Names with Military Meanings

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.

Krishna is the name of the supreme Hindu god that is still considered secular enough for mortal children and is often found in Hindu families, for both boys and girls.

An adolescent boy might have problems with the first syllable.

Shiva is one of the principle deities of Hinduism. Shiva is the powerful god of both destruction and resurrection but is also associated as the patron god of yoga, meditation and arts. Shiva's wife is Parvati, the mother goddess of creation.

In Greek mythology, Perses was a Titan and the father of Hecate, goddess of magic and the Underworld. His name derives from Ancient Greek pertho ("to destroy").

Formal name lacking any sparkle or sheen.

Creative surname choice, associated with the great French postimpressionist Edouard Villard.

Now that Kimberly is no longer one of the top girl names, Kim or long form Kimball feel more gender neutral.

Army plus meaner equals an unappealing name.

This popular old Swedish name is not one that would appeal to many modern American parents, though shortening it to Nilla helps.

A lengthy Olde World route to Nick.

Pleasant surname connected to humorist James Thurber, with a sound as happy as a baby's gurgle.

While Americans may be more familiar with the male form of this name, thanks to actor Viggo Mortensen, Vigga is a popular name in contemporary Denmark and prime for wider export. It's a name with a a lot of vigor.

Sargent, as in Kennedy brother-in-law Shriver, is the more familiar and usable form of this name.

Derived from the Germanic element badu "battle" combined with Old Norse hildr "battle", this name belonged to a 7th-century English saint who became queen of the Franks after being sold to them as a slave.

Irish surname-names are hugely popular for girls in the US these days, with Riley and Kennedy ranking high on the official popularity lists. Connery is uncommon, but certainly attractive and usable.

Ansgar is an ancient name still used in modern times, especially in Scandinavia. Saint Ansgar is the patron of Scandinavia.

Rhythmic name sometimes associated with calypso singer King Ajamu.

If Arrow is too straight for you....