Names That Mean Bear

This Welsh name, also used in France, is the name of a 6th century saint who went to Brittany and established abbeys. Armel has a pleasant and familiar sound, making it easily used outside of Wales and France.

Fierce meaning, gentle image. This name is very common in Israel, where an endearing pet form is Dubi.

Reversed vowels make it seem less fierce.

Bruin is the Old English term for bear, taken from the Dutch word meaning brown. Bruin might be a sports fan's choice or an animal name in hiding. As a kind of hybrid of Roone and Bruno, it's definitely got some cool.

Orson is being rediscovered and Orsino is every bit as attractive.

Unusual multicultural choice that may appeal to the artistically inclined. The bear meaning gives it a new trendy edge as an animal name.

This evocative Spanish surname would make an unusual but lively choice for a girl.

Cool bearlike option, though Orson might be easier to embrace.

Berengaria was one of the medieval queens of England - married to Richard I (also known as Richard the Lionheart). She was originally from Navarre (in modern northern Spain) and despite being the Queen of England, she only lived in England after her husband had died. Despite its royal roots, Berengaria is one of the less attractive medieval names, although it gets points for having an unusually strong meaning for a feminine name.

The first name of famed designer Balenciaga, was also the birth name of Christopher Columbus--aka Cristobal Colon. A name still well used in the Hispanic community.

Hip short form of Bernard, also Swiss place-name.

Future CEO.

The advantage of Orsa over the arguably-more-attractive Ursula is that it breaks the tie to the hideous she-witch of The Little Mermaid. Orsa definitely feels more ready for modern life now that brother name Orson is on the rise.

As dated as the old Pat Boone song.

With the growing popularity for girls of such names as Aubrey and Audrey, Auberon feels like a fresh and viable option.

Berold is one of the more obscure boy names meaning bear, which also include Arthur, Orson, and (in a different vein) Teddy.

Corsican form of Ursus

Too close in sound to the so-far-out-it-will-always-be-out Bernard.

Rhythmic and powerful, if you don't mind the nickname Vern.

Once a diminutive for Arthur, now used in its own right. Tuur is a Top 100 name in Belgium and a Top 300 name in the Netherlands.