Introduction
Hello, brave parents-to-be! Are you on the hunt for a name that shall give your little lass the strength of Amazons and the courage of lionesses? Well, you are in for a treat! My name is Emily, mom of three warrior princesses and a total name nerd. I scoured mythology books, binge-watched historical documentaries, and yes, even consulted my kids’ superhero comics to bring you this epic list of over 100 warrior girl names.
So grab your favorite snack-maybe some dragon fruit?-get comfy, and let’s dive into this treasure trove of fierce names that’ll get your daughter ready to conquer the world-or at least the playground!
Greek Goddess Power
The ancient Greeks had a few really powerful ladies. Behold:
Athena
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Goddess of wisdom and war
Variations: Athene, Athina
Details: In Greek mythology, Athena was the name given to the goddess of wisdom, war, and crafts. Her strategic skill was celebrated, and she was often depicted with an owl, a symbol of wisdom.
Artemis
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Goddess of hunt and moon
Variations: Artemisia, Artemia
Details: In Greek mythology, Artemis was a skilled archer and the patroness of young women. Artemis was often associated with the wilderness and was a very autonomous and strong goddess.
Nike
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Victory
Variations: Nike, Nyke
Details: Nike was the Greek goddess of victory. Just don’t expect your little Nike to wear only one brand of sneakers!
Andromena
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Ruler of men
Variations: Andromeda
Details: Though Andromeda in myth was a princess, the name itself means the ruler.
Hippolyta
Origin: Greek Meaning: Horse releaser
Variations: Hippolyte, Hipolita
Details: Hippolyta was the queen of the Amazons in Greek mythology. She was robust and authoritative.
Penthesilea
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Compelling all men to mourn
Variations: Penthesilia
Details: Another Amazonian queen, Penthesilea fought in the Trojan War.
Alala
Origin: Greek
Meaning: War-cry
Variations: Alala, Alale
Details: In Greek mythology, Alala was the female personification of the war cry.
Enyo
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Warlike
Variations: Enyo, Enyó
Details: Enyo was the goddess of war and functioned as a companion to the war god Ares.
Roman Empire Fierceness
Not to be outdone by them Greeks, the Romans have some pretty fierce names too:
Bellona
Origin: Roman
Meaning: Goddess of war Variants: Bellone, Bellonia
Information: In Roman mythology, Bellona was the goddess of war and is generally depicted bearing a helmet, and carrying a sword and shield.
Minerva
Origin: Roman
Meaning: Goddess of wisdom and strategy in war Variants: Minnie
Information: In Roman mythology, the goddess Minerva was parallel with Athena, who was the well-known Greek goddess famous for her strategic thinking and protection.
Victoria
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Victory Variants: Vittoria, Tori
Information: While not strictly a warrior herself, Victoria carries on the triumphant spirit of a conqueror.
Camilla
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Young ceremonial attendant Variants: Kamilla, Camila
Information: In Roman mythology, Camilla was a warrior maiden raised by her father to be fleet of foot and skilled in battle.
Valeria
Origin: Latin
Meaning: To be strong Variations: Valerie, Val
Details: This name literally means strength – perfect for your little warrior!
Juno
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Queen of the heavens
Variations: Junona
Details: While not specifically a war goddess, Juno was a powerful protector deity.
Virtus
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Valor, manliness
Variations: Virtue
Details: Virtus was the deity of bravery and military strength.
Celtic Warrior Queens
Just a few seriously powerful ladies that the Celts had include these:
Boudica
Origin: Celtic
Meaning: Victory
Variations: Boadicea, Boudicca
Details: Boudica was a British Celtic Iceni family queen who led an uprising against the Roman Empire’s occupying forces.
Aoife
Origin: Irish
Meaning: Beautiful, radiant, joyful
Variations: Eva, Ava
Details: In Irish mythology, Aoife was a warrior princess known for her beauty and also her fierceness in battle.
Maeve
Origin: Irish
Meaning: She who intoxicates
Variations: Meabh, Meadhbh
Details: In Irish legend, Maeve was a warrior queen who was strong and determined.
Brigid
Origin: Irish
Meaning: Strength or exalted one
Variations: Bridget, Brighid
Details: Brigid was a Celtic goddess associated with poetry, healing, and smithcraft-a true triple threat!
