (Canute) the great of Denmark (1017–1035). She acted as regent in Wessex in 1040. The name Emma became popular in the United States later in the 20th-century, reaching the top 100 names for girls in the late 1990s and rising to second place on the popularity chart in 2013.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Low German “Ricohard,” composed of two elements “*rīkijaz” (kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich) plus “*harduz / *hardu-” (hard, strong, brave, fearless, powerful). In turn, the name means “power and brave commander, powerful leader.” 1) Richard I (the Lionheart) was King of England from 6 July 1189 until his death. He also ruled as Duke of Normandy (as Richard IV), Duke of Aquitaine, Duke of Gascony, Lord of Cyprus, Count of Anjou, Count of Maine, Count of Nantes, and Overlord of Brittany at various times during the same period. 2) Richard of Chichester is a Saint (canonized in 1262) who was Bishop of Chichester. His original shrine in Chichester cathedral was a richly-decorated center of pilgrimage, which was destroyed in 1538.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the 6th-century Frankish saint “Leonhard,” composed of two elements: The Ancient Germanic “*lewa(n)-” (Ancient Greek: Leōn “Λέων”; Latin: leō / leōnis) (lion) plus “*harduz / *hardu-” (hard, strong, brave, courageous, powerful one). In turn, the name means “strong as the lion, brave lion, bold as a lion.” Leonard is also an Irish origin surname, from the Gaelic “O’Leannain,” consisting of the prefix “O” (descendant of) and the suffix Leannan (lover). The oldest public records of the surname appear in 1272 in Huntingdonshire, England, and in 1479 in Ulm, Germany. 1) Leonard of Noblac is a Frankish saint closely associated with the town and abbey of Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat, in Haute-Vienne, in the Limousin region of France. The feast day is traditionally celebrated on November 6. 2) Saint Leonardo Murialdo (1828–1900) was an Italian priest from Turin who established the Congregation of Saint Joseph - also known as the Murialdines. He was canonized in 1970.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Thaddaîos (Θαδδαῖος),” which in turn derives from the Syriac-Aramaic “Addai / Aday > Thaddai,” meaning “heart, courageous heart, friend.” Thaddeus (Thaddeus of Edessa), sometimes Latinized as Addeus, was one of the Seventy Apostles of Christ, not confused with Thaddeus (Jude the Apostle) of the Twelve Apostles. Jude was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus, generally identified with Thaddeus. He is sometimes identified with Jude, “brother of Jesus,” but is clearly distinguished from Judas Iscariot, another apostle, the betrayer of Jesus.
Origin: syriac-aramaic
This name derives from the Germanic name element “*ermunaz,” meaning “strong, whole, tall, exalted, whole, great, powerful.” Originally was a short form of Germanic names that began with the element “ermen,” as Ermengarde, Ermentrude, and Ermenegilda. Emma also represents a diminutive vernacular form of Emily, Emmeline, Amelia, or any other name beginning with “em.” Emma of Normandy, one of the first to be called Emma, was a daughter of Richard the Fearless, Duke of Normandy, by his second wife, Gunnora. She was queen consort of England by successive marriages: first as the second wife to Æthelred the Unready of England (1002–1016); and then the second wife of Cnut (Canute) the great of Denmark (1017–1035). She acted as regent in Wessex in 1040. The name Emma became popular in the United States later in the 20th-century, reaching the top 100 names for girls in the late 1990s and rising to second place on the popularity chart in 2013.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Low German “Ricohard,” composed of two elements “*rīkijaz” (kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich) plus “*harduz / *hardu-” (hard, strong, brave, fearless, powerful). In turn, the name means “power and brave commander, powerful leader.” 1) Richard I (the Lionheart) was King of England from 6 July 1189 until his death. He also ruled as Duke of Normandy (as Richard IV), Duke of Aquitaine, Duke of Gascony, Lord of Cyprus, Count of Anjou, Count of Maine, Count of Nantes, and Overlord of Brittany at various times during the same period. 2) Richard of Chichester is a Saint (canonized in 1262) who was Bishop of Chichester. His original shrine in Chichester cathedral was a richly-decorated center of pilgrimage, which was destroyed in 1538.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Old High German “Eginhard / Eginhart,” composed of two Ancient Germanic elements: “*agi- / *agaz” (awe, terror, fear, dread) or “*agi,ō” (edge, corner, sharpness “of a weapon,” sword) plus “*harduz” (hard, strong, brave, fearless, powerful). In turn, the name means “one who scares with his strength, one who possesses powerful weapons.” 1) Ekkehard I († 973) was a monk of the Abbey of Saint Gall. 2) Ekkehard II († 990) was a monk of the Abbey of Saint Gall, who became known for his sequence of poetry. 3) Ekkehard IV (~980–1056) was a monk of the Abbey of Saint Gall and the author of the “Casus Sancti Galli and Liber Benedictionum.”
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Old High German “Eginhard / Eginhart,” composed of two Ancient Germanic elements: “*agi- / *agaz” (awe, terror, fear, dread) or “*agi,ō” (edge, corner, sharpness “of a weapon,” sword) plus “*harduz” (hard, strong, brave, fearless, powerful). In turn, the name means “one who scares with his strength, one who possesses powerful weapons.” 1) Ekkehard I († 973) was a monk of the Abbey of Saint Gall. 2) Ekkehard II († 990) was a monk of the Abbey of Saint Gall, who became known for his sequence of poetry. 3) Ekkehard IV (~980–1056) was a monk of the Abbey of Saint Gall and the author of the “Casus Sancti Galli and Liber Benedictionum.”
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Agathḗ (Ἀγαθή),” which in turn derives from “agathòs (ἀγαθὸς),” meaning “good, brave, noble, moral, fortunate, lucky.” Finally, the name means “person with good character, brave, noble in spirit.” In Greek culture, it’s known that the ideal of human perfection: in the same person of beauty and moral value, involves the field of ethics and aesthetics. Saint Agatha of Sicily (231–251 AD) is a Christian saint and virgin martyr. Her memorial is on 5 February. Agatha, born in Catania, Sicily, was martyred in 251. She is one of seven women, who along with the Blessed Virgin Mary, are commemorated by name in the Canon of the Mass. Agatha ranks among the top 1,000 names of girls born in the United States during the 30s.
Origin: greek
This name derives from the Turkish “alp”, meaning “stouthearted, brave, chivalrous, daredevil, valorous, gallant one”.
