112 Unique Names Meaning Bear for Boys and Girls

Bears have long symbolized strength, courage, and protection, making them an inspiring source for baby names. From ancient myths to modern culture, bear-inspired names carry a timeless appeal that speaks to the power and warmth many hope to pass on to a child.

In this guide, you’ll find names meaning bear from various cultures, perfect for anyone drawn to the bear’s bold and gentle nature. Whether you’re looking for a boy, girl, or gender-neutral option, these names offer unique choices with deep, heartfelt meanings sure to make an impression.

Boy Names That Mean Bear

For boys, names inspired by bears often evoke strength, bravery, and a fierce protective spirit. From ancient cultures to modern times, many parents choose these names to reflect bold qualities. Here’s a list of boy names meaning bear that capture this enduring symbolism in a unique way.

Arthur – A classic name of Celtic origin, Arthur is often associated with the legendary King Arthur. It is believed to mean “bear” in some interpretations.
Bernard – Of Germanic origin, Bernard means “strong as a bear” and is a popular name that carries a sense of power and resilience.
Bjorn – A Scandinavian name that directly translates to “bear,” Bjorn is popular in Nordic countries and has a strong, rugged feel.
Orson – Derived from Latin, Orson means “bear cub,” giving it a gentle yet powerful meaning.
Barrett – An Old German name meaning “bear strength,” Barrett has become a popular name in recent years for its modern sound.
Benno – Of German origin, Benno means “bear” and is a short, strong name with a distinctive appeal.
Ursus – A Latin name that literally means “bear,” Ursus has an ancient, noble feel, often linked with early Roman history.
Arto – This Finnish name means “bear” and is simple yet carries a strong cultural significance in Finland.
Dov – Of Hebrew origin, Dov means “bear” and is often used as a symbolic name in Jewish culture.
Berengar – This Germanic name combines “ber” (bear) and “ger” (spear), symbolizing a powerful warrior with the strength of a bear.
Espen – A Scandinavian name that can mean “god bear,” Espen is rare yet holds strong mythical qualities.
Hart – An English name with multiple meanings, “hart” often refers to a stag but can be associated with strength and resilience, similar to a bear.
Orval – Of French origin, Orval can mean “golden bear,” blending strength with a sense of preciousness.
Berend – A Dutch name meaning “bear,” Berend is a solid choice with a strong, traditional feel.
Ber – A Yiddish name directly meaning “bear,” Ber is short and straightforward, ideal for those looking for a simple yet meaningful option.
Nanuq – An Inuit name meaning “polar bear,” Nanuq is unique and reflects the strength and survival skills of the arctic bear.
Kodiak – Inspired by the Kodiak bear of Alaska, this name has a rugged feel and is perfect for nature lovers.
Mecho – A Bulgarian name meaning “bear,” Mecho is both cute and strong, often used as an endearing term in Bulgarian.
Humphrey – This English name, meaning “peaceful warrior,” is associated with strength and steadiness, much like a bear’s protective nature.
Oberon – This name has Germanic roots and can mean “noble bear,” with a strong, mythical presence thanks to Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Kuma – A Japanese name meaning “bear,” Kuma is simple yet carries a powerful natural symbol in Japanese culture.
Alber – Of Germanic origin, Alber is derived from “alb” (elf) and “ber” (bear), giving it a mystical, strong meaning.
Arkadi – A Russian name meaning “of the bear,” Arkadi is rare but has an exotic, strong appeal.
Bertram – Meaning “bright raven” or “famous bear,” Bertram is an Old German name that combines intelligence and strength.
Torben – A Scandinavian name meaning “Thor’s bear,” Torben is a unique and powerful choice connected to Norse mythology.
Bardulf – An Old English name meaning “bear wolf,” symbolizing strength and bravery.
Ober – Of German origin, derived from “Oberon,” meaning “noble bear.”
Beorn – An Old English name meaning “bear,” often associated with strength and protection.
Bennoit – A variation of Benno, meaning “bear,” with French origins.
Dovber – A Yiddish name meaning “bear,” often used in Jewish communities.
Hartmut – A Germanic name meaning “strong bear,” combining strength and courage.
Berwin – An Old English name meaning “bear friend,” symbolizing loyalty.
Beroald – A German name meaning “ruler bear,” often associated with leadership qualities.
Orsin – A name inspired by the Latin “ursus,” meaning “little bear.”
Arkadios – A Greek name meaning “of the bear,” connected to the Arcadia region.
Beric – A name of Old English origin meaning “bear ruler.”
Mingun – A Mongolian name meaning “bear,” reflecting strength and endurance.
Ursinio – Derived from the Latin “ursus,” used in Roman culture to mean “bear.”

