Scandinavian Names
- Suren
Description:
Suren as a feminine name is relatively uncommon, as it is traditionally a masculine name in Armenian and Indian cultures. In Armenian, Suren means "powerful" or "majestic," derived from the Persian name Surena. In Indian contexts, particularly Sanskrit, it can mean "deity" or "warrior." As a feminine name, Suren represents a bold cross-cultural choice that carries strong connotations of strength and dignity. The gender-neutral quality of this name makes it appealing to parents looking for unique names that break traditional gender associations. While rare for girls, it offers a distinctive option with rich cultural significance and a powerful sound that combines softness with strength.
- Kristy
Origin:
Diminutive of all variations of KristinaMeaning:
"a Christian"Description:
Kristy (and Kristi and Kristie) are the ultimate kool girl nicknames of the sixties and seventies, not kwite as kute any more.
- Trina
Origin:
Scandinavian, diminutive of KatrinaDescription:
Nickname name that retains an Old Country feel.
- Thurman
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"defended by Thor"Description:
Found as a first name primarily in baseball books giving the stats on the late New York Yankee Thurman Munson.
- Brunhild
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"armed for battle"Description:
One of the Valkyries, still clad in heavy armor.
- Waldemar
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"famous ruler"Description:
The American child given this name of four kings of Denmark, not to mention one so similar to that of the Harry Potter archvillain Lord Voldemort, might have to pay a large emotional import tax.
- Hjalmar
Origin:
ScandinavianMeaning:
"helmet protector"Description:
Old Norse name that lives on more appealingly in modern times as Jalmari, short form Jari. This form remains popular in Sweden, however.
- Ulrica
Origin:
Feminine form of Ulrich or Wulfric, Swedish, GermanMeaning:
"rich and noble heritage; wolf ruler"Description:
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, Ulrica Lindström.
- Heidrun
Origin:
Norse mythological nameDescription:
Heidrun, which is occasionally used in modern Europe, was the name of a mythological goat who nibbled from the tree of life, transforming her milk into mead. You might think of Heidrun as a cross between Heidi and Gudrun, but there's a good reason this one's never caught on in the US: It's still stuck on that mythical Norse hillside.
- Rana
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"queenly"Description:
A favorite in Near Eastern cultures, with a charming meaning.
- Canute
Origin:
ScandinavianMeaning:
"knot"Description:
More familiar in its K forms, where it's associated with football legend Knute Rockne, Canute has a tough, macho image.
- Berit
Origin:
Scandinavian variation of BirgitMeaning:
"exalted one"Description:
Well used in northern Europe, almost unknown in the US, Berit is could make an off-beat alternative to Betty, Beth, or Merritt for those with Scandinavian ancestry.
- Bridgette
Description:
Bridgette is a feminine name representing a French variation of Bridget, ultimately derived from the Celtic name Brighid meaning "exalted one." In Irish mythology, Brighid was a powerful goddess of fire, poetry, and wisdom. This spelling with the double-t gives the name a touch of French elegance while maintaining its Celtic roots. Bridgette gained popularity in the mid-20th century, partly inspired by French actress Brigitte Bardot, though this variation uses a more phonetic English spelling. The name balances traditional heritage with accessibility, offering a slightly more elaborate alternative to the simpler Bridget. While never reaching the heights of ultra-popular girls' names, Bridgette has maintained steady usage, appreciated for its classic feel and feminine charm.
- Bergen
Origin:
ScandinavianMeaning:
"lives on a hill"Description:
Norwegian city name heard much more often as a last name than a first.
- Valter
Origin:
German and Scandinavian variation of WalterDescription:
Vill always sound as if you're pronouncing Walter with an affected accent.
- Fransen
Description:
Fransen is primarily a Dutch and Scandinavian surname now occasionally used as a masculine given name. It originated as a patronymic surname meaning 'son of Frans' (the Dutch form of Francis), which ultimately derives from Latin 'Franciscus' meaning 'Frenchman.' As a first name, Fransen is extremely rare, representing a contemporary trend of adopting surnames as given names. It carries a distinctive Nordic or Dutch flavor and projects a serious, sophisticated image. The name has historical connections to Northern European heritage and may appeal to parents seeking an uncommon name with family significance or those with Dutch, Danish, or Norwegian ancestry wishing to honor their cultural roots.
- Agne
Description:
Agne is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Lithuanian tradition, it derives from the Greek name Agnes, meaning 'pure' or 'holy.' In Latvian usage, it shares these same roots while developing its own cultural associations. The name is pronounced AHG-neh in these Baltic languages, not to be confused with the English pronunciation of Agnes. In French contexts, Agne might appear as a variant of Agnès, while in some Scandinavian countries, particularly Sweden, it can be found as a feminine name with similar etymological connections. While not among the most popular names globally, Agne maintains steady usage in Baltic countries and Lithuanian diaspora communities, appreciated for its classic simplicity, cultural connections, and elegant sound.
- Syrin
Origin:
Greek mythological nameDescription:
Syrin is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a modern variation of Siren, referencing the enchanting mythological creatures of Greek mythology known for their captivating songs. Alternatively, it could be related to the word "syrinx," which refers to a type of pan pipe instrument in Greek mythology. This connection gives the name musical associations and a lyrical quality.
- Ludvig
Origin:
Scandinavian variation of Ludwig, GermanMeaning:
"famous warrior"Description:
Unlikely to catch on in the Anglophone world, where parent name Ludwig still conjures up images of Beethoven. But Ludvig actually ranks among the top boy names in Norway and Sweden, while German form Ludwig ranks among the Top 100 boy names in Germany and Ludovico is cool in Italty.
- Knute
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"knot"Description:
A strong, powerful choice, ancestor of the modern Superboy Names. Knut is the name of the patron saint of Denmark; Knute Rockne was a legendary Notre Dame football coach. Knute is the middle name of Jessica Simpson's son Ace, in honor of his paternal great-grandfather.