Bears are powerful and fascinating creatures, often seen as symbols of strength and courage in many cultures. They appear in stories and folklore across the world. Because of their importance, names that mean “bear” have special meanings in different languages. This makes them unique choices for people looking for a name that carries weight and character.
Today, we’ll look at various names meaning “bear” in multiple languages. From the classic “Bertrand” in French to the lovely “Arcturus” in Latin, these names offer a glimpse into how different cultures honor this magnificent animal. Whether you’re searching for a baby name or just curious, these names are sure to inspire!
Names That Mean Bear In Other Languages
1. Arcturus
Arcturus is a Latin name meaning ‘bear guardian.’ The name reflects the connection between the bear and the sky, as Arcturus is one of the brightest stars in the constellation Boötes, which is often associated with the Great Bear.
2. Bertrand
This classic French name means ‘bright raven’ or ‘bear.’ It combines strength with a sense of nobility and has been used throughout history in French literature.
3. Bjorn
Bjorn is a strong Scandinavian name that directly translates to ‘bear.’ It conveys courage and strength, making it a suitable choice for someone looking for a powerful name.
4. Orson
This name has roots in Latin, meaning ‘bear cub’ or ‘young bear.’ It’s a charming and unique choice that can be associated with playfulness and warmth.
5. Bosco
Of Italian origin, Bosco means ‘forest’ and is often linked to bears’ natural habitat. It represents strength and connection to nature.
6. Duffy
Duffy is an Irish name that means ‘dark or swarty,’ but it also can mean ‘little bear.’ It’s a cute and playful name perfect for a child.
7. Tamarack
This unique name is derived from the Algonquin word for ‘the tree where the bears eat.’ It reflects a spiritual connection to nature and bears.
8. Oso
Oso is a Spanish word meaning ‘bear.’ It’s simple yet powerful, often used as a term of endearment.
9. Arne
Arne is a Nordic name that translates to ‘eagle’ or ‘bear.’ It symbolizes strength and fearlessness with a distinctive sound.
10. Medved
Medved is a Russian word meaning ‘bear.’ It evokes the image of a formidable and majestic creature, making it a strong name choice.
11. Bär
This German name simply means ‘bear.’ It’s direct and bold, representing strength and tenacity.
12. Ulf
While it primarily means ‘wolf’ in Scandinavian languages, Ulf is also sometimes associated with the bear due to the significance of wild animals in Nordic mythology.
13. Koda
Koda is of Native American origin that means ‘bear.’ It is a heartwarming name with a warm sound, perfect for those who appreciate nature.
14. Toma
A name that translates to ‘bear’ in some Slavic languages, Toma embodies strength and courage.
15. Barin
Of Persian origin, Barin means ‘bear-like.’ It carries both elegance and fierceness.
16. Brown
While primarily a color name, in some contexts, it is associated with the brown bear, symbolizing Earth and strength.
17. Ciaran
Ciaran is an Irish name that means ‘little dark one.’ In natural symbolisms, it can signify a small bear, which can be a charming option.
18. Kumar
This Sanskrit name translates to ‘young bear’ and is often used by families who embrace strong heritage.
19. Tashi
Tashi is a Tibetan name that means ‘auspicious’ and is related to symbols of wisdom, including the bear as a guardian of knowledge.
20. Teddie
Teddie is a diminutive of Theodore but is often associated with teddy bears, evoking feelings of warmth, safety, and comfort.
21. Hrothgar
This ancient name originates from Old English and means ‘glory spear,’ while also symbolizing the power of a bear.
22. Kimo
Kimo is a Hawaiian name that translates to ‘the supplanter’ but has associations with bears in cultural stories.
23. Beorn
A name of Old English origin meaning ‘bear,’ Beorn symbolizes strength and bravery.
24. Zbigniew
This Polish name relates to ‘to eliminate anger’ and can also symbolize the calming and protective nature of a bear.
25. Misha
Misha is a Russian diminutive form of Mikhail, which means ‘bear.’ It is often vibrant and has an affectionate tone.
26. Kojo
This African name means ‘born on Monday,’ but in some cultures, it can also be associated with the bear due to local folklore.
27. Grizzly
Grizzly refers to the majestic grizzly bear, symbolizing courage, strength, and survival against the odds.
28. Beren
Beren is a name of Turkish origin that means ‘bear.’ It’s a gentle yet powerful name that represents determination.
29. Orsa
Orsa is an Italian feminine name meaning ‘bear’ and represents strength and elegance in a female form.
