English Girl Names That Mean Strength
English girl names that mean strength cluster around two very different roots: Germanic words for ruling and battling, and modern names built purely on bold sound.
Names235
OriginEnglish
MeaningStrength
GenderGirl
Look closely at this list and one root keeps resurfacing: the Germanic sense of power bound up in rulership and work. Emerson and Emersyn both trace to Emery, blending Germanic words for work and power, while Etta and Harriet both grew from Henry's promise to be ruler of the home.
A second branch runs through Matilda, an Old English name that literally means strength in battle. Its most direct nickname, Mattie, has swung in and out of fashion since the 19th century and is now enjoying a warm, unfussy comeback.
Why English girl names that mean strength favor rulers over warriors
English naming history rarely hands down a name that simply means 'strong.' Instead it offers titles: Emerie, a modern spelling of Emery, literally means brave and powerful ruler. Reign skips the etymology altogether, taking 'royal sovereignty' straight from the English word itself — proof that power can be claimed with a title as easily as it is inherited through a bloodline of names.
Vintage nicknames, modern spellings, and one name built for sound alone
That same battle-forged strength shows up in cozier, more contemporary forms. Tilly and Tillie keep Matilda's meaning inside vintage nicknames, while Emersyn, Emeri, and Milly carry the Emery and Millicent roots forward in fresher spellings. Zaylee breaks from etymology entirely, chosen for its bright, melodic sound rather than any inherited meaning of strength.
Names List
Emerson#122 in the U.S.Son of Emery; Emery derives from Germanic Amalric meaning 'work-power' or 'brave power'Pronounced EM-er-sun▶Emersyn#138 in the U.S.Feminine respelling of Emerson — son of Emery, from Germanic amal (work) and ric (power)Pronounced EM-er-sin▶Reign#452 in the U.S.From the English word 'reign,' meaning to rule or exercise sovereign power, derived from Old French 'reigPronounced RAYN▶Emerie#553 in the U.S.Feminine form of Emery, from Old High German Amalric, composed of amal (referring to the Amal dynasty, 'vPronounced EM-er-ee▶Tilly#885 in the U.S.Short form of Matilda, from Old High German Mahthildis, composed of maht (might, power, strength) and hilPronounced TIL-ee▶Zaylee#919 in the U.S.Modern American coined name, likely a creative elaboration of Zale (from Greek zale meaning sea strength Pronounced ZAY-lee▶Etta#930 in the U.S.Short form of Henrietta, the feminine form of Henry, from Old High German Heimrich, composed of heim (homPronounced ET-uh▶Mattie#1057 in the U.S.Gift of God; English pet form of Martha or Matilda; Martha from Aramaic meaning lady or mistress; MatildaPronounced MAT-ee▶Harriet#1157 in the U.S.Home ruler; an English feminine form of Harry/Henry, from Germanic Heimirich (heim: home + ric: ruler, poPronounced HAIR-ee-et▶Tillie#1236 in the U.S.Strength in battle; English pet form of Matilda or Ottilie, from Germanic Mahtildis (maht: strength + hilPronounced TIL-ee▶Emeri#1503 in the U.S.A modern variant spelling of Emery, ultimately from the Germanic name Emmerich, combining elements meaninPronounced EM-uh-ree▶Milly#1791 in the U.S.Pet form of Millicent, Emily, Amelia or Camilla; via Millicent meaning 'strong in work'.Pronounced MIHL-ee▶Audra#1939 in the U.S.Lithuanian feminine name meaning 'storm' (from the Lithuanian word for storm). In English usage it also sPronounced AW-druh▶Geraldine#2013 in the U.S.Power of the spearPronounced JEHR-uhl-deen▶Mildred#2105 in the U.S.Gentle strengthPronounced MIHL-drihd▶Audrina#2245 in the U.S.noble strengthPronounced aw-DREE-nuh▶Charly#2264 in the U.S.free man, strong and virilePronounced CHAR-lee▶Rainey#2356 in the U.S.queen, rulerPronounced RAY-nee▶Audriana#2380 in the U.S.noble strengthPronounced aw-dree-AH-nuh▶Vallie#2523 in the U.S.Pet form of Valentine or Valerie; ultimately from Latin 'valens' (strong, healthy).Pronounced VAL-ee▶Emmersyn#3019 in the U.S.Feminine respelling of Emerson, a surname meaning 'son of Emery'; Emery from Germanic Emmerich meaning 'pPronounced EM-er-sin▶Carrie#3050 in the U.S.Pet form of Caroline or Carol, ultimately from the Germanic Karl meaning free man or strong man, applied Pronounced KAIR-ee▶Gabby#3051 in the U.S.Pet form of Gabrielle or Gabriella, from the Hebrew Gavri'el meaning God is my strength or man of GodPronounced GAB-ee▶Tanner#3158 in the U.S.From Old English 'tannere', an occupational name for a leather tanner; transferred as a surname and laterPronounced TAN-er▶Aralynn#3217 in the U.S.Modern compound name blending Ara (from Germanic ara, meaning eagle) and Lynn (from Old English hlynn or Pronounced AIR-ah-lin▶Audree#3333 in the U.S.Noble strength; variant of Audrey, from Old English ÆthelthrythPronounced AW-dree▶Dru#3399 in the U.S.Short form of Drusilla, a Roman family name sometimes glossed 'fruitful' or linked to a Celtic word for 'Pronounced DROO▶Audrie#3886 in the U.S.