251+ Best Baby Names That Mean Bear for Boys & Girls

Choosing a name for your child is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make. If you’re looking for 251+ best baby names that mean bear for kids that embody strength, courage, and affection, names that mean “bear” can be a wonderful choice.

These names often symbolize the qualities of a bear fierce yet protective, nurturing yet powerful. Below is a curated list of names that mean bear, along with their meanings and origins.

Origins of Names That Mean Bear

The symbolism associated with bears often reflects strength, bravery, and protection, making these names popular for parents seeking meaningful names for their children.

Names that mean “bear” have various origins, including Celtic, Germanic, Scandinavian, and Native American. Below, you will find different categories of names that mean “bear,” each showcasing unique and beautiful options.

Celtic Names That Mean Bear

• Brenna
  Meaning: Descendant of Braonán, meaning “sorrow” but often associated with bear-like strength
  Origin: Irish
• Bea
  Meaning: Bear
  Origin: Latin
• Brianna
  Meaning: Strong, noble, virtuous, often associated with bears
  Origin: Irish
• Kira
  Meaning: Bear
  Origin: Gaelic
• Aran
  Meaning: Bear
  Origin: Gaelic
• Bairre
  Meaning: Small, fierce bear
  Origin: Irish
• Brannagh
  Meaning: Raven, but also associated with the strength of a bear
  Origin: Gaelic
• Tadhg
  Meaning: Poet, also associated with “bear”
  Origin: Irish
• Ailbhe
  Meaning: White, bear
  Origin: Irish
• Dara
  Meaning: Oak tree, associated with the strength of a bear
  Origin: Irish
• Cahira
  Meaning: Bear
  Origin: Irish
• Emrys
  Meaning: Immortal, associated with bear strength
  Origin: Welsh
• Gwen
  Meaning: Fair, blessed, often associated with bears
  Origin: Welsh
• Fionn
  Meaning: Fair-haired, often associated with bear strength
  Origin: Irish
• Keelin
  Meaning: Slender, but associated with bear strength
  Origin: Irish
• Aislinn
  Meaning: Dream, but often symbolizes a bear’s protective nature
  Origin: Irish
• Ronan
  Meaning: Little seal, but symbolizes bear-like strength
  Origin: Irish
• Cairbre
  Meaning: Charioteer, associated with bear strength
  Origin: Irish
• Lugh
  Meaning: Light, associated with strength like a bear
  Origin: Irish
• Saoirse
  Meaning: Freedom, but represents the bear’s wild spirit
  Origin: Irish

Scandinavian Names That Mean Bear

• Bjorn
  Meaning: Bear
  Origin: Swedish, Old Norse
• Bjørn
  Meaning: Bear
  Origin: Norwegian
• Bjornhilde
  Meaning: Bear warrior
  Origin: Scandinavian
• Brynhild
  Meaning: Armored bear
  Origin: Norse
• Karla
  Meaning: Free woman, often associated with bear strength
  Origin: Scandinavian
• Hrolf
  Meaning: Famous wolf, but also embodies bear-like strength
  Origin: Scandinavian
• Hilda
  Meaning: Battle maiden, associated with bear strength
  Origin: Scandinavian
• Thora
  Meaning: Thunder goddess, symbolizing strength like a bear
  Origin: Scandinavian
• Sigbjorn
  Meaning: Victory bear
  Origin: Scandinavian
• Sigrun
  Meaning: Victory rune, associated with bear-like strength
  Origin: Scandinavian
• Bjørgulv
  Meaning: Bear wolf
  Origin: Norwegian
• Beren
  Meaning: Bear
  Origin: Scandinavian
• Berenike
  Meaning: Victory bringer, associated with bears
  Origin: Scandinavian
• Haldor
  Meaning: Rock, strong as a bear
  Origin: Norse
• Ingolf
  Meaning: He who survives, symbolizing bear strength
  Origin: Scandinavian
• Einar
  Meaning: Alone warrior, associated with bear strength
  Origin: Norse
• Svend
  Meaning: Young man, often symbolizes a bear’s youth
  Origin: Danish
• Arvid
  Meaning: The Eagle tree, symbolizes strength like a bear.
  Origin: Swedish
• Erling
  Meaning: Heir, associated with bear strength
  Origin: Scandinavian
• Torbjorn
  Meaning: Thor’s bear
  Origin: Scandinavian