Origin: turkish
This name is of Germanic and Old English (Anglo-Saxon) origin, composed of two elements: “*mahti- / maht” (might, power, ability) plus “*harduz / *hardu-” (hard, strong, brave, powerful one). In turn, the name means “the one who is very powerful.” Saint Medardus (456–545) was the Bishop of Vermandois, who removed the diocese’s seat to Noyon. St Medardus was born at Salency, Oise, in Picardy. His father, Nectaridus, was a noble of Frankish origin, while his mother Protagia, was Gallo-Roman.
Origin: old english (anglo-saxon)
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Andréas (Ἀνδρέας),” which in turn derives from “anḗr (ἀνήρ) andrós (ἀνδρός),” meaning “man, adult male, husband.” In turn, the name means “manly and strong, courageous and warrior.” He was the first Apostle in the New Testament. It is traditionally popular because, according to the Christian Bible, Saint Andrew was one of the earliest disciples of Jesus and one of the twelve Apostles. Andrew the Apostle (6 BC–60 AD), called in the Orthodox tradition Prōtoklētos, or the First-called, is a Christian Apostle and the brother of Saint Peter. Like other Greek names, the name “Andrew” appears to have been common among the Jews, Christians, and other Hellenized people of the region. No Hebrew or Aramaic name is recorded for him. According to Orthodox tradition, the apostolic successor to Saint Andrew is Patriarch Bartholomew I.
Origin: greek
This name derives from the Germanic name element “*ermunaz,” meaning “strong, whole, tall, exalted, whole, great, powerful.” Originally was a short form of Germanic names that began with the element “ermen,” as Ermengarde, Ermentrude, and Ermenegilda. Emma also represents a diminutive vernacular form of Emily, Emmeline, Amelia, or any other name beginning with “em.” Emma of Normandy, one of the first to be called Emma, was a daughter of Richard the Fearless, Duke of Normandy, by his second wife, Gunnora. She was queen consort of England by successive marriages: first as the second wife to Æthelred the Unready of England (1002–1016); and then the second wife of Cnut (Canute) the great of Denmark (1017–1035). She acted as regent in Wessex in 1040. The name Emma became popular in the United States later in the 20th-century, reaching the top 100 names for girls in the late 1990s and rising to second place on the popularity chart in 2013.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Germanic name element “*ermunaz,” meaning “strong, whole, tall, exalted, whole, great, powerful.” Originally was a short form of Germanic names that began with the element “ermen,” as Ermengarde, Ermentrude, and Ermenegilda. Emma also represents a diminutive vernacular form of Emily, Emmeline, Amelia, or any other name beginning with “em.” Emma of Normandy, one of the first to be called Emma, was a daughter of Richard the Fearless, Duke of Normandy, by his second wife, Gunnora. She was queen consort of England by successive marriages: first as the second wife to Æthelred the Unready of England (1002–1016); and then the second wife of Cnut (Canute) the great of Denmark (1017–1035). She acted as regent in Wessex in 1040. The name Emma became popular in the United States later in the 20th-century, reaching the top 100 names for girls in the late 1990s and rising to second place on the popularity chart in 2013.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Germanic name element “*ermunaz,” meaning “strong, whole, tall, exalted, whole, great, powerful.” Originally was a short form of Germanic names that began with the element “ermen,” as Ermengarde, Ermentrude, and Ermenegilda. Emma also represents a diminutive vernacular form of Emily, Emmeline, Amelia, or any other name beginning with “em.” Emma of Normandy, one of the first to be called Emma, was a daughter of Richard the Fearless, Duke of Normandy, by his second wife, Gunnora. She was queen consort of England by successive marriages: first as the second wife to Æthelred the Unready of England (1002–1016); and then the second wife of Cnut (Canute) the great of Denmark (1017–1035). She acted as regent in Wessex in 1040. The name Emma became popular in the United States later in the 20th-century, reaching the top 100 names for girls in the late 1990s and rising to second place on the popularity chart in 2013.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Old Norse “Knútr,” meaning “knot,” which in turn derives from Old High German “chnûz,” Middle High German “knûz,” meaning “daring, impudent, bold one.” There are several medieval kings of Denmark, two of whom also reigned over England during the first half of the 11th century. Knud Lavard was a Danish prince. Later he was the first Duke of Schleswig and the first border prince who was both Danish and German vassal, a position leading towards the historical double position of Southern Jutland.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Old Norse Adjective “rǫskr,” meaning “brave, doughty, quick, prompt.” In turn, the name means “the one who is always ready for courageous actions.” In Norse mythology, Rǫskva is a character cited in Snorri Sturluson’s Edda prose. It is a thír (a servant) of the god Thor, sister of Thjálfi, the god’s squire.
Origin: old norse
This name derives from the Hebrew “shemesh > Šimšôn > Shimshôn,” meaning “sun child, a little sun, man of the sun.” Samson is the third-to-last of the Judges of the ancient Israelites mentioned in the Tanakh (the Hebrew Bible), Book of Judges chapters 13 to 16. God granted Samson supernatural strength in order to combat his enemies and perform heroic feats such as wrestling a lion, slaying an entire army with only the jawbone of an ass, and destroying a pagan temple.
Origin: hebrew
This name derives from the Old High German “Eginhard / Eginhart,” composed of two Ancient Germanic elements: “*agi- / *agaz” (awe, terror, fear, dread) or “*agi,ō” (edge, corner, sharpness “of a weapon,” sword) plus “*harduz” (hard, strong, brave, fearless, powerful). In turn, the name means “one who scares with his strength, one who possesses powerful weapons.” 1) Ekkehard I († 973) was a monk of the Abbey of Saint Gall. 2) Ekkehard II († 990) was a monk of the Abbey of Saint Gall, who became known for his sequence of poetry. 3) Ekkehard IV (~980–1056) was a monk of the Abbey of Saint Gall and the author of the “Casus Sancti Galli and Liber Benedictionum.”
