Names That Mean War

Anglicized form of Cadoc, a Welsh saint's name.

When you like Eric, but wish it were longer; also the name of a great early English poet.

Could a child named Warrior be anything but fierce and willful? We count Warrior among our Magic Names, those that are chosen for their ability to influence and protect their bearers. We see Warrior rising significantly in the next few years, joining current favorites like Legend, Hero, and Saint.

Dated 'creative' spelling of Irish classic.

A sophisticated surname derived from the Old English Wigmund, later Wymund, from Norse elements meaning "war" and "protection".

A common choice in Poland, where it honors St. Adalbert of Prague — born Vojtěch, the Czech form of Wojciech — the patron saint of Poland.

Saint Osyth was a 7th century martyr who founded a monastery and was beheaded by pirates. She is usually depicted in images carrying her own head. Variations of her name include Osgyth, Osith, and Ositha.

This strong Norwegian name war goddess name, commonly heard in both midcentury Norway and Iceland, has never ventured far beyond its native culture.

Militaristic.

Fierce, bold, and very evocative, Warrior is not a name for the faint of heart. It's the latest in a slew of Magic Names, chosen for their incantatory power, added to the baby name lexicon. Parents may hope a name like Warrior will protect their child from some of the hardships of the world.

The Dutch form of Hedwig, also spelled Hadewijch, borne by actress Hadewych Minis. Hedy is the cute retro short form.

Anglicized spelling of Meirion, the Welsh form of Marianus.

Heddi ultimately derives from Hedvig, which may not appeal to many American parents as a full form.

Saint Adalbert of Prague was born in Bohemia as Vojtěch. He was a bishop in Prague and later served as a missionary in Hungary, Poland, and Prussia. Vojtěch chose Adalbert as his confirmation name to honor his tutor — the two names are linguistically unrelated.