Native American Names That Mean Bear

• Mato
  Meaning: Bear
  Origin: Sioux
• Nanuk
  Meaning: Polar bear
  Origin: Inuit
• Makwa
  Meaning: Bear
  Origin: Ojibwe
• Koda
  Meaning: Bear
  Origin: Native American
• Tsali
  Meaning: Bear
  Origin: Cherokee
• Atsadi
  Meaning: Fish, but also represents bear strength
  Origin: Cherokee
• Bear
  Meaning: Bear
  Origin: English (direct)
• Kumara
  Meaning: Bear cub
  Origin: Native American
• Tayanita
  Meaning: Young beaver, associated with bear strength
  Origin: Cherokee
• Hiawatha
  Meaning: He makes rivers, often associated with bear strength
  Origin: Native American
• Sikya
  Meaning: A type of bear
  Origin: Native American
• Waya
  Meaning: Wolf, but often represents bear strength
  Origin: Cherokee
• Kele
  Meaning: Sparrow, associated with a bear’s nurturing nature
  Origin: Native American
• Eluwilussit
  Meaning: He who gets food, symbolizes bear strength
  Origin: Native American
• Oconee
  Meaning: A bear
  Origin: Native American
• Akikta
  Meaning: Works with determination, symbolizes bear strength
  Origin: Lakota
• Miskito
  Meaning: Bear
  Origin: Native American
• Tayen
  Meaning: A bear spirit
  Origin: Native American
• Waki
  Meaning: Bear
  Origin: Native American
• Nashoba
  Meaning: Wolf, associated with the spirit of a bear
  Origin: Choctaw

Germanic Names That Mean Bear

• Bernhard
  Meaning: Brave as a bear
  Origin: German
• Berta
  Meaning: Bright, glorious, often associated with bear strength
  Origin: German
• Beatrix
  Meaning: She who brings happiness, associated with a bear’s nurturing nature
  Origin: Latin/German
• Bernd
  Meaning: Brave as a bear
  Origin: German
• Beren
  Meaning: Bear
  Origin: German
• Bertha
  Meaning: Bright, shining, often associated with bear strength
  Origin: German
• Bruno
  Meaning: Brown bear
  Origin: German
• Hildegard
  Meaning: Battle enclosure, associated with bear strength
  Origin: German
• Albrecht
  Meaning: Noble and bright, often associated with bear-like qualities
  Origin: German
• Gerhard
  Meaning: Strong with a spear, associated with bear strength
  Origin: German
• Eberhard
  Meaning: Strong as a wild boar, related to bear strength
  Origin: German
• Bertold
  Meaning: Bright ruler, often symbolizes bear strength
  Origin: German
• Adalbern
  Meaning: Noble bear
  Origin: German
• Bernulf
  Meaning: Bear wolf
  Origin: German
• Bertulf
  Meaning: Bright wolf, often associated with bear strength
  Origin: German
• Waldemar
  Meaning: Renowned ruler, symbolizing bear strength
  Origin: German
• Rudolph
  Meaning: Famous wolf, often associated with the strength of bears
  Origin: German
• Hildebrand
  Meaning: Sword of battle, associated with bear strength
  Origin: German
• Sigfrid
  Meaning: Victory peace, symbolizing strength like a bear
  Origin: German
• Hermann
  Meaning: Army man, often represents strength like a bear
  Origin: German

Names Inspired by Fiction and Literature That Mean Bear

• Winnie
  Meaning: Bear, inspired by Winnie the Pooh
  Origin: English
• Baloo
  Meaning: Bear, inspired by The Jungle Book
  Origin: Hindi/English
• Paddington
  Meaning: Bear from Peru, inspired by Paddington Bear
  Origin: English
• Fozzie
  Meaning: Bear character from The Muppets
  Origin: English
• Ursula
  Meaning: Little bear
  Origin: Latin
• Yogi
  Meaning: Bear, inspired by Yogi Bear
  Origin: English
• Barney
  Meaning: Bear, associated with children’s character
  Origin: English
• Bearick
  Meaning: Strong bear
  Origin: English
• Koda
  Meaning: Bear, inspired by Brother Bear
  Origin: Native American
• Mowgli
  Meaning: Little frog, but represents a strong spirit like a bear.
  Origin: Hindi
• Barney
  Meaning: Bear, inspired by the TV character
  Origin: English
• Groot
  Meaning: Tree, symbolizing strength like a bear
  Origin: Dutch
• Ursus
  Meaning: Bear, often used in literature
  Origin: Latin
• Ursa
  Meaning: She-bear
  Origin: Latin
• Barrett
  Meaning: Bear Strength
  Origin: English
• Beren
  Meaning: Bear, inspired by The Silmarillion
  Origin: English
• Beorn
  Meaning: Bear, from The Hobbit
  Origin: Old English
• Nashoba
  Meaning: Wolf, often associated with bear strength
  Origin: Choctaw
• Gryphon
  Meaning: Legendary creature, symbolizes strength like a bear
  Origin: Greek
• Ursine
  Meaning: Relating to bears
  Origin: English

