What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of the word ‘warrior?’ Do you picture a knight, samurai, gladiator, ninja, or mongol? Or do you picture Gerard Butler playing Leonidas I in 300?
Or maybe you think of a family member who served in the military and fought for our freedom…
Either way, there are a lot of reasons why you might be looking up warrior names for your baby boy or girl – and we don’t blame you. They make for a great tribute, and an even better reflection of their personality.
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Warrior names often carry positive connotations of honor, protection, and leadership, and are often characterized by strength, bravery, and resilience – not just on the battlefield, but in everyday life as well.
And they usually stand out because of their powerful and unique sound.
Whether you want to honor a fallen soldier, pay tribute to some of the greatest mythological heroes and heroines, or pay homage to your favorite war movie, we’ve got some warrior names for you to consider!
Warrior Names That Literally Mean Warrior – Boy Edition
Are you about to have (or hoping to have) a baby boy soon? Do you want your son’s name to carry a sense of honor, valor, toughness, tenacity, and fearlessness? Do you have a warrior-like personality?
If so, then you’re going to love these warrior names that literally translate to ‘warrior’ or ‘fighter.’
Parents might choose warrior names to symbolize a wish for their son to be strong, determined, and capable of overcoming challenges in life – preparing him for whatever life decides to throw his way.
With that said, let’s take a look at some of our favorite warrior names with a direct translation.
10. Liam
Origin: Irish, Germanic
Meaning: Liam means “strong-willed warrior” or “protector.” It is derived from the Old German name Wilhelm, which is composed of the elements “wil” (will or desire) and “helm” (helmet or protection).
Nicknames/Variations: Lee, L, William, Lili
9. Gunnar
Origin: Old Norse, Scandinavian
Meaning: Gunnar means “warrior” or “soldier.” It is derived from the Old Norse elements “gunnr” (war) and “arr” (warrior).
Nicknames/Variations: Gun, Gunny, G-man, G
8. Murphy
Origin: Irish
Meaning: Murphy means “sea warrior” or “descendant of Murchadh.” It is derived from the Irish Gaelic name “Ó Murchadha,” where “Murchadh” is composed of the elements “muir” (sea) and “cath” (battle).
Nicknames/Variations: Murph, Murray, M, Murphie, Mur
7. Lewis
Origin: English, Germanic
Meaning: Lewis means “renowned warrior.” It is derived from the Germanic name Ludwig, which is composed of the elements “hlud” (fame) and “wig” (warrior).
Nicknames/Variations: Lew, Lou, Louie, Lewie, Wis
6. Duncan
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Meaning: Duncan means “dark warrior” or “brown-haired warrior.” It is derived from the Scottish Gaelic name “Donnchadh,” where “donn” means “dark” or “brown” and “cath” means “warrior” or “battle.”
Nicknames/Variations: Dunc, Dunk, Duncy, D
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5. Andrew
Origin: Greek, English
Meaning: Andrew means “manly” or “brave.” It is derived from the Greek name “Andreas,” which comes from the word “aner” (man).
Nicknames/Variations: Andy, Drew, Drey
4. Igor
Origin: Russian, Old Norse
Meaning: Igor means “warrior of peace” or “protection.” It is derived from the Old Norse name “Ingvarr,” which combines the elements “Ing” (the name of a Norse god) and “varr” (warrior or protection).
Nicknames/Variations: Iggy, Igo, Gora, I, Igo (Ego)
3. Kane
Origin: Irish, Hawaiian, Japanese
Meaning: Kane means “warrior” or “battle.” It is derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Catháin,” which means “descendant of Cathán,” with “Cathán” meaning “little battle.”
Nicknames/Variations: K, Kay, Kaney, Kanny
2. Wyatt
Origin: Old English
Meaning: Wyatt means “brave in war” or “hardy warrior.” It is derived from the Old English elements “wīg” (war) and “heard” (brave, hardy).
Nicknames/Variations: Wy, Wye, W, Wy-Guy
1. Koa
Origin: Hawaiian
Meaning: Koa means “warrior” or “brave one.” In Hawaiian, it also refers to a type of native tree known for its strength and quality wood.
Nicknames/Variations: Ko, K
Warrior Names That Translate To Warrior – Girl Edition
Is there a baby girl kicking in that growing belly of yours? Have you always wanted a little girl to carry on your legacy? Do you want your mini heroine or warrioress to have a strong, powerful, and unique name?
Well, don’t worry – warrior names can be used for girls too!