Morrighan
Origin: Irish
Meaning: Phantom queen
Variations: Morrigan, Morgan
Details: The Morrighan was a fearsome Celtic goddess of war and fate.
Scathach
Origin: Irish
Meaning: Shadowy
Variations: Sgathaich, Scáthach
Details: Scathach was a legendary Scottish warrior woman who trained heroes.
Nemain
Origin: Irish
Meaning: Frenzy, fury
Variations: Neamhan
Details: Nemain was a war goddess associated with the frenzied havoc of war.
Badb
Origin: Irish
Meaning: Crow
Variations: Badhbh
Details: One of the war goddesses that took crow forms over battlefields.
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Norse Legend Vibes
The Vikings weren’t all about the big burly men with huge beards. They had some pretty fierce ladies too:
Freya
Origin: Norse
Meaning: Lady; goddess associated with love, beauty, as well as war
Variations: Freyja, Freja
Details: Freya in Norse mythology was a strong goddess who rode a chariot pulled by cats. She was associated both with love and with war-a true reflection of how multi-dimensional she was.
Sif
Origin: Norse
Meaning: Bride
Variations: Siv
Details: Sif was a goddess of earth and fertility, but she was also Thor’s wife and a fierce warrior in her own right.
Brynhild
Origin: Norse
Meaning: Armor, battle
Variations: Brunhilde, Brünnhilde
Details: Brynhild was a shieldmaiden and Valkyrie in Norse mythology – strong and wise.
Sigrun
Origin: Norse
Meaning: Victory in secret
Variations: Sigrún
Details: In Norse mythology, Sigrun was a Valkyrie as well as a shieldmaiden.
Herja
Origin: Norse
Meaning: Devastation
Variations: Heria
Details: Herja was one of the Valkyries who decided who would die in battle
Eir
Origin: Norse
Meaning: Help, mercy
Variations: Eyr
Details: Though largely a goddess of healing, Eir was among the Valkyries.
Hildr
Origin: Norse
Meaning: Battle
Variations: Hild
Details: In Norse mythology, the name Hildr literally means “battle.” The Hildr was one of the Valkyries.
Eastern Warriors
Not to forget some of the coolest warrior ladies from the East:
Mulan
Origin: Chinese
Meaning: Magnolia
Variations: Hua Mulan
Details: Mulan is a legendary figure in Chinese folklore who posed as a man to replace her father in the army, and she became a skilled warrior.
Tomoe
Origin: Japanese
Meaning: Blessing, friend
Variations: Tomoe Gozen
Details: Tomoe Gozen was a semi-legendary female samurai warrior who fought with valor and strength in the Genpei War.
Hua
Origin: Chinese
Meaning: Flower, splendid
Variations: Hualing
Details: Although not strictly a warrior name, Hua was part of Mulan’s name and shares some connotations with her bravery.
Khutulun
Origin: Mongolian
Meaning: Moonlight
Variations: None common
Details: Khutulun was a Mongolian princess and wrestler, who swore she would only marry anyone who could beat her in wrestling.
Triệu Thị Trinh
Origin: Vietnamese
Meaning: N/A (personal name)
Variations: Lady Triệu
Details: Triệu Thị Trinh was a 3rd-century warrior who led an uprising against the Chinese rule of Vietnam.
Gin
Origin: Japanese
Meaning: Silver
Variantion: Gin Fujiko
Details: Gin describes the female legendary ninja by the name of Gin Fujiko.
Nü
Origin: Chinese
Meaning: Woman
Variations: Nu Wa
Details: Though not strictly a warrior, Nü Wa is a powerful creator goddess in Chinese mythologies.
Jingu
Origin: Japanese
Meaning: N/A (personal name)
Variantion: Empress Jingu
Details: The legendary empress of Japan was acclaimed to have led her invasion of Korea pretty well.
African Queen Energy
Africa has a very strong history of powerful women. Browse through these names:
Amina
Origin: Arabic/Hausa
Meaning: Trustworthy, faithful
Variations: Aminah, Ameena
Details: Amina was the 16th-century queen of Zazzau, better known today as Zaria in Nigeria. She was a fearless leader into battle and extended her kingdom’s borders.
