By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 16 pages
of 16
German, Slovene, and Scandinavian form of Maya; also, Arabic
"splendid"
Whether you pronounce it my-a, ma-zha or ma-ha, Maja is an intriguing choice. Sometimes associated with Goya's famous painting "The Naked Maja." As a cognate of Maya, it's a Top 10 name in Slovenia…
Daven is a masculine name with multiple potential origins. It may be an Anglicized form of the Irish name Damhan (pronounced DAV-awn), meaning 'little stag,' or possibly a variant of Davin, a…
Variation of Anderson, English, Danish, Scandinavian
"son of Anders"
A spelling variation of trending surname-name, Anderson, notably used in Danish. A recent year saw it given to 21 girls and 23 boys in the US, making it a gender-neutral spelling option. Anderson by…
Russian, Slavic, and Scandinavian form of Sophia, Greek
"wisdom"
Popular throughout Northern and Eastern Europe, particularly in countries like Sweden, Norway, Russia, and Germany, Sonja has a rich cultural heritage. The name gained international recognition…
Norse variation of Eric
This poor lad will spend his life saying, "No, it's Aric, not Eric. Aaric, Arick, Arik Arric, Arrick.
Norse
"fair victory"
Sigrid is a distinctly Scandinavian name that is starting to edge out into the wider world, a la cousin Ingrid. Unfortunately, short form Siri is now off the table, but Sigrid is still a possibility.
Scandinavian, feminine variation of Tyr, an ancient Indo-European god
High profile supermodel/entrepreneur Tyra Banks has put this name in the spotlight, endowing it with her confident, superattractive image.
Jarell is a contemporary masculine given name with documented usage primarily in the United States from the late 20th century onward. The name may be a variant spelling of Jarrell, which itself could…
"puff of wind; curly hair"
In Norse mythology, the son of the giant who ruled the wind and air; in modern America, recalls a 1970s girl's nickname name, à la Carrie and Keri.
Arabic, Spanish
"swooping eagle; meadow"
Another astral name, this one relating to one of the largest and brightest stars in the heavens, is popular in Scandinavia and Spain, where it ranks among the Top 50 girls' names . Although still…
Germanic, Scandinavian
"lives on a hill; mountain"
Norwegian city name, Bergen is a strong, rugged choice, that may feel stylish in that surname-or-city-inspired way of Brogan and Brooklyn, London and Bristol, Bexley and Reagan. Used originally to…
Variation of Kirsten
Kiersten is the version of Kirsten you use if you really really really don't want anyone to mispronounce it as ker-sten or kris-ten. But they probably still will.
Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish variation of Eleanor, meaning unknown, or Elin, Swedish variation of Ellen
"torch, shining light"
Eleanor is a rising classic in the US, and the similarly-pronounced Ellinor is a favorite in Sweden and Norway. While Eleanor is not considered one of the many Helen variations, some sources say that…
Feminization of Ebbe, Swedish and Danish, or variation of Old English Æbbe
"bear god; brave boar"
Ebba, the feminine version of Ebbe (a diminutive of Eberhard or Asbjorn) and also a form of an old English name, is in the Swedish Top 10 but virtually unknown in the US. However, with the rise of…
Diminutive of all variations of Kristina
"a Christian"
Kristy (and Kristi and Kristie) are the ultimate kool girl nicknames of the sixties and seventies, not kwite as kute any more.
Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Norse, "new day"
"new day"
If you're looking for a name with Scandinavian roots, Dagny makes a strong and appealing import. Derived from Old Norse, it means "new day", perfect for a girl born around New Year's or the change of…
Scandinavian variation of Johannes or John, Hebrew
"God is gracious"
Short but substantial Nordic name that travels well -- although it runs the risk of being confused with all the feminine Jen names.
Scandinavian
"Jan's son"
Intriguing way to honor an ancestral John.
"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 .
Harald is a masculine name of Norse origin meaning 'army ruler' or 'leader of warriors,' composed of the elements 'har' (army) and 'vald' (rule). This ancient Germanic name has been borne by numerous…
