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Bears are majestic yet adorable creatures. Their strength, courage, and bravery in difficult situations have inspired many folk tales. They are also considered the epitome of strength and are revered in some cultures. So why not take inspiration from bear names for your baby?
Bear is itself a catchy and adorable name. There has been quite a demand for bear-themed names in recent times. Here we present some names meaning bear in different languages, including a list of names representing the traits of a bear that we have gathered after searching through multiple trusted websites, online forums and baby name databases.
Read through to explore some stylish and unique names for your boy or girl that means bear.
Baby Girl Names That Mean Bear
You may want to nickname your little princess bear. But bear-themed names are also ideal to be used as first names.
1. Arcturus
The name Arcturus is derived from the Greek term Arktouros, which means “guardian of the bear” and refers to the fourth brightest star in the sky, part of the constellation Boötes.
2. Artis
This Scottish origin name means bear. It is probably derived from the name Arthur, whose two Celtic elements artos and wiros can be translated into English as “bear” and “king.”
3. Arthurette
Being the feminine version of the Celtic name Arthur, meaning “bear,” Arthurette has a medieval touch to it. It is also the name of a Canadian farming community.
4. Arthurina
With a pleasing sound, Arthurina is the feminine form of Arthur.
5. Arthurine
Arthurine is the alternative form of the Celtic name Arthurette.
6. Armelle
This sweet name is the feminine form of Armel, which is, in turn, derived from the Old Welsh name Arthmail, meaning “bear-chief.”
7. Arzhela
The name Arzhela would put together means “bear princess.”
8. Atiqtalik
This unique name of Inuit origin means “polar bear’s mother” and captures the love of this ice bear.
9. Auberon
The name Auberon, or Oberaon with a classic touch, is a German-inspired English name and means “royal bear.”
10. Avonaco
Of Native American origin, this neutral name means “lean bear.”
11. Benate
An alternative form of the name Bernadette, the name Benate is a courageous and empowering name as it means “brave as a bear.”
12. Bera
This modern and the feminine version of the Scandinavian name Bjorn means “bear” in Old Norse.
13. Berangere
Berangere is the French version of the name Berangaria, whose two elements bern and ger can be translated into English as “bear” and “spear.”
14. Berdine
Inspired by the French name Bernadine, Berdine means “brave as a bear.”
15. Berengari
The pet version of the Spanish name Berengaria means “bears spear”.
16. Bernadette
The empowering French and German origin name is the female version of Bernard, which means “brave as a bear.”
17. Bernarda
It is the Slovene, Croatian, and Spanish feminine form of the name Bernard.
18. Bernadine
It is another form of the name Bernadette that has its origins in German. It means “brave as a bear.”
19. Bernardita
Meaning “brave as a bear,” this name is the feminine form of the name Bernard.
20. Berengaria
Inspired by the name of the famous medieval queen, the Latin name Berengaria means “bear spear.”
21. Berne
This English origin name, inspired by Bernadette, means “bold as a bear.”
22. Calissa
Calissa is the alternate form of Calista. In Greek mythology, Calista is a nymph who was set among the constellations by Zeus under the title of the She-Bear (1).
23. Calysta
With origins in Greek, Calysta is a mythological Arcadian who was converted into a “she-bear,” therefore, the name refers to the same.
24. Cinnamon
It is inspired by the Cinnamon bears native to America and Canada. These mighty omnivorous bears are known for their ability to climb, run, and swim (2).
25. Cub
This adorable name refers to the “bear cubs.”
26. Eden
The name Eden, meaning “blessed bear” or “joy,” has an Old English origin.
Here is why blogger and Pastor Joey Asher Tan chose the name Eden for his daughter. He writes “As for our children, we’ve already shortlisted a number of English and Chinese names. The plan was to pick one that described the pregnancy journey. We’ve decided in the second trimester that our firstborn would be named “Eden”, because like her name suggests, she has brought us and others around us so much joy and delight (i).”
27. Eferhilda
Eferhikda, with its unique sound, is an English origin name and means “bear.”
28. Garcia
It is the most common Spanish and Portuguese last name meaning “bear.”
29. Koala
The name of the Australian marsupial is as unique as the bear itself.
30. Koda
The neutral name of Latin American origin means “little bear.”
31. Mishka
The adorable and stylish name means “little bear” and is a perfect choice for your daughter.
32. Nadetta
The German origin name means “courage as a bear.”
33. Ohto
A variant of the Finnish name Otso, Ohto refers to a “bear.”
34. Orsa
This name is the Italian form of the name Ursula and has gained popularity recently. It means a “little she-bear.”
35. Orsina
The name can be used to highlight all the good characteristics of a bear, as it means “bear-like.” It is the feminine form of the Italian name Orsino.
36. Orsola
It is the Italian version of the name Ursula, a name that was popularized by Disney’s animation film The Little Mermaid. It means “little bear.”
37. Orsolya
The unique name is the Hungarian form of Ursula which means “little female bear.”
