Popular American Names Meaning Brave: Meaning, Origin, and More

Published On: 09/05/2025

The concept of bravery resonates deeply in cultures worldwide, and in the United States, names embodying courage are cherished for their strength and timeless appeal. This article explores 20 popular American names—10 for boys and 10 for girls—that carry the meaning of "brave" or are closely associated with courage. Each name is examined for its meaning, origin, historical significance, usage, pronunciation, notable individuals, and numerology, offering a comprehensive guide for parents, name enthusiasts, or anyone curious about the power of names.

Boys’ Names Meaning Brave

1. Andrew

Meaning and Origin: Derived from the Greek name Andreas, meaning "manly" or "brave." The root aner (man) emphasizes courage and strength.
Historical Significance: Andrew is a biblical name, borne by one of Jesus’ apostles. It gained prominence in Christian cultures and was a royal name in Scotland, tied to St. Andrew, the patron saint.
Usage and Popularity: Consistently popular, Andrew ranked #57 in the U.S. in 2023, per the Social Security Administration (SSA). Its classic appeal endures across generations.
Pronunciation: AN-droo
Notable Individuals: Andrew Carnegie (industrialist and philanthropist), Andrew Jackson (7th U.S. President), Andrew Garfield (actor).
Numerology: In Pythagorean numerology, Andrew totals 29 (A=1, N=5, D=4, R=9, E=5, W=5), reducing to 11, a master number symbolizing intuition and leadership.

2. Bernard

Meaning and Origin: Germanic, from bern (bear) and hard (brave, hardy), meaning "brave as a bear."
Historical Significance: Popular in medieval Europe, St. Bernard of Clairvaux was a 12th-century monk and reformer. The name also evokes the heroic St. Bernard dogs.
Usage and Popularity: Less common today, Bernard peaked in the 1920s but remains a strong, classic choice, ranking outside the top 1000 in 2023.
Pronunciation: BER-nard
Notable Individuals: Bernard Shaw (playwright), Bernie Sanders (U.S. Senator).
Numerology: Totals 34 (B=2, E=5, R=9, N=5, A=1, R=9, D=4), reducing to 7, symbolizing introspection and wisdom.

3. Conrad

Meaning and Origin: Germanic, from kuoni (brave) and rad (counsel), meaning "brave counsel."
Historical Significance: A royal name in medieval Germany, borne by several Holy Roman Emperors. It conveys wisdom paired with courage.
Usage and Popularity: Moderately popular, Conrad ranked #560 in 2023, appealing for its vintage charm.
Pronunciation: KON-rad
Notable Individuals: Conrad Hilton (hotel magnate), Joseph Conrad (novelist).
Numerology: Totals 25 (C=3, O=6, N=5, R=9, A=1, D=4), reducing to 7, indicating analytical and spiritual traits.

4. Everett

Meaning and Origin: Old English, from eofor (boar) and heard (brave, hardy), meaning "brave boar."
Historical Significance: Originally a surname, it became a first name in the 19th century, reflecting rugged individualism in American culture.
Usage and Popularity: Rising steadily, Everett ranked #81 in 2023, favored for its sophisticated yet approachable sound.
Pronunciation: EV-er-ett
Notable Individuals: Everett Dirksen (U.S. Senator), Everett McGill (actor).
Numerology: Totals 32 (E=5, V=4, E=5, R=9, E=5, T=2, T=2), reducing to 5, symbolizing adventure and freedom.

5. Garrett

Meaning and Origin: Germanic, from gar (spear) and hard (brave), meaning "brave spearman."
Historical Significance: Evolved from the name Gerald, it became a standalone name in Anglo-Saxon England, tied to warriors and nobility.
Usage and Popularity: Popular in the 1990s, Garrett ranked #497 in 2023, maintaining steady use.
Pronunciation: GAIR-et
Notable Individuals: Garrett Hedlund (actor), Garrett Morgan (inventor of the traffic light).
Numerology: Totals 30 (G=7, A=1, R=9, R=9, E=5, T=2, T=2), reducing to 3, symbolizing creativity and optimism.

6. Howard

Meaning and Origin: Old English, from haugr (high) and weard (guardian), or Germanic hard (brave), meaning "brave heart" or "high guardian."
Historical Significance: A noble surname-turned-first-name, prominent in English aristocracy, e.g., the Howard family of Norfolk.
Usage and Popularity: Peaked in the early 20th century, Howard ranked #998 in 2023, a classic with niche appeal.
Pronunciation: HOW-ard
Notable Individuals: Howard Hughes (aviator and filmmaker), Howard Stern (radio host).
Numerology: Totals 34 (H=8, O=6, W=5, A=1, R=9, D=4), reducing to 7, indicating depth and spirituality.

