10 baby girl names that mean ‘strength’

Names that carry the idea of “strength”

Names in Hindu traditions often signal values parents wish to cultivate: power, endurance, victory, steadiness. I use Sanskrit glosses on first mention: for example śakti — power or creative energy; bala — physical or moral strength; dhṛti — steadiness or resolve. Below are ten girl names whose meanings are closely linked to strength in its many senses — physical, moral, martial, victorious, and spiritual — with short notes on roots, cultural resonance, and common variants.

How these names were chosen

Selection emphasises lexical meaning in Sanskrit or regional languages, traditional use in Hindu culture, and respectful presentation across schools (Śākta, Śaiva, Vaiṣṇava, Smārta). Where a name has different overtones in various texts, I note that diversity rather than assert a single interpretation.

Ten names meaning “strength” (with notes)

1. Shakti (Śakti) — pronunciation: SHAK-ti

Meaning: Power, divine energy. Root: śakti (ability, force). Notes: In Śākta traditions Śakti is the supreme, creative power (often worshipped as Kālī or Durgā). In Śaiva contexts she appears as Pārvatī or the dynamic aspect of Śiva. As a personal name it conveys both inner strength and life-force. Variants include Shakthi, Sakti; affectionate nicknames: Shaku, Shaktiya.

2. Durga — pronunciation: DUR-ga

Meaning: Invincible, inaccessible (durga literally: difficult to pass). Root: durga (fort, stronghold). Notes: Durga is the goddess celebrated at Navarātrī and Durga Puja as the slayer of demonic force; the name therefore carries protective, martial, and maternal strength. Used widely across India, it is both theonym and given name.

3. Dhriti (Dhṛti) — pronunciation: DHRI-ti

Meaning: Steadfastness, perseverance, moral courage. Root: dhṛ (to bear, hold). Notes: Dhṛti appears as a virtuous quality in many texts (ethical firmness, capacity to endure). Gītā commentators sometimes praise dhṛti as steadiness in action. As a name it suggests quiet, enduring strength rather than overt force. Nicknames: Dhru, Dhiti.

4. Tejaswini (Tejasvīnī) — pronunciation: TEJ-as-wee-nee

Meaning: Radiant, powerful with inner brilliance. Root: tejas (brilliance, power). Notes: Tejaswini combines luminosity and potency: strength understood as energetic radiance. It is common in Marathi, Kannada and Hindi-speaking families. Variants: Tejasvi (gender-neutral form), Teji.

5. Vijaya — pronunciation: vi-JAY-a

Meaning: Victory, triumph. Root: vijaya (victory). Notes: Used since classical times (Vijaya is an epithet in epics); implies success against obstacles and therefore strength in action. Vijaya is also the name of specific tithis and royal epithets in inscriptions, so it carries both spiritual and historical resonance. Nicknames: Viji, Vijay.

6. Veera / Veerā — pronunciation: VEE-ra / vee-RAH

Meaning: Brave, heroic. Root: vīra (hero). Notes: Though vīra is often masculine in Sanskrit declension, regional practice uses Veera or Veerā for girls (especially in south India) to mean courageous woman. It connotes martial bravery or moral heroism. Variants: Veerni, Veerangana for a more descriptive form.

7. Bala (Balā) — pronunciation: BA-la

Meaning: Strength, youthful force. Root: bala (force, power, also child). Notes: Balā appears in Puranic contexts as the youthful form of deities (e.g., Bala Tripurasundari) and as a word for strength. As a name it can suggest vitality and foundational strength. Because bala also means child, the name conveys tenderness plus power. Variants: Balamani, Balaśri.

8. Aishwarya — pronunciation: eye-SHWA-rya

Meaning: Sovereignty, prosperity, sovereign power. Root: aiśvarya (power, majesty). Notes: Aishwarya denotes material or royal power and is used widely as a feminine name. In classical Sanskrit aiśvarya appears as the attribute of kings and gods; as a personal name it implies standing, ability and influence. Nicknames: Aishu, Ash.

9. Sahasika — pronunciation: sa-ha-SEE-ka

Meaning: Courageous, daring. Root: sahasa (boldness). Notes: Sahasika signals adventurous bravery and is used in modern India as a feminine name. It emphasises risk-taking courage, appropriate for parents who wish to underline daring and initiative. Variant: Sahasi (shorter), Sahas.

10. Veerangana — pronunciation: vee-er-an-GA-na

Meaning: Heroine, brave woman. Root: vīra (hero) + aṅga (limb/one who has heroic limbs). Notes: Veerangana is a descriptive, honorific term used historically to describe women warriors and freedom fighters. As a name it is strong and explicitly gendered, invoking heroism and public courage.

Practical notes on choosing a name

• Family and tradition: Many families follow gotra, family elders, or regional conventions when naming. Discuss with elders if you follow specific āgama, sampradāya, or ritual naming rites.
• Sound and script: Consider how a Sanskrit name will adapt into your regional language script (Devanāgarī, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Bengali, etc.) and common nicknames.
• Interpretive range: A name like Shakti will have different theological resonances in Śākta, Śaiva, Vaiṣṇava or Smārta households; acknowledge and choose what fits your household’s outlook.
• Ritual/astrological steps: If you consult jyotiṣa (astrology) or perform a naming samskāra, consult a qualified practitioner from your tradition. If rituals involve fasting or bodily practices, take standard health precautions.

Names connected to strength can point to physical vigour, moral steadiness, victorious action, or spiritual potency. Each of these ten names offers a different facet of that quality; families often choose one that resonates with lineage, deity devotion, or the qualities they hope to encourage in the child.