Names That Mean Slain

In Norse mythology, the valkyries decided the fate of men in battle and conveyed the spirits of the fallen to Valhalla, to dwell with the god Odin. Often associated with ravens, swans, and horses, over time the valkyries have been portrayed as strong, female figures, callous and monstrous creatures, and sometimes both at the same time.
 
 Derived from Old Norse, Valkyrie is comprised of the word valr, used to describe those slain in battle, and kjósa meaning "to choose", which come together to reflect their role in guiding dead warriors. 
 
As a given name, Valkyrie is a new consideration that only began to appear in in the US data in the early 90s, following the release of Paulo Coelho's novel, The Valkyries. It was quietly used until 2016 when the Marvel Franchise confirmed the casting for movie Thor Ragnarok in which Tessa Thompson stars as Valkyrie. 
 
Since then, the name has nearly tripled in use with around 150 girls receiving the name in 2022, making it a bold but increasingly familiar choice, that currently ranks similarly in the US to Nelly, Storm, Tabitha, and Yael. 
 
If Valkyrie does interest you, you could also consider looking at the given names of the valkyries in various manuscripts of Norse mythology, such as Brynhildr, Eir, 
Herja, Mist, and Sigrún.

Valkyrie

A rare spelling variation of the Norse mythological name Valhalla — the great hall which housed slain heroes who were to fight the battles of Ragnarök.

Valhala

Valkyrja is the Old Norse word from which "valkyrie" is derived. In Norse mythology, a valkyrja (or valkyrie) would choose the men who would die in combat. The valkyries (who were always female) would bring the men they had chosen to Odin in Valhalla — the hall of the slain — where they would prepare for the battles of Rangarök.
 
As a baby name, Valkyrie is sharply rising in popularity for girls, but Valkyrja has yet to be used.
 
The word valkyrja is derived from the Old Norse components valr, meaning "the slain," and kjósa, "to choose."

Valkyrja

In Norse mythology, Valhalla was the great hall that welcomes heroes who died in battle. The residents of Valhalla were hand-picked by Odin, for they were to help him during Ragnarök.
 
Valhalla charted as a baby name for the first time in 2019 when it was given to six baby girls. That number may increase as the word becomes more familiar — it is featured in the video game Assassin's Creed Valhalla.
 
Valhalla is derived from the Old Norse word Valhǫll, of the same meaning. It is a combination of the components valr, meaning "the slain," and hǫll , "hall."

Names That Mean Slain

The names

Valkyrie

Valhala

Valkyrja

Valhalla