7. Leonard

Meaning and Origin: Germanic, from leon (lion) and hard (brave), meaning "brave lion."
Historical Significance: Associated with St. Leonard, a 6th-century hermit and patron of prisoners, it was popular in medieval Europe.
Usage and Popularity: Common in the early 20th century, Leonard ranked #687 in 2023, with a retro revival.
Pronunciation: LEN-ard
Notable Individuals: Leonard Bernstein (composer), Leonard Nimoy (actor, Spock in Star Trek).
Numerology: Totals 34 (L=3, E=5, O=6, N=5, A=1, R=9, D=4), reducing to 7, symbolizing wisdom.

8. Richard

Meaning and Origin: Germanic, from ric (ruler) and hard (brave), meaning "brave ruler."
Historical Significance: A royal name, borne by three English kings, including Richard the Lionheart, famed for his courage in the Crusades.
Usage and Popularity: A perennial favorite, Richard ranked #216 in 2023, timeless yet approachable.
Pronunciation: RICH-ard
Notable Individuals: Richard Nixon (37th U.S. President), Richard Gere (actor).
Numerology: Totals 34 (R=9, I=9, C=3, H=8, A=1, R=9, D=4), reducing to 7, indicating introspection.

9. Theodore

Meaning and Origin: Greek, from theos (God) and doron (gift), meaning "gift of God," often associated with courage due to its strong sound.
Historical Significance: Popularized by President Theodore Roosevelt, whose bold leadership embodied bravery.
Usage and Popularity: Surging in popularity, Theodore ranked #10 in 2023, a top choice for its vintage charm.
Pronunciation: THEE-uh-dor
Notable Individuals: Theodore Roosevelt (26th U.S. President), Theo James (actor).
Numerology: Totals 47 (T=2, H=8, E=5, O=6, D=4, O=6, R=9, E=5), reducing to 11, symbolizing inspiration.

10. Wyatt

Meaning and Origin: Old English, from wig (war) and heard (brave), meaning "brave in war."
Historical Significance: Tied to the Old West, notably Wyatt Earp, the legendary lawman, symbolizing frontier courage.
Usage and Popularity: Highly popular, Wyatt ranked #29 in 2023, favored for its rugged charm.
Pronunciation: WYE-et
Notable Individuals: Wyatt Earp (lawman), Wyatt Russell (actor).
Numerology: Totals 21 (W=5, Y=7, A=1, T=2, T=2), reducing to 3, symbolizing creativity.

Girls’ Names Meaning Brave

11. Andrea

Meaning and Origin: Feminine form of Andrew, from Greek Andreas, meaning "brave" or "manly."
Historical Significance: Gained traction in the 20th century, reflecting the rise of strong feminine names.
Usage and Popularity: Popular in the 1980s, Andrea ranked #171 in 2023, still widely used.
Pronunciation: AN-dree-uh
Notable Individuals: Andrea Bocelli (singer, though male), Andrea Mitchell (journalist).
Numerology: Totals 29 (A=1, N=5, D=4, R=9, E=5, A=1), reducing to 11, symbolizing intuition.

12. Bernadette

Meaning and Origin: Feminine of Bernard, Germanic for "brave as a bear."
Historical Significance: Linked to St. Bernadette of Lourdes, whose visions shaped modern Catholicism.
Usage and Popularity: Peaked in the 1940s, now rare but cherished, outside the top 1000 in 2023.
Pronunciation: BER-nuh-det
Notable Individuals: Bernadette Peters (actress), St. Bernadette Soubirous (saint).
Numerology: Totals 44 (B=2, E=5, R=9, N=5, A=1, D=4, E=5, T=2, T=2, E=5), reducing to 8, symbolizing ambition.

13. Bridget

Meaning and Origin: Irish, from Brigid, meaning "exalted one" or "strength," often tied to bravery.
Historical Significance: St. Brigid of Kildare, a 5th-century Irish saint, is a symbol of compassion and courage.
Usage and Popularity: Steady but modest, Bridget ranked #851 in 2023.
Pronunciation: BRIJ-et
Notable Individuals: Bridget Fonda (actress), Bridget Moynahan (actress).
Numerology: Totals 33 (B=2, R=9, I=9, D=4, G=7, E=5, T=2), reducing to 6, symbolizing nurturing.

14. Emery

Meaning and Origin: Germanic, from amal (work) and ric (ruler), meaning "brave ruler."
Historical Significance: Originally a surname, it transitioned to a unisex first name, reflecting modern gender-neutral trends.
Usage and Popularity: Popular for girls, Emery ranked #78 in 2023, with rising use.
Pronunciation: EM-er-ee
Notable Individuals: Emery Kelly (singer), Emery Allen (author).
Numerology: Totals 20 (E=5, M=4, E=5, R=9, Y=7), reducing to 2, symbolizing harmony.

