Names That Mean Battle

An ancient Welsh name belonging to an early modern king and saint, among others. The Irish cognate, Cathal, is more widely known.

Bojan — also spelled Boyan in Bulgaria — could be a unique pathway to the hip nickname Bo. Bojan also doubles as a Saint name, and footballer Bojan Krkić Jr is a modern wearer.

Hawise is a medieval name that started with Hadewidis. In France, Hadewidis evolved into Haueis, which then became Hawise when the Normans brought the name to England. Hawise and Hawis were also somewhat common in 19th-century Wales.

Casworon was derived from the Celtic elements cad, meaning "battle," and kawaro, hero. Caz is an enviably cool nickname.

Variant of Marissa

Variant of Marissa

The Finnish word for "battle."

This upbeat and unusual Cornish name boasts the funky nickname Caz.

A common name in medieval times associated with a historical duchess of Normandy, sometimes referred to as Gunnor. Gunnora is derived from the Old Norse name Gunnvǫr, composed of the elements gunnr, meaning "battle," and one meaning "protection."

Variant of Marisa

Form of Swanhild, borne by the heroine of the ballet Coppélia. The -a ending certainly gives this ancient name a lighter, more balletic feel.

Homely compound name which may be written as one word, two words (Mary Louise), or hyphenated (Mary-Louise).

An Ancient Norse name enjoying considerable popularity in modern Iceland. Guðrún is derived from the Old Norse elements guð, meaning "god," and rún, "rune," referring to a secret lore. Some etymologists believe that the first syllable is actually derived from gunnr, meaning "battle."

Whether you choose to end it with a C or a K, Cadok possesses an energy that many parents seek out for their child's name. Welsh Cadoc has a saintly connection, if that sways you either way.

A clunky medieval German name unlikely to be revived anytime soon, if ever. The streamlined English variation Hawise has more modern appeal.

Jèrriais (Jersey) form of Louise, sometimes shortened to Loulou.

Derived from the elements "hlut" (famous, loud), and "hilt" (battle), this name originating in the Western Germanic Frankish language is a variation of the name Clothilda.