Attack On Titan has been shaking up the anime landscape as a whole ever since its first episode premiered in April of 2013. From its dark, intriguing concepts to the well-written, passionate characters, and even the mesmerizing visuals and soundtrack, nearly every aspect of the series is incredibly gripping and it deserves much of the praise it receives. The cast residing within the series' universe all have clear, defined goals right from the start.

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Eren wants to eliminate all Titans, Armin longs to see the promised world outside of the walls, and Mikasa will do anything in her power to keep Eren safe. Even non-main characters have their goals defined from early on. In such an intense series, though, little tidbits might get left out, such as characters' birthdays and what their names mean. For fans who grow deeply attached to these characters, it makes sense why they would want to know everything they can about their favorites, and some names within Attack On Titan have some truly interesting meanings.

10 Levi's Name Means "Attached" Or "Joining"

Levi, Erwin and Hange

Levi undoubtedly sprung up as one of the most popular characters in all of Attack On Titan, as well as one of the most popular anime boys overall since his debut. His name is of Hebrew origin, and means "attached" or "joining."

While this initially seems to be a meaning that doesn't fit with his character, all it takes is one look at his squad to see otherwise. Their faith and determination in Levi, as well as how much they look up to him, is the thread that holds much of the Survey Corps together, making him the link that joins them all together.

9 Hange's Name Was Chosen Because Isayama Likes That It Sounds Odd

Hange Zoe Attack on Titan Smiling

Official events and merchandise in Japan use Kodansha's English translations of characters' names, and Hange's name is always translated as "Hans Zoe". Hans is the short form of Johannes, a German variant of the name John, which translates to "God has been gracious."

Zoe is a Greek name that means "life." However, their name isn't chosen for either of these meanings. Isayama himself states that he likes the name "Hange/Hans Zoe" for them because it sounds odd, befitting their personality.

8 Eren's Name Has Several Potential Translations, Including "Saint" Or "Holy Person"

Eren Yeager About To Transform

Eren's name is of Turkish origin and has several different potential meanings. Its exact meaning is "he who progresses" or "he who has reached towards divine maturity and sacred wisdom." The former certainly fits him, as he always progresses forward with his ideals no matter the potential cost.

His name can also be interpreted as "saint" or "holy person." Isayama himself states that part of the reason why he chose the name Eren for the series' main character is because it sounds feminine, which he believes makes it easier for fans to remember.

7 Mikasa Is Named After A Real-World Battleship Due To An Odd Belief Of Isayama's

mikasa fighting titans thanks to her exceptional power

Mikasa has one of the more straightforward name meanings, as she's named after a battleship of the same name. It's a battleship that's used in the Imperial Japanese Navy, and becomes a flagship of the Russo-Japanese War.

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It's fitting for Mikasa, one of the strongest and most successful graduates of the 104th Training Corps, to have such a name. However, Isayama commented that he named Mikasa after a battleship because of a superstitious belief that he holds. He believes series that have female characters named after battleships come to be successful- and, to his credit, it did become one of the most popular anime of its time.

6 Jean's Name Was Chosen Because It Makes Him Seem Like A Representative Of The People

Jean using ODM gear - Attack on Titan

Jean's name is the French variation of John, meaning it translates to the same thing that Hange's name does- "God has been gracious". However, Jean's name isn't chosen for its actual meaning.

Rather, Isayama notes that he picks Jean because it gives him the feeling of being a representative of the people. Seeing as how he blossoms into a great leader who values his comrades greatly, this is an incredibly fitting name for him.

5 Armin's Name Was Chosen Because Isayama Believes It's Easier To Remember

Armin at the ocean

Armin's name has two different potential meanings. It can either be seen as referencing a German word that means "whole", or it could have been taken from Herman, which means "soldier." The latter would be fitting as Armin is determined to prove himself and earn his place as a soldier alongside his comrades.

However, the true reason "Armin Arlert" is chosen as his name is stated by Isayama himself. He notes that it's because starting both his first and last names with the same letter ultimately makes it easier to remember.

4 Reiner's Name Is Old Norse In Origin And Means "Counseling Warrior"

Reiner during argument with Eren - Attack on Titan

Reiner's name has Old Norse origins, and it translates to "Counseling Warrior." This is actually both fitting and quite ironic for him, as he's one of the Warriors of the Marleyan military, expected to follow all of his superiors' orders without question.

The counseling part of his name is ironic, as he ends up in immense mental anguish because of the duality between the true person he is and the actions he's forced to take as a Warrior. In German, his last name "Braun" means brown, though it's unlikely this ties into his character.

3 Bertolt's Name Means "Bright Strength" In Old German

Attack On Titan Bertolt

Bertolt's name is Old German in origin, and its meaning is "bright strength." Much like his fellow Warrior and Titan-shifter Reiner, this is an incredibly ironic meaning for his name to have.

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After all, Bertolt starts out as a timid and insecure character who's the farthest thing from a bright representation of strength. Even after his drastic personality shift where he might be seen as "strong," all sense of brightness completely leaves his character as he becomes someone cold and detached.

2 Annie's Surname Translates To Lionheart, A Nickname Given To A Great Warrior

Annie in Season 1 of Attack on Titan

Annie's surname, Leonhardt, is derived from the Spanish word "leon" and the Dutch word "hart." Combined, these words literally translate to Lionheart, which is a nickname given to someone who's a great warrior.

On the other hand, her first name Annie is based on the Japanese word ani, meaning older brother. Isayama notes that he wants others to see Annie as an older brother figure despite the fact that she's female.

1 Sasha Is Named After A Comedic Actor, But Her Name's Translated Meaning Also Suits Her

Anime Attack On Titan Sasha Eats Lobster

Isayama named Sasha after the comedic actor Sacha Baron Cohen and states it's to reflect the ways she adds elements of humor to the series even in darker moments. However, when one looks at the actual meaning of her name, they'll find it also suits her character.

Her name is short for Alexandra, which comes from the Greek Alexandros and means "defender of humankind." She's certainly able to use her pinpoint-accurate skills to defend her comrades and those still alive. Her last name comes from a German saying that means "to live off the fat of the land," which is what Sasha's seen doing in her original village as she has to hunt and find food for herself.

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