While most people associate warrior names with the boys in the family, let’s not forget that women are just as worthy of bearing a name that translates to ‘warrior’ – or something similar, like ‘soldier’ or ‘fighter.’
With that said, here are some of our favorite warrior names to consider for your baby girl!
10. Louisa
Origin: Latin, Germanic
Meaning: Louisa means “renowned warrior.” It is the feminine form of the name Louis, which itself is derived from the Old German name Ludwig, composed of the elements “hlud” (fame) and “wig” (warrior).
Nicknames: Lou, Louie, Loulou, Isa, Lulu
9. Matilda
Origin: Old Germanic
Meaning: Matilda means “mighty in battle” or “strength in battle.” It is derived from the Old Germanic elements “maht” (might, strength) and “hild” (battle).
Nicknames: Mattie, Tilda, Tillie, Tilly, Matty, Maud, Til, Matt
8. Marcella
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Marcella means “little warrior” or “young warrior.” It is the feminine form of the Roman name Marcellus, which itself is derived from the name Marcus, meaning “dedicated to Mars,” the Roman god of war.
Nicknames: Marcy, Cella, Ella, Marce, Mella
7. Valeria
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Valeria means “strong,” “healthy,” or “to be strong.” It is derived from the Latin verb “valere,” which means “to be strong” or “to be healthy.”
Nicknames: Val, Value, Ria, Lera, Vee, Valerie
6. Hilda
Origin: Old Germanic
Meaning: Hilda means “battle” or “war.” It is derived from the Old Germanic word “hild,” which means “battle.”
Nicknames: Hildie, Hilly, Hil, Didi
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5. Aloisia
Origin: Latin, Germanic
Meaning: Aloisia means “famous warrior.” It is the feminine form of the name Aloysius, which itself is derived from the Old Germanic name “Aloys,” composed of the elements “al” (whole, all) and “wis” (wise).
Nicknames: Lois, Sia, Aloe, Lolo, Lou, Allie
4. Armina
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: Armina means “warrior” or “army woman.” It is derived from the Old Germanic elements “ermen” (whole, universal) and “heri” (army).
Nicknames: Mina, Armi, Minnie, Ari, Minny
3. Romilda
Origin: Old Germanic
Meaning: Romilda means “glorious battle” or “famous battle.” It is derived from the Old Germanic elements “hrom” (fame, glory) and “hild” (battle).
Nicknames: Romy, Milly, Rona, Milda, Ro,
2. Alessia
Origin: Italian, Greek
Meaning: Alessia means “defender” or “helper.” It is the Italian form of the Greek name “Alexia,” which is derived from the Greek word “alexein” (to defend, to help).
Nicknames: Ally, Allie, Less, Lessi, Lexi, Sia, Lessa
1. Ebba
Origin: Old Germanic, Scandinavian
Meaning: Ebba means “strength” or “fortress of riches.” It is derived from the Old Germanic name “Ebbe,” which was a short form of names starting with “Eber,” meaning “wild boar” (symbolizing strength and bravery).
Nicknames: Ebbie, Ebs, Eb
Warrior Names Inspired By Mythological Heroes & Heroines
Mythological tales are known for having some of the most captivating narratives – filled with epic battles, divine interventions, and legendary warriors who faced insurmountable odds and emerged victorious.
These stories, passed down through generations, have given us a deep collection of warrior names to use when naming our children – names that are imbued with deep cultural and historical significance.
Inspired by mythological heroes and heroines, the warrior names below not only honor the legendary figures of the past but also serve as powerful symbols for the present – and symbolize hope for the future.
Whether drawn from the epic tales of Greek, Norse, Celtic, or other mythologies, let’s take a look at some of the most unique and meaningful warrior names inspired by gods, goddesses, heroes, and heroines.
20. Heracles
Origin: Greek
Meaning: derived from the name of the goddess Hera and the Greek word “kleos,” which means “glory” or “fame.”
Mythology: Heracles, known as Hercules in Roman mythology, is one of the most famous heroes in Greek mythology. He is renowned for his incredible strength and for completing the Twelve Labors, a series of challenging tasks assigned to him as penance.
19. Achilles
Origin: Greek
Meaning: derived from the Greek word “achos,” meaning “pain” or “distress,” and “laos,” meaning “people.”
Mythology: Achilles is a legendary hero in Greek mythology, best known for his role in the Trojan War. He is the central character in Homer’s epic poem, “The Iliad.” Achilles was the son of Peleus, a mortal king, and Thetis, a sea nymph. He was known for his unparalleled strength, bravery, and martial skills.