-ie spelling of Audrey — Old English Aethelthryth, 'noble strength'Pronounced AW-dree▶Embry#4050 in the U.S.From an English surname (linked to Amery/Emery, 'work-power', or a place-name); also echoes 'ember'; routPronounced EM-bree▶Berdine#4052 in the U.S.Berdine is a shortened variant of Bernardine or Berdina, ultimately a feminine form of Bernard, from GermPronounced ber-DEEN▶Goddess#4053 in the U.S.From the English word goddess, 'a female deity' — used as an empowering modern word-namePronounced GOD-əss▶Steely#4359 in the U.S.From the word steely, 'like steel; cold, strong, resolute' — a modern word-name (echoing Steely Dan)Pronounced STEE-lee▶Passion#4528 in the U.S.From the word passion — Latin passio, 'suffering; strong emotion, fervor, love'Pronounced PASH-ən▶Maddyson#4605 in the U.S.-y spelling of Madison — 'son of Maud (mighty in battle)' or 'son of Matthew'; here for girls; routes layPronounced MAD-ih-sən▶Oaklynne#4731 in the U.S.Modern coinage joining Oak (the oak tree, a symbol of strength) to the -lynne ending; no single fixed rooPronounced OAK-lin▶Barrett#4774 in the U.S.From an English surname — possibly Germanic 'bear strength' (Berhard) or Old French 'quarrelsome'; here fPronounced BAIR-ət▶Emersynn#4795 in the U.S.-synn spelling of Emerson — 'son of Emery' (Emery from Germanic, 'brave, powerful'); here for girlsPronounced EM-ər-sin▶Eddith#4857 in the U.S.Eddith is a simple respelling of Edith, one of the oldest English girls' names, from Old English ead, 'riPronounced ED-ith▶Dynasty#4910 in the U.S.From the word dynasty — Greek dynasteia, 'power, dominion; a ruling family/line of rulers'Pronounced DY-nə-stee▶Haroldine#4952 in the U.S.Haroldine is a feminine form of Harold, made with the -ine ending, on the model of Geraldine from Gerald.Pronounced HAR-ol-deen▶Maddisyn#4957 in the U.S.-isyn spelling of Madison — 'son of Maud (mighty in battle)' or 'son of Matthew'; routes layeredPronounced MAD-ih-sin▶Audresha#5037 in the U.S.Audresha reads as a coined elaboration of Audrey (Old English, 'noble strength') with the -esha ending coPronounced aw-DREE-shah▶Myldred#5078 in the U.S.Myldred is a variant spelling of Mildred, from the Old English mild, 'gentle,' and thryth, 'strength' or Pronounced MIL-drid▶Millee#5376 in the U.S.-ee spelling of Millie — a pet form of Mildred ('gentle strength') or Amelia/Camilla ('industrious'); rouPronounced MIL-ee▶Milli#5377 in the U.S.-i spelling of Millie — a pet form of Mildred ('gentle strength') or Amelia/Camilla ('industrious'); routPronounced MIL-ee▶Emeryn#5653 in the U.S.-yn elaboration of Emery — from Germanic Emmerich, 'brave/powerful; whole/universal ruler'; here for girlPronounced EM-ə-rin▶Audie#5798 in the U.S.A pet form of Audrey ('noble strength', Old English) or Aude ('old; wealth', Germanic); here for girls; uPronounced AW-dee▶Girtha#5809 in the U.S.Girtha is most plausibly a respelling of Gertha, a short form of Gertrude, from the Germanic ger, 'spear,Pronounced GUR-thuh▶Girtie#5987 in the U.S.Girtie is a spelling of Gertie, the affectionate short form of Gertrude, a Germanic name joining ger, spePronounced GUR-tee▶Embree#5990 in the U.S.From the surname Embry/Embree — variously 'a flat-topped hill' (Old English) and from the Germanic Emery/Pronounced EM-bree▶Madisen#6056 in the U.S.An -sen spelling of Madison — from an English surname, 'son/child of Maud (or Matthew)'; Maud, from GermaPronounced MAD-ə-sən▶Hildred#6063 in the U.S.Hildred comes from Old English roots — hild, 'battle,' joined to a second element such as raed, 'counsel'Pronounced HIL-dred▶Lyndal#6102 in the U.S.Lyndal comes from an English surname/place-name pattern joining lind, 'linden or lime tree', with dael orPronounced LIN-dahl▶Audri#6180 in the U.S.An -i spelling of Audrey — from Old English Aethelthryth, 'noble strength' (aethel, 'noble', plus thryth,Pronounced AW-dree▶Mili#6298 in the U.S.A pet form, variously of Milagros ('miracles', Spanish) and Mildred ('gentle strength', Old English); alsPronounced MEE-lee▶Missy#6300 in the U.S.A pet form — variously of Melissa ('a honeybee', Greek) and Millicent ('strong in work', Germanic) — and Pronounced MISS-ee▶Mattison#6534 in the U.S.A -tt- spelling of Madison — 'a son of Maud (a mighty battler)' or 'a son of Matthew'; used for both sexePronounced MAT-ih-sən▶Elfreida#6633 in the U.S.Elfreida is a variant of Elfrieda or Elfreda, an old Germanic and Anglo-Saxon name from aelf, 'elf,' and Pronounced el-FRY-duh▶Vale#6886 in the U.S.From the word vale — 'a valley' (from Latin vallis); also a short form of Valeria/Valentina ('strong; heaPronounced VAYL▶Oaklen#7147 in the U.S.A modern coined name, joining Oak (the oak tree, a symbol of strength) with a -len ending (echoing OakleyPronounced OHK-len▶Reynolds#7161 in the U.S.From an English surname, 'son of Reynold' (Reynold, 'counsel-power; a wise ruler's advisor'); mostly a boPronounced REN-uldz▶Virgene#7291 in the U.S.Virgene is a shortened, respelled variant of Virginia, or of its pet form Virgie. Virginia comes from thePronounced ver-JEEN▶Alfrieda#7401 in the U.S.Alfrieda is a variant of Alfreda, the feminine of Alfred, or of the related Elfrieda. Both draw on Old GePronounced al-FREE-duh▶Emerlee#7679 in the U.S.A modern name, joining Emery ('brave; powerful', Germanic) or Emer with the fashionable -lee ending; routPronounced EM-er-lee▶Dynasti#8053 in the U.S.A spelling of Dynasty — from the English word dynasty, 'a ruling line; a succession of rulers from one faPronounced DY-nuh-stee▶Weston#8376 in the U.S.From the Old English west + tun, 'the western town/estate'; a surname/place-name; strongly boy-leaning; hPronounced WES-tun▶Khemistry#8685 in the U.S.A spelling of Chemistry — from the English word chemistry (via alchemy/the Arabic al-kimiya), 'the sciencPronounced KEM-iss-tree▶Mattilynn#8780 in the U.S.A modern blend of Matti (from Matilda, Germanic, 'mighty in battle') with the fashionable -lynn ending. SPronounced MAT-ih-lin▶Sumner#8915 in the U.S.From the English occupational surname Sumner, 'a summoner' (a medieval court officer who summoned people Pronounced SUM-nur▶Avri#8994 in the U.S.A short form of Avery ('a ruler of elves') and a spelling of the Hebrew Avri, 'my strength'; used for botPronounced AV-ree▶Luellen#9040 in the U.S.Luellen is usually a variant of Luella, itself a blend of Lou and Ella, though its sound also echoes the Pronounced loo-EL-uhn▶Arnetha#9103 in the U.S.Arnetha is a feminine name built from the Arnett or Arnetta root - itself from a surname tied to Arnold, Pronounced ar-NEE-thuh▶Haile#9117 in the U.S.A spelling of Hailey — from the Old English heg, 'hay', + leah, 'a meadow/clearing', hence 'the hay meadoPronounced HAY-lee▶Alfreida#9315 in the U.S.Alfreida is a variant of Alfreda or Elfrieda, feminine names from the Germanic alf or aelf, elf, and thryPronounced al-FRY-duh▶Stone#9449 in the U.S.From the word stone — 'a stone; a rock', connoting strength and steadfastness; a word/surname-name; used Pronounced STOHN▶Shaquella#9455 in the U.S.Shaquella is a feminine coinage close in sound to Shaquille, which comes from the Arabic Shakil meaning hPronounced shuh-KWEL-uh▶Audry#9607 in the U.S.A spelling of Audrey — from the Old English Aethelthryth, 'noble strength' (aethel, 'noble', + thryth, 'sPronounced AW-dree▶Emyrson#9806 in the U.S.A respelling of Emerson, an English surname, 'son of Emery' (Emery from the Germanic for 'brave; powerfulPronounced EM-ur-sin▶Mattilyn#9971 in the U.S.A modern blend of Matti/Matilda ('mighty in battle', Germanic) with the popular -lyn suffix (from Lynn, 'Pronounced MAT-ih-lin▶Ossie#9991 in the U.S.Ossie is a pet form of names beginning with 'Os-,' such as Osie, Ostend, or the Old English Oswald, os, 'Pronounced OSS-ee▶Steele#10152 in the U.S.From the Old English style, 'steel' (a surname for one who worked with or was as strong as steel); a wordPronounced STEEL▶Steelie#10153 in the U.S.A modern name, variously a diminutive of Steele ('steel; strong', English) or an echo of Stella/Steely; rPronounced STEE-lee▶Storey#10155 in the U.S.A spelling of Story — from the English 'a story; a tale/narrative' (also an English surname of Norse origPronounced STOR-ee▶Tissaia#10239 in the U.S.A modern coinage, best known as Tissaia de Vries, the powerful sorceress of The Witcher. No documented etPronounced tih-SY-ah▶Audria#10338 in the U.S.A modern elaboration of Audrey/Audra, from the Old English Aethelthryth, 'noble strength' (aethel, 'noblePronounced AW-dree-ah▶Caralyn#10462 in the U.S.A spelling of Carolyn (Caroline), the feminine of Charles ('free man'; 'strong'). A crisp mid-century claPronounced KAR-uh-lin▶Edison#10473 in the U.S.From the English surname Edison, 'son of Edith' (or 'son of Adam'); carried into first-name use, famouslyPronounced EH-dih-sun▶Embrie#10490 in the U.S.A modern respelling near Embry/Emory, from