Dog Names That Mean Brave

If you're looking for a pleasing namesake that's more modern than Darrell/Darryl, this would make an excellent choice. Farrell is an Anglicized form of the Irish Fergal, and was well used as a first name into the nineteenth century, before it faded to mostly surname use.

New twist on Bennett. Mack Sennett was the early movie director known as the innovator of slapstick comedy.

Unfortunate identification with an army of rats in the movie of the same name.

If Portia can become Porsche, then Apollo can morph into Polo -- the imprint of designer Ralph Lauren.

Beren is a Noldorin name created by J. R. R. Tolkien for his fantasy universe. A great hero in the books, Beren is notable for his love story with Luthien — so notable that Beren and Luthien are the names on the gravestone of Tolkien and his wife, Edith.

It's been shown that notable political figures often impact the use of their names, and the same can — sort of — be said about Bernie Sanders. His name increased in use by 47% between 2015 and 2016 (albeit, to a peak of only 21 baby boys given the name). By 2017, Bernie has decreased in usage by almost 60%.

Similar in sound to the French "Thibault", which is far more popular, Tybalt is best known as the bloodlustful and brawling cousin of Juliet in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Perhaps this connotation has kept parents from using Tybalt. However, given the recent fad for all things Theo, Tybalt might offer a familiar yet unusual option for parents who like the meaning but want to swim against the current. Cute nicknames Ty and Tibby might also appeal.

Short and curt.

Derived from Germanic kuni "clan, family", but also a short form of Konrad, meaning "brave counsel". Konrad I, Duke of Swabia is also known as Kuno of Öhningen.

Very common in early Ireland and still in use there today, it was the name of an eighth century high king and also a saint. Not as well known in this country as Fergus, Fergal is currently appearing as a character on the TV series Catastrophe.

One "bald" name we can get behind, thanks to pioneering African-American author James Baldwin – though the name is now also associated with the Baldwin brothers, particularly Alec.

Interesting and energetic international form of Ferdinand.

Efe is derived from the Greek word éfivos, meaning "adolescent."

Arch can be used as a nickname for Archibald or a stand-alone word name — perhaps for the child of an architect.

One of the least known of the Ken names, though could make an intriguing namesake for an outdated Kenneth.

Jasiri is the Swahili word for "brave," and a unisex name primarily used in eastern Africa. Despite all it has going for it — a resonant meaning, on-trend I ending, and gender-neutral style — Jasiri has never been given to more than 30 American babies in a single year.

Donnelly is among the more appealing Irish surname names, less well used than Donovan. Related options include the place name Donegal and the mythological god name Donegan.

Not for the faint of the baby-naming heart. We also like Brave as a middle name.

Photographer Newton...or that hard thing you wear on your head.

Possibly meaning "bold", this West African surname is less commonly found as a first name, too.