Throughout history, barbarians have captured the imagination – armies of fierce warriors living beyond the fringes of civilization. Barbarians play major roles as both protagonists and antagonists in fantasy tales, historical fiction, video games, movies, and more. Their names hold great importance in conveying their storied legacies. But what constitutes an epic barbarian name? Whether staying true to history or inventing something altogether new, several key factors go into choosing the perfect moniker.
The word “barbarian” originated from the Greek word “barbaros,” used to describe foreigners whose languages sounded like “bar-bar” to Greek ears. Though initially a neutral descriptive term, “barbarian” eventually adopted more negative connotations during the Roman Empire era, used to convey cultural inferiority. Modern definitions characterize historical barbarians as warlike tribal groups living outside of major civilizations who periodically raided or invaded frontier territories.
Historical Barbarian Names
For fiction grounded in real historical contexts, writers strive to provide barbarian names consistent with the culture portrayed. Some noteworthy examples of famous historical barbarian names include:
Male
- Alaric – King of Visigoths who sacked Rome in 410 CE
- Attila – Fearsome leader of the Huns
- Beowulf – Legendary Geatish hero who battled Grendel
- Erik the Red – Viking explorer who founded Greenland colony
- Gaiseric – Fifth century king who led Vandal Sack of Rome
- Genseric – Another fifth century Vandal king who conquered Carthage
Female
- Boudica (or Boadicea) – Celtic Iceni queen who rebelled against Rome
- Freydis – Norse Viking woman who voyaged to and settled Vinland
- Mavia – Arab warrior queen who led her Saracen tribe against Rome
- Olga of Kiev – Viking princess turned vengeful tenth century Russian queen
- Tomris – Scythian queen who defeated Cyrus the Great
Writers striving for historicity study barbarian cultures of interest to build appropriate names and naming conventions into their fictional works. Resources like museums, history texts, documentary films, and university lectures help provide context.
Famous Barbarian Names with Meaning
| Barbarian Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Alaric | “All-powerful ruler” |
| Thorak | “Thunder” |
| Korgul | “The Destroyer” |
| Zanar | “The Wild One” |
| Bjarne | “Bear” |
| Drakon | “Dragon” |
| Einar | “One who fights alone” |
| Fjolnir | “Mysterious, enigmatic” |
| Gorm | “He who is revered” |
| Hagar | “Enclosure” |
| Ivar | “Bow warrior” |
| Jorn | “Bear warrior” |
| Kael | “Mighty warrior” |
| Loric | “Fierce, brave” |
| Merek | “Great ruler” |
| Njal | “Champion” |
| Orin | “Pale green” |
| Pyke | “A peak” |
| Quorin | “Proud” |
| Ragnor | “Warrior from the gods” |
| Sven | “Youth” |
| Tarn | “Rocky mountain” |
| Ulf | “Wolf” |
| Varg | “Wolf” |
| Wulfgar | “Wolf-like spear” |
| Xaros | “Blade of the shadow” |
| Yorik | “Farmer” |
| Zephyr | “West wind” |
| Aethelwulf | “Noble wolf” |
| Bjorn | “Bear” |
| Cadeyrn | “Battle king” |
| Dagfinn | “Day wanderer” |
| Egor | “Farmer” |
| Falk | “Falcon” |
| Gunnar | “Warrior” |
| Hakon | “High-born” |
| Ingvar | “Warrior” |
| Jorund | “Stallion” |
| Kelvan | “River man” |
| Leif | “Descendant” |
| Magnus | “Great” |
| Njord | “Strong, vigorous” |
| Olaf | “Ancestor’s relic” |
| Pjotr | “Rock” |
| Qadir | “Powerful” |
| Rurik | “Famous ruler” |
| Sigurd | “Victory guardian” |
| Trygve | “Trustworthy” |
| Ulfred | “Wolf of peace” |
| Vestein | “Rock stone” |
Read More: Goblin Names
Unique Barbarian Names
Read More: Roblox Display Name Ideas
Male Barbarian Names
| Barbarian Names | Barbarian Names | Barbarian Names |
|---|---|---|
| Alaric | Gunnar | Pjotr |
| Thorak | Hakon | Qadir |
| Korgul | Ingvar | Rurik |
| Zanar | Jorund | Sigurd |
| Bjarne | Kelvan | Trygve |
| Drakon | Leif | Ulfred |
| Einar | Magnus | Vestein |
| Fjolnir | Njord | Wulfgar |
| Gorm | Olaf | Xaros |
| Hagar | Bjorn | Yorik |
| Ivar | Cadeyrn | Zephyr |
| Jorn | Dagfinn | Aethelwulf |
| Kael | Egor | Orin |
| Loric | Falk | Pyke |
| Merek | Sven | Quorin |
| Njal | Tarn | Ragnor |
Read More: Half Elf Names
Female Barbarian Names
| Barbarian Names | Barbarian Names | Barbarian Names |
|---|---|---|
| Aella | Freydis | Morana |
| Brynhild | Gudrun | Naima |
| Carya | Helga | Orla |
| Drifa | Isolde | Penda |
| Eir | Jarnsaxa | Quilla |
| Fenja | Kelda | Ragna |
| Gersemi | Lathgertha | Sif |
| Hilda | Maelis | Thora |
| Ivara | Nyssa | Ulrica |
| Jotunn | Olwen | Valeska |
| Kari | Petra | Wilma |
| Liora | Qadira | Xena |
| Mirena | Runa | Ylva |
| Nadia | Skadi | Zaria |
| Orinthia | Tove | Aesira |
| Prisca | Ursa | Breena |
Read More: Leprechaun Names
Funny Barbarian Names
Read More: Orc Names
Conclusion
Whether staying true to history or inventing something new, a barbarian’s name tells a story all its own – conveying character attributes and cultural history. As writers sculpt the perfect moniker, tapping into name meanings and sounds that reinforce themes proves key. So arm yourself with inspiration from the iconic barbarians of history and legend. Just don’t steal their mead or spill blood on their furs, lest you incite the rage reflected in these storied names! Use the heroic barbarian names above to launch your tales of adventure, conquest, and imagination run wild.