an Old Germanic root ('brave; powerful; industrious ruler'). APronounced EM-bree▶Emmry#10492 in the U.S.A modern respelling of Emery/Emory, from an Old Germanic root, 'brave; powerful; industrious ruler.' CrisPronounced EM-ree▶Gelani#10518 in the U.S.A modern coinage near Jelani (Swahili, 'mighty; full of strength') and the melodic Kehlani. As a girl's nPronounced juh-LAH-nee▶Breea#10528 in the U.S.Breea is a doubled-vowel spelling of Bria or Brea, names that arise as short forms of Gabriella and BrianPronounced BREE-uh▶Valaria#10533 in the U.S.Valaria is a variant spelling of Valeria, the feminine of the Roman family name Valerius, from the Latin Pronounced vuh-LAIR-ee-uh▶Karalyn#10639 in the U.S.A -lyn spelling of Caroline/Carolyn, a feminine of Charles, from the Germanic/Latin for 'free man; strongPronounced KAIR-uh-lin▶Gertie#10648 in the U.S.Gertie is a warm pet form of Gertrude, from the Germanic elements ger ('spear') and prud/trud ('strength'Pronounced GUR-tee▶Krew#10677 in the U.S.A K- spelling of Crew, the word for 'a team; a working company,' used as a modern one-beat name. It leansPronounced KROO▶Sonda#10686 in the U.S.Sonda reads as a variant of Sondra, itself a short form of Alexandra, from Greek alexein, 'to defend', anPronounced SAHN-duh▶Fredda#10700 in the U.S.Fredda is a feminine form of Fred, the short form of Frederick. Frederick comes from the Germanic FrithurPronounced FRED-uh▶Briona#10720 in the U.S.Briona is a streamlined spelling of Briana, the feminine of the Irish Brian, usually glossed 'high', 'nobPronounced bree-OH-nuh▶Edra#10740 in the U.S.Edra is a short girl's name from the early twentieth century, most plausibly a smoothed form of the Old EPronounced ED-ruh▶Malerie#10740 in the U.S.A modern respelling that blends the sounds of Valerie ('strong; healthy') and Mallory (a French surname, Pronounced MAL-uh-ree▶Maudie#10759 in the U.S.An English pet form of Maud, itself a medieval short form of Matilda, from Germanic elements meaning 'migPronounced MAW-dee▶Emercyn#10818 in the U.S.A modern respelling of Emerson, an English surname, 'son of Emery' (Emery from the Germanic for 'brave; pPronounced EM-ur-sin▶Novareign#10832 in the U.S.A modern coined combination of Nova ('new; a bright new star') and Reign ('to rule; royal power'), joinedPronounced NO-vuh-rayn▶Pearson#10860 in the U.S.From the English surname Pearson, 'son of Piers' (Peter, 'rock; stone'); carried into first-name use. UsePronounced PEER-sun▶Richie#10885 in the U.S.A pet form of Richard, from the Germanic ric ('ruler; power') and hard ('brave; strong') - 'brave ruler; Pronounced RICH-ee▶Steeley#10954 in the U.S.A modern name from the word steel ('strong; enduring; resolute'), or from the surname Steele; with a softPronounced STEE-lee▶Stetsyn#10957 in the U.S.A modern respelling of Stetson, an English surname (of uncertain root) famous for the cowboy hat by John Pronounced STET-sun▶Rawlins#10970 in the U.S.Rawlins is an English patronymic surname, 'son of Rawlin' — Rawlin being a medieval pet form of Ralph, frPronounced RAW-linz▶Truett#10996 in the U.S.From the English surname Truett/Truitt, of uncertain origin (variously tied to 'trout' or a place name). Pronounced TROO-it▶William#11017 in the U.S.From the Germanic Wilhelm, 'resolute protector' (wil, 'will; desire' + helm, 'helmet; protection'). A claPronounced WIL-yum▶Winston#11019 in the U.S.From an Old English place name and surname, variously 'joy stone' or 'friend's town/settlement.' Famous vPronounced WIN-stun▶Benson#11231 in the U.S.Benson is an English surname meaning 'son of Ben' (a pet form of Benedict, 'blessed'), carried into firstPronounced BEN-sun▶Brieanna#11298 in the U.S.Brieanna is a spelling of Brianna, the feminine of the Irish Brian -- probably 'noble', 'high' or 'strongPronounced bree-AN-uh▶Jaxyn#11511 in the U.S.A modern respelling of Jaxon/Jackson, from the English surname 'son of Jack' (Jack from John, 'God is graPronounced JAK-sin▶Kasen#11599 in the U.S.A respelling of Cason/Kason, a modern surname-style name of uncertain root. Used here for a girl though iPronounced KAY-sun▶Locklynn#11685 in the U.S.A modern feminine name pairing Lock- (from the surname Locke, 'enclosure; stronghold,' or Lachlan, 'from Pronounced LOK-lin▶Maty#11737 in the U.S.A short, affectionate form read as a clip of Matilda ('mighty in battle') or Maria, or as a standalone moPronounced MAY-tee▶Milliemae#11770 in the U.S.A modern compound of Millie (from Millicent or Amelia) and Mae (a form of Mary/May), joining 'strong workPronounced MIL-ee-may▶Magic#11841 in the U.S.The English word Magic ('enchantment; the