18. Athena
Origin: Greek
Meaning: The name is often connected to the city of Athens and might be related to the ancient Greek word “ather,” meaning “sharp” or “aitho,” meaning “to burn.”
Mythology: Athena is one of the most important deities in Greek mythology, known as the goddess of wisdom, warfare, and crafts. She is often depicted as a warrior goddess, wearing armor and a helmet, and carrying a shield. She is the daughter of Zeus and Metis.
17. Hercules
Origin: Roman
Meaning: derived from the Greek words “Hera,” referring to the goddess Hera, and “kleos,” meaning “glory” or “fame.”
Mythology: Hercules is one of the most famous heroes in Roman mythology, equivalent to the Greek hero Heracles. As we mentioned above, he is celebrated for his immense strength and for completing the Twelve Labors, a series of arduous tasks assigned to him as a form of penance.
16. Theseus
Origin: Greek
Meaning: derived from the Greek word “thesis,” meaning “institution” or “setting in place.” The name can be interpreted as “to set” or “to place,” indicating a founder or an organizer.
Mythology: Theseus is a prominent hero in Greek mythology, best known for his role as the king of Athens and for his many adventures. He is celebrated for slaying the Minotaur, a monstrous creature with the body of a man and the head of a bull, which dwelled in the labyrinth on the island of Crete.
15. Odysseus
Origin: Greek
Meaning: The etymology of the name is uncertain, but it is often associated with the Greek word “odyssomai,” meaning “to be wroth against” or “to hate.”
Mythology: Odysseus is a legendary Greek hero, best known as the central character in Homer’s epic poem “The Odyssey.” He is the king of Ithaca and renowned for his intelligence, cunning, and resourcefulness. Odysseus played a crucial role in the Trojan War, particularly through his idea of the Trojan Horse, which led to the fall of Troy.
14. Perseus
Origin: Greek
Meaning: The exact etymology is unclear, but it is often associated with the Greek word “pertho,” meaning “to destroy” or “to ravage.”
Mythology: Perseus is a legendary hero in Greek mythology, best known for slaying the Gorgon Medusa, whose gaze could turn people to stone. Perseus is the son of Zeus, the king of the gods, and Danaë, a mortal princess. His most famous exploit involved a quest to obtain the head of Medusa.
13. Karna
Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: derived from the word “Karna,” which means “ear” in Sanskrit.
Mythology: Karna is a major figure in Indian mythology, specifically in the ancient epic, the Mahabharata. He is known for his unmatched valor, generosity, and loyalty. Born to the princess Kunti before her marriage, he was secretly sired by the sun god Surya.
12. Thor
Origin: Old Norse
Meaning: derived from the word “Þórr,” which is related to the Proto-Germanic word “Þunraz,” meaning “thunder.”
Mythology: Thor is one of the most prominent deities in Norse mythology, known as the god of thunder, lightning, storms, oak trees, strength, the protection of mankind, and also hallowing and fertility. He is the son of Odin, the chief of the gods, and the earth goddess Jörð (Earth).
11. Beawulf
Origin: Old English
Meaning: The exact etymology is debated, but it is commonly believed to be derived from “Beo,” meaning “bee,” and “wulf,” meaning “wolf.”
Mythology: Beowulf is the legendary hero of the Old English epic poem “Beowulf,” one of the most important works of Anglo-Saxon literature. He is a warrior of the Geats, a tribe in what is now southern Sweden. The poem narrates his heroic deeds, beginning with his journey to Denmark to help King Hrothgar
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10. Rama
Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: comes from the root “ram,” which means “to be calm” or “to delight.” It can be interpreted as “pleasing” or “delightful.”
Mythology: Rama is a major deity in Hinduism and the central figure in the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana. He is the seventh avatar of the god Vishnu, who incarnates on Earth to restore dharma (cosmic order). Rama’s story revolves around his exile from the kingdom of Ayodhya, along with his wife Sita and his loyal brother Lakshmana.
9. Bellona
Origin: Latin
Meaning: derived from the word “bellum,” which means “war.”
Mythology: Bellona is an ancient Roman goddess of war. She is often depicted as a fierce and formidable deity, embodying the destructive and chaotic aspects of warfare. Bellona is usually portrayed wearing a helmet and armor, sometimes holding a sword, spear, or shield, and often accompanied by a chariot.
