Baby Names That Mean Bear

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40 names
Updated April 2026
#1 Pick
Arthur
Rising Fast
Arden
Hidden Gem
Artio
Classic Pick
Ursula
Editor's Pick

Arthur (AR-thur)

Of Welsh origin, Arthur is believed to mean "bear-like" or "noble strength," associated with the legendary King Arthur.

Top 10 Baby Names That Mean Bear Names

#NameSay itMeaningTag
1ArthurAR-thurOf Welsh origin, Arthur is believed to mean "bear-like" or "noble strength," ass... Ranked #87 in the US (SSA 2025). Trend: rising.Trending
2UrsulaER-suh-luhA Latin name meaning "little bear," Ursula is a classic choice with a gentle yet... Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #474 in 1967.Rare
3BjornB-YORNBjorn is a Scandinavian name meaning "bear," a popular choice in Nordic countrie... Ranked #829 in the US (SSA 2025). Trend: falling.Rare
4OrsonOR-sonAn English name derived from the French "Ours," meaning "bear cub," Orson evokes... Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #1400 in 2023.Rare
5ArdenAR-denWhile primarily known as a place name, Arden has roots connected to the Latin wo... Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #942 in 2024.Rare
6ArtioAR-tee-ohArtio is a Celtic bear goddess, representing abundance and protection, making it...Rare
7BernardBER-nardOf German origin, Bernard means "brave as a bear," a strong and traditional name... Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #46 in 1924.Rare
8BerniceBer-NEESBernice is a Greek name that is related to the name Berenice, which is thought t... Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #39 in 1921.Rare
9BerryBER-eeAlthough commonly associated with the fruit, Berry can also be seen as a diminut... Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #747 in 1963.Rare
10MedvedMED-vyedMedved is a Slavic name meaning simply "bear", often used in Slavic folklore and...Rare
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Arthur
AR-thur
Of Welsh origin, Arthur is believed to mean "bear-like" or "noble strength," associated with the legendary King Arthur. Ranked #87 in the US (SSA 2025). Trend: rising.
Trending
Ursula
ER-suh-luh
A Latin name meaning "little bear," Ursula is a classic choice with a gentle yet strong connotation, often associated with Saint Ursula. Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #474 in 1967.
Rare
Bjorn
B-YORN
Bjorn is a Scandinavian name meaning "bear," a popular choice in Nordic countries symbolizing strength and bravery, often linked to Viking warriors. Ranked #829 in the US (SSA 2025). Trend: falling.
Rare
Orson
OR-son
An English name derived from the French "Ours," meaning "bear cub," Orson evokes a sense of youthful strength and potential. Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #1400 in 2023.
Rare
Arden
AR-den
While primarily known as a place name, Arden has roots connected to the Latin word for "great forest," indirectly linking to the bear's natural habitat and wilderness. Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #942 in 2024.
Rare
Artio
AR-tee-oh
Artio is a Celtic bear goddess, representing abundance and protection, making it a unique and powerful name choice.
Rare
Bernard
BER-nard
Of German origin, Bernard means "brave as a bear," a strong and traditional name symbolizing courage and resilience. Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #46 in 1924.
Rare
Bernice
Ber-NEES
Bernice is a Greek name that is related to the name Berenice, which is thought to mean "victory bringer", but has similar roots to the name Bernard, which means "brave as a bear". Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #39 in 1921.
Rare
Berry
BER-ee
Although commonly associated with the fruit, Berry can also be seen as a diminutive of names like Bernard, carrying the "bear" meaning in a subtle way. Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #747 in 1963.
Rare
Medved
MED-vyed
Medved is a Slavic name meaning simply "bear", often used in Slavic folklore and mythology.
Rare
Nalle
NAH-leh
Nalle is a Finnish name, that translates directly to "teddy bear", perfect for a child that is loved.
Rare
Auberon
AW-ber-on
Auberon is a name of German origin and shares the same roots as Alberich, an elf ruler in German mythology; its roots are "alb" (elf) and "ric" (power, bear). Outside US top 1000 in 2022; peak #9814 in 2021.
Rare
Alberich
AL-beh-rik
Alberich is a German name composed of the elements "alb" (elf) and "ric" (power, bear), often associated with a powerful and magical figure in Germanic legends.
Rare
Berenice
Beh-reh-NEE-see
Berenice shares the same roots as the name Bernard, which means "brave as a bear", and is a Greek name that means "victory bringer". Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #656 in 1995.
Rare
Bradford
BRAD-ford
Bradford is an English place name, but it's components are "brad" meaning broad and "ford" meaning bear. Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #240 in 1953.
Rare
Barend
BAH-rent
Barend is a Dutch form of Bernard, meaning "brave as a bear".
Rare
Artaios
Ar-TAY-os
Artaios is a Celtic bear god, often associated with hunting and the wilderness.
Rare
Bersabe
Ber-SAH-beh
Bersabe is a Spanish form of Bathsheba, but it is believed to have roots linked to the name Bernard, which means "brave as a bear".
Rare
Berardo
Beh-RAR-do
Berardo is an Italian version of Bernard, meaning "brave as a bear".
Rare
Barnaby
BAR-nuh-bee
Barnaby is an Aramaic name that means "son of consolation", it is believed to have roots linked to the name Bernard, which means "brave as a bear". Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #2204 in 1974.
Rare
Osborn
OZ-born
Osborn is an English name with the elements "os" (god) and "bjorn" (bear), it is a divine name. Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #1684 in 1923.
Rare
Orsa
OR-sah
Orsa is a Spanish name that means "female bear".
Rare
Urs
UERS
Urs is a Swiss name meaning "bear".
Rare
Uri
OO-ree
Uri is a Hebrew name, but it is believed to have roots linked to the name Bernard, which means "brave as a bear". Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #2340 in 2023.
Rare
Warwick
WOR-ick
Warwick is an English place name, but it's components are "war" meaning wary and "wick" meaning bear. Outside US top 1000 in 2021; peak #10676 in 2016.
Rare
Andrus
AN-drus
Andrus is an Estonian name that means "bear man". Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #7530 in 2011.
Rare
Bearchild
BEERCH-ild
Bearchild is an English surname, that has evolved to be used as a forename, and it refers to a child or descendant of someone with a bear-like characteristic.
Rare
Bearach
BEER-ack
Bearach is an Irish name that means "pointed, sharp", but it is thought to have the same roots as bear.
Rare
Ber
BER
Ber is a Swedish name that means "bear". Outside US top 1000 in 2018; peak #8242 in 1990.
Rare
Bera
BEH-rah
Bera is a Swedish name that means "bear". Outside US top 1000 in 1957; peak #2021 in 1914.
Rare
Berna
BER-nah
Berna is a German name that means "bear". Outside US top 1000 in 1991; peak #1053 in 1929.
Rare
Beren
BEH-ren
Beren is a Turkish name that means "strong, intelligent". Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #3188 in 2025.
Rare
Bearnard
BEER-nard
Bearnard is an English name that means "brave as a bear".
Rare
Bairre
BAH-reh
Bairre is an Irish name that means "fair-haired".
Rare
Beartlaidh
BEER-tlay
Beartlaidh is a Scottish name that means "bright mind".
Rare
Behr
BEER
Behr is a German name that means "bear". Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #4028 in 2021.
Rare
Urso
UHR-so
Urso is an Italian name that means "bear".
Rare
Ursel
UHR-sel
Ursel is a German name that means "little bear". Outside US top 1000 in 1957; peak #4229 in 1915.
Rare
Barendina
Bah-ren-DEE-nah
Barendina is a Dutch name that means "brave as a bear".
Rare
Barke
BAR-keh
Barke is a Latvian name that means "brave as a bear".
Rare