power to work wonders'), used as a bold modern word-name. PlayfPronounced MAJ-ik▶Rhyder#11905 in the U.S.A stylized respelling of Ryder, from an English occupational surname meaning 'mounted warrior; horseman; Pronounced RY-dur▶Rocklyn#11910 in the U.S.A modern coinage joining the word Rock (also a surname/place element, 'stone; strong') with the fashionabPronounced ROK-lin▶Solie#11977 in the U.S.Solie reads as a soft short form of Scandinavian names like Solveig ('sun-strength; sun-path') or as a moPronounced SOH-lee▶Audris#12093 in the U.S.Audris reworks Audrey — a contraction of the Old English Æthelthryth, 'noble strength' — with an -is endiPronounced AW-dris▶Syler#12119 in the U.S.A modern respelling that reads as a blend of Skyler and Tyler — surname-style names now used across the bPronounced SY-lur▶Breaunna#12134 in the U.S.Breaunna is a dressed-up spelling of Breanna/Briana, the feminine of Brian. Brian is a Celtic/Irish name Pronounced bree-AW-nuh▶Trula#12227 in the U.S.Trula is an early-twentieth-century American girls' name of uncertain root. It most plausibly connects toPronounced TROO-luh▶Audrielle#12289 in the U.S.Audrielle is a modern blend of Audrey ('noble strength', from Old English Aethelthryth) with the French-fPronounced aw-dree-EL▶Brianni#12349 in the U.S.A modern respelling in the Brianna/Briana family, the feminine of Brian, from an Irish/Celtic root read aPronounced bree-AH-nee▶Brielynn#12352 in the U.S.A modern blend of a Bri-/Brie- sound (from Brielle/Brianna, 'noble; strength') and the popular -lynn endiPronounced BREE-lin▶Brionna#12356 in the U.S.A spelling in the Brianna/Briana family, the feminine of Brian, from an Irish root read as 'noble; high; Pronounced bree-ON-ah▶Briyelle#12359 in the U.S.A modern coinage in the Brielle family, a short form of Gabrielle ('God is my strength'), with a Bri-/-yePronounced bree-YEL▶Brya#12360 in the U.S.A spelling of Bria, a short form of Brianna/Gabriela read as 'noble; strength' by those routes; also a moPronounced BREE-ah▶Roderica#12378 in the U.S.Roderica is a feminine elaboration of Roderick, built with the Latinate '-a' ending. Roderick comes from Pronounced rod-uh-REE-kuh▶Charleen#12384 in the U.S.A spelling of Charlene, a feminine of Charles, from the Germanic for 'free man' (also read 'strong; womanPronounced shar-LEEN▶Aubryana#12391 in the U.S.Aubryana extends Aubrey with a flowing -ana ending. Aubrey comes through Norman French from the Germanic Pronounced aw-bree-AH-nah▶Crawford#12407 in the U.S.From the English/Scottish surname Crawford, a place name meaning 'ford of the crows' (Old English crawe, Pronounced KRAW-furd▶Dezyre#12465 in the U.S.A modern respelling of the word Desire, 'a strong wish; longing' (from Old French desirer, Latin desideraPronounced dih-ZYRE▶Breeanne#12473 in the U.S.Breeanne reads two ways: as a joining of Bree (an Irish-flavored short name, sometimes from Brígh 'strengPronounced bree-AN▶Emerley#12517 in the U.S.A modern coinage joining an Emer-/Emery opener (surname 'brave, powerful') with the fashionable -ley suffPronounced EM-er-lee▶Emorii#12523 in the U.S.A modern coined spelling of Emory/Emery, a surname and given name from Germanic Emmerich ('brave, powerfuPronounced EM-or-ee▶Gabbi#12563 in the U.S.A pet form of Gabriella/Gabrielle (feminine of Gabriel), from Hebrew for 'God is my strength'. Used on itPronounced GAB-ee▶Arnell#12599 in the U.S.Arnell is best read as a twentieth-century American coinage, most likely a feminine elaboration of ArnoldPronounced ar-NEL▶Audrena#12620 in the U.S.Audrena extends Audrey, a name from the Old English Aethelthryth meaning noble strength, with a flowing -Pronounced aw-DREE-nuh▶Breeana#12662 in the U.S.Breeana is a respelling of Brianna, the feminine of Brian, a Celtic name usually read as 'high, noble' orPronounced bree-AH-nuh▶Landen#12829 in the U.S.Landen is a variant of Landon, an English surname and place name meaning 'long hill.' Carried into first-Pronounced LAN-den▶Layten#12843 in the U.S.Layten is a variant of Layton, an English surname and place name meaning 'leek town' or 'settlement on a Pronounced LAY-ten▶Morrison#13006 in the U.S.From the Scottish and English surname Morrison, 'son of Morris' — Morris itself from Maurice, Latin MauriPronounced MOR-ih-sun▶Power#13087 in the U.S.A word name from English power, 'strength; capacity to act', in the tradition of virtue names like JusticPronounced POW-ur▶Rally#13106 in the U.S.A word name from English rally, 'to gather together; to recover strength', from French rallier. As a givePronounced RAL-ee▶Priseis#13254 in the U.S.Priseis appears to be a