Origin: germanic
This name is of Germanic origin, composed of two elements: “*niþer / nidar” (down, downwards) plus “*harduz / *hardu-” (hard, strong, brave, powerful). In turn, the name means “one who is stronger from below.” Neidhart von Reuental (~1190–1237) was one of the most famous German minnesingers. He was probably active in the Duchy of Bavaria and then is known to have been a singer at the court of Duke Frederick II of Austria in Vienna. As a minnesinger, he was most active from 1210 to at least 1236.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Old High German “Burkhard,” composed of two elements: “*berganą / *burgz” (to take care, to preserve, to protect, to save, to help, to rescue / fortification, stronghold, fortified city, castle) plus “*harduz / *hardu-” (hard, strong, brave, fearless, powerful). Burchard of Würzburg was a Bishop of Würzburg in 741–754. He was an Anglo-Saxon who left England after his kinsfolk’s death and joined Boniface in his missionary labors, sometime after 732.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Old Norse “Sigfúss,” composed of two Ancient Germanic elements: “*seʒiz / sigis” (victory) plus “*funs” (willing, eager, brave one). In turn, the name means “stalwart and bold in victory.”
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Slavic Serbo-Croatian “Velimir (Велимир)”, composed of two elements: Proto-Slavic “velii / velje (*velьjь)” (great, more, many, much, a lot) plus “*mir” (*mirъ) mir (мир)” (peace, calm, tranquility, universe, world). In turn, the name means “bold peace, great peace, the one who is great in maintaining peace.” 1) Velimir Khlebnikov 1885–1922), was a poet and playwright, a central part of the Russian Futurist movement, but his work and influence stretch far beyond it. 2) Velimir “Velja” Ilić (born 1951) is a Serbian politician and Minister without portfolio in the Government of Serbia.
Origin: slavic
This name derives from the West Gothic “Fridunand,” composed of two elements: “*friþuz” (peace, tranquility, friendship) plus “*nanþi-” (bold, to be bold, daring, to dare). The name means “bold protector, brave in peace.” Romance languages adopted the name from its use in the Visigothic Kingdom. It is reconstructed as either Gothic Ferdinanths or Frithunanths. It became popular in German-speaking Europe only from the 16th century, with Habsburg rule over Spain. 1) Ferdinand I, called “the Great” (El Magno), was the Count of Castile from his uncle’s death in 1029 and the King of León after defeating his brother-in-law in 1037. According to tradition, he was the first to have himself crowned Emperor of Spain (1056), and his heirs carried on the tradition. 2) Ferdinand I, called “of Antequera” and also” the Just or the Honest,” was King of Aragon, Valencia, Majorca, Sardinia and (nominal) Corsica and king of Sicily, duke (nominal) of Athens and Neopatria, and count of Barcelona, Roussillon, and Cerdanya (1412–1416). He was also regent of Castile (1406–1416).
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Slavic “Nebojša (Небојша),” composed of two elements: the “ne (не)” (not) plus “bòjati (бо̀јати)” (to fear, be afraid of). In turn, the name means “fearless, not to be afraid, to be fearless.” This name is the 76th most popular male name in Serbia.
Origin: slavic
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Thaddaîos (Θαδδαῖος),” which in turn derives from the Syriac-Aramaic “Addai / Aday > Thaddai,” meaning “heart, courageous heart, friend.” Thaddeus (Thaddeus of Edessa), sometimes Latinized as Addeus, was one of the Seventy Apostles of Christ, not confused with Thaddeus (Jude the Apostle) of the Twelve Apostles. Jude was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus, generally identified with Thaddeus. He is sometimes identified with Jude, “brother of Jesus,” but is clearly distinguished from Judas Iscariot, another apostle, the betrayer of Jesus.
Origin: syriac-aramaic
This name derives from the English (Anglo-Saxon) name “Ēadgār,” composed of two elements: “*audaz” (prosperity, fortune, riches, wealth) plus “*gaizaz” (spear, pike, javelin). In turn, the name means “prosperity-spear, prosperous spearman.” In England, the name disappeared after the Norman Conquest. Yet, it returned to spread in the eighteenth century, thanks to a character for “The Bride of Lammermoor,” a historical novel by Sir Walter Scott, published in 1819. 1) Edgar the Peaceful, or Edgar I (943–975), also called the Peaceable, was king of England from 959 to 975. Edgar was the younger son of Edmund I. 2) Étgar mac Maíl Choluim, nicknamed Probus, “the Valiant” (1074–1107), who was king of Alba from 1097 to 1107. He was the fourth son of Malcolm III (Máel Coluim mac Donnchada) and Margaret of Wessex (later Saint Margaret) but the first to be considered eligible for the throne after the death of his father.
Origin: old english (anglo-saxon)
Kendra and other forms such as Kinna, Kenna, and Kenia are a feminine form of Ken and Kendrick, which in turn is the short form of Kenneth, from the (Old Irish: Coinneach and Cináed) and Kendrick, from a surname which has several different origins. The origin of this name is still today quite uncertain. The theories include: From the Old English (Anglo-Saxon) given names Cyneric “royal power” or Cenric “bold power,” or from the Welsh name “Cynwrig,” meaning “chief hero” It can also be an Anglicized form of the Gaelic surname Mac Eanraig, meaning “son of Henry.”
Origin: old english (anglo-saxon)
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Agathḗ (Ἀγαθή),” which in turn derives from “agathòs (ἀγαθὸς),” meaning “good, brave, noble, moral, fortunate, lucky.” Finally, the name means “person with good character, brave, noble in spirit.” In Greek culture, it’s known that the ideal of human perfection: in the same person of beauty and moral value, involves the field of ethics and aesthetics. Saint Agatha of Sicily (231–251 AD) is a Christian saint and virgin martyr. Her memorial is on 5 February. Agatha, born in Catania, Sicily, was martyred in 251. She is one of seven women, who along with the Blessed Virgin Mary, are commemorated by name in the Canon of the Mass. Agatha ranks among the top 1,000 names of girls born in the United States during the 30s.