Girl Names That Mean Bear

Bear-inspired names for girls blend strength with warmth, creating a perfect balance between resilience and charm. With influences from diverse languages and traditions, these names offer a mix of classic and contemporary appeal. Explore this collection of girl names meaning bear that carry both beauty and power.

Ursula – A Latin name meaning “little she-bear,” made famous by Saint Ursula and popular in medieval Europe.
Bernadette – Of French origin, meaning “brave as a bear,” a feminine form of Bernard.
Orsa – An Italian name meaning “bear,” often used as a short and sweet choice in Italy.
Ursina – A Latin-derived name meaning “little bear,” a feminine form of Ursus.
Arza – Of Hebrew origin, Arza has a connotation of strength and might, symbolizing the bear’s fierce spirit.
Ursa – A simple and direct Latin name meaning “bear,” often associated with constellations like Ursa Major.
Benni – A German name meaning “bear,” often used as a cute diminutive of Bernadette or Benedicta.
Nita – A Native American name meaning “bear,” often chosen for its simplicity and earthy appeal.
Misha – A Russian name meaning “bear,” widely used as a nickname for “Michael” and sometimes adapted for girls.
Calista – Greek in origin, meaning “most beautiful,” and linked to the myth of Callisto, a nymph transformed into a bear.
Dova – A Hebrew name meaning “bear,” capturing both a gentle and fierce essence.
Arcadia – Greek in origin, inspired by a mythological region often associated with bears and wilderness.
Berna – A Germanic name meaning “bear,” often used in place of Bernardine for a softer appeal.
Artis – Inspired by “Arctos,” a Greek word for “bear,” Artis has a creative and strong feel.
Orsola – An Italian name meaning “little bear,” related to Ursula, commonly used in Italy.
Orzala – A unique Persian name meaning “bear,” often symbolizing strength and endurance.
Armel – A French name meaning “bear prince,” with Celtic roots linking it to strength and royalty.
Vera – While it commonly means “faith” in Russian, Vera has associations with strength and can symbolize the bear’s steady nature.
Auberon – Of Old German origin, it means “noble bear,” often associated with royalty and leadership.
Osla – An Old English name meaning “she-bear,” simple yet strong.
Berengaria – Of Spanish origin, meaning “bear spear,” a historic name often used for royalty.
Urseline – A variation of Ursula, meaning “little bear,” often used in French-speaking regions.
Arctia – Derived from “Arctos,” meaning “bear” in Greek, often evoking a mystical and natural feel.
Artio – A Celtic name meaning “bear,” connected to the bear goddess Artio, symbolizing protection and nature.
Ursuline – Another variation of Ursula, used traditionally in Catholic communities, meaning “little bear.”
Maija – A Finnish name sometimes associated with “bear,” evoking resilience and strength.
Arktos – A Greek name meaning “bear,” connected to ancient Greek mythology and the constellations.
Auri – Scandinavian in origin, related to the Norse “bjorn,” meaning “bear.”
Ayala – Of Hebrew origin, meaning “doe” but can also symbolize the bear’s gentle qualities.
Beara – A modern, anglicized form of “bear” for girls, symbolizing strength and simplicity.
Bera – A Germanic name meaning “bear,” traditionally used in ancient times.
Orabela – Of Italian origin, combining “Ora” (golden) and “bear,” meaning “golden bear.”
Orlanda – A feminine form of Orlando, meaning “famous land” but connected to bear-like qualities of strength.
Eska – A name meaning “little bear,” from Inuit culture, symbolizing strength in nature.
Orzella – A unique name with roots in Italy, meaning “little bear,” giving it a rare, exotic feel.
Kare – Of Norse origin, sometimes linked to “bear” or “wild animal,” popular in Scandinavian countries.
Misu – A Native American name meaning “bear,” often chosen for its earthy, nature-inspired simplicity.
Nenna – A variation of Nana or Nanna, which is sometimes associated with bear-like qualities in Slavic regions.
Berenice – Of Greek origin, meaning “bringer of victory” and connected to strength, as bears symbolize resilience.
Ursella – A variant of Ursula, meaning “little bear,” popular in regions with Latin influence.
Dovey – A variation of Dova, meaning “bear,” giving it a soft and endearing feel.
Nanuk – An Inuit name for “polar bear,” symbolizing protection, courage, and Arctic resilience.
Mielikki – A Finnish name derived from mythology, Mielikki is the goddess of forests and bears, symbolizing protection and nature.