variant of Briseis, a woman in Homer's Iliad whose name is linked to the Greek brPronounced prih-SAY-iss▶Warner#13341 in the U.S.From the English surname Warner, itself from a Germanic personal name built on elements meaning 'guard' aPronounced WAWR-nur▶Trudie#13359 in the U.S.Trudie is an affectionate short form of Gertrude, the Germanic name from ger, 'spear,' and thrud, 'strengPronounced TROO-dee▶Alyn#13532 in the U.S.Alyn is the name of a river in north-east Wales (Afon Alun) and of the district around it; as a given namPronounced AL-in▶Aerielle#13635 in the U.S.Aerielle is a modern respelling of Arielle, the feminine form of Ariel, from the Hebrew Ariel, 'lion of GPronounced air-ee-EL▶Audreanna#13651 in the U.S.Audreanna blends Audrey with the fashionable -anna/-ianna ending. Audrey descends from Anglo-Saxon AethelPronounced aw-dree-AN-uh▶Audryana#13652 in the U.S.Audryana is a modern American elaboration of Audrey, lengthened with a flowing -ana ending and shaded towPronounced aw-dree-AH-nuh▶Avarey#13671 in the U.S.Avarey is an inventive spelling of Avery, a surname-turned-first-name that goes back through Norman FrencPronounced AY-vuh-ree▶Cade#13739 in the U.S.From the English surname Cade, variously explained as a nickname from a word for a cask or barrel (hence Pronounced KAYD▶Archie#13756 in the U.S.A short form of Archibald (Germanic ercan, 'genuine; precious,' + bald, 'bold; brave') — long a boy's namPronounced AR-chee▶Audrea#13802 in the U.S.Audrea is an elaboration of Audrey, which contracts the Old English name Æthelthryth — from elements meanPronounced AW-dree-uh▶Comfort#13805 in the U.S.A Puritan virtue name from the English word comfort, which comes through Old French from the Latin conforPronounced KUM-furt▶Dalton#13831 in the U.S.From the English place name and surname Dalton, Old English dael + tun, 'valley settlement' or 'town in tPronounced DAWL-tun▶Breeanna#13883 in the U.S.Breeanna is a phonetic spelling of Brianna, the feminine of the Irish Brian -- probably from a root meaniPronounced bree-AN-uh▶Eddison#13906 in the U.S.A double-D respelling of the English surname Edison, 'son of Edith' (or 'son of Adam'), carried into firsPronounced EH-dih-sun▶Elexis#13920 in the U.S.A respelling of Alexis, from Greek alexein, 'to defend; to help' — so 'defender' or 'helper'. Alexis was Pronounced eh-LEK-sis▶Emaree#13944 in the U.S.A respelling of Emery/Emory, from the Germanic name Emmerich — elements usually read as 'whole; universalPronounced EM-uh-ree▶Eza#13969 in the U.S.A short modern name with no single settled source. It may be read as a feminine trim of Ezra (Hebrew, 'hePronounced EE-zuh▶Gayle#14005 in the U.S.A spelling of Gail, itself a short form of Abigail, from Hebrew Avigayil — 'my father rejoices' or 'my faPronounced GAYL▶Hollee#14057 in the U.S.Hollee is a respelling, with a double-e ending, of Holly, the English nature name taken directly from thePronounced HOL-ee▶Jaxsyn#14170 in the U.S.Jaxsyn is a respelling of Jaxon (Jackson), the English surname meaning 'son of Jack', with the -syn endinPronounced JAK-sin▶Kadyn#14243 in the U.S.A y-spelling of Caden/Kaden, a modern name sometimes traced to the Irish surname Mac Cadain and sometimesPronounced KAY-din▶Shelbey#14341 in the U.S.Shelbey is an -ey spelling of Shelby, an English surname and place-name from Old Norse roots usually readPronounced SHEL-bee▶Kingston#14370 in the U.S.Kingston is an English place name and surname from Old English cyning ('king') and tun ('farmstead; settlPronounced KING-stun▶Kolsyn#14382 in the U.S.Kolsyn is a modern respelling of Colson, an English surname meaning 'son of Cole' — Cole being from Old EPronounced KOHL-sun▶Kourage#14387 in the U.S.Kourage is a modern K- spelling of the English word courage, used as a virtue name. Courage comes throughPronounced KUR-ij▶Langston#14420 in the U.S.From an English place name and surname, usually explained as 'long stone' or 'the tall man's town' (Old EPronounced LANG-stun▶Layden#14438 in the U.S.A modern coinage in the -aden rhyme family (Aiden, Jayden, Braden), also read as a spelling of the surnamPronounced LAY-din▶Valrie#14465 in the U.S.Valrie is a trimmed, syncopated spelling of Valerie, which comes from the Roman family name Valerius and Pronounced VAL-ree▶Maud#14595 in the U.S.A medieval English contraction of Matilda, from Germanic maht ('might, strength') and hild ('battle') — 'Pronounced MAWD▶Arnetta#14619 in the U.S.Arnetta is a feminine name built by adding the -etta ending to Arnett or Arnold, Germanic names from arn,Pronounced ar-NET-uh▶Renarda#14671 in the U.S.Renarda is a rare feminine