8. Ares
Origin: Greek
Meaning: The exact etymology is unclear, but it is often associated with the Greek word “arē,” meaning “bane” or “ruin,” which reflects his nature as the god of war.
Mythology: Ares is the Greek god of war, representing the brutal and violent aspects of conflict – unlike Athena, who embodies strategic warfare and wisdom. He is the son of Zeus and Hera and is often depicted as a fierce and aggressive deity, delighting in the chaos and bloodshed of battle.
7. Zeus
Origin: Greek
Meaning: derived from the Proto-Indo-European root “dyeu,” which means “to shine” or “sky.” The name is closely related to the ancient Greek word “dios,” meaning “divine.”
Mythology: Zeus is the king of the gods in Greek mythology, ruling over Mount Olympus and presiding over the pantheon of deities. He is the god of the sky, lightning, thunder, law, order, and justice, and is the youngest son of the Titans Cronus and Rhea. According to myth, he overthrew his father Cronus, who had swallowed his siblings, and freed them, establishing himself as the supreme ruler of the gods.
6. Atalanta
Origin: Greek
Meaning: derived from the Greek word “atalantos,” meaning “equal in weight,” which can be interpreted as “equal” or “balanced.”
Mythology: Atalanta is a renowned heroine in Greek mythology, celebrated for her exceptional speed and hunting` skills. She is the daughter of King Iasus (or Schoeneus) and was abandoned at birth because her father wanted a son. Raised by a she-bear and later found and cared for by hunters, Atalanta grew up to be a formidable and independent woman.
5. Bellerophon
Origin: Greek
Meaning: The exact etymology is uncertain, but it is often believed to be derived from the Greek words “belleros,” meaning “slayer” or “destroyer,” and “phonos,” meaning “murder.”
Mythology: Bellerophon is a hero in Greek mythology, best known for his adventure in defeating the Chimera, a monstrous creature with the body of a lion, the head of a goat, and the tail of a serpent. He was the son of Glaucus, king of Corinth, and Eurynome, and is sometimes considered a son of Poseidon.
4. Fionn
Origin: Irish
Meaning: derived from the Old Irish word “finn,” which means “fair” or “white.”
Mythology: Fionn mac Cumhaill (pronounced “Finn MacCool”) is a legendary hero in Irish mythology, particularly in the Fenian Cycle. He is known for his wisdom, bravery, and leadership of the Fianna, a band of warriors who protected the High King of Ireland.
3. Sun
Origin: Chinese
Meaning: The Chinese surname Sun (孫) is the Mandarin form of the word meaning “grandson”.
Mythology: Sun Wukong, also known as the Monkey King, is one of the most famous characters in Chinese mythology and literature. He’s born from a magical stone and possesses extraordinary abilities, including immense strength, the power to transform into 72 different forms, and the ability to travel vast distances in a single leap.
2. Gilgamesh
Origin: Mesopotamian
Meaning: derived from the Sumerian words “bil.ga” (meaning “ancestor” or “offspring”) and “mesh” (meaning “hero” or “young man”).
Mythology: Gilgamesh is the central figure in the Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the oldest known literary works in human history, originating from ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). He is a historical and mythological king of Uruk, a city-state in Sumer, and is often described as two-thirds god and one-third human.
1. Lugh
Origin: Celtic, Irish
Meaning: derived from the Proto-Indo-European root “*leuk-” which means “light” or “brightness.”
Mythology: Lugh, often referred to as Lugh Lámhfhada (Lugh of the Long Arm), is a prominent deity in Irish mythology, particularly within the tales of the Tuatha Dé Danann. He is associated with many aspects, including kingship, craftsmanship, and warfare, and is often considered a sun god due to his association with light and brilliance.
Warrior Names Inspired By the Golden State Warriors
Do you live in the San Francisco Bay Area? Are you a die-hard fan of the Golden State Warriors? Are you looking to give your favorite franchise some good fortune as they seek a seventh NBA championship?
Don’t worry – you won’t be the first parent to name your child after a Warriors’ player.
If basketball plays a significant role in your life or your family’s life, naming your child after one of your favorite players can be a good way to honor that passion and create a lasting connection to the sport.
Here are some of the most popular examples of warrior names inspired by your Golden State Warriors.
10. Stephen
Origin: Greek
Meaning: derived from the Greek name “Stephanos” (Στέφανος), which means “crown” or “wreath.”
Who Is Stephen Cury? Stephen Curry was drafted by the Golden State Warriors with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft and has spent the first 15 years of his career with the team – helping them to four NBA championships during that span. He’s one of the greatest shooters in NBA history.