Origin: greek
This name derives from the Old High German “Berinhart / Berenhard,” composed of two elements “*bernu- / *berô” (bear, wild animal) plus “*harduz / *hardu-” (hard, strong, brave, fearless, powerful). In turn, the name means “strong and powerful as a bear.” The Normans brought it to England, where it replaced the Old English cognate Beornheard. 1) Bernard of Clairvaux was a French abbot and the primary builder of the reforming Cistercian order. After the death of his mother, Bernard sought admission into the Cistercian order. 2) Bérard d’Albret, lord of Vayres and Vertheuil († 1346), was a cadet member of the House of Albret in Gascony and an English commander during the Hundred Years War. 3) Berard of Carbio was a Franciscan friar who was executed in Morocco due to his attempts to promote Christianity, a thirteenth-century saint, and martyr. According to tradition, Berard was born into Leopardi’s noble family and was a native of Carbio in Umbria, a province of the Papal States.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Old High German “Berinhart / Berenhard,” composed of two elements “*bernu- / *berô” (bear, wild animal) plus “*harduz / *hardu-” (hard, strong, brave, fearless, powerful). In turn, the name means “strong and powerful as a bear.” The Normans brought it to England, where it replaced the Old English cognate Beornheard. 1) Bernard of Clairvaux was a French abbot and the primary builder of the reforming Cistercian order. After the death of his mother, Bernard sought admission into the Cistercian order. 2) Bérard d’Albret, lord of Vayres and Vertheuil († 1346), was a cadet member of the House of Albret in Gascony and an English commander during the Hundred Years War. 3) Berard of Carbio was a Franciscan friar who was executed in Morocco due to his attempts to promote Christianity, a thirteenth-century saint, and martyr. According to tradition, Berard was born into Leopardi’s noble family and was a native of Carbio in Umbria, a province of the Papal States.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Germanic name element “*ermunaz,” meaning “strong, whole, tall, exalted, whole, great, powerful.” Originally was a short form of Germanic names that began with the element “ermen,” as Ermengarde, Ermentrude, and Ermenegilda. Emma also represents a diminutive vernacular form of Emily, Emmeline, Amelia, or any other name beginning with “em.” Emma of Normandy, one of the first to be called Emma, was a daughter of Richard the Fearless, Duke of Normandy, by his second wife, Gunnora. She was queen consort of England by successive marriages: first as the second wife to Æthelred the Unready of England (1002–1016); and then the second wife of Cnut (Canute) the great of Denmark (1017–1035). She acted as regent in Wessex in 1040. The name Emma became popular in the United States later in the 20th-century, reaching the top 100 names for girls in the late 1990s and rising to second place on the popularity chart in 2013.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Old High German “Gerhard,” composed of two elements “*gaizaz” (a spear, pike, javelin) plus “*harduz / *hardu-” (hard, strong, brave, fearless, powerful). The name means “strong with the spear, strong and brave spear-wearer.” The surname Ge(e)rdes is a patronymic form, “son of Ger(har)d,” that originated in Friesland around 1800. The name Gerald, while phonetically similar to Gerard, derives from a slightly different set of constituents: “*gaizaz” and “*waldaʐ” meaning “ruler, might, mighty one, power, powerful one.” 1) Saint Gerardo dei Tintori († 1207) was a saint of the Catholic Church, a joint patron saint (with Saint John the Baptist) of Monza in Italy, where he famous as the founder of a hospital. 2) The Blessed Gerhard Hirschfelder (1907–1942) was born in Gladz, Germany, and died in Dachau Concentration camp. Gerhard Hirschfeld was a German Catholic priest and martyr, beatified by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010. 3) Gerard Sagredo (980–1046) was an Italian Benedictine monk from Venice who served in the Kingdom of Hungary.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Old High German “Baldewin,” composed of two Ancient Germanic elements: “*balðraz” (power, strength, brave, bold, able-bodied) plus “*-winiz” (friend). In turn, the name means “bold friend, powerful friendship.” Baldwin II of Courtenay was the last emperor of the Latin Empire of Constantinople. He was born in Constantinople, a younger son of Yolanda of Flanders, sister of the first two emperors, Baldwin I and Henry of Flanders.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from Old High German “Gebahard” (Ancient Germanic Latinized: Gebhardus), composed of two elements: “*gebo- / *Geƀa-” (gift, giving, to give) and “*harduz / *hardu-” (hard, strong, brave, valiant, powerful). Saint Gebhard (949–995) was a bishop of Constance from 979 until 995. He founded the Benedictine abbey of Petershausen in 983.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from Old High German “Gebahard” (Ancient Germanic Latinized: Gebhardus), composed of two elements: “*gebo- / *Geƀa-” (gift, giving, to give) and “*harduz / *hardu-” (hard, strong, brave, valiant, powerful). Saint Gebhard (949–995) was a bishop of Constance from 979 until 995. He founded the Benedictine abbey of Petershausen in 983.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Agathḗ (Ἀγαθή),” which in turn derives from “agathòs (ἀγαθὸς),” meaning “good, brave, noble, moral, fortunate, lucky.” Finally, the name means “person with good character, brave, noble in spirit.” In Greek culture, it’s known that the ideal of human perfection: in the same person of beauty and moral value, involves the field of ethics and aesthetics. Saint Agatha of Sicily (231–251 AD) is a Christian saint and virgin martyr. Her memorial is on 5 February. Agatha, born in Catania, Sicily, was martyred in 251. She is one of seven women, who along with the Blessed Virgin Mary, are commemorated by name in the Canon of the Mass. Agatha ranks among the top 1,000 names of girls born in the United States during the 30s.
Origin: greek
This name derives from the Old High German “Gerhard,” composed of two elements “*gaizaz” (a spear, pike, javelin) plus “*harduz / *hardu-” (hard, strong, brave, fearless, powerful). The name means “strong with the spear, strong and brave spear-wearer.” The surname Ge(e)rdes is a patronymic form, “son of Ger(har)d,” that originated in Friesland around 1800. The name Gerald, while phonetically similar to Gerard, derives from a slightly different set of constituents: “*gaizaz” and “*waldaʐ” meaning “ruler, might, mighty one, power, powerful one.” 1) Saint Gerardo dei Tintori († 1207) was a saint of the Catholic Church, a joint patron saint (with Saint John the Baptist) of Monza in Italy, where he famous as the founder of a hospital. 2) The Blessed Gerhard Hirschfelder (1907–1942) was born in Gladz, Germany, and died in Dachau Concentration camp. Gerhard Hirschfeld was a German Catholic priest and martyr, beatified by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010. 3) Gerard Sagredo (980–1046) was an Italian Benedictine monk from Venice who served in the Kingdom of Hungary.
Origin: germanic
This name comes from the Latin “bŏnus” (honorable, virtuous, valiant, gallant, valorous, courageous, manful) plus “fātum” (oracle, prophecy, prediction, fairies, destiny, a destiny of men, lifetime determined by you). The name means “the fated valiant man, the destiny of an honorable man.” Saint Boniface was a missionary who propagated Christianity in the Frankish Empire during the 8th century. He is the patron saint of Germany and the first archbishop of Mainz. Boniface was killed in Friesland.
