78 Girl Names That Mean Bear with Powerful Meanings

Looking for a name that’s both strong and unique? Bear-inspired names bring a sense of courage, warmth, and resilience to any little girl’s identity. Many cultures see the bear as a symbol of strength and protection, making it a beautiful inspiration for a baby name.

In this article, we’ll explore girl names that mean bear, each with a special background and meaning that’s sure to add depth to your baby’s name. Whether you want something classic or rare, these bear-inspired names offer a powerful start for your child’s journey.

Popular Girl Names That Mean Bear

Ursula – Derived from Latin, this classic name means “little bear” and is well-known for its association with strength and courage.
Bernadette – Of French and German origin, meaning “brave as a bear,” this name carries a sense of protective power.
Orsa – An Italian name meaning “bear,” this short and sweet option offers elegance and strength.
Ursina – A Latin name meaning “bear-like,” often used in European countries and a unique twist on Ursula.
Ursa – Simply meaning “bear” in Latin, this name is straightforward and powerful, ideal for those seeking simplicity.
Orsola – The Italian form of Ursula, meaning “little bear,” gives a softer, more melodic variation.
Bernice – This Greek-origin name means “bearer of victory” and, while not directly meaning bear, carries a similar strength and endurance.
Artio – Named after the Celtic bear goddess, this name connects to ancient mythology and signifies protection and power.
Barrett – Though more often seen as a surname, Barrett is of German origin and means “bear strength,” bringing a bold choice to first names.
Calista – With Greek roots, this name means “most beautiful” and often symbolizes grace alongside strength, connected to Artemis, who was often linked with bears.
Mishka – In Russian, this name means “little bear” and is often used as an affectionate, warm name.
Berna – A German name meaning “brave like a bear,” this short option has a strong, grounded appeal.
Benicia – Derived from Latin roots meaning “blessed” or “bear,” this name has an uplifting, gentle feel.
Medvedica – This Slavic name means “she-bear” and brings a bold, unique flair.
Nita – From Native American origins, meaning “bear,” this name is simple, elegant, and full of depth.
Auberon – Although traditionally masculine, Auberon has come to be used for girls as well and means “noble bear.”
Urseline – A variation of Ursula, meaning “little bear,” this name adds a bit of elegance to the traditional Latin origin.
Arzhela – Of Breton origin, Arzhela is said to mean “bear princess,” adding a noble and mythical touch.
Benilde – This unique name means “bear strength” and is often seen in Spanish and Portuguese cultures.
Varda – A Hebrew name meaning “rose,” it’s also connected to the bear in folklore and mythology, symbolizing resilience.
Bernadina – A variation of Bernadette, this name also means “strong as a bear” and is perfect for a more vintage feel.
Dibe – A Native American name meaning “she bear,” Dibe is simple yet filled with significance.
Osha – In some Native American languages, Osha refers to “bear,” bringing a natural and earthy feel to the name.
Orsonia – A feminine take on Orson, meaning “bear cub,” this name feels both familiar and distinctive.

