Names That Mean Brave, Strong, or Powerful

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.

Energetic nickname name.

This Hawaiian name gracefully celebrates the force of nature, paying tribute to the ocean. If you're looking for unique names that mean ocean, this should be on your short list.

Evokes picture-postcard image of colorful Indonesia. Bali Barret is a Paris fashion insider who oversees women's style for Hermes. Bali rhymes with tally or galley.

Pacome is a French saint's name rarely heard in this country, but currently being revived in its native France.

Some variants are Pacomi, Pacomio and Pacomius.

Long considered Mr. Hall's exclusive property, it's now ready to be adopted by others.

This strong (literally) African name comes from the Chewa language of southern Africa.

Nerio was one of the Roman goddesses of war and a wife of Mars. Her name is among the many intriguing names that mean strong.

Clunky Gertrude is heading towards obscurity in the US, but here's a variation that might intrigue - Gesine, also spelled Gesina.

This obscure Zulu name was chosen by Stevie Wonder.

One of the most unusual of the biblical iah-options, this was the name of a long-reigning king of Judea, and just might appeal to the parent looking for a quasi-unique Old Testament choice. And it avoids the negative Dickensian aura of the other New Testament U-name, Uriah.

Valiant is an inspirational word name that can work for a child of any gender, though the six babies given this name last year were all boys.

A common Turkish word name for boys signaling valiance and bravery.