Origin: latin
This name is of Germanic and Old English (Anglo-Saxon) origin, composed of two elements: “*mahti- / maht” (might, power, ability) plus “*harduz / *hardu-” (hard, strong, brave, powerful one). In turn, the name means “the one who is very powerful.” Saint Medardus (456–545) was the Bishop of Vermandois, who removed the diocese’s seat to Noyon. St Medardus was born at Salency, Oise, in Picardy. His father, Nectaridus, was a noble of Frankish origin, while his mother Protagia, was Gallo-Roman.
Origin: old english (anglo-saxon)
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Agathḗ (Ἀγαθή),” which in turn derives from “agathòs (ἀγαθὸς),” meaning “good, brave, noble, moral, fortunate, lucky.” Finally, the name means “person with good character, brave, noble in spirit.” In Greek culture, it’s known that the ideal of human perfection: in the same person of beauty and moral value, involves the field of ethics and aesthetics. Saint Agatha of Sicily (231–251 AD) is a Christian saint and virgin martyr. Her memorial is on 5 February. Agatha, born in Catania, Sicily, was martyred in 251. She is one of seven women, who along with the Blessed Virgin Mary, are commemorated by name in the Canon of the Mass. Agatha ranks among the top 1,000 names of girls born in the United States during the 30s.
Origin: greek
This name comes from the Latin “bŏnus” (honorable, virtuous, valiant, gallant, valorous, courageous, manful) plus “fātum” (oracle, prophecy, prediction, fairies, destiny, a destiny of men, lifetime determined by you). The name means “the fated valiant man, the destiny of an honorable man.” Saint Boniface was a missionary who propagated Christianity in the Frankish Empire during the 8th century. He is the patron saint of Germany and the first archbishop of Mainz. Boniface was killed in Friesland.
Origin: latin
This name derives from the Old Norse “Knútr,” meaning “knot,” which in turn derives from Old High German “chnûz,” Middle High German “knûz,” meaning “daring, impudent, bold one.” There are several medieval kings of Denmark, two of whom also reigned over England during the first half of the 11th century. Knud Lavard was a Danish prince. Later he was the first Duke of Schleswig and the first border prince who was both Danish and German vassal, a position leading towards the historical double position of Southern Jutland.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Old Norse “Knútr,” meaning “knot,” which in turn derives from Old High German “chnûz,” Middle High German “knûz,” meaning “daring, impudent, bold one.” There are several medieval kings of Denmark, two of whom also reigned over England during the first half of the 11th century. Knud Lavard was a Danish prince. Later he was the first Duke of Schleswig and the first border prince who was both Danish and German vassal, a position leading towards the historical double position of Southern Jutland.
Origin: germanic
In Finnish mythology, Ahti or Ahto is a heroic character of oral poetic tradition. It is the name of the Finnish god of the ocean, rivers, and fishing.
Origin: finnish
In Finnish mythology, Ahti or Ahto is a heroic character of oral poetic tradition. It is the name of the Finnish god of the ocean, rivers, and fishing.
Origin: finnish
This name derives from the Old High German “Eginhard / Eginhart,” composed of two Ancient Germanic elements: “*agi- / *agaz” (awe, terror, fear, dread) or “*agi,ō” (edge, corner, sharpness “of a weapon,” sword) plus “*harduz” (hard, strong, brave, fearless, powerful). In turn, the name means “one who scares with his strength, one who possesses powerful weapons.” 1) Ekkehard I († 973) was a monk of the Abbey of Saint Gall. 2) Ekkehard II († 990) was a monk of the Abbey of Saint Gall, who became known for his sequence of poetry. 3) Ekkehard IV (~980–1056) was a monk of the Abbey of Saint Gall and the author of the “Casus Sancti Galli and Liber Benedictionum.”
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Old High German “Eginhard / Eginhart,” composed of two Ancient Germanic elements: “*agi- / *agaz” (awe, terror, fear, dread) or “*agi,ō” (edge, corner, sharpness “of a weapon,” sword) plus “*harduz” (hard, strong, brave, fearless, powerful). In turn, the name means “one who scares with his strength, one who possesses powerful weapons.” 1) Ekkehard I († 973) was a monk of the Abbey of Saint Gall. 2) Ekkehard II († 990) was a monk of the Abbey of Saint Gall, who became known for his sequence of poetry. 3) Ekkehard IV (~980–1056) was a monk of the Abbey of Saint Gall and the author of the “Casus Sancti Galli and Liber Benedictionum.”
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the West Gothic “Fridunand,” composed of two elements: “*friþuz” (peace, tranquility, friendship) plus “*nanþi-” (bold, to be bold, daring, to dare). The name means “bold protector, brave in peace.” Romance languages adopted the name from its use in the Visigothic Kingdom. It is reconstructed as either Gothic Ferdinanths or Frithunanths. It became popular in German-speaking Europe only from the 16th century, with Habsburg rule over Spain. 1) Ferdinand I, called “the Great” (El Magno), was the Count of Castile from his uncle’s death in 1029 and the King of León after defeating his brother-in-law in 1037. According to tradition, he was the first to have himself crowned Emperor of Spain (1056), and his heirs carried on the tradition. 2) Ferdinand I, called “of Antequera” and also” the Just or the Honest,” was King of Aragon, Valencia, Majorca, Sardinia and (nominal) Corsica and king of Sicily, duke (nominal) of Athens and Neopatria, and count of Barcelona, Roussillon, and Cerdanya (1412–1416). He was also regent of Castile (1406–1416).
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Proto-Finnic “Ilma,” which means “air, space, time.” Adopted in the 19th-century as a first name, it represents the shortened from the name Ilmarinen, a skilled Kalevala blacksmith. Ilmarinen is a heroic blacksmith and made the dome of the sky, the Sampo, and various other magical devices in the Kalevala. Ilmarinen is a member of the group of heroes who steal the Sampo. Like Väinämöinen, he also has many stories told of his search for a wife, reaching the point where he forges one of gold.
