Names That Mean Warrior

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 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.

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.

An Indian boy name most commonly used amongst Sikh families — also spelled Harwinder.

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

Irish spelling of Ivor

Names that convey strength and power are popular today, and this Tahitian name makes a rare choice in the category.

Feeney is an Irish surname found mostly in northwest Ireland. It may rise in the US as a first name for girls along with such Irish surnames as Riley and Kennedy. Feeney might also be considered an out-of-the-box short form of Josephine.

Strong African name with a meaning to match.

Ildiko is a variation of the German Hilda — itself short for Brunhilda.

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.

Pleasant surname connected to humorist James Thurber, with a sound as happy as a baby's gurgle.

In the US it might be read as a creative spelling of '50s hit Luann, but in France Louane is pronounced the rhyme with "swan" — preferable for a modern baby.

Feeney is an Irish surname most popular in Counties Sligo and Mayo in northwest Ireland. It may rise in the US as a first name as other Irish surnames from Riley to Kennedy become increasingly popular for both genders.

Not a viable option if your baby is going to speak English.

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

An Old Norse name derived from the Irish Muircheartach "sea warrior". Kjartan is a modern variant.

If Sasha feels just a tad too dull, you may like the evocative Sasheya — used as a diminutive of Alexandra in Slavic regions.