Bears symbolize strength, protection, and raw power.
Throughout history, these majestic creatures have inspired countless names across cultures, carrying profound meanings that reflect their noble characteristics.
Strong and Noble Boy Names Meaning Bear
- Arthur (Celtic) – Derived from “arth” meaning bear, this legendary name belonged to the great King Arthur
- Bernard (Germanic) – Means “brave as a bear,” combining “bern” (bear) and “hard” (brave)
- Bjorn (Norse) – Directly translates to “bear,” worn by many Viking leaders
- Orson (Latin) – Meaning “bear cub,” carries a gentle yet strong connotation
- Barrett (German) – “Bear strength” or “bear hardy”
- Beorn (Anglo-Saxon) – Ancient form meaning “warrior bear”
- Torben (Danish) – Combines “Thor” and “bear,” meaning “Thor’s bear”
- Arkady (Greek) – “Of the bear”
- Karhu (Finnish) – Direct translation for “bear”
- Medved (Slavic) – Literally means “honey-eater” or “bear”
- Urso (Latin) – Simply means “bear”
- Otso (Finnish) – Poetic name for bear
- Berenger (Germanic) – “Bear spear” or “bear warrior”
- Xiong (Chinese) – Means “bear,” symbolizing strength
- Dov (Hebrew) – Means “bear,” representing protection
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Graceful Girl Names That Mean Bear
- Ursula (Latin) – “Little female bear”
- Bernadette (Germanic) – Feminine form of Bernard, “brave as a bear”
- Artemis (Greek) – Associated with the bear goddess
- Callisto (Greek) – Named after a nymph transformed into a bear
- Bernice (Greek) – “Bringer of victory,” associated with bear strength
- Orsa (Italian) – Feminine form of “bear”
- Berenice (Greek) – “Bearer of victory”
- Medvedka (Russian) – Feminine form of “bear”
- Artha (Celtic) – Feminine form of “bear”
- Berit (Scandinavian) – “Glorious bear woman”
- Bertha (Germanic) – “Bright bear”
- Karoline (Germanic) – Related to the bear meaning
- Ursuline (Latin) – “Little bear maiden”
- Orsina (Italian) – “Little female bear”
- Beara (Irish) – Named after the bear goddess
Discover names that represent protection like bears do with these guardian-inspired names
Gender-Neutral Names That Mean Bear
- Koda (Native American) – Means “bear friend,” popularized by Brother Bear
- Arlo (Anglo-Saxon) – “Bear hill” or “fortified hill”
- Nita (Native American) – “Bear” in Choctaw
- Kenzo (Japanese) – Contains elements meaning “strong bear”
- Blair (Scottish) – “Field of battle,” associated with bear strength
- Nanuq (Inuit) – “Polar bear”
- Beran (Turkish) – “Bearing strength”
- Orion (Greek) – Connected to the bear constellation
- Kaleb (Hebrew) – Associated with bear characteristics
- Karhu (Finnish) – Gender-neutral term for “bear”
- Mishka (Russian) – “Little bear,” used for any gender
- Berit (Scandinavian) – “Bear strength”
- Armel (Celtic) – “Bear prince/princess”
- Kumo (Japanese) – “Bear cloud”
- Akela (Hindi) – “Solitary bear”
Explore names that represent transformation like the changing seasons bears experience
Popular Contemporary Names That Mean Bear
- Theodore (Greek) – “Gift of God,” nickname “Teddy” refers to bear
- Arthur (Celtic) – Remains consistently popular
- Björn (Norse) – Common in Scandinavia
- Barrett (German) – Growing in popularity
- Bennett (Medieval) – “Blessed bear”
- Orson (Latin) – Gaining modern appeal
- Bernard (Germanic) – Classic bear name
- Ursula (Latin) – Timeless choice
- Bernadette (Germanic) – Enduring popularity
- Artur (Slavic) – International variant