30. Soren
Helmed from Scandinavian roots, Soren means ‘stern’ and can metaphorically relate to the formidable bear’s characteristics.
31. Turi
This energetic name is Icelandic in origin and means ‘bear,’ invoking a strong connection to nature.
32. Berna
Derived from German, Berna literally means ‘bear’ and serves as a warm and cozy name choice.
33. Ailbhe
An Irish name meaning ‘white’ or ‘bright,’ in some interpretations, it can also refer to the brightness around a bear.
34. Ludo
This name, primarily of Latin origin meaning ‘to play,’ can conjure images of a playful bear in children’s stories.
35. Kenai
Of Native American origin, Kenai translates to ‘flat land,’ but symbolizes areas where bears might roam, making it fitting for nature lovers.
36. Bjornhilde
Combining ‘Bjorn’ and ‘hilde’, it means ‘bear’ and ‘battle,’ which portrays strength in both character and name.
37. Berenice
This name has Greek origins meaning ‘bear,’ offering a warm and unique option for girls.
38. Ber Metri
Of Middle Eastern origin, it combines meanings of both ‘bear’ and ‘strength’ for a serious name choice.
39. Loutre
A French name for ‘otter,’ is also sometimes associated with playful bears in folklore.
40. Odach
This name translates to ‘little bear’ in one Native American dialect, representing a gentle spirit.
41. Arlen
Meaning ‘pledge,’ it often symbolizes the loyalty aspect associated with bears.
42. Deklan
This modern name has origins in Gaelic, symbolizing strength, much like a bear’s tenacity.
43. Kavi
Kavi, meaning ‘wise,’ can also reference the wisdom often attributed to bears in various cultures.
44. Enoch
A biblical name meaning ‘dedicated,’ yet sometimes linked to bear symbols in stories of guardianship.
45. Puhinui
A name from Maori heritage meaning ‘little bear,’ symbolizing a connection to nature.
46. Anakron
This ancient name can symbolize ‘strong like a bear,’ merging strength and historical roots.
47. Tandara
Of Australian Aboriginal origin, Tandara means ‘a place of thunder,’ often where bears might still roam.
48. Ruarri
This name blends powerful roots from Gaelic dialects referring to bravery akin to a bear.
49. Benita
While it means ‘blessed,’ it metaphorically connects to the protective nature of a bear.
50. Baird
This Scottish surname means ‘bard’ but could evoke the storytelling aspect surrounding bears.
51. Nera
A name strictly linked to bears within some Italian dialects, Nera means ‘black,’ enhancing the imagery of a bear.
52. Kava
This name has South Pacific origins, signifying the strength of a bear while also embodying a sense of community.
53. Igor
Meaning ‘warrior,’ this name can indirectly infer strength akin to a bear’s protective nature.
54. Kapo
A Polynesian name linked to a bear’s protective spirit in fables, symbolizing strength.
55. Alister
This name from Gaelic origins represents ‘defender,’ akin to the protective traits of bears.
56. Rahu
A name from Sanskrit meanings ‘to inflict harm,’ metaphorically relates to the strength and ferocity of bears.
57. Matteus
Meaning ‘gift of God,’ Matteus can symbolize the rarity and loyalty akin to a bear.
58. Ara
This name evokes the sound of a bear growl and embodies deep roots in certain cultures.
59. Jarek
A Slavic name meaning ‘fierce,’ can also relate back to the strength typically associated with bears.
60. Alaric
Meaning ‘ruler of all,’ while indirectly connected with a bear’s might and dominance in their habitat.
61. Akakios
This Greek name translates to ‘immortal,’ which can metaphorically connect to bears’ enduring presence in myths.
62. Atticus
Often associated with ancient wisdom, it can metaphorically express a bear’s instinctual intelligence.
63. Davin
This Irish name meaning ‘young poet’ often connects back to the stories of majestic bears.
64. Cillian
This name means ‘war’ and is often related to the strength and courage shared by bears.
65. Ulric
A German name meaning ‘wolf power’ – it metaphorically connects to a bear’s fierce power in a fight.
66. Arshad
A name meaning ‘excellence,’ a quality also found in bears exhibiting dominant instincts.
67. Siegfried
This German legendary hero’s name translates to ‘victory peace,’ inherently strong like a bear.
68. Magnus
This name means ‘great’ in Latin and is sometimes associated with the greatness attributed to bears.
69. Harlan
This strong name means ‘army land,’ conjuring strong images of bears patrolling their territory.
70. Oren
A name meaning ‘pine tree’ in Hebrew, often representing growth in nature, like where bears dwell.
