Updated November 2023
Across 6 pages
of 6
Rickard is a Germanic and Scandinavian variation of Richard, a classic masculine name composed of elements meaning "powerful" and "brave ruler." This particular spelling is especially common in…
Roffe is a masculine name with Scandinavian origins, particularly Swedish and Norwegian. It likely developed as a variant or diminutive of Rolf, which combines the Germanic elements 'hrod' (fame) and…
Simson is a masculine name that represents a variant spelling of Simpson, which originated as a patronymic surname meaning 'son of Simon.' Simon itself comes from the Hebrew name Shimon, meaning 'he…
Swedish
"a stone"
Once a short form of names containing this syllable, it is now used on its own, though we'd prefer Sven.
"wanderer"
Like Stian, a more manageable short form of the unwieldy Srigandr, but with a less euphonic sound. Stig Larsson is a successful Swedish novelist, not to be confused with the even more successful late…
Torkel is a masculine name of Old Norse origin, derived from 'Þórkell' or 'Þórketill,' combining 'Þórr' (Thor, the god of thunder) and 'ketill' (cauldron, vessel). The name essentially means 'Thor's…
Scandinavian
"wolf"
A common Scandinavian name , but hard to imagine being used elsewhere.
Vanentin is a masculine name that appears to be a variant of Valentine or Valentin. The original name derives from Latin "valens" meaning "strong" or "healthy," and was popularized through Saint…
Svens is an uncommon masculine name that appears to be a variant or possessive form of Sven, a traditional Scandinavian name with Norse origins meaning 'young man' or 'young warrior.' While Sven is…
Swedish and Norwegian variation of Tove
"beautiful"
Tove is a modern variation of an Old Norse name, related to Thor. Tuva is a form of the name popular in modern Scandinavia.
"to twinkle or sparkle"
Tindra is a new name in Sweden, used only since the 1980s, that has become enormously popular: It's in the Top 100 there. And while unknown in the US, Tindra certainly has possibilities as a…
Scandinavian version of Marie or Mary, Hebrew or Egyptian
"drop of the sea; bitter; beloved; love"
Majken, which is related to Maiken and Maike, is a popular name in Sweden whose variations are used throughout Scandinavia as cooler forms of Mary. Majken is virtually unknown in the U.S. and…
Antonetta is a feminine name of Italian origin, serving as an elaborate feminine form of Anthony (Antonio in Italian). Derived from the Roman family name Antonius, it carries the meaning 'priceless'…
Scandinavian variation of Barbara
A more upbeat, modern-sounding version of a granny name.
Swedish, German, Italian, from Latin
"blessed"
Beata, a Latinate saint's name, has been widely used primarily by Roman Catholics in several European countries, but is rarely heard in English-speaking countries. Playground alert: could be…
Nature name
We once dismissed Bird as "too flighty", but with the rise of avian names from Lark to Robin to, well, Birdie, we don't see why Bird can't be a fine choice, especially as a middle name.
Icelandic
"exalted or rescue"
An Icelandic diminutive of Birgitta turned popular first name there, currently ranking among the Top 30 girl names in Iceland. Parent name Birgitta is either a Nordic variant of Brigitta, from the…
Swedish, contracted form of Birgit
"high goddess"
Brisk but rather brittle. Britt Eklund was a Bond Girl in the 1974 The Man with the Golden Gun . Britt is a contracted form of Birgit, but be aware that it does come with the strong possibility of…
Gittan is a feminine Swedish name that functions primarily as a diminutive form of Birgitta or Margareta. The name has a warm, friendly quality typical of Swedish nicknaming patterns, which often add…
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.'…