Names That Mean Warrior

It originated as a nickname for Lodewijk, but now Lowie is more popular as-is, even ranking in the Top 100 in Belgium.

Lova, a Louise relative virtually unknown in the US, is one of the top girl names in Sweden.

Despite its ancient sound and meaning, this is a relatively modern coinage from two ancient Norse elements. A strong and striking choice.

Just a few years ago, Dustin, Dylan, and Daryl seemed like radical, edgy names for girls; now even Great-aunt Alberta wouldn't raise an eyebrow.

A German surname name deriving from the same root as English Ryder. Traditionally, it was the name of the second lowest hereditary rank of the nobility, roughly equivalent to English Baronet. Notable associations are British actor Paul Ritter and a popular European chocolate brand.

Prospective parents tend to respond more to the softer American pronunciation than the harsher German one, and even more to the Scandinavian version (see GUNNAR).

Variant of Alafair

This name has been off the USA Top 1000 list since before 1900, but it has some great musical credentials: consider American blues singer Alger "Texas" Alexander and country music legend Pat Alger.

Lovis is Lovisa's quirkier counterpart — if you're searching for a name that combines Scandinavian style with retro darlings Avis and Mavis, Lovis could be your girl.

This Arabic names has many spelling variations but this is the one that of the more phonetic transliterations and is therefore most used in English-speaking countries.

An Indian name with the notable namesake Jujhar Khaira, a Canadian ice hockey player.

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

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 common name in Iceland, from the same origins as Arnold et al.

A top name in Iceland, while its parent name Alvar, ranks highly in Sweden and Finland.

Wheezy short form of lovely name, featured in the movie "Steel Magnolias." Go for Lou or Lulu instead.

Variant of Alafair

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.

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

An adolescent boy might have problems with the first syllable.