- Boris (Slavic) – “Wolf-bear” or “fighter”
- Bertram (Germanic) – “Bright raven-bear”
- Albert (Germanic) – “Noble bear”
- Robert (Germanic) – Contains bear elements
- Osborn (Anglo-Saxon) – “God bear” or “divine bear”
Find names that represent strength like the mighty bear with these names meaning warrior
Vibrant Modern Names That Mean Bear
- Arcturus (Greek) – “Bear guardian”
- Berwyn (Welsh) – “Blessed bear”
- Thorbjorn (Norse) – “Thor’s bear”
- Kallisto (Greek) – Modern spelling of Callisto
- Orsino (Italian) – “Little bear”
- Berenike (Greek) – Modern variant of Berenice
- Arktos (Greek) – “Bear star”
- Berilo (Spanish) – “Bear-like”
- Ursel (German) – Modern take on Ursula
- Bearce (English) – Contemporary surname as first name
- Artio (Celtic) – Named after bear goddess
- Nanuk (Inuit) – Modern spelling of bear spirit
- Berani (Indonesian) – “Brave as a bear”
- Orsa (Nordic) – Contemporary bear name
- Medvedev (Russian) – Modern family name meaning bear
Discover names that embody mystery like the elusive bear
Unique Names That Mean Bear
- Arthfael (Welsh) – “Bear prince,” combining nobility and strength
- Beowulf (Anglo-Saxon) – “Bear wolf,” legendary hero name
- Torbjörn (Norse) – “Thor’s bear,” blending divine and animal strength
- Artagan (Celtic) – “Bear warrior” with unique sound
- Beresford (English) – “Bear’s ford” location name
- Ursinus (Latin) – “Bear-like” with scholarly tone
- Medvedia (Slavic) – “Bear territory”
- Berengaria (Germanic) – “Bear spear protector”
- Arkadina (Russian) – Feminine form of “bear region”
- Berengar (Germanic) – “Bear spear”
- Ursulina (Latin) – Elaborate form of “little bear”
- Bearsmith (English) – Occupational bear name
- Arthurette (French) – Feminine diminutive of Arthur
- Bernward (Germanic) – “Bear guardian”
- Arktikos (Greek) – “Of the bear”
Explore names representing strength like bears with these names meaning guardian
Beautiful Names That Mean Bear
- Bernadine (Germanic) – “Brave bear,” elegant form
- Artemia (Greek) – “Bear goddess,” graceful sound
- Berenicia (Greek) – “Victory bearer,” melodic
- Ursuline (Latin) – “Little bear,” refined
- Bernetta (Germanic) – “Strong as a bear,” feminine
- Artio (Celtic) – Bear goddess name with lyrical quality
- Berengaria (Medieval) – Royal bear name
- Callista (Greek) – Bear constellation name
- Berenika (Polish) – “Bearer of victory”
- Arthemise (French) – Elegant bear variation
- Bernece (Germanic) – “Strong bear,” graceful
- Urseline (French) – Sophisticated bear name
- Bernia (Irish) – “Strong as a bear”
- Artura (Latin) – Feminine form of Arthur
- Berangaria (Spanish) – “Bear spear queen”
Find names that represent mystery like the enigmatic bear
Top Contemporary Names That Mean Bear
- Theodore (Greek) – Currently trending
- Orion (Greek) – Popular celestial bear name
- Bennett (Latin) – Modern favorite
- Arthur (Celtic) – Classic choice
- Barrett (German) – Rising in popularity
- Bernadette (Germanic) – Timeless appeal
- Ursula (Latin) – Enduring classic
- Bjorn (Norse) – International favorite
- Artur (Slavic) – Modern variation
- Bernard (Germanic) – Traditional choice
- Boris (Slavic) – Contemporary option
- Berit (Scandinavian) – Modern Nordic choice
- Torben (Danish) – Rising popularity
- Bertha (Germanic) – Classic revival
- Osborn (English) – Modern interpretation
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Traditional Names That Mean Bear
- Bernhard (Germanic) – Ancient form meaning “brave bear”
