Names That Mean Warrior

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.

Lova, a Louise relative virtually unknown in the US, is one of the top girl names in Sweden.

It originated as a nickname for Lodewijk, but now Lowie is more popular as-is, even ranking in the Top 100 in Belgium.

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.

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.

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).

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

Variant of Alafair

Powerful name that could be a strong middle for a boy with Cherokee heritage.

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.

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

This Arabic names has many spelling variations but this is the one that of the more phonetic transliterations and is therefore most used in English-speaking countries.

A common name in Iceland, from the same origins as Arnold et al.

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 top name in Iceland, while its parent name Alvar, ranks highly in Sweden and Finland.

Variant of Alafair

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

Lutza is largely unknown in the English-speaking world and might remain that way, due to its resemblance to klutz.

Most famously borne by Loja Saarinen, a Finnish-American artist and wife of architect Eliel Saarinen. She was born Minna Carolina Mathilde Louise Gesellius and went by Louise or Loja.

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.