Names That Mean Warrior

Now that Kimberly is no longer one of the top girl names, Kim or long form Kimball feel more gender neutral.

Despite its ancient sound and meaning, this is a relatively modern coinage from two ancient Norse elements. A strong and striking choice.

This name has been off the USA Top 1000 list since before 1900, but it has some great musical credentials: consider American blues singer Alger "Texas" Alexander and country music legend Pat Alger.

A possible new entry in the Hayden-Corbin two-syllable boys' name club.

Lovis is Lovisa's quirkier counterpart — if you're searching for a name that combines Scandinavian style with retro darlings Avis and Mavis, Lovis could be your girl.

In literature identified with The Sorrows of Young Werther -- not much to wish on a child.

Just a few years ago, Dustin, Dylan, and Daryl seemed like radical, edgy names for girls; now even Great-aunt Alberta wouldn't raise an eyebrow.

Variant of Alafair

Hodge is a medieval English nickname for Roger, which was brought to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. Roger isn't ready for a comeback yet, but we'd love to see the resurgence of Hodge, which never was a common choice in the US.

Wheezy short form of lovely name, featured in the movie "Steel Magnolias." Go for Lou or Lulu instead.

An adolescent boy might have problems with the first syllable.

Tew many conflicting word spellings.

Possibly a variation of the Sanskrit Yoddha or the Hebrew Yodea, it is most likely that this Star Wars characters' name is purely fictional.

Prospective parents tend to respond more to the softer American pronunciation than the harsher German one, and even more to the Scandinavian version (see GUNNAR).

A German surname name deriving from the same root as English Ryder. Traditionally, it was the name of the second lowest hereditary rank of the nobility, roughly equivalent to English Baronet. Notable associations are British actor Paul Ritter and a popular European chocolate brand.

A distinguished English surname likely descended from the Nordic name Alvar, meaning "elf warrior". British diplomat Sir Alvary Gascoigne is a notable historical bearer.

A medieval French feminine form of Humbert, also found as Humbeline.

A name with two strong literary associations, one overwhelmingly negative -- Lolita's pedophilic narrator Humbert Humbert -- and one positive, in the preferable European version: Italian author Umberto Eco.

An Indian name with the notable namesake Jujhar Khaira, a Canadian ice hockey player.