Gender-Neutral Names That Mean Bear

If you’re looking for a name that’s strong yet versatile, gender-neutral names meaning bear can be a great choice. These names suit any child and offer a meaningful connection to bear qualities without being limited by gender. Here are some unisex names with a touch of bear-inspired strength and kindness.

Ari – Of Hebrew origin, Ari means “lion” but is often used to represent strength, similar to a bear’s power.
Urs – A Swiss name derived from the Latin “ursus,” meaning “bear,” often used as a stand-alone name in Switzerland.
Bero – A unique Slavic name that means “bear,” often used for its simplicity and strength.
Miska – A Finnish name meaning “little bear,” often chosen for its soft, affectionate feel.
Osa – Spanish for “female bear,” Osa is short, strong, and carries a warm, endearing tone.
Calisto – Greek in origin, inspired by the myth of Callisto, a nymph who was turned into a bear.
Beri – A playful and short name derived from “bear,” often used for its soft, natural sound.
Orso – Italian for “bear,” Orso has a strong, grounded feel, popular in Italian-speaking areas.
Nanook – Another version of Nanuq, popular among the Inuit, meaning “polar bear” and symbolizing protection.
Paden – Of Gaelic origin, sometimes associated with “warrior bear” qualities, blending strength and courage.
Vero – Derived from Latin, meaning “truth,” but can also symbolize strength and resilience like a bear.
Mishi – A playful, affectionate name sometimes used as a diminutive for Misha, meaning “little bear.”
Bjor – A Norse name meaning “bear,” with a straightforward and rugged appeal.
Arcas – Greek in origin, meaning “bear,” and often associated with Arcadia, a mythological bear land.
Torma – A unique name that can mean “bear,” often used in Finnish and Hungarian regions.
Ursin – Derived from “ursus,” the Latin word for “bear,” Ursin has an old-world charm.
Bear – A straightforward choice that directly refers to the animal, symbolizing strength and nature.
Orion – Though primarily known as a constellation, Orion is associated with strength and hunting, similar to bear qualities.
Beraht – A Germanic name meaning “bright bear,” symbolizing both strength and intelligence.
Ursel – A variation of Ursus, meaning “bear,” often used in European countries.
Yona – A Native American name meaning “bear,” symbolizing courage and protection.
Matti – Finnish in origin, often used as a bear-inspired name symbolizing strength.
Artzi – A Hebrew name meaning “my land” but can symbolize a strong connection to nature, like a bear’s home.
Bjarki – A Norse name meaning “little bear,” often chosen for its strength and uniqueness.
Turi – Of Scandinavian origin, symbolizing warrior-like strength, similar to that of a bear.
Orlan – A name of Latin origin, often used to mean “wild” or “bear-like” in strength.
Kenai – Inspired by the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska, home to many bears, symbolizing a connection to nature.
Koda – A Native American name meaning “friend,” often used to represent the bear’s protective and friendly nature.
Bergen – A Scandinavian name meaning “mountain bear,” symbolizing strength and resilience.
Orie – Derived from Orson, meaning “bear cub,” with a gentle yet resilient feel.
Aric – Of Norse origin, meaning “eternal ruler” but sometimes associated with bear-like strength and endurance.