coinage, most plausibly a feminine form of Renard/Reynard (from the Germanic rPronounced ruh-NAR-duh▶Parks#14804 in the U.S.From the English surname Parks — 'of the park', for someone who lived or worked at an enclosed park or gaPronounced PARKS▶Price#14814 in the U.S.From the Welsh surname Price (Pryce), a contraction of ap Rhys, 'son of Rhys' — Rhys itself meaning 'ardoPronounced PRYSE▶Roscoe#14887 in the U.S.From an English surname and place name of Old Norse root — ra, 'roe deer,' plus skogr, 'wood' — so 'roe-dPronounced ROS-koh▶Carrieanne#14946 in the U.S.Carrieanne fuses Carrie, a pet form of Caroline or Carol ('free man'), with Anne, from the Hebrew Hannah,Pronounced KAIR-ee-an▶Watson#14973 in the U.S.From the English surname Watson, 'son of Walter.' Familiar from Sherlock Holmes's Dr. Watson and actor EmPronounced WOT-sun▶Vallory#15037 in the U.S.A form of Valerie/Valory, from the Latin valere ('to be strong; healthy'); the spelling also echoes 'valoPronounced VAL-uh-ree▶Wilde#15099 in the U.S.From the English surname Wilde, 'wild; untamed,' famously borne by the writer Oscar Wilde. Used here for Pronounced WYLD▶Lyndsie#15222 in the U.S.Lyndsie is one of the many creative spellings of Lindsay, an English surname from a place name meaning 'LPronounced LIND-zee▶Valine#15364 in the U.S.Valine is best read as a form of Valene, or a feminine built on Val, ultimately from the Latin valere, 'tPronounced vuh-LEEN▶Audryna#15394 in the U.S.Audryna is a decorative spelling of Audrina, itself an extension of Audrey, from the Old English AethelthPronounced aw-DREE-nuh▶Dayamy#15448 in the U.S.Dayamy is a modern coinage strongly associated with Cuban-American families, part of the creative Day-/DaPronounced dah-YAH-mee▶Shaquela#15473 in the U.S.Shaquela is a coined feminine name built from the fashionable Sha- prefix and the Shaq- sound made famousPronounced shuh-KWEL-uh▶Manning#15530 in the U.S.From the English surname Manning, of occupational/patronymic origin (a follower or servant; 'son of Mann'Pronounced MAN-ing▶Aubreyanna#15542 in the U.S.Aubreyanna is a contemporary American blend of Aubrey and Anna. Aubrey descends from the Germanic AlbericPronounced aw-bree-AN-uh▶Aubrynn#15543 in the U.S.A modern coinage joining Aubrey ('elf ruler; elf power') with the fashionable -rynn/-brynn ending. CurrenPronounced AW-brin▶Audre#15545 in the U.S.Audre is a trimmed form of Audrey, which comes from the Old English Aethelthryth, joining aethel, 'noble'Pronounced AW-dree▶Audreyana#15546 in the U.S.A modern elaboration of Audrey (from the Old English Aethelthryth, 'noble strength'), extended with an -aPronounced aw-dree-AH-nuh▶Audreyanna#15547 in the U.S.Audreyanna joins Audrey and Anna into one flowing name. Audrey comes from Old English Aethelthryth, 'noblPronounced aw-dree-AN-uh▶Audriella#15548 in the U.S.Audriella is a modern elaboration of Audrey, the English name from Old English Aethelthryth, noble strengPronounced aw-dree-EL-uh▶Aubreana#15599 in the U.S.Aubreana is a modern elaboration of Aubrey, extended with a flowing '-ana' ending. Aubrey descends from tPronounced aw-bree-AN-uh▶Audreana#15602 in the U.S.Audreana lengthens Audrey with a flowing -ana suffix. Audrey descends from Anglo-Saxon Aethelthryth (EthePronounced aw-dree-AN-uh▶Audrinna#15604 in the U.S.Audrinna is a doubled-consonant spelling of Audrina, itself an elaboration of Audrey. Audrey comes from tPronounced aw-DREE-nuh▶Arrion#15627 in the U.S.A modern American name that can echo the Greek Arion — a legendary poet and musician rescued by a dolphinPronounced AIR-ee-on▶Breann#15640 in the U.S.A short form of Briana/Breanne, the feminine of Brian, usually read as 'noble; strong; virtuous.' Crisp aPronounced bree-ANN▶Bryonna#15663 in the U.S.Bryonna is a late-century American respelling of Brianna (or the shorter Bryona), the feminine of the IriPronounced bry-AH-nuh▶Briannah#15703 in the U.S.Briannah is an -ah-extended spelling of Brianna, the feminine of the Irish Brian, usually read as 'noble,Pronounced bree-AN-uh▶Charlea#15707 in the U.S.A -lea spelling of Charlie/Charley, a pet form of Charlotte/Charles, from a Germanic root for 'free man; Pronounced SHAR-lee▶Carolyna#15760 in the U.S.A spelling of Carolina (Caroline), the feminine of Charles ('free man'; 'strong'). A flowing, classic-rooPronounced kar-uh-LEE-nah▶Emerey#15939 in the U.S.A modern respelling of Emery, from the Germanic name Emmerich, usually explained from ermen or amal ('whoPronounced EM-uh-ree▶Emiree#15947 in the U.S.A modern respelling of Emery/Emerie, from an Old Germanic root, 'brave; powerful; industrious ruler.' CriPronounced