Scandinavian Names

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 character in Disney's Frozen, he might get some more attention.
 Olaf's solid Scandinavian history includes various kings of Norway, from the eleventh century St. Olaf (often mentioned by the Betty White character on Golden Girls) to the recent Olaf V.

Olaf

Shades of Thurston Howell, the effete millionaire castaway on Gilligan's Island. 

Thurston

It may surprise Americans to hear that Ulrik is a fashionable choice elsewhere in the world, as U is the least-used letter for given names in the US. In recent years, Ulrik has been one of the fastest-rising names in Norway.

Ulrik

Ten years ago we would have advised people to steer clear of this name (and maybe choose the similar sounding Walter instead); but with the rise of other Nordic and Eastern European names like Viggo and Casimir, maybe its time to re-thing Valdemar. It's a big name, but with enough penache, it could be pulled off. Valdemar was introduced to Scandinavia in the 12th Century by a Danish king named for his Ukrainian grandfather, and is currently in the Danish Top 20.

Valdemar

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. 

Waldemar

A name that looks simple on the surface but has a variety of complex roots, Senia is often used as an alternative form of Xenia, a Greek name meaning "hospitable, welcoming" or "guest". This spelling likely emerged via the Scandinavian variation, Senja, or from the Slavic Ksenia. 
 
Another possibility is that Senia is an elaboration of Sena, which opens up a whole variety of possible sources. On one hand, it may come from the Turkish spelling of the Arabic Thana, meaning "praise", while on the other, it may have emerged from any name with the sen sound, such as Selina, Serena, Asenath, Siena, and Rosena.
 
From Sanskrit, it could mean "army; missile, dart", inspired by Sena, the wife of Indra (or Kartikeya), and a personification of the armed forces or thunderbolts. 
 
Given to a handful of girls each year in the US, it makes a rare but familiar sounding choice.

Senia

Siri is a charming and lively Scandinavian name that is no longer on the table given the ubiquity of Apple's digital Siri. Too bad, because Siri -- along with variations Syrie and Cyrie -- is unique, enchanting, and adorable. But now taken. 


Siri

Sweet and pleasant, Maili is one of those names which looks simple but does in fact have a wide range of origins, ranging from Scandinavian to Chinese. 
 
From its Chinese roots, Maili may be used as an alternative transcription of Meili, giving it the pretty meaning of "beautiful and lovely". In this case, the pronunciation would be MAY-LEE. 
 
From its Scandinavian origins, Maili is used in Finnish, Estonian, Swedish, and occasionally Norwegian, as a variation of the name Maila. Pronounced as MY-lee, it is ultimately a diminutive of Maria, making it one of many international forms of Mary. 
 
As a Hawaiian name, it has the playful and nature connected meaning of "pebbly", taken from the word māʻili. It would likely be pronounced with three syllables: ma-ee-lee.
 
Additionally, it may be used as a spelling variation of the name Miley, often among Spanish speakers as a phonetic spelling. It could also be a form of the invented name, Maylee, simply made up of popular sounds from May and Haley, though it may a variant of the Scottish Mailie (another Mary-related name) or a spin on the French Maylis or Mailys too.

Maili

One of the more unfamiliar Nordic choices, a perfect set-up for the nickname Brody.

Broder

The son at the end of many <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/173/scandinavian-names">Scandinavian names</a> makes them more consistent with modern American name tastes. While Nilsson may be the proper Scandinavian form of the name, many English speakers will try to spell it Nilson or Nelson.

Nilsson

Pronounced to rhyme with fjord, the Norse god of the sea's name, this would make an unorthodox choice for sea-lovers and fishermen. 

Njord

Bjornson

Osvald is a masculine name of Germanic and Scandinavian origin, derived from the elements 'os' meaning 'god' and 'wald' meaning 'power' or 'ruler.' Essentially, the name translates to 'divine power' or 'god's ruler.' Historically prominent in Nordic countries, particularly Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, Osvald represents a distinguished heritage. While less common in modern usage, it maintains appeal for parents seeking strong traditional names with historical significance. The English variant Oswald is more recognized in English-speaking countries. Osvald carries an air of nobility and strength, evoking images of Viking heritage and Scandinavian tradition with its distinctive and powerful sound.

Osvald

Peder?  You mean Peter?  You'll have to do a lot of spelling and explaining of this one. 

Peder

Pelle is one of several possible Peter-related Scandinavian choices. In Swedish or Norwegian, the name Pelle rhymes roughly with Ella.

Pelle

So simple, yet so unique: a prime candidate for export. Pronunciation is like the English pair or pear.

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 common in Norway, Sweden, and Germany, Bernt has historical roots dating back centuries in Northern Europe. The name carries strong connotations of strength and resilience reflected in its etymology. While rarely used in English-speaking countries, Bernt remains a traditional choice in Scandinavian regions. Its concise, strong sound makes it distinctive in international contexts. The name combines ancient Germanic heritage with a straightforward, masculine character that feels both traditional and somewhat unique outside its countries of origin.

Bernt

A modern form of the Old Norse Ragnvaldr and a relation of Reginald, Renaud, Ronald, and Reynold, Ragnvald is a rugged and strong name used predominantly in Norway and Sweden. Notable bearers include Scandinavian nobleman, Ragnvald Ulfsson the Old,  footballer Ragnvald Soma, and illustrator and editor Ragnvald Blix.

Ragnvald

While this may look like an animal related word name to those unfamiliar with it, Roar is a Norwegian name derived from the Old Norse element hróðr meaning "fame". combined with either herr meaning "warrior" or "geirr meaning "spear". It can also be spelled as Hroar.

Roar

The raven was a holy bird in Norse mythology, giving this choice some resonance beyond other Bart variations. 

Bartram

Scandinavian names are a hot group, attracting new interest from parents beyond the Scandinavian countries. The Scandinavian names here include names with 

, but not Finland, since Finnish is not a Scandinavian language. We also include 

 here, many of them from Nordic mythology.

Scandinavian names that have found favor in the wider world include, for girls, the royal Astrid, the botanical Dahlia, the mythological Freya, and the short form Mia. For 

 include the hard rock Axel, the gentle Anderson, and the expansive Magnus.

y such as Thor and Odin will also become more popular. 

, ordered by their current popularity on Nameberry.

Scandinavian Names with Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, and Norse origins, with meanings and popularity in Scandinavia and the wider world. (Page 8)