Origin: finnish
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Andréas (Ἀνδρέας),” which in turn derives from “anḗr (ἀνήρ) andrós (ἀνδρός),” meaning “man, adult male, husband.” In turn, the name means “manly and strong, courageous and warrior.” He was the first Apostle in the New Testament. It is traditionally popular because, according to the Christian Bible, Saint Andrew was one of the earliest disciples of Jesus and one of the twelve Apostles. Andrew the Apostle (6 BC–60 AD), called in the Orthodox tradition Prōtoklētos, or the First-called, is a Christian Apostle and the brother of Saint Peter. Like other Greek names, the name “Andrew” appears to have been common among the Jews, Christians, and other Hellenized people of the region. No Hebrew or Aramaic name is recorded for him. According to Orthodox tradition, the apostolic successor to Saint Andrew is Patriarch Bartholomew I.
Origin: greek
This name derives from the Finnish word “urho,” meaning “brave.”
Origin: finnish
This name means “leader of an army, heroic leader.” The name derives from the Ancient Germanic “Hariwald,” composed of two elements: “*harjaz” (army, army leader, commander, warrior) plus “*waldaʐ” (ruler, might, mighty one, power, powerful one). Later, Old English (Anglo-Saxon) version is “Hereweald.” Harold I was King of England from 1035 to 1040. He was the younger son of Cnut the Great, king of England, Denmark, and Norway, by his first wife, Ælfgifu of Northampton. Saint Harold was a child martyr who was reported to have been slain by Jews in Gloucester, England, in 1168. He is one of a small group of 12th century English saints of strikingly similar characteristics. In essence, they were all young boys, all mysteriously found dead, and all hailed as martyrs to alleged anti-Christian practices among Jews.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from Old High German “Gundheri,” composed of two elements: “*guntho / *gunþiz” (battle, fight, the act of killing, blow, to strike) and “*harjaz” (army, army leader, commander, warrior). In turn, the name means “warrior, fighter, soldier, and attacker,” but mostly is referred to by the Viking saying, which means “Brave and Bold warrior.” Gundahar is the German name of a semi-legendary king of Burgundy of the early 5th century. Legendary tales about him appear in Latin, medieval Middle High German, Old Norse, and Old English texts, especially concerning his relations with Siegfried (Sigurd in Old Norse) and his death by treachery in the hall of Attila the Hun.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Old Norse “Æinarr,” composed of two Proto-Norse elements “*aina” (one, alone) plus “*hariaR” (army, army leader, commander, warrior). In turn, the name means “the only army; the army left alone.” Guðbrandur Vigfússon (Scandinavian scholars of the 19th century) comments that ‘the name Einarr is properly “einheri” and points to a relation to the term with the Old Norse common nouns “einarðr,” meaning “bold” and “einörð,” meaning “valor.” Einar Sigurdsson († 1020), also called Einarr Rangmunnr Sigurðarson, or Einar Wry-Mouth, was a son of Sigurd Hlodvirsson. He was jointly Earl of Orkney from 1014. His life is recorded in the Orkneyinga Saga.
Origin: old norse
This name derives from the Hebrew “Yehônâthân > Yônâthân,” meaning “gift of God, Yahweh has given.” Jonathan is a heroic figure in 1 Samuel in the Hebrew Bible. He was the son of King Saul and close friend of King David. The relationship between David and Jonathan is one of the most important biblical relationships. Jonathan first appears in the biblical narrative as the victor of Geba, a Philistine stronghold (1 Samuel 13), while in the following chapter he carries out a lone attack on another Philistine garrison, demonstrating his prowess and courage as a warrior. The name day is celebrated: France: 1 March, United States: 26 April, Sweden: 22 December, Germany: 29 December and Finland: 26 January.
Origin: hebrew
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Thaddaîos (Θαδδαῖος),” which in turn derives from the Syriac-Aramaic “Addai / Aday > Thaddai,” meaning “heart, courageous heart, friend.” Thaddeus (Thaddeus of Edessa), sometimes Latinized as Addeus, was one of the Seventy Apostles of Christ, not confused with Thaddeus (Jude the Apostle) of the Twelve Apostles. Jude was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus, generally identified with Thaddeus. He is sometimes identified with Jude, “brother of Jesus,” but is clearly distinguished from Judas Iscariot, another apostle, the betrayer of Jesus.
Origin: syriac-aramaic
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Andréas (Ἀνδρέας),” which in turn derives from “anḗr (ἀνήρ) andrós (ἀνδρός),” meaning “man, adult male, husband.” In turn, the name means “manly and strong, courageous and warrior.” He was the first Apostle in the New Testament. It is traditionally popular because, according to the Christian Bible, Saint Andrew was one of the earliest disciples of Jesus and one of the twelve Apostles. Andrew the Apostle (6 BC–60 AD), called in the Orthodox tradition Prōtoklētos, or the First-called, is a Christian Apostle and the brother of Saint Peter. Like other Greek names, the name “Andrew” appears to have been common among the Jews, Christians, and other Hellenized people of the region. No Hebrew or Aramaic name is recorded for him. According to Orthodox tradition, the apostolic successor to Saint Andrew is Patriarch Bartholomew I.
Origin: greek
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Andréas (Ἀνδρέας),” which in turn derives from “anḗr (ἀνήρ) andrós (ἀνδρός),” meaning “man, adult male, husband.” In turn, the name means “manly and strong, courageous and warrior.” He was the first Apostle in the New Testament. It is traditionally popular because, according to the Christian Bible, Saint Andrew was one of the earliest disciples of Jesus and one of the twelve Apostles. Andrew the Apostle (6 BC–60 AD), called in the Orthodox tradition Prōtoklētos, or the First-called, is a Christian Apostle and the brother of Saint Peter. Like other Greek names, the name “Andrew” appears to have been common among the Jews, Christians, and other Hellenized people of the region. No Hebrew or Aramaic name is recorded for him. According to Orthodox tradition, the apostolic successor to Saint Andrew is Patriarch Bartholomew I.
Origin: greek
This name derives from the Arabic “zayn,” meaning “beauty, pretty, grace.” Ali ibn Husayn (657–713), known by the honorific Zayn al-Abedin, occupies a prominent position in Islam. He is also referred to as Imam al-Sajjad (The Prostrating Imam). A great-grandson of Muhammad, he embodied the same virtues as his great-grandfather, such as knowledge, eloquence, courage, generosity, and forbearance.
Origin: arabic
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “alkḗ (ἀλκή),” meaning “valiant, strength, power, bravery, prowess, force, defense, guard,” as many names in ancient Greece beginning with this prefix.