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

ArthurAR-thur
UrsulaER-suh-luh
BjornB-YORN
OrsonOR-son
ArdenAR-den
ArtioAR-tee-oh
BernardBER-nard
BerniceBer-NEES

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Sibling & Middle Names

Arthur & Ursula
Classic names with strong "bear" associations.
Bjorn & Arden
One strong, one nature-inspired, both modern.
Orson & Bernice
Vintage charm with bear-related meanings.
Medved & Berry
Unique and slightly whimsical, connected to nature.
Arthur & James
Classic and strong.
Ursula & Maeve
Elegant with a touch of mystery.
Bjorn & Alexander
Powerful and regal.
Arden & Grey
Modern and sophisticated.

How to Choose: 5 Tips

Say it out loud — Test how the name sounds with your last name and as a full name.
Check the initials — Make sure the initials don't spell anything awkward.
Think about nicknames — Consider what the name shortens to naturally.
Cultural fit — Reflect on the name's origin and how it fits your family background.
Future-proof it — Imagine the name on a resume, not just a baby onesie.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose a baby name that means bear?
Choosing a name that means bear can symbolize strength, courage, and protection for your child. Bears are often seen as powerful and nurturing creatures, making these names a great option for parents seeking a meaningful and impactful name. Consider the cultural origin of the name as well.
Are names that mean bear more suitable for boys or girls?
While some names that mean bear, like Arthur and Bjorn, are traditionally masculine, others like Ursula and Artio are feminine. Some names like Arden and Berry are becoming increasingly popular as gender-neutral options. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal preference and the specific name's sound and origin.
What are some unique names that mean bear?
If you're looking for something less common, consider names like Artio (Celtic bear goddess), Medved (Slavic for bear), or Alberich (Germanic elf ruler with "bear" element). These names offer a distinctive and memorable option while still carrying the powerful symbolism of the bear. Research the history of the name as well.
How do I pronounce names from different cultures that mean bear?
Pronunciation can vary significantly depending on the language of origin. It's always best to research the correct pronunciation online or consult with someone who speaks the language fluently. Many online dictionaries and name websites offer audio pronunciations to help you learn.
What are some similar categories to "names that mean bear"?
If you like names that mean bear, you might also be interested in names that mean strength, courage, or other animals. Consider exploring names inspired by nature, mythology, or warrior cultures. These categories often share similar qualities of power, resilience, and connection to the natural world.

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