71. Aelred
This English name of Old English origin means ‘noble counsel,’ suggesting wise leadership reminiscent of a bear.
72. Tully
This name links back to ‘flooded land,’ which translates to the natural habitats of bears.
73. Rowan
A name associated with the Rowan tree, also known as the mountain ash, in folklore protects against bears.
74. Aiden
Gaelic for ‘little fire,’ can symbolically link back to the fierceness of a bear.
75. Tigran
This name means ‘tiger’ in Armenian but can metaphorically reference the bear’s strength in similar predatory contexts.
76. Barrett
Meaning ‘descendant of the bearer,’ indirectly connects to a bear’s legacy across generations.
77. Diesel
This modern name evokes strength and power, much like the bear’s robust reputation.
78. Cezar
While meaning ‘hairy,’ it can symbolize the texture of bear fur, imparting a naturally linked name.
79. Finnian
This name means ‘fair’ or ‘white,’ often connected to bear symbolism in specific tales.
80. Alton
This name means ‘old town,’ often referring geographically to places where bears might have dwelt.
81. Jorrin
In Welsh contexts, this unique name has meanings related to ‘bear,’ symbolizing protection.
82. Keshet
A Hebrew name meaning ‘rainbow’ which can metaphorically symbolize diversity in wildlife, including bears.
83. Hollis
Meaning ‘dweller at the holly trees’, where bears often are mentioned in folklore stories as enjoyers of berries.
84. Nash
This name also has interpretations linking back to places known for bear habitats.
85. Garrick
This name means ‘spear,’ while connecting to the fierce protectiveness associated with bears.
86. Koa
A Hawaiian name meaning ‘warrior’ can be related to the fierce protective nature of bears.
87. Theo
A name meaning ‘divine gift,’ hinting at the blessings of the natural world, including bears.
88. Jasper
This name, often associated with the semiprecious stone, carries strength similar to the solidness of a bear.
89. Epifana
This name means ‘manifestation’ and can reflect traits of humans who honor the bear spirit.
90. Leif
This name means ‘heir,’ symbolizing a lineage of strength connected to the bear.
91. Brecken
A name meaning ‘freckled’, however, can also symbolize warmth and comfort in the bear’s fur.
92. Bahram
This Persian name translates to ‘victorious,’ indirectly linking to the triumphs of the mighty bear.
93. Justus
The name means ‘just’ carries interpretations connected to the moral narratives involving bears.
94. Tane
A Maori name that can mean ‘Man,’ while in folklore links back to the bear’s essence as a protector.
95. Salinger
While primarily a surname, this name relates to storytelling traits of bears in literature.
96. Alva
This name means ‘white,’ conjuring images of polar bears thriving in their habitat.
97. Renegade
A modern name symbolic of rebellion and wildness, much like the untamed nature of bears.
98. Yarden
This Hebrew name means ‘to descend,’ often relating to nature where bears thrive.
99. Reidar
A name meaning ‘counsel warrior,’ reflecting the strength and poverty of the bear.
100. Justyn
This variant of Justin can symbolize fairness and liken traits of righteous bears.
101. Flint
This strong name refers to a sturdy stone, akin to the toughness of bears in nature.
102. Cato
Meaning ‘wise,’ this name can metaphorically connect to the wisdom linked with bear mythology.
103. Indira
A name meaning ‘splendid,’ often tied to the visions of elegant bears in popular stories.
104. Fenton
Meaning ‘marsh town,’ symbolizes landscapes where bears reside.
105. Breton
This name has French origin connected to ‘people of Brittany’ but reflects the nobility often depicted in bear lore.
106. Thorne
Linked to the protective aspects of cultures as it relates to where bears found safety.
107. Wakako
A name from Japan meaning ‘young child,’ often metaphorically linking to the playful bear cub.
108. Enver
A Turkish name meaning ‘bright’ that can symbolize the lively spirit of a bear.
109. Ingmar
Of Scandinavian origin, which means ‘famous through the eagles,’ but also reflects the symbiosis of earth’s creatures including bears.
110. Livia
While originally meaning ‘envious,’ relates to stories where a bear often is depicted in a more positive light.
111. Karine
A name derivating beauty; it can illustrate the gracefulness of a bear in nature.
112. Mahala
This Native American name meaning ‘tender,’ reflecting the gentle side of bears in mythology.
113. Nashira
This name means ‘bringer of good news’ connects the bear’s protective nature towards healing properties.
114. Thalia
A name meaning ‘to blossom,’ encourages bearing fruit in spirit but reflects bear cultures in stories.