Unique Names That Mean Bear

• Beauden
  Meaning: Beautiful bear
  Origin: French
• Bearla
  Meaning: Bear
  Origin: Irish
• Bara
  Meaning: Bear
  Origin: Hebrew
• Bearney
  Meaning: Brave bear
  Origin: English
• Bernique
  Meaning: Strong as a bear
  Origin: French
• Branwen
  Meaning: Blessed raven, often associated with bear strength
  Origin: Welsh
• Berenice
  Meaning: Victory bringer, associated with bear strength
  Origin: Greek
• Bearick
  Meaning: Strong bear
  Origin: English
• Birger
  Meaning: Helper, associated with bear strength
  Origin: Scandinavian
• Beatrix
  Meaning: Bringer of happiness, often associated with bear-like nurturing
  Origin: Latin
• Beron
  Meaning: Brave bear
  Origin: English
• Bernadine
  Meaning: Brave like a bear
  Origin: French
• Berengar
  Meaning: Bear spear
  Origin: German
• Beren
  Meaning: Bear
  Origin: Hebrew
• Beornwulf
  Meaning: Bear wolf
  Origin: Old English
• Bearickson
  Meaning: Son of the bear
  Origin: English
• Berardo
  Meaning: Brave bear
  Origin: Italian
• Berthold
  Meaning: Bright strength, often symbolizes bear strength
  Origin: German
• Beatrix
  Meaning: Blessed one, associated with nurturing like a bear
  Origin: Latin
• Bran
  Meaning: Raven, but symbolizes bear strength
  Origin: Welsh

Names That Mean Bear in Different Languages

• Ursus
  Meaning: Bear
  Origin: Latin
• Bär
  Meaning: Bear
  Origin: German
• Oso
  Meaning: Bear
  Origin: Spanish
• Medved
  Meaning: Bear
  Origin: Russian
• Misha
  Meaning: Bear
  Origin: Russian
• Bärbel
  Meaning: Bear
  Origin: German
• Mato
  Meaning: Bear
  Origin: Sioux
• Teddy
  Meaning: Teddy bear
  Origin: English
• Ursuline
  Meaning: Little bear
  Origin: Latin
• Baer
  Meaning: Bear
  Origin: German
• Osa
  Meaning: Bear
  Origin: Spanish
• Ursinia
  Meaning: Bear
  Origin: Latin
• Nashoba
  Meaning: Wolf, associated with bear strength
  Origin: Choctaw
• Ayra
  Meaning: Strong, symbolizing strength like a bear
  Origin: Hindi
• Kuma
  Meaning: Bear
  Origin: Japanese
• Vata
  Meaning: Bear
  Origin: Albanian
• Berengaria
  Meaning: Bear spear
  Origin: Spanish
• Osa
  Meaning: Bear
  Origin: Portuguese
• Miko
  Meaning: Bear
  Origin: Native American
• Osman
  Meaning: Bear
  Origin: Turkish

Traditional Names That Mean Bear

• Alba
  Meaning: Bright, associated with bear-like qualities
  Origin: Latin
• Ursel
  Meaning: Little bear
  Origin: German
• Berenice
  Meaning: Bearer of victory, associated with bear strength
  Origin: Greek
• Ronan
  Meaning: Little seal, but often symbolizes bear strength
  Origin: Irish
• Beren
  Meaning: Bear
  Origin: German
• Ursus
  Meaning: Bear
  Origin: Latin
• Tibert
  Meaning: Strong as a bear
  Origin: Old French
• Bearthe
  Meaning: Bear, associated with strength
  Origin: English
• Barta
  Meaning: Bear
  Origin: English
• Brend
  Meaning: Sword, associated with bear strength
  Origin: English
• Tavish
  Meaning: Twin, symbolizes strength like a bear
  Origin: Scottish
• Bairre
  Meaning: Bear
  Origin: Irish
• Ursulina
  Meaning: Little bear
  Origin: Latin
• Bartholomew
  Meaning: Son of the furrow, symbolizes bear strength.
  Origin: Hebrew
• Alberich
  Meaning: Elf ruler, associated with bear strength
  Origin: German
• Bernt
  Meaning: Strong as a bear
  Origin: Scandinavian
• Beatrix
  Meaning: She who brings happiness, associated with nurturing like a bear
  Origin: Latin
• Brunhilde
  Meaning: Armored bear
  Origin: German
• Ersin
  Meaning: Bear
  Origin: Turkish
• Alaric
  Meaning: Ruler of all, symbolizes bear strength.
  Origin: German

