By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 8 pages
of 8
Feminization of Ebbe, Swedish and Danish, or variation of Old English Æbbe
"bear god; brave boar"
Ebba, the feminine version of Ebbe (a diminutive of Eberhard or Asbjorn) and also a form of an old English name, is in the Swedish Top 10 but virtually unknown in the US. However, with the rise of…
Diminutive of all variations of Kristina
"a Christian"
Kristy (and Kristi and Kristie) are the ultimate kool girl nicknames of the sixties and seventies, not kwite as kute any more.
Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Norse, "new day"
"new day"