- Artair (Scottish) – Traditional form of Arthur
- Ursatius (Latin) – Classical bear name
- Beornred (Anglo-Saxon) – “Bear counsel”
- Artgal (Celtic) – “Bear valor”
- Bernold (Germanic) – “Bear power”
- Ursicinus (Latin) – Traditional Roman bear name
- Beornmund (Old English) – “Bear protection”
- Arturus (Latin) – Classical form of Arthur
- Bernulf (Germanic) – “Bear wolf”
- Urso (Mediterranean) – Ancient bear name
- Beornwulf (Anglo-Saxon) – “Bear wolf”
- Arthfael (Welsh) – Traditional “bear prince”
- Berchtwald (Germanic) – “Bright bear ruler”
- Artavasdos (Armenian) – Ancient bear warrior
Explore names that represent strength like the traditional bear symbol
Mythological Names That Mean Bear
- Artemis (Greek) – Goddess associated with bears
- Callisto (Greek) – Nymph transformed into the Great Bear
- Artio (Celtic) – Bear goddess of wilderness
- Ursa (Roman) – The celestial bear
- Arktos (Greek) – Bear deity
- Thor-Bjorn (Norse) – “Thor’s bear”
- Artaios (Gaelic) – Bear god
- Medved (Slavic) – Mythical bear spirit
- Bearskin (Germanic) – Folkloric hero
- Atalanta (Greek) – Huntress raised by bears
- Arcturus (Greek) – “Bear guardian” star
- Berserker (Norse) – “Bear shirt” warrior
- Ursula (Christian) – Saint and bear name
- Arkadios (Greek) – Of the bear land
- Kallik (Inuit) – Mythical bear spirit
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Literature-Inspired Names That Mean Bear
- Beorn (The Hobbit) – Shape-shifting bear-man
- Iorek (His Dark Materials) – Armored bear king
- Mormont (Game of Thrones) – Bear island rulers
- Paddington (Paddington Bear) – Famous literary bear
- Rupert (Rupert Bear) – Classic bear character
- Ursus (Quo Vadis) – Strong bear character
- Wojtek (War Bear) – Real bear soldier
- Baloo (The Jungle Book) – Wise bear mentor
- Ursula (The Little Mermaid) – Sea witch with bear name
- Berenger (Medieval literature) – Bear warrior
- Arktos (Ancient texts) – Bear constellation
- Beowulf (Anglo-Saxon) – Bear-wolf hero
- Artus (Arthurian) – Latin form of Arthur
- Brother Bear (Native tales) – Spirit bear
- Urson (Folk tales) – Bear prince
Find names inspired by magical transformations like literary bears
Adorable Names That Mean Bear
- Cubby (English) – “Little bear cub”
- Teddy (English) – Beloved bear nickname
- Mishka (Russian) – “Little bear,” sweet diminutive
- Bearie (English) – Cute bear variation
- Osito (Spanish) – “Little bear cub”
- Nalle (Swedish) – Endearing term for bear
- Pooh (Literary) – Famous gentle bear
- Kumaneko (Japanese) – “Bear cat”
- Winnie (Literary) – From Winnie-the-Pooh
- Bärchen (German) – “Little bear”
- Medvedik (Russian) – “Teddy bear”
- Karhu-pieni (Finnish) – “Little bear”
- Xiong-Xiong (Chinese) – Affectionate bear term
- Orsetto (Italian) – “Little bear”
- Kumako (Japanese) – “Bear child”
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Japanese Names That Mean Bear
- Kumako (熊子) – “Bear child”
- Kumataro (熊太郎) – “First-born bear son”
- Kumiko (久美子) – “Forever beautiful bear”
- Harukuma (春熊) – “Spring bear”
- Kumahiko (熊彦) – “Bear prince”
- Kumami (熊美) – “Beautiful bear”
- Kumazō (熊蔵) – “Bear keeper”
- Kumako (熊子) – “Bear daughter”
- Kumaji (熊次) – “Next bear”
- Kumaharu (熊春) – “Bear spring”
- Kumamichi (熊道) – “Bear path”
- Kumae (熊江) – “Bear blessing”
- Kumataka (熊鷹) – “Bear hawk”
- Kumako (久麻子) – “Long-lasting bear child”
- Kumaki (熊木) – “Bear tree”
Discover mystical names like these Japanese bear names
Names That Mean Bear in Different Languages