Nzinga
Origin: Kimbundu Angolan
Meaning: N/A personal name
Variations: Njinga, Nzinga Mbande
Information: Nzinga was a 17th-century queen of the Ndongo and Matamba Kingdoms who fought against Portuguese colonialism.
Yaa Asantewaa
Origin: Akan
Meaning: Female born on Thursday
Variation: Yaa
Details: Yaa Asantewaa was a queen mother of the Ashanti Empire who led a war against British colonialism.
Kandake
Origin: Nubian
Meaning: Queen or Queen Mother
Variants: Candace
Information: Title given to queens and queen mothers of this Ancient African Kingdom of Kush because they were known as a warrior state.
Amanirenas
Origin: Nubian
Meaning: not available – personal name
Variants: None common
Information: Amanirenas – a queen in the 1st century BC who led her army against the Romans.
Nehanda
Origin: Shona
Meaning: N/A-just a personal name
Variants: Mbuya Nehanda
Information: Nehanda was a spiritual leader who led the Shona people in revolt against British colonialism in Zimbabwe.
Taytu
Origin: Amharic
Meaning: N/A-just a personal name
Variants: Taytu Betul
Information: Taytu Betul was an Ethiopian empress who resisted Italian colonization.
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Native American Warriors
And now, let us pay homage to some of the savage women from Indigenous American cultures:
Lozen
Origin: Apache
Meaning: N/A (given name)
Variations: None common
Details: Lozen was a famous Apache warrior woman with respect to her military and strategic abilities.
Nanye-hi
Origin: Cherokee
Meaning: Going about
Variations: Nancy Ward
Details: Nanye-hi was a Beloved Woman of the Cherokee, very much admired for her political and also her diplomatic leadership.
Tacumwah
Origin: Miami
Meaning: N/A (personal name)
Variations: None common
Details: Strong female chief among the Miamis during the eighteenth century.
Dahteste
Origin: Chiricahua Apache
Meaning: N/A (personal name)
Variations: None common
Details: Dahteste was one of several Apache women who fought with Geronimo.
Winyan Ohitika
Origin: Lakota
Meaning: Strong woman
Variations: None common
Details: While not a name specific to one person, the meaning and very notion of a strong woman/warrior is so quintessential to the culture of the Lakota.
Modern Warrior Vibes
If you’re looking for something a bit more modern, here are some names with warrior-esque meanings that could be more your cup of tea:
Brianna
Origin: Irish
Meaning: Strong, virtuous, and honorable
Variations: Briana, Breanna
Information: Although this is not a name of a true historical warrior, the name does connote strength and honor, which is fitting for a warrior.
Gabriella
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God is my strength
Variations: Gabrielle, Gabby
Details: This name evokes a sense of divine strength, so therefore befitting of a small warrior led through a higher power.
Audrey
Origin: English
Meaning: Of noble strength
Variants: Audra, Audi
More information: Audrey is a perfect combination of nobility and strength, for the modern-day warrior princess.
Matilda
Origin: German
Meaning: Strength in battle
Variants: Tilda, Tillie
More information: Matilda sounds sweet but her name meaning packs a punch!
Bernadette
Origin: German
Meaning: Brave as a bear
Variants: Bernie, Berna
More information: What’s more warrior-like than being as brave as a bear?
Andrea
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Manly, brave
Variations: Andi, Drea
Details: Don’t let the “manly” meaning fool you – this name is perfect for a brave little girl!
Mildred
Origin: English
Meaning: Gentle strength
Variations: Millie, Milly
Details: Mildred combines gentleness with strength – a powerful combination.
Kendra
Origin: English
Meaning: Royal power, mighty
Variations: Kendrah, Kendra
Details: Kendra combines royal authority with strength – a true warrior queen name.
Alessandra
Origin: Italian
Meaning: Defender of mankind
Variations: Alexandra, Sandra
Details: Pretty name with a strong protective warrior meaning.
Philomena
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Friend of strength
Variations: Filomena, Phyllis
Details: Philomena has a dainty sound but an intense meaning.
Names That Quite Literally Mean Warrior or Fighter
These names get to the point:
Louisa
Origin: German
Meaning: Famous warrior
Variations: Louise, Luisa
Details: Elegant classic name with a fierce meaning.
