Dog Names That Mean Strong, Brave, or Powerful

Godric is one of the unique baby names that has found more exposure since J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter universe came into our lives. Godric Gryffindor is an important historical figure in the series. In real life, Godric was a name popular in middle England, with many saints and sheriffs of the 11th century bearing the name. Godric, like other old English names Arthur, Edwin and Oswald, has potential to make a comeback as an easily-recognizable but creative choice for parents looking for names that are unique without being too challenging.

A Top 100 pick in Israel that feels simple and appealing enough to work in almost any language.

Alcie and Alsie are antiquated short forms that feel more baby-ready now that names such as Elsie, Elsa, and Isla are becoming popular again. Mother name Alcina was an operatic sorceress who turned men into trees and animals.

The Finnish form of Andrew is featured in mythology as Antero Vipunen, a giant in Finland's national legend the Kalevala

For English speakers, Gabi is usually short for Gabrielle. Elsewhere - such as Spain, Latin America and Israel - it can also be a male nickname for Gabriel. For rock musician Gabi Hun, it's short for Gábor.

Uzziah was an Old Testament king of Judah, among other personages. The initial U is a bit funky for modern tastes; we don't see this one enjoying a revival ala Isaiah and Noah anytime soon.

A common nickname for Antero, the Finnish variation of Andrew.

Relatively unknown outside of its native region, Sendoa is an intriguing international name with a strong meaning.

Romaric was derived from the German elements hrôm, meaning "fame," and rîcja, "strong." It's the name of an obscure Frankish saint who left his life as a courtier to become a monk.

The name of several minor Biblical characters seems streamlined and modern.

Used in Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, this strong-sounding name belonged to a hero in Persian legend. Its derivation is unclear, but the consensus seems to be that it relates to the hero’s great size and strength, possibly from Avestan raodha "to grow" and takhma "strong, brave, valiant".

The name of two Biblical figures, one a supporter of St. Paul and the other a Corinthian ruler. Virtually unknown in the U.S. but used in the form Sosthene in modern France.

Last name occasionally used as a first, can be seen as a Lance Armstrong athlete-hero name.

While still very rare, the name Valiant was given to six baby boys in the US last year. And it's an inspiring choice.

Tetsu is a female name with an unusually strong and powerful meaning. It sounds spunky and cute too.

Among the most wearable Russian boy names for an English-speaking child.

This Latinate form of Bernard hovered in the lower regions of the US Top 1000 from the late 1940s until 2006, possibly inspired by the character in West Side Story.

This variation of Rostam might be more English-friendly given its resemblance to the familiar Russ or Russell.