115. Mistral
The name signifies a strong wind and reflects the strength associated with bears in nature.
116. Wilde
This name connects to a wild bear and symbolizes a strong, free spirit.
117. Conall
This Irish name means ‘strong wolf,’ while indirectly linking to wisdom and strength associated with bears.
118. Idris
This Welsh name means ‘ardent lord,’ and symbolizes the leadership qualities found in bears.
119. Laszlo
A unique name that symbolizes a ‘glorious ruler,’ akin to the power of bears in folklore.
120. Thalia
A Greek name meaning ‘to blossom’, relating to the protection bears provide over their young.
121. Rajani
Of Indian origin meaning ‘night,’ which can relate to the mysterious nature of bears.
122. Fenrir
A name derived from Viking mythology linked to wolves but indirectly relates to the spirit of the bear.
123. Khai
This name from Vietnamese origins means ‘victory,’ akin to the struggles bears face in their lives.
124. Barak
Meaning ‘lightning’ in Hebrew, can also symbolize the sudden strikes similar to bears in their environment.
125. Neven
This name means ‘marigold,’ symbolizing warmth growing in lush landscapes where bears reside.
126. Gideon
This name meaning ‘hewer,’ reflects the strength needed to navigate through life like a bear in its habitat.
127. Zamir
This name means ‘songbird’ in Hebrew and relates to the sounds from nature around the bear’s home.
128. Ignatius
Meaning ‘fiery,’ which symbolizes the strong spirit of a bear’s life force in the wild.
129. Honoré
This French name means ‘honored’, a reflection of the admiration cultures have for the mighty bear.
130. Danté
This Italian name means ‘enduring’, correlating with a bear’s strength and resilience.
131. Timon
This name comes from Greek meaning ‘honoring’, reflecting the bear’s powerful legacy in folklore.
132. Vaughn
This name means ‘small,’ but is often associated with the playfulness of young bears.
133. Lari
This name represents ‘the spirit of the earth,’ indirectly correlating to the nurturing side of bears.
134. Arundhati
This name of Indian origin symbolizes strength with roots linked back to bears as guardians.
135. Orin
This name means ‘light’ in Hebrew, reflecting warmth resonating from places bears inhabit.
136. Roald
This name means ‘famous ruler’ symbolizing the noble attributes known to bears.
137. Yara
Meaning ‘small butterfly’ in Arabic emphasizes a bear’s gentle side and playfulness in their youth.
138. Ashby
This name meaning ‘ash tree’ connects to the natural habitat where bears are often found roaming.
139. Tennyson
This surname can mean ‘son of Tenn,’ is tied back to the regal imagery commonly associated with bears.
140. Amal
This name means ‘hope’ in Arabic and reflects the symbolic nature of bears protecting the hope of their kin.
141. Hugo
A name meaning ‘intellect’ in German can correlate to the wisdom often found within folklore surrounding bears.
142. Anson
Meaning ‘son of the divine,’ this name can symbolize the beauty found in the bear’s caring nature towards family.
143. Thaine
This name means ‘landowner,’ which can be connected to the territory bears roam over.
144. Caspian
A strong name representing both reflections on water and land, where bears thrive in nature.
145. Briar
A name representing ‘thorny bush,’ where bears often forage, showcasing nature’s delicate balance.
146. Reinald
Of German origin meaning ‘wise ruler,’ correlates with the power and wisdom found in bears.
147. Ziven
This name meaning ‘vigorous’ indirectly relates to the liveliness seen in bear cubs.
148. Odhran
Of Irish origin meaning ‘little pale green,’ symbolizing nature around which bears live.
149. Jericho
A name that inspires strength and evokes stories where bears form powerful alliances.
150. Rumpel
This playful name is reminiscent of fair tales and can symbolize the whimsy associated with bears.
Final Thoughts
There are numerous names for bears across various cultures, each carrying its own unique charm and strength. From Arcturus to Bjorn, these names reflect the fierce spirit of the bear while also showcasing its gentle and nurturing side. Whether looking for a name that embodies power or one that exudes warmth, this collection offers plenty of inspiration.
Many of these names serve as beautiful reminders of the bear’s important role in nature and folklore. By choosing a name that means bear, you not only pay homage to these majestic creatures but also bless your child with the strength and courage they symbolize. Explore more names that mean bear here, or if you want to find names specifically for girls, check out our listing of names that mean bear girl here.
Whatever your final choice may be, remember that the beauty of a name lies not just in its sound, but in the meaning it carries and the stories that shape it.