Updated November 2023
Across 6 pages
of 6
Scandinavian, variation of Birgit or Britt
"strength or exalted one"
If you want a pan-Scandinavian name with energy and style that could have been a winner, if not for the sound-alike water filtration company Brita.
Russian, diminutive of Vilhelmina; a Polish place-name
Not much to recommend this relative of Wilma; consider Willa or Willow instead.
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…
Italian, Spanish, Swedish, Polish, Slovene, Russian, Croatian, Serbian variation of Agatha
Agata is an Agatha form widely used throughout Europe. And the hard t may be more appealing to your ear than the th sound.
Diminutive of Albertine or Alberta, English or Germanic
"noble, bright"
So uncool it's cool! Bertie makes for a boyish nickname for Alberta, Roberta, Bertille, Albertine... or just use it on its own, à la Billie or Frankie. Old school unisex nickname names are back in…
Jeremia is a masculine name that serves as a variation of Jeremiah, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'appointed by God' or 'God will uplift.' This form of the name is particularly common in Germanic,…
Lovisa is a Scandinavian feminine name, particularly popular in Sweden, derived from Louise, which ultimately comes from the Germanic name Ludwig, meaning 'famous warrior' or 'renowned fighter.'…
Alrik is a masculine name with strong Norse and Germanic roots, meaning 'ruler of all' or 'complete ruler'—derived from elements meaning 'all' and 'ruler' or 'king.' This powerful name appears in…
Scandinavian variation of Birgit
"exalted one"
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.
Brigitta is a feminine name with rich historical roots, derived from the ancient Celtic name Brighid, meaning 'exalted one' or 'high goddess.' It's the Central European form of Bridget, particularly…
Anneka is a feminine name with Scandinavian and Dutch origins, primarily functioning as a variant of Anna or Annika. In Dutch, it's a diminutive form of Anna, while in Swedish and Finnish contexts,…
Nordic variation of Vladimir
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…
Swedish or Cornish
"fairy"
Pixie is a cute -- quite possibly too cute -- name that suddenly feels possible thanks to the craze for names that contain the letter x. Though its origin may be uncertain, a pixie is internationally…
Susann is a feminine name that represents a variation of Susan, which derives from the Hebrew name Shoshana, meaning 'lily' or 'rose.' This particular spelling with the double 'n' ending gives the…
Swedish
"mother"
Moa was among the Top 100 Swedish baby names throughout the 2000s and 2010s, though it has since declined in use. Pronounced as MOO-ah in Sweden, it is virtually unknown in the US. Could Moa make an…
Kersten is a feminine name with Germanic roots, though it can occasionally be used for boys as well. It originated as a variation of Christina/Kristina, which derives from the Greek word 'christos'…
Henrika is a feminine name of Germanic origin, essentially serving as the feminine form of Henrik or Henry. These names derive from 'Heimrich,' composed of the elements 'heim' meaning 'home' and…
"staff of the gods"
Imposing, if not intimidating.
Brita is a feminine name with Scandinavian and German origins. It developed as a variant of Bridget (or Brigid), which ultimately derives from the Celtic name meaning 'strength' or 'exalted one.'…
"battle maiden"
This popular old Swedish name is not one that would appeal to many modern American parents, though shortening it to Nilla helps.