EM-uh-ree▶Emmersen#15953 in the U.S.A respelling of Emerson, an English surname, 'son of Emery' (Emery from the Germanic for 'brave; powerfulPronounced EM-ur-sin▶Esper#15977 in the U.S.Esper reads as a hope word: it sits on the same root as French esperer and Latin sperare, 'to hope', the Pronounced ES-pur▶Alcie#16020 in the U.S.Alcie is best explained as a short, affectionate form of Alcina (Greek-inspired, 'strong-minded') or of APronounced AL-see▶Gabrianna#16037 in the U.S.A modern American blend of Gabriella — feminine of Gabriel, Hebrew 'God is my strength' — and Brianna, a Pronounced gab-ree-AN-uh▶Valeen#16053 in the U.S.Valeen is a streamlined name built on the Val- element shared by Valerie and Valentina, from Latin valerePronounced vuh-LEEN▶Harvee#16110 in the U.S.A respelling of Harvey, from the Breton Haerviu, 'battle-worthy; strong and ardent'; a surname and given Pronounced HAR-vee▶Kamren#16324 in the U.S.A respelling of Cameron, from the Scottish Gaelic cam sron, 'crooked nose,' a clan-and-surname name. UsedPronounced KAM-ren▶Kendria#16397 in the U.S.Kendria is a lengthened, -ia spin on Kendra, itself a mid-century English coinage tied to Kendrick ('royaPronounced ken-DREE-uh▶Kye#16523 in the U.S.A short name reading as a form of Kai (variously 'sea' in Hawaiian, or a Welsh/Frisian name) or a fresh cPronounced KY▶Kendrah#16789 in the U.S.Kendrah is a spelling variant of Kendra, a twentieth-century name usually explained as a feminine of KendPronounced KEN-druh▶Aundria#16887 in the U.S.A form of Audria/Andrea; by the Andrea route (Greek andreios) it carries 'strong; brave; courageous.' ThePronounced AWN-dree-uh▶Brietta#16912 in the U.S.Brietta is a modern American coinage that dresses the short name Brie in an ornate -etta ending, while alPronounced bree-ET-uh▶Briane#16916 in the U.S.Briane is a spelling in the Brianne and Brianna family, feminine forms of the Irish Brian, a name usuallyPronounced bree-AN▶Bryanah#17037 in the U.S.Bryanah is a modern spelling of Briana, the feminine of Brian, a Celtic name generally read as 'high,' 'nPronounced bree-AN-uh▶Bryannah#17038 in the U.S.Bryannah is a modern elaborated spelling of Briana or Brianna, the feminine form of Brian. Brian is a CelPronounced bree-AN-uh▶Audrieanna#17106 in the U.S.Audrieanna joins Audrey to Anna. Audrey comes from the Old English Aethelthryth, 'noble strength,' while Pronounced aw-dree-AN-uh▶Shaw#17262 in the U.S.From the English/Scottish surname Shaw, from Old English sceaga, 'a small wood; thicket' (also a ScottishPronounced SHAW▶Gabrella#17446 in the U.S.Gabrella is a trimmed spelling of Gabriella, the Italian feminine of Gabriel. The root is the Hebrew GavrPronounced guh-BREL-uh▶Westley#17492 in the U.S.From the English surname and place name Westley/Wesley, 'the west meadow' (west + leah). It is overwhelmiPronounced WEST-lee▶Derrika#17717 in the U.S.Derrika is a feminine form built on Derrick, the English form of the Germanic Theodoric, from theud 'peopPronounced DEHR-ih-kuh▶Kyandra#18306 in the U.S.Kyandra is an invented name pairing the fashionable Ky- opening with the -andra ending of Alexandra, SandPronounced kee-AN-druh▶Shaquana#18723 in the U.S.Shaquana is a coined African-American name built from the Sha- prefix and a -quana ending, part of the ShPronounced shuh-KWAH-nuh▶Valori#19417 in the U.S.Valori is a variant spelling of Valerie, which comes from the Roman family name Valerius, rooted in the LPronounced VAL-uh-ree▶MilliejoA written-as-one compound of Millie (a pet form of Mildred/Millicent, 'gentle strength' / 'work') and Jo Pronounced MIL-ee-joh▶
More English Meaning Guides
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Frequently Asked
Why does Harriet count as a name that means strength?
Harriet comes from the same Germanic root as Henry, meaning home ruler. In Old English naming tradition, ruling a household was itself viewed as an act of authority and power, which is why Harriet and Etta carry that sense of strength today.
Is Reign really an English name, or just a word name?
Reign is a word name rather than a name with ancient etymology — it takes 'royal sovereignty' directly from the English word itself. It belongs on this list because sovereignty and strength are closely linked ideas: to reign is to hold and exercise power.
What's the difference between Tilly and Tillie?
Both are English pet forms of Matilda, the Germanic name meaning strength in battle, and both are part of the same vintage revival of short, Edwardian-sounding names. Tilly and Tillie are essentially spelling variants — pick whichever look feels right to you.