Origin: greek
This name derives from the West Gothic “Fridunand,” composed of two elements: “*friþuz” (peace, tranquility, friendship) plus “*nanþi-” (bold, to be bold, daring, to dare). The name means “bold protector, brave in peace.” Romance languages adopted the name from its use in the Visigothic Kingdom. It is reconstructed as either Gothic Ferdinanths or Frithunanths. It became popular in German-speaking Europe only from the 16th century, with Habsburg rule over Spain. 1) Ferdinand I, called “the Great” (El Magno), was the Count of Castile from his uncle’s death in 1029 and the King of León after defeating his brother-in-law in 1037. According to tradition, he was the first to have himself crowned Emperor of Spain (1056), and his heirs carried on the tradition. 2) Ferdinand I, called “of Antequera” and also” the Just or the Honest,” was King of Aragon, Valencia, Majorca, Sardinia and (nominal) Corsica and king of Sicily, duke (nominal) of Athens and Neopatria, and count of Barcelona, Roussillon, and Cerdanya (1412–1416). He was also regent of Castile (1406–1416).
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “philouménē (φιλουμένη),” composed of two elements: “phílos (φίλος)” (beloved, dear, loving, friendly) plus “ménos (μένος)” (mind, desire, ardor, wish, courage, spirit, vigor). In turn, the name means “friend of the strength, the spirit, and vigor of friends.” Saint Philomena (291–304) was, as believed by her devotees within the Catholic Church, a young virgin martyr whose remains were discovered in 1802 in the Catacombs of Priscilla. The name was later confused with another similar name, “Philomela.” The latter, in Greek Filomíla (Φιλομήλα), means “friend of the song.”
Origin: greek
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Andréas (Ἀνδρέας),” which in turn derives from “anḗr (ἀνήρ) andrós (ἀνδρός),” meaning “man, adult male, husband.” In turn, the name means “manly and strong, courageous and warrior.” He was the first Apostle in the New Testament. It is traditionally popular because, according to the Christian Bible, Saint Andrew was one of the earliest disciples of Jesus and one of the twelve Apostles. Andrew the Apostle (6 BC–60 AD), called in the Orthodox tradition Prōtoklētos, or the First-called, is a Christian Apostle and the brother of Saint Peter. Like other Greek names, the name “Andrew” appears to have been common among the Jews, Christians, and other Hellenized people of the region. No Hebrew or Aramaic name is recorded for him. According to Orthodox tradition, the apostolic successor to Saint Andrew is Patriarch Bartholomew I.
Origin: greek
This name derives from the Germanic name element “*ermunaz,” meaning “strong, whole, tall, exalted, whole, great, powerful.” Originally was a short form of Germanic names that began with the element “ermen,” as Ermengarde, Ermentrude, and Ermenegilda. Emma also represents a diminutive vernacular form of Emily, Emmeline, Amelia, or any other name beginning with “em.” Emma of Normandy, one of the first to be called Emma, was a daughter of Richard the Fearless, Duke of Normandy, by his second wife, Gunnora. She was queen consort of England by successive marriages: first as the second wife to Æthelred the Unready of England (1002–1016); and then the second wife of Cnut (Canute) the great of Denmark (1017–1035). She acted as regent in Wessex in 1040. The name Emma became popular in the United States later in the 20th-century, reaching the top 100 names for girls in the late 1990s and rising to second place on the popularity chart in 2013.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “philouménē (φιλουμένη),” composed of two elements: “phílos (φίλος)” (beloved, dear, loving, friendly) plus “ménos (μένος)” (mind, desire, ardor, wish, courage, spirit, vigor). In turn, the name means “friend of the strength, the spirit, and vigor of friends.” Saint Philomena (291–304) was, as believed by her devotees within the Catholic Church, a young virgin martyr whose remains were discovered in 1802 in the Catacombs of Priscilla. The name was later confused with another similar name, “Philomela.” The latter, in Greek Filomíla (Φιλομήλα), means “friend of the song.”
Origin: greek
This name derives from the Low German “Ricohard,” composed of two elements “*rīkijaz” (kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich) plus “*harduz / *hardu-” (hard, strong, brave, fearless, powerful). In turn, the name means “power and brave commander, powerful leader.” 1) Richard I (the Lionheart) was King of England from 6 July 1189 until his death. He also ruled as Duke of Normandy (as Richard IV), Duke of Aquitaine, Duke of Gascony, Lord of Cyprus, Count of Anjou, Count of Maine, Count of Nantes, and Overlord of Brittany at various times during the same period. 2) Richard of Chichester is a Saint (canonized in 1262) who was Bishop of Chichester. His original shrine in Chichester cathedral was a richly-decorated center of pilgrimage, which was destroyed in 1538.
Origin: germanic
This name may be an Anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic “O’ Cathain”, meaning “descendant of Cathan,” a personal name from the diminutive “Cath,” meaning “battle.” 2) It may be a nickname for a brave or proud person deriving from the Middle English “kene,” Old English pre 7th Century “cene.” 3) The name could derive from the Middle English given name “Kene”, a short form of any of the various old English pre 7th Century personal names with the first element “cene / cyne,” meaning “royal”, linked to “Cyning,” meaning “chieftain, king”.
Origin: scottish (gaelic)
This name derives from the Germanic (Gothic) “Adalfuns / Hildefons,” composed of two elements: “*aþalaz / *hildiz” (noble, nobleman, aristocratic, eminent, glorious, excellent / battle, fight) plus “*funsaz” (ready, to predispose, willing, eager, to tread). In turn, the name means “eager for war, ready for battle, noble and brave.” The first element, which formed different names over time, were merged into a single form and, therefore, in a single-family of names. The name in various forms has spread first in Spain and the Iberian Peninsula due to the numerous Visigoth kings and their descendants. Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696–1787) was an Italian Catholic bishop, spiritual writer, scholastic philosopher and theologian, and founder of the Redemptorists, an influential religious congregation. He was canonized in 1839 by Pope Gregory XVI. Pope Pius IX proclaimed him a Doctor of the Church in 1871.
Origin: germanic (gothic)
Hard represents the short form of names beginning with the Germanic element “*harduz / *hardu-,” which means “hard, strong, brave, valiant, powerful one.”