15. Gertrude

Meaning and Origin: Germanic, from ger (spear) and trud (strength), meaning "brave spear."
Historical Significance: A medieval name, borne by St. Gertrude the Great, a 13th-century mystic.
Usage and Popularity: Rare today, it peaked in the early 1900s, outside the top 1000 in 2023.
Pronunciation: GER-trood
Notable Individuals: Gertrude Stein (writer), Gertrude Ederle (first woman to swim the English Channel).
Numerology: Totals 40 (G=7, E=5, R=9, T=2, R=9, U=3, D=4, E=5), reducing to 4, symbolizing stability.

16. Kendall

Meaning and Origin: Old English, from ken (valley) and dall (brave), meaning "brave valley dweller."
Historical Significance: Originally a surname, it became a popular first name in the 20th century, tied to American individualism.
Usage and Popularity: Unisex but more common for girls, Kendall ranked #333 in 2023.
Pronunciation: KEN-dal
Notable Individuals: Kendall Jenner (model), Kendall Schmidt (actor/singer).
Numerology: Totals 25 (K=2, E=5, N=5, D=4, A=1, L=3, L=3), reducing to 7, symbolizing introspection.

17. Leona

Meaning and Origin: Latin, from leo (lion), meaning "brave lioness."
Historical Significance: Popular in the early 20th century, it evokes strength and regality, tied to the lion as a symbol of courage.
Usage and Popularity: Making a comeback, Leona ranked #487 in 2023.
Pronunciation: lee-OH-nuh
Notable Individuals: Leona Lewis (singer), Leona Helmsley (businesswoman).
Numerology: Totals 20 (L=3, E=5, O=6, N=5, A=1), reducing to 2, symbolizing diplomacy.

18. Riley

Meaning and Origin: Irish, from raghallach (valiant), meaning "brave" or "courageous."
Historical Significance: Originally a surname, it became a unisex first name, reflecting modern naming trends.
Usage and Popularity: Highly popular, Riley ranked #33 for girls in 2023, also used for boys.
Pronunciation: RYE-lee
Notable Individuals: Riley Keough (actress), Riley Gaines (swimmer).
Numerology: Totals 22 (R=9, I=9, L=3, E=5, Y=7), a master number symbolizing vision and achievement.

19. Valerie

Meaning and Origin: Latin, from valere (to be strong, healthy), meaning "brave" or "strong."
Historical Significance: Popularized in medieval Europe, it gained traction in the U.S. during the 20th century.
Usage and Popularity: Steady, Valerie ranked #152 in 2023, timeless yet modern.
Pronunciation: VAL-er-ee
Notable Individuals: Valerie Bertinelli (actress), Valerie Harper (actress).
Numerology: Totals 28 (V=4, A=1, L=3, E=5, R=9, I=9, E=5), reducing to 10, then 1, symbolizing leadership.

20. Victoria

Meaning and Origin: Latin, from victoria (victory), implying bravery in triumph.
Historical Significance: Associated with Queen Victoria, whose reign defined an era, symbolizing strength and resilience.
Usage and Popularity: Consistently popular, Victoria ranked #43 in 2023, regal yet accessible.
Pronunciation: vik-TOR-ee-uh
Notable Individuals: Queen Victoria, Victoria Beckham (fashion designer).
Numerology: Totals 43 (V=4, I=9, C=3, T=2, O=6, R=9, I=9, A=1), reducing to 7, symbolizing wisdom.

Trends and Cultural Context

Names meaning "brave" reflect America’s evolving cultural landscape. Historically, names like Richard and Bernard were tied to European nobility and religious figures, while names like Wyatt and Everett evoke the rugged individualism of the American frontier. Today, unisex names like Riley and Emery align with modern gender-neutral trends, with Riley ranking among the top unisex names in 2023. Immigration and diversity have also expanded naming pools, with names like Victoria and Andrea maintaining global appeal.

Pop culture influences naming trends significantly. For example, Theodore’s resurgence may be tied to Theodore Roosevelt’s legacy and modern media references, while Riley’s popularity spiked after characters like Riley Andersen in Inside Out. The SSA data shows that while classic names like Andrew and Victoria remain steady, newer favorites like Wyatt and Emery are climbing, reflecting a blend of tradition and innovation.

Numerology Insights

Numerology, while not scientific, adds a layer of personal meaning. Names reducing to numbers like 7 (e.g., Bernard, Richard) suggest introspection, while 11 (e.g., Andrew, Andrea) indicates intuition. Parents may consider these symbolic associations when choosing names, though interpretations vary and are for entertainment.

Conclusion

Names meaning "brave" carry a powerful legacy, blending historical gravitas with modern appeal. From the regal Victoria to the rugged Wyatt, these 20 names offer diverse options for parents seeking courage and character in a name. Whether drawn to their origins, notable bearers, or numerological significance, these names inspire strength and resilience, making them enduring choices in America’s naming landscape.