38. Osha
Derived from Old English, the name Osha means “bear.”
Trivia39. Panda
The name Panda originates from the Nepalese word nigalya ponya, meaning “eater of bamboo” and refers to the cuddly “black and white bear.” It is a popular name for females.
40. Turi
Turi, although popular as a masculine name, is sometimes used for females too. This name of Finnish origin refers to a “bear.””
41. Ursa
This name is the diminutive form of the Latin name Ursula, meaning “she-bear.”
42. Ursula
It is another form of the name Ursula that was popularized as the character Phoebe Buffay’s twin sister in the popular NBC sitcom Friends.
43. Ursel
This name is the German version of Ursula and means “female bear.”
44. Ursella
It is a form of the name Ursula with a different spelling.
45. Ursina
This comforting name is a variant of Ursula.
46. Ursula
Popularized by the Shakespearean plays “Two Gentlemen of Verona” and “Much Ado About Nothing,” the name Ursula means little bear and is of Latin origin. It is also associated with Saint Ursula, a princess who dedicated her life to Christ (3).
47. Uschii
It is another version of Ursa that is of German origin and refers to a “little female bear.”
48. Winnie
This name, inspired by the famous cartoon Winnie the Pooh, is also the diminutive form of Winifred, the Welsh name, which means blessed.
49. Yrse
The Nordic name Yrse means “she-bear” and is of Swedish origin.
Baby Boy Names That Mean Bear
Apart from the usual bear-themed boy names such as Winnie or Teddy, our list also includes many more.
50. Adalbern
With origins in German, this angelic name is composed of the words adal and bern meaning “noble bear.”
51. Alfbern
The name Alfbern is one of the Old German names. It means “elf bear.”
52. Ardghal
With origins in both Gaelic and Irish, the name of courage means “bear-like valor.”
53. Arkadios
Derived from the Greek word arktos, the poetic name Arkadios means “bear.”
54. Armel
The modern form of the name Arthmel is of French and Breton origins. It means “bear prince.”
55. Art
It can be used as the diminutive form of the Celtic name Arthur, which means “bear.”
56. Arthur
Apart from meaning “bear” in Celtic, this name of recent popularity is also associated with King Arthur.
57. Artie
The name Artie is the diminutive form of Arthur, which means “bear.”
58. Arturo
This common European name meaning “bear” has Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian origins.
59. Asbjorn
This uncommon European name is of Old Norse origin and forms the name Osborn. It means “divine bear” or “godly bear.”
60. Auberone
It is of the English form Oberon, a name from the famous Shakespearean play “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Auberone means “royal bear.”
61. Baer
The name bear with a different touch has its origin in German. It refers to “fierceness” or “strength.”
62. Barney
Although a popular name of a TV dinosaur, the name Barney in Old English means “strong like a bear.”
63. Barrett
With its origin in German, Barrett is one of the most powerful baby boy names. It means “bear strength.”
64. Ben
The pet form of Bernard is of Old German and French origins. It is the most common Western name.
65. Benno
Inspired by the saint of anglers and weavers, the German origin name means “bear.”
66. Ber
It is the Yiddish form of the name Dov and the Hebrew version of “bear.”
67. Berard
It is another form of the most popular bear name Bernard, a name of Old French and German origins.
68. Berengar
It is the name of the famous Italian emperor. Berengar is of German origin and means “bear spear.”
69. Bern
The German origin name is the diminutive form of “Bernard,” which means “brave as a bear.”
70. Bernard
The French and German name means “brave as a bear.” Saint Bernard of the Burgundian abbot was a well-known leader.
71. Bernhardt
The motivational name means “strong as a bear” and has German, Dutch, and Scandinavian origins.
72. Bear
The word itself is perfect. This name has gained popularity recently with many celebrities such as Jamie Oliver and Alicia Silverstone naming their children Bear.
73. Berold
Capturing the strength and power of a bear, Berold of English origin means “bears rule.”
74. Bjarni
The common Icelandic and Scandinavian name means “bear.” A famous bearer of this name was Bjarni Herjólfsson, a Norwegian merchant who discovered America when he was blown off course on his way to Greenland in 986 (4).
75. Bjorn
The famous Scandinavian name meaning “bear” has gained popularity due to its association with Björn Borg, the tennis legend who has won 11 major tennis titles.
76. Biffo
This name is inspired by the popular Britain comic strip “Biffo, the bear.” Created by the cartoonist Dudley D. Watkins, this famous character was later replaced with Dennis the Menace in 1974.
77. Bobo
Bobo bear, aka Boo-Boo bear, was a companion of the main character in The Yogi Bear Show. From then, this name is commonly used to refer to a “brown bear.”
78. Bruin
The Old English word is inspired by Dutch, implicating “brown” and “bear.”
79. Byme
It was once a famous surname. Byme has Irish origins and refers to a “brown colored bear.”
80. Dov
It is an uncommon name taken from Hebrew and means “bear.”
