Updated November 2023
Across 5 pages
of 5
English, Norse
"love again, renewal"
Idony is a Medieval variation of Idonea, itself an English form of Iðunn, the Norse goddess of spring and eternal youth. She was notable for carrying, keeping, and guarding the box of apples from…
Norse
"son of Ing"
Ingmar is known here almost solely through Swedish director Ingmar Bergman. Ing was the powerful Norse god of fertility and peace, who lent his name to several mortal variations, more notably to…
Ivarr is a masculine name of Old Norse origin, representing a traditional Scandinavian name that was common among Vikings. It derives from elements meaning 'yew' (a type of tree associated with…
Finnish variation of John
"God is gracious"
This common name in Finland, which is also a diminutive for Jan in Sweden, might feel a bit feminine in the English-speaking world, too close to girls' names Jan and Jane.
"spring, fountain"
One of the few K names that sounds middle-aged.
Old Norse; Norwegian; Swedish; Danish
"knot"
This royal but common Scandinavian name is, in the US, linked to a single figure -- Notre Dame football coach Knute Rockne. While Rockne's name was commonly pronounced like newt, the correct…
"lime tree, lime blossom"
Popular Scandinavian name -- first bestowed in honor of Swedish botanist Carl von Linné, a classifier of plants and animals -- that could make an engaging choice.
Norse, variation of Margaret
"pearl"
This is a Scandinavian variant of Margaret, and is pronounced MEH-teh or MET, rhyming with jet.
Variation of Quenby, English
"queen's settlement"
Virtually never heard in this country, with a quirky quality.
Sigvard is a masculine name of Scandinavian origin, particularly common in Sweden and Norway. It combines the Old Norse elements 'sigr' meaning 'victory' and 'varðr' meaning 'guardian' or 'defender,'…
Old Norse
"sparkling; someone who sprays sparks"
This sparkling name from Norse Mythology is borne by the blacksmith dwarf, who, along with his brother Brokkr, forged Thor's hammer Mjǫllnir and Odin's golden ring, Draupnir. Also known as Eitri in…
"wanderer"
Once popular (and still familiar) in Norway, Stian could make an interesting choice for anyone with northern European roots. It is a modern form of the Norse Stígandr, with its appealing, wanderer…
"cheerful"
Tate would be much more user-friendly in this country.
"defended by Thor"
Found as a first name primarily in baseball books giving the stats on the late New York Yankee Thurman Munson.
Norwegian variation of Þórdís, Old Norse
"thunder goddess"
Tordis left Norway's popularity charts in 1948, placing it among the old lady name that could soon be up for revival.
Norwegian
"Thor's battle"
Also spelled Torill, Torril and Torrill, this refined variation is derived from the Old Norse name Þórhildr and its more modern Norwegian form, Torhild. Stylish in Norway in the 50s and 60s, this…
"Thor's ruler"
Torvald, not to be confused with Torvill of skating fame, is a Norse name which might be of interest to parents looking for Thor-related options. Torvald is most familiar in the English-speaking…
English form of Trygve, Norse
"trustworthy"
While it might sound like a purely mathematical option, Trig is considered an Anglicized form of the Old Norse name, Trygve (pronounced TRUYG-vuh or TREEG-vuh, depending on region), which means…
"glory"
This mythological name of the Norse god of winter sounds, uh, ill.
Norse mythology name
Although a bold male figure in Scandinavian legend, this is more appropriate for a girl.