Harley
Origin: English
Meaning: Army commander
Variations: Harleigh, Harlee
Information: Not for bikers only!
Marcella
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Young warrior
Variations: Marcie, Cella
Details: A pretty name with a kick.
Zelda
Origin: German
Meaning: Gray fighting maid
Variations: Zelda, Zelida
Details: Not for gamers alone!
Millicent
Origin: German
Meaning: Strength in work
Variations: Millie, Missy
Details: The strength and industriousness ooze from this name.
Lenna
Origin: Arabic
Meaning: Lion’s strength
Variants: Lena, Lina
Details: This is great for a little girl who’s got the heart of a lion.
Kendall
Origin: English
Meaning: Valley of River Kent; wolf’s valley
Variants: Kendi, Ken
Details: While not literally meaning warrior, the association with wolves, which are considered strong and fearsome, makes this a good choice.
Drew
Origin: Welsh
Meaning: Brave
Variants: Dru, Drewi
Details: This is short and sweet, with a nice, brave meaning.
Evelyn
Origin: English
Meaning: Wished for child; brave little bird
Variations: Eve, Evie, Lynn
Details: Evelyn combines the ideas of being cherished and being brave – perfect for your little warrior!
Kerri
Origin: Irish
Meaning: Little dark one; little warrior
Variations: Kerry, Kerrie
Details: Don’t let the “little” fool you – this name packs a warrior punch!
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Warrior Names from Literature and Pop Culture
Sometimes fiction gives us the best warrior inspiration:
Katniss
Origin: Fiction (The Hunger Games)
Meaning: From a plant name
Variations: Kat
Details: Katniss Everdeen is the fiery protagonist of The Hunger Games series.
Arya
Origin: Sanskrit/Fiction (Game of Thrones)
Meaning: Noble; in Sanskrit, but only associated with the warrior character from Game of Thrones.
Variations: Aria
Details: Arya Stark is known for her fierce determination and fighting skills.
Xena
Origin: Greek-inspired fiction
Meaning: Welcoming (though popularized as a warrior name)
Variations: Zena
Details: Made famous by the TV show “Xena: Warrior Princess.”
Éowyn
Origin: Fiction (Lord of the Rings)
Meaning: Horse joy (in Tolkien’s invented language)
Variations: Eowyn
Details: Éowyn is a shieldmaiden who slays the Witch-king in Lord of the Rings.
Furiosa
Origin: Fiction (Mad Max)
Meaning: Furious (Latin)
Variants: None common
Information: The fierce warrior woman from Mad Max: Fury Road.
Hermione
Origin: Greek/Fiction (Harry Potter)
Meaning: Messenger, earthly
Variants: Hermy
Information: While not technically a warrior, Hermione Granger is incredibly brave and resourceful.
Merida
Origin: Fiction (Brave)
Meaning: Made-up name, but related to “merry”
Variants: None common
Information: The princess who wields a bow from the Disney movie Brave.
Leia
Origin: Hebrew/Fiction (Star Wars)
Meaning: Weary
Variations: Leiah
Details: Princess Leia is one of the leading personas of the Rebel Alliance in Star Wars.
Ripley
Origin: English/Fiction (Alien)
Meaning: Strip of clearing in the woods
Variations: Rip
Details: Ellen Ripley is the no-nonsense protagonist of the Alien series.
Buffy
Origin: English/Fiction (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
Meaning: God is my oath
Variations: Buff
Details: Buffy Summers is the vampire-slaying hero of her eponymous TV show.
Historic Warrior Women
Let’s take a look at just some of the many real-life warrior women from history:
Joan
Origin: English
Meaning: God is gracious
Variations: Jeanne, Joanna
Details: After Joan of Arc, French warrior saint.
Harriet
Origin: English
Meaning: Estate ruler
Variations: Hattie, Etty
Details: After Harriet Tubman, Underground Railroad conductor.
Boudicca
Origin: Celtic
Meaning: Victory
Variations: Boadicea, Buddug
Details: Celtic queen of the major uprising against Roman forces.
Lakshmi
Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Sign, mark
Variants: Laxmi
Information: Named after Lakshmi Bai, the Rani of Jhansi, one of the leaders of the Indian rebellions against British rule.
