Scandinavian Names
Across 14 pages
of 14
Digby
English, Norse
"town by the ditch"
Digby is a place-name in Lincolnshire turned surname turned quirky first name that is starting to get some attention. In fact, it ranked in the UK Top 1000 in a recent year where it fits in with the…
Frodi
Norse
"wise, learned"
The name of several legendary Danish kings, including one who declared universal peace.
Galt
Norse
"high ground"
A literary surname that's short, to the point, and very rare. It combines several origins: Scandinavian meaning "high ground", Scottish meaning "stranger", and English meaning "wild boar" (hello,…
Garth
Norse
"groundskeeper, enclosure"
A name that took on a pronounced country twang via Nashville megastar Garth (born Troyal) Brooks.
Haakon
Norse
"chosen son"
An ancient name that's been used by the Norwegian royal family; still popular there but not likely to appeal to many American parents.
Haldor
Norse
"Thor's stone"
This, like many Norse and Scandinavian names , remains icebound, though with the unexpected rise of such ancient Scandinavian mythology names as Odin, Thor, and Freya, we may see Haldor rise again.
Halle
Modern invented name or diminutive of Harald, English or Norse
"Thor's stone"
Popular in the Scandinavian countries, but in this country it would surely bring to mind the very feminine Halle Berry.
Helgi
Norse
"holy"
Older form of Helge, and a masculine form of Helga.
Ingmar
Norse
"son of Ing"
Ingmar is known here almost solely through Swedish director Ingmar Bergman. Ing was the powerful Norse god of fertility and peace, who lent his name to several mortal variations, more notably to…
Ivar
Norse
"yew wood, archer, warrior"
Closer to the original Norse name Ívarr , it is part of a small group of names with similar roots: Ivor, Iver, Ivo, Ives, and Evander, which all make rugged yet gentle feeling choices. Used…
Ivarr
Ivarr is a masculine name of Old Norse origin, representing a traditional Scandinavian name that was common among Vikings. It derives from elements meaning 'yew' (a type of tree associated with…
Kirby
Norse
"church settlement"
Attractive British place-name with a sense of humor. Fun fact: John Wayne played five characters with the first or second name of Kirby.
Kirk
Norse
"church"
Far more friendly and open than similar one-syllable names like Kent, Kurt, and Karl, it's been associated for more than half a century with actor Kirk Douglas, whose birth name was Issur…
Olaf
Norse
"ancestor's relic"
Olaf, though sainted and regal in Norway, is slightly oafish here. It is one of those names that has become completely familiar in the U.S. without ever becoming assimilated. Now that he's a comical…
Quimby
Variation of Quenby, English
"queen's settlement"
Virtually never heard in this country, with a quirky quality.
Ragnar
Norse
"powerful army; wise warrior; counsel from the army"
An fearsome old Norse name with a long history in Scandinavia. It's gotten a boost in the States from popularity of the History Channel drama "Vikings," in which the protagonist is named Ragnar.…
Sigvard
Sigvard is a masculine name of Scandinavian origin, particularly common in Sweden and Norway. It combines the Old Norse elements 'sigr' meaning 'victory' and 'varðr' meaning 'guardian' or 'defender,'…
Sigurd
Norse
"guardian of victory"
This old Norse name is still used in contemporary Scandinavia. An ancient hero's name, Sigurd got a modern boost from a heroic figure in television's The Vikings .
Sindri
Old Norse
"sparkling; someone who sprays sparks"
This sparkling name from Norse Mythology is borne by the blacksmith dwarf, who, along with his brother Brokkr, forged Thor's hammer Mjǫllnir and Odin's golden ring, Draupnir. Also known as Eitri in…
Stian
Norse
"wanderer"
Once popular (and still familiar) in Norway, Stian could make an interesting choice for anyone with northern European roots. It is a modern form of the Norse Stígandr, with its appealing, wanderer…