81. Espen
It is a Scandinavian name that means “God bear.”
82. Fyrsil
Adding a touch of the Welsh and Celtic styles to the bear-themed names, Fyrsil means “bear-man.”
83. Garcea
It is the masculine form of the Spanish and Portuguese name. Garcia means “bear.”
84. Gerben
Constructed from the German words ger and bern, Gerban means “spear bear.”
85. Hallbjorn
Bring the Ancient European feel into the life of your baby, as the name Hallbjorn of the Old Scandinavian origin and it means “rock-bear.”
86. Humbert
The name Humbert was popular during the idle ages and has started to gain attention recently. In German, Dutch, and French origins, it means “splendid bear.”
87. Kuruk
The unique Native American name honors nature and simply refers to a “bear.”
88. Math
In Celtic mythology, Math means “bear.”
89. Nanuq
Also spelled as Nanook, Nanuq, in Old American origin, refers to the ice masters “polar bears.”
90. Oberon
Inspired by the famous Shakespearean play ”A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” the name Oberon means “noble bear.”
91. Orsino
This Italian form of the name Orson means “bear-like.”
92. Orson
This retro Latin origin name means “bear cub.”
93. Orsu
The name Orsu is used for “bear” in Corsican.
94. Osborn
The English name Osborn, also spelled as Osbourne, means “divine bear” and has Old Norse origins.
Trivia95. Teddy
Teddy is the diminutive form of Theodore. Inspired by the famous US President Theodore Roosevelt, Teddy paved the path to the soft toy Teddy Bears.
96. Torben
The name Torben is yet to gain popularity in the West, as it makes an unusual choice for your little one. It is a name of Danish and German origin and means “thunder bear.”
97. Tuur
Being the diminutive form of the name Arthur, the name Tuur means “bear” in Dutch origin.
98. Urso
Inspired by both Latin and Italian, the name Urso is an alternative form of Orson.
99. Vernados
The provocative and empowering German and Greek origin name means “bears courage.”
100. Yogi Bear
If your child loves the famous cartoon character “Yogi Bear,” then this name could be the ideal nickname for him.
Discover More Names
When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.
Illustration: Cool And Cute Baby Names That Mean Bear
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some bear names inspired by mythology?
Some baby names inspired by mythology are Artemis, Callisto, Thor, Mielikki, Bjorn, Humbert, and Oberon.
2. What are some traditional names for bears?
Some traditional names inspired by bears are Bruin, Armel, Arthur, Torben, Oberon, Artis, Calista, Kodiak, Paddington, and Smokey.
3. What are some bear names inspired by nature?
Some bear names inspired by nature are Aspen, Cedar, Clover, Fern, Glen, Dale, Alder, Linden, Ash, Laurel, Poppy, and Misty.
4. What are some Native American bear names?
Some Native American bear names are Kuruk, Makwa, Honan, Hanaw, Nokosi, Miwak, Enyeto, Mato, and Liwano.
5. What cultural references can be found in bear names?
Bear names often draw inspiration from popular culture, literature, and folklore. For example, names like Winnie from Winnie the Pooh and Paddington from Paddington Bear not only capture the essence of bears but also bring to mind cherished memories and stories. These associations make these names endearing options for many parents.
Animal-inspired baby names are meaningful and special. In particular, bears are symbolic of beauty and power, making them a great choice for a baby name. Also, giving bear names to your baby will allow you to easily create a nickname out of the abbreviated form, making it an easier task. For your baby girl, you may pick names such as Adira, Artis, Arthurine, Bera, Bernadine, Calissa, Eden, Cub, Orsa Turi, Ursula, and Winnie while for your baby boy, you can choose from Armel, Arthur, Baer, Ben, Bernard, Bobo, Kuruk, and Urso. All the given names have different origins, including Roman, Italian, Dutch, French, and English.
Infographic: Adorable Baby Names That Mean Bear
Babies are cuddly and soft, often giving you the feeling of cute baby bears. Giving your baby a name inspired by the bear will capture the softness, warmth, bravery, and strong qualities of a bear. Given below are some cute names that have meanings associated with bears.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Key Pointers
- Bear names represent admirable qualities such as strength, courage, and wisdom.
- Bear names come from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, including Hebrew, Celtic, German, and Native American origins.
- Many bear names can be easily shortened or modified to create cute, endearing nicknames.
- Some bear names are inspired by mythology, making them even more meaningful.
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. Hello Edenhttps://joeyasher.com/hello-eden/
References
- Dictionary
https://www2.classics.upenn.edu/myth/php/tools/dictionary.php?regexp=CALLISTO.&method=standard - Cinnamon Bear
https://seaworld.org/animals/facts/mammals/cinnamon-bear/ - Saint Ursula
https://ursulines-roman-union.org/en/saint-ursula - Bjarni Herjólfsson (1)
https://myndir.uvic.ca/BjnHrJlfSn01.html
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