Celtic and Germanic Origins
- Arthun (Celtic) – “Bear hero”
- Bernhard (Germanic) – “Brave bear”
- Björn (Norse) – “Bear”
- Berwald (Germanic) – “Bear power”
- Artair (Scottish) – “Bear man”
Latin and Greek Origins
- Ursus (Latin) – “Bear”
- Arktos (Greek) – “Bear”
- Ursula (Latin) – “Little bear”
- Arcturus (Greek) – “Bear guardian”
- Orsino (Italian) – “Little bear”
Slavic Origins
- Medved (Russian) – “Honey-knower” (bear)
- Niedźwiedź (Polish) – “Bear”
- Medo (Croatian) – “Bear”
- Mishka (Russian) – “Little bear”
- Medvednik (Serbian) – “Bear keeper”
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More Names That Mean Bear Across Languages
Asian Languages
- Xiong (Chinese 熊) – “Bear”
- Kuma (Japanese 熊) – “Bear”
- Gom (Korean 곰) – “Bear”
- Bhalu (Hindi भालू) – “Bear”
- Karadi (Tamil கரடி) – “Bear”
Native American Languages
- Mahkwa (Algonquin) – “Black bear”
- Yona (Cherokee) – “Bear”
- Honiahaka (Cheyenne) – “Little bear”
- Nita (Choctaw) – “Bear”
- Mato (Lakota) – “Bear”
Nordic Languages
- Bjørn (Norwegian) – “Bear”
- Karhu (Finnish) – “Bear”
- Björn (Swedish) – “Bear”
- Bersi (Old Norse) – “Bear cub”
- Otso (Finnish) – “Spirit of the bear”
Explore names representing natural power like these bear names
Special Categories of Bear Names
Forest Guardian Bears
- Sylvester – “Forest guardian bear”
- Waldbert – “Bright forest bear”
- Bearwald – “Bear of the woods”
- Silvanus – “Forest bear spirit”
- Lesnik – “Woodland bear”
Celestial Bear Names
- Ursa – “Bear constellation”
- Arcturus – “Bear keeper star”
- Polaris – “Bear star guide”
- Astra – “Star bear”
- Callisto – “Most beautiful bear”
Warrior Bear Names
- Beowulf – “Bear warrior”
- Orson – “Bear fighter”
- Arthfael – “Bear prince warrior”
- Berserker – “Bear warrior spirit”
- Thorbjorn – “Thor’s bear warrior”
Royal Bear Names
- Arthur – “Bear king”
- Berengaria – “Bear queen”
- Arturus – “Noble bear”
- Bernard – “Bold bear ruler”
- Orson – “Bear prince”
Spirit Bear Names
- Nanuk – “Polar bear spirit”
- Artio – “Bear goddess”
- Otso – “Bear spirit”
- Arktos – “Bear guardian spirit”
- Medved – “Honey bear spirit”
Mountain Bear Names
- Bergbär – “Mountain bear”
- Arlo – “Bear hill”
- Ursperg – “Bear mountain”
- Barrett – “Bear strength of the heights”
- Torbjörn – “Thor’s mountain bear”
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Final Thoughts
Choosing a name that means “bear” connects a child to one of nature’s most powerful and respected creatures.
These names carry rich cultural heritage, spanning continents and centuries.
They embody strength, protection, and wisdom – qualities that bears have symbolized throughout human history.
Bear-meaning names range from the overtly ursine to subtle references, offering options for those seeking either bold statements or understated connections to these magnificent creatures.
Whether drawing from ancient mythology, literature, or nature itself, these names carry profound significance while maintaining their contemporary appeal.
The diversity of bear names across cultures shows how universally respected these animals are, from the Norse Bjorn to the Japanese Kumako. Each name tells a story of human admiration for bears’ power, intelligence, and maternal instincts.
When choosing such a name, consider both its meaning and its practical use in today’s world.
Many of these names blend seamlessly into modern naming trends while carrying their deep symbolic weight with quiet dignity.