Names Inspired by Nature That Mean Bear

• Ash
  Meaning: Ash tree, associated with bear strength
  Origin: English
• Birch
  Meaning: The birch tree, symbolizes bear strength
  Origin: English
• Hawthorn
  Meaning: Thorny tree, associated with bear strength
  Origin: English
• Maple
  Meaning: Maple tree, symbolizing strength like a bear
  Origin: English
• Cedar
  Meaning: Cedar tree, representing strength like a bear
  Origin: English
• Willow
  Meaning: Willow tree, symbolizing flexibility and strength
  Origin: English
• Oak
  Meaning: The oak tree, symbolizes strength like a bear
  Origin: English
• Cypress
  Meaning: Cypress tree, associated with bear strength
  Origin: English
• Redwood
  Meaning: Giant tree, symbolizing strength like a bear
  Origin: English
• Pine
  Meaning: Pine tree, symbolizing resilience like a bear
  Origin: English
• Alder
  Meaning: The alder tree, often symbolizes strength
  Origin: English
• Linden
  Meaning: Lime tree, associated with protection like a bear
  Origin: English
• Elm
  Meaning: Elm tree, symbolizes strength.
  Origin: English
• Fir
  Meaning: Fir tree, represents enduring strength.
  Origin: English
• Hazel
  Meaning: The hazel tree, symbolizes wisdom and strength
  Origin: English
• Juniper
  Meaning: Juniper tree, associated with bear strength
  Origin: English
• Rowan
  Meaning: Rowan tree, symbolizes protection like a bear
  Origin: English
• Aspen
  Meaning: Aspen tree, associated with resilience
  Origin: English
• Yew
  Meaning: The yew tree, represents immortality and strength.
  Origin: English
• Thorn
  Meaning: A thorny plant, symbolizes protection like a bear.
  Origin: English

Classic Names That Mean Bear

• Barbara
  Meaning: Foreign woman, often associated with strength
  Origin: Greek
• Bernard
  Meaning: Brave as a bear
  Origin: German
• Berenice
  Meaning: Victory bringer, associated with bear strength
  Origin: Greek
• Beatrix
  Meaning: She who brings happiness, often associated with nurturing like a bear
  Origin: Latin
• Bernice
  Meaning: Bringer of victory, associated with bear strength
  Origin: Greek
• Berengar
  Meaning: Bear spear
  Origin: German
• Ursula
  Meaning: Little bear
  Origin: Latin
• Ersin
  Meaning: Bear
  Origin: Turkish
• Bartholomew
  Meaning: Son of the furrow, symbolizes bear strength.
  Origin: Hebrew
• Hermann
  Meaning: Army man, often represents strength like a bear
  Origin: German
• Bernardus
  Meaning: Brave as a bear
  Origin: Latin
• Beren
  Meaning: Bear
  Origin: German
• Berenice
  Meaning: Bearer of victory, associated with bear strength
  Origin: Greek
• Barthold
  Meaning: Brave as a bear
  Origin: German
• Baran
  Meaning: Bear
  Origin: Persian
• Brendan
  Meaning: Prince, associated with bear strength
  Origin: Irish
• Alaric
  Meaning: Ruler of all, symbolizes bear strength.
  Origin: German
• Alberich
  Meaning: Elf ruler, associated with bear strength
  Origin: German
• Bernie
  Meaning: Brave as a bear
  Origin: English
• Bernice
  Meaning: Victory bringer, associated with bear strength
  Origin: Greek

Conclusion

Choosing a name for your baby is a momentous decision, and selecting one that carries the meaning of strength, courage, and resilience like a bear can be especially meaningful. From traditional names like Ursula and Bernard to modern and unique options such as Beauden and Koda, many choices embody the majestic spirit of bears.

Whether you prefer names inspired by literature, nature, or classic origins, this list of 251+ baby names that mean bear offers a diverse range of options to suit every preference. Each name signifies strength and imparts a sense of comfort and protection, akin to the nurturing nature of bears.