Girl Names That Mean Warrior

Many warrior names for girls come from early Germanic languages, where battle words were used for daughters as freely as for sons. Matilda joins the words for might and battle, and Tillie is its affectionate short form. Louise, Louisa, Luisa and Lou all trace to a name meaning famous warrior, the same root behind names borne by many kings of France. Edith combines words for prosperity and war, and Griselda is usually explained as gray battle.

Celtic names add another layer. Finley, Finnley and Finlee come from a Scottish Gaelic name often translated as fair warrior, and Mckinley is a Scottish surname built on a similar element. Murphy, from an Irish surname, is commonly explained as sea warrior. Valkyrie is a word rather than a traditional name: in Norse myth the Valkyries were women who chose which warriors would die in battle and carried them to the hall of the gods. Armani, an Italian surname, is also used here.

These names show a wide spread of style. Matilda and Edith are vintage revivals with a literary feel, Louisa and Luisa are soft and flowing, and Finley and Murphy are modern surname names used for both boys and girls. If you like the meaning but prefer a gentler sound, Louisa or Tillie carry it quietly.