Zenobia
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Life of Zeus
Variants: Zenovia
Information: Named after the 3rd century queen of Palmyra who rebelled against the Roman Empire.
Trưng
Origin: Vietnamese
Meaning: N/A (personal name)
Variations: None common
Details: Trưng sisters led an uprising against Chinese occupation in Vietnam.
Cynane
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Little dog
Variations: Kinane
Details: Half-sister of Alexander the Great and a talented military leader.
Warrior Names from Around the World
Now, let’s widen our scope around the world with these fierce names:
Adira
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: strong, noble
Variations: Adira, Adeira
Details: A beautiful name which carries in itself much strength and nobility.
Kasia
Origin: Polish
Meaning: pure
Variations: Katarzyna, Kassia
Details: While meaning “pure,” Kasia is related to strength in Polish culture.
Zaria
Origin: Arabic/Russian
Meaning: blooming flower (Arabic) – sunrise (Russian)
Variations: Zarya, Zara
Details: A name related to new beginnings and strength.
Chiyo
Origin: Japanese
Meaning: A thousand generations
Variations: None common
Details: A name to suggest endurance and legacy.
Ida
Origin: German
Meaning: To work or labor
Variations: Ide, Ida
Details: A simple name with a big dose of work ethic behind it.
Sakari
Origin: Finnish
Meaning: Sweet
Variations: Sakke
Details: Don’t let the meaning fool you – in Finland, the name’s associated with strength!
Zendaya
Origin: Shona
Meaning: To give thanks
Variants: None common
Information: While not a literal name of a warrior, per se, it speaks volumes about the power of being thankful.
Ragna
Origin: Norse
Meaning: Counsel, judgement
Variants: Ragne, Ragnhild
Information: A name which stands for wisdom and decision-making, relevant among any type of warriors.
Kuno
Origin: Japanese
Meaning: Nine capabilities
Variants: None common
Information: A name pertaining to nine strengths and skills.
Talia
Origin: Hebrew/Arabic
Meaning: Dew from heaven (Hebrew), palm tree (Arabic)
Variations: Thalia, Talieh
Details: Attached to divine blessing and strength.
Devī
Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Goddess
Variations: Deva, Devin
Details: A name which asks for divine feminine power.
Kiara
Origin: Irish/Italian
Meaning: Little dark one-Irish, clear-Italian
Variations: Ciara, Chiara
Details: A name that would connote mystery and clarity, a good warrior then.
Ziva
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Radiance, brilliance
Variants: Zivah
Details: A name that says a warrior is one who shines bright.
Althea
Origin: Greek
Meaning: With healing power
Variants: Thea, Althee
Details: A warrior isn’t all about fighting-healing is a strength too!
Bridget
Origin: Irish
Meaning: Strength
Variants: Brigid, Brighid
Details: After the Celtic goddess of fire, poetry, and wisdom.
Kenna
Origin: Scottish
Meaning: Born of fire
Variations: Kenda, Kenny
Details: A fiery name for a fierce little warrior.
Valda
Origin: German
Meaning: Rule
Variations: Walda
Details: A name fit for a warrior who is meant to rule.
Makenna
Origin: Irish
Meaning: Happy one; born of fire
Variations: McKenna, Makena
Details: Putting joy with fiery strength is just the perfect combo a true warrior will ever have!
Final Thoughts
Wow! We have reached the end of our odyssey for the name of a warrior girl. From ancient goddesses to modern-day heroes, we have crossed an entire world with tough and great names that sound fabulous for your littlest fighter.
Keep in mind, whatever the name, she will be a fantastic daughter. These are just the whipped cream and cherry on top of this warrior sundae you’re making. They are the things you see each day that remind you that girl is strong, brave, and fierce.
So, Athena, the classic; Boudica, the historical powerhouse; Katniss, the modern-day warrior-what have you-your little girl will pull it off. That girl has a warrior for a name and parents who actually believe in her strength, and that itself is a killer combo if I have ever seen one.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go break up a “warrior training session”-aka a pillow fight-between my own little Freya, Zaria, and Adira. May the odds be ever in your favor, and happy naming!
P.S. If you end up using any of these names-especially you super-originals out there-please come back and let me know. I’ll be over here, living vicariously through you and your bold naming choice while I pretend I’m not too scared to use “Boudicca” as a middle name for baby.
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