Scandinavian Names
Across 14 pages
of 14
Ulrica
Feminine form of Ulrich or Wulfric, Swedish, German
"rich and noble heritage; wolf ruler"
Ulrica has an Old World sound, but is perhaps enough like Erika and Annika that it could work today. Also spelled Ulrika, it was borne by a 18th century Swedish queen and Olympic ice hockey player,…
Vanja
Scandinavian, feminine variation of Vanya
Russian Uncle Vanya becomes niece Vanja in Sweden: an intriguing switch.
Vega
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…
Vendela
Scandinavian
"wanderer"
An unusual name associated with the gorgeous Swedish-Norwegian model, actress, and TV host, Vendela is possibly a feminine form of Wendell.
Viveca
Swedish, Nordic
"alive, life; place of refuge"
This is one of the most vibrant and feminine of the names meaning life , and it's sure to gain more attention as the whole sisterhood of Viv- names rise. Celebrated Swedish actress Viveca Lindfors,…
Aalto
Finnish
"wave"
The last name of Finnish moderne designer/architect makes an original, creative choice with an unexpected water-related meaning.
Caren
Caren is a feminine name that serves as a variant spelling of Karen, which originated as a Danish form of Katherine. Katherine ultimately derives from the Greek name Aikaterine, possibly meaning…
Sanna
Swedish, Finnish, Inuktitut
"lily"
If you're ready to move beyond Anna and Hannah, consider this traditional Scandinavian short form of Susanna, historically very popular in its native lands. Sanna is also a modern Inuktitut form of…
Rut
Czech, variation of Ruth
"companion, friend"
Pronounced ROOT in its native land, but in a rut here.
Arne
Dutch and Scandinavian variation of Arnold
"ruler; strong as an eagle"
Works better as a full name than Arnie does as a nickname.
Arvid
Swedish, Norwegian, Danish
"eagle-tree"
Arvid, a Scandinavian name that's virtually unknown in the US, is one of the top baby names in Sweden . It might make a handsome, unusual choice for a parent in search of an original yet traditional…
Asmund
Manx, Scandinavian, Norse
"God is the protector; divine protection"
Ultimately derived from the Old Norse Ásmundr, Asmund is the Scandinavian and Manx form, predominantly used in Denmark, Sweden and Norway. In the case of Norway, however, it is much more popularly…
Axl
Variation of Axel, Scandinavian version of Absalom
"father of peace"
Guns 'n' Roses musician Axl (born William) Rose created this name by dropping a vowel, a la Barbra Streisand. The traditional Axel is more popular, though celebrity parents Fergie and Josh Duhamel…
Bartram
Scandinavian
"glorious raven"
The raven was a holy bird in Norse mythology, giving this choice some resonance beyond other Bart variations.
Bergen
Germanic, Scandinavian
"lives on a hill; mountain region"
A Norwegian city name, heard much more often as a last name than a first, Bergen may nevertheless appeal as an alternative to Brogan, Keegan, Summit, or Brooks. Strong and rugged, it was given to 8…
Bernt
Bernt is a masculine name of Scandinavian and Germanic origin, functioning as a variation of Bernard or Bernhard, which derives from elements meaning "bear" and "brave" or "hardy." Particularly…
Bjornson
Scandinavian
"son of Bjorn"
Leave it at Bjorn.
Broder
Scandinavian
"brother"
One of the more unfamiliar Nordic choices, a perfect set-up for the nickname Brody.
Hjördis
Scandinavian
"sword goddess"
Pronunciation problems overwhelm this name.
Ronja
Swedish literary name
Pippi Longstocking author Astrid Lindgren invented the name Ronja for her book Ronja, the Robber's Daughter . She was inspired by the lake Juronjaure, located in Norrbotten, Sweden. Lindgren's…