9. Klay
Origin: English
Meaning: A variant spelling of the name Clay, which is derived directly from the English word “clay,” referring to the natural material made of fine-grained minerals.
Who Is Klay Thompson? Klay Thompson was drafted by the Golden State Warriors with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft and spent the first 13 years of his career with the team. He and Stephen Curry are two of the greatest shooting teammates of all-time, evidenced by their ‘Splash Brothers’ moniker.
8. Draymond
Origin: English
Meaning: Draymond appears to be a modern invention, possibly a blend of names like “Dray” and “Raymond.”
Who Is Draymond Green? Draymond Green was drafted by the Golden State Warriors with the No. 35 overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. He has spent the first 12 years of his career with the team, has been a part of their past four championship runs, and is known as the vocal leader of the squad.
7. Wilt
Origin: German, Dutch
Meaning: derived from the Germanic name elements “wil,” meaning “will” or “desire,” and is often a short form of names like Wilton, which means “from the farm by the spring” or “from the well town.”
Who Is Wilt Chamberlain? Wilt Chamberlain was drafted by the Philadelphia Warriors with the No. 3 overall pick in the 1959 NBA Draft. He was with the team when they moved to San Francisco, but was eventually traded back to Philadelphia to be a member of the 76ers in 1964.
6. Barry
Origin: English, Irish
Meaning: In Irish, Barry means “spear” or “sharp,” derived from the Gaelic name Bairre or Barra. In English, Barry can mean “fair-haired” or “marksman,” though this is less common.
Who Is Rick Barry? Rick Barry was drafted by the San Francisco Warriors with the No. 4 overall pick in the 1965 NBA Draft. He spent two years with the team before spending several years in the ABA. He returned to the NBA in 1972 and spent the next six seasons with the Golden State Warriors.
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5. Paul
Origin: Latin
Meaning: The name Paul means “small” or “humble” and is derived from the Roman family name “Paulus” or “Paullus.”
Who Is Paul Arazin? Paul Arizin was drafted by the Philadelphia Warriors with the No. 3 overall pick in the 1950 NBA Draft. He spent his entire 10-year career with the team and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1978. He was a 10-time All-Star, two-time scoring champ, and led the Warriors to a championship in 1956.
4. Chris
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Chris is typically derived from the Greek name “Christos” (Χριστός), meaning “anointed” or “chosen one.”
Who Is Chris Mullin? Chris Mullin was drafted by the Golden State Warriors with the No. 7 overall pick in the 1985 NBA Draft. He spent most of his career with the team (all but three seasons) before being inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011. He was a five-time All-Star and four-time All-NBA player.
3. Andre
Origin: Greek
Meaning: derived from the Greek name “Andreas” (Ανδρέας), which comes from “aner” (άνδρας), meaning “man.”
Who Is Andre Iguodala? Andre Iguodala was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2004, but joined the Golden State Warriors in 2013. Two years later, he played a major role in the Warriors’ championship run and was even named Finals MVP as a result. All in all, he won four titles with the Warriors.
2. Nate
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: derived from the Hebrew name Nathan, which means “he gave” or “gift of God” (“Natan” in Hebrew)
Who Is Nate Thurmond? Nate Thurmond was drafted by the San Francisco Warriors with the No. 3 overall pick in 1963 and spent a majority of his career with the team. He was a 7-time All-Star and 5-time All-Defensive player who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1985.
1. Kevin
Origin: Irish
Meaning: derived from the Irish name “Caoimhín,” which comes from the Old Irish “Cóemgein.” “Cóem” means “kind” or “handsome,” and “gein” means “birth.”
Who Is Kevin Durant? Kevin Durant was drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics with the No. 2 overall pick in 2007, but joined the Golden State Warriors in 2016. He went on to help lead the Warriors win back-to-back championships in 2017 and 2018.
Are You Sold On Warrior Names Yet? We Are, Too!
Whether you’re expecting a baby boy or baby girl, warrior names carry a powerful legacy of courage and perseverance, making them an excellent choice for parents seeking to instill these virtues in their children.
From mythological heroes to some of the greatest basketball players of all-time, your options are endless.
And when your child grows up and asks you where their name came from and how you thought of it – if they haven’t asked yet, they will eventually – you can say you wanted them to be strong and resilient.
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No matter what name you decide to go with, we wish you all the best in this wonderful journey. May you find a name that perfectly captures the essence of your love and the hopes you hold for your kid’s future.