Boy names that mean strong
Strength is the most-searched name meaning for boys — and it shows up in every language, from Hebrew eitan to Japanese ken. These names all carry a genuine "strong" etymology, not a flattering stretch.
- EthanEE-thənHebrew
Firm, enduring, strong. From eitan; a wisdom figure in the Psalms.
- GabrielGAY-bree-əlHebrew
God is my strength. The archangel and messenger.
- Ezekielih-ZEE-kee-əlHebrew
God strengthens. The exile prophet; nickname Zeke.
- BoazBOH-azHebrew
In him is strength. Ruth's husband in the Old Testament.
- OzOZHebrew
Strength. Two letters, no ambiguity.
- AndrewAN-drooGreek
Manly, brave, strong. From andreios.
- ValentineVAL-ən-tynLatin
Strong, healthy. From valens — the saint came later.
- BrianBRY-ənIrish
High, noble — traditionally glossed 'strong'. Brian Boru, High King of Ireland.
- FergusFUR-gəsIrish
Man of strength and vigour. From fear (man) + gus (vigour).
- AngusANG-gəsScottish
One strength; one choice. From Aonghas.
- Bernardbər-NARDGerman
Strong, brave bear. From bern (bear) + hard (hardy).
- ArnoldAR-nəldGerman
Eagle power. From arn (eagle) + wald (power).
- EverettEV-ər-itEnglish
Brave, strong boar. The English form of German Eberhard.
- BarrettBAIR-itGerman
Bear strength (one derivation); a polished surname name.
- GarrettGAIR-itEnglish
Spear strength. A medieval form of Gerard.
- MaynardMAY-nərdGerman
Brave strength. From magin (strength) + hard (hardy).
- Azizah-ZEEZArabic
Powerful, beloved. One of the 99 names of God in Islam.
- Amirah-MEERArabic
Prince, commander — strength as authority.
- KenzoKEN-zohJapanese
Strong and healthy (with the kanji 健三). Designer Kenzo Takada's name.
- Takeotah-KEH-ohJapanese
Warrior hero; strong man, with kanji 武雄.
- KwanKWAHNKorean
Strong, powerful.
- JedrekYED-rekPolish
Strong man. A Polish form related to Andrew.
- Valeriovah-LEH-ree-ohItalian
To be strong. The Italian heir of Latin Valerius.
- MagnusMAG-nəsLatin
Great. Strength as stature — a royal name across Scandinavia.
Three flavours of "strong"
Physical strength — Bernard, Everett, and Barrett come from Germanic animal-strength compounds (bear, boar). Strength from God — Gabriel, Ezekiel, and Boaz put the power outside the person, which many religious families prefer. Strength as endurance — Ethan and Valentine mean firm and healthy rather than mighty, a quieter kind of strong.
If none of these lands, the neighbouring meanings are one click away: brave, warrior, protector, and fearless.