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Old Norse “Knútr,” meaning “knot,” which in turn derives from Old High German “chnûz,” Middle High German “knûz,” meaning “daring, impudent, bold one.” There are several medieval kings of Denmark, two of whom also reigned over England during the first half of the 11th century. Knud Lavard was a Danish prince. Later he was the first Duke of Schleswig and the first border prince who was both Danish and German vassal, a position leading towards the historical double position of Southern Jutland.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Agathḗ (Ἀγαθή),” which in turn derives from “agathòs (ἀγαθὸς),” meaning “good, brave, noble, moral, fortunate, lucky.” Finally, the name means “person with good character, brave, noble in spirit.” In Greek culture, it’s known that the ideal of human perfection: in the same person of beauty and moral value, involves the field of ethics and aesthetics. Saint Agatha of Sicily (231–251 AD) is a Christian saint and virgin martyr. Her memorial is on 5 February. Agatha, born in Catania, Sicily, was martyred in 251. She is one of seven women, who along with the Blessed Virgin Mary, are commemorated by name in the Canon of the Mass. Agatha ranks among the top 1,000 names of girls born in the United States during the 30s.
Origin: greek
This name derives from the 6th-century Frankish saint “Leonhard,” composed of two elements: The Ancient Germanic “*lewa(n)-” (Ancient Greek: Leōn “Λέων”; Latin: leō / leōnis) (lion) plus “*harduz / *hardu-” (hard, strong, brave, courageous, powerful one). In turn, the name means “strong as the lion, brave lion, bold as a lion.” Leonard is also an Irish origin surname, from the Gaelic “O’Leannain,” consisting of the prefix “O” (descendant of) and the suffix Leannan (lover). The oldest public records of the surname appear in 1272 in Huntingdonshire, England, and in 1479 in Ulm, Germany. 1) Leonard of Noblac is a Frankish saint closely associated with the town and abbey of Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat, in Haute-Vienne, in the Limousin region of France. The feast day is traditionally celebrated on November 6. 2) Saint Leonardo Murialdo (1828–1900) was an Italian priest from Turin who established the Congregation of Saint Joseph - also known as the Murialdines. He was canonized in 1970.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Slavic Serbo-Croatian “Velimir (Велимир)”, composed of two elements: Proto-Slavic “velii / velje (*velьjь)” (great, more, many, much, a lot) plus “*mir” (*mirъ) mir (мир)” (peace, calm, tranquility, universe, world). In turn, the name means “bold peace, great peace, the one who is great in maintaining peace.” 1) Velimir Khlebnikov 1885–1922), was a poet and playwright, a central part of the Russian Futurist movement, but his work and influence stretch far beyond it. 2) Velimir “Velja” Ilić (born 1951) is a Serbian politician and Minister without portfolio in the Government of Serbia.
Origin: slavic
This name derives from the Germanic (Goths) “*amal / ama-l,” meaning “work, vigor, courage, brave, bold, diligent, Amali dynasty.” The Amali (the tribe of the Amaler), also called Amals or Amalings, were the leading dynasty of the Goths, a Germanic people who confronted the Roman Empire in its declining years in the west. According to Gothic legend, the Amali was descended from an ancient hero whose deeds earned him the epithet of Amala or “mighty.”
Origin: germanic (gothic)
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Árēs (Ἄρης),” meaning “battle strife, war, warlike spirit.” Ares was the god of war, bloodlust, violence, manly courage, and civil order. Zeus and Hera’s son was depicted as either a mature, bearded warrior dressed in battle arms or a nude beardless youth with helm and spear. His attributes are golden armor and a bronze-tipped spear. His sacred animals are the vulture, venomous snakes, alligators, dogs, and boars.
Origin: greek
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Andréas (Ἀνδρέας),” which in turn derives from “anḗr (ἀνήρ) andrós (ἀνδρός),” meaning “man, adult male, husband.” In turn, the name means “manly and strong, courageous and warrior.” He was the first Apostle in the New Testament. It is traditionally popular because, according to the Christian Bible, Saint Andrew was one of the earliest disciples of Jesus and one of the twelve Apostles. Andrew the Apostle (6 BC–60 AD), called in the Orthodox tradition Prōtoklētos, or the First-called, is a Christian Apostle and the brother of Saint Peter. Like other Greek names, the name “Andrew” appears to have been common among the Jews, Christians, and other Hellenized people of the region. No Hebrew or Aramaic name is recorded for him. According to Orthodox tradition, the apostolic successor to Saint Andrew is Patriarch Bartholomew I.
Origin: greek
This name derives from the Low German “Ricohard,” composed of two elements “*rīkijaz” (kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich) plus “*harduz / *hardu-” (hard, strong, brave, fearless, powerful). In turn, the name means “power and brave commander, powerful leader.” 1) Richard I (the Lionheart) was King of England from 6 July 1189 until his death. He also ruled as Duke of Normandy (as Richard IV), Duke of Aquitaine, Duke of Gascony, Lord of Cyprus, Count of Anjou, Count of Maine, Count of Nantes, and Overlord of Brittany at various times during the same period. 2) Richard of Chichester is a Saint (canonized in 1262) who was Bishop of Chichester. His original shrine in Chichester cathedral was a richly-decorated center of pilgrimage, which was destroyed in 1538.
Origin: germanic
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Andréas (Ἀνδρέας),” which in turn derives from “anḗr (ἀνήρ) andrós (ἀνδρός),” meaning “man, adult male, husband.” In turn, the name means “manly and strong, courageous and warrior.” He was the first Apostle in the New Testament. It is traditionally popular because, according to the Christian Bible, Saint Andrew was one of the earliest disciples of Jesus and one of the twelve Apostles. Andrew the Apostle (6 BC–60 AD), called in the Orthodox tradition Prōtoklētos, or the First-called, is a Christian Apostle and the brother of Saint Peter. Like other Greek names, the name “Andrew” appears to have been common among the Jews, Christians, and other Hellenized people of the region. No Hebrew or Aramaic name is recorded for him. According to Orthodox tradition, the apostolic successor to Saint Andrew is Patriarch Bartholomew I.
Origin: greek
Names that mean brave carry special significance across many cultures. These names are often chosen by parents who wish to instill qualities of Courageous and fearless in their children. Whether you're looking for a traditional name with deep historical roots or a modern name with contemporary appeal, this collection offers diverse options for your baby.
Each name in this collection has been carefully researched to ensure authentic meanings and origins. Browse by gender to find the perfect brave name for your baby boy or girl, or explore all names to discover unique options that transcend traditional gender categories.