Unique and Rare Girl Names with Bear Meanings

Artina – A name possibly derived from Artio, the Celtic bear goddess, with a unique twist.
Bera – Of Old German origin, meaning “bear,” it’s a short, strong name with a minimalist appeal.
Benate – A Basque name meaning “bear cub,” adding an earthy charm from the Basque region.
Calysta – A Greek name meaning “most beautiful,” often associated with bear imagery through links to Artemis.
Kaida – Of Japanese origin, meaning “little dragon,” but sometimes associated with bear-like strength and courage.
Meisha – Derived from Russian and Slavic languages, meaning “bear cub” or “little bear.”
Otsana – A Basque name meaning “she-wolf,” though sometimes linked to bear mythology for its strength symbolism.
Nanuq – An Inuit name meaning “polar bear,” it’s a powerful choice tied to Arctic strength and resilience.
Vera – A Latin and Russian name meaning “true” but sometimes associated with protective bear qualities.
Ursel – A variation of Ursula, meaning “little bear,” with a refined, vintage touch.
Iberna – Of Latin origin, meaning “winter,” and often tied to bears for their hibernation during winter.
Kuma – A Japanese name meaning “bear,” straightforward yet strong.
Armelia – Possibly derived from Armel, meaning “bear prince,” it brings a feminine and unique touch.
Orsolya – A Hungarian form of Ursula, meaning “little bear,” and quite rare outside of Hungary.
Goberna – Likely derived from an old term meaning “to govern,” associated with bears for their strength and leadership.
Miska – A variation of Mishka, meaning “little bear” in Russian, for a cozy, endearing name.
Berlette – A unique Germanic name meaning “little bear,” soft yet strong.
Urshia – A creative variant on Ursula, meaning “little bear,” adding elegance and rarity.
Berrin – Of Turkish origin, meaning “superior” or “strong,” often associated with bear strength.
Mieda – A Basque name possibly linked to bear symbolism and nature, though quite rare in use.
Tormaigh – An Irish name meaning “thunder bear,” bringing together bear strength with a touch of nature’s power.
Caliber – Of English origin, meaning “strength” or “bearing,” and linked to bear-like qualities.
Arkina – Possibly linked to “arcane” or “hidden,” symbolizing the mystique of bears in the wild.
Ibera – Likely derived from Iberian or Latin roots, symbolizing winter and bear hibernation.
Varska – A rare Slavic name inspired by nature, associated with bear strength and vitality.
Tala – A Native American name meaning “wolf” but sometimes symbolically linked to bear qualities of protection.
Armelie – A French-Breton name combining Armel (meaning “bear prince”) with a feminine flair.
Orabella – A Latin-inspired name meaning “beautiful bear,” adding a gentle, poetic touch.
Medveda – A Slavic name meaning “she-bear,” strong and unique, symbolizing feminine power.
Orella – Derived from Latin roots, meaning “golden,” though sometimes associated with nature and bear symbolism.
Nanuk – An Inuit name meaning “polar bear,” evoking the resilience and beauty of the Arctic.

Mythological Bear Names for Girls

Artemis – The Greek goddess of the hunt, often associated with bears and protector of young women; the Arcadian people worshipped her as a bear goddess.
Callisto – In Greek mythology, a nymph who was transformed into a bear and placed in the stars as the constellation Ursa Major.
Andarta – A warrior goddess in Celtic mythology, sometimes depicted as a bear or with bear qualities, symbolizing power and protection.
Atalanta – A Greek mythological figure, renowned for her strength and speed, and often associated with bears due to her close connection with Artemis.
Diana – The Roman equivalent of Artemis, goddess of the hunt and wilderness, often associated with bears and wild animals.
Medveditsa – A Slavic term meaning “she-bear,” symbolizing fierce protectiveness and maternal strength.
Artamis – A unique variation inspired by Artemis, with a nod to bear symbolism in Greek culture.
Urselia – A mythological-inspired variant of Ursula, giving it an ancient, mystical feel.
Kallista – Linked to Callisto in Greek mythology, this name means “most beautiful” and is associated with bear strength and beauty.
Bérengère – A French name derived from Germanic roots, meaning “bear spear,” symbolizing strength and bravery.
Berenice – Of Greek origin, this name means “bearer of victory,” linked to the protective and victorious qualities of a bear.
Helene – Associated with Greek myths and linked to Helios (the sun), sometimes bears are used as symbols of protection around godly figures like Helene.
Arctura – Derived from “Arcturus,” meaning “guardian of the bear” (a bright star near Ursa Major), symbolizing guardianship and protection.
Ursulita – A diminutive of Ursula, meaning “little bear,” inspired by Saint Ursula, a mythic figure symbolizing strength and courage.
Berniss – A name inspired by Bernice, meaning “bringer of victory” with protective bear qualities.
Ildiko – Of Hungarian origin, associated with strength and myth, this name symbolizes powerful, bear-like endurance.
Orseline – A medieval variant of Ursula, meaning “little bear,” with a mystical touch.
Bernina – Of Italian and Germanic origin, meaning “brave as a bear,” often connected to protective strength.
Hertha – A Germanic earth goddess sometimes associated with animals, including bears, symbolizing grounded strength.
Arktika – Inspired by the Arctic (meaning “land of the bear”), linking it to polar bear resilience and survival.
Orselia – A medieval name inspired by Ursula, with a mythic, elegant feel.
Ursola – A mystical version of Ursula, inspired by mythological bear imagery.
Bernissia – Inspired by ancient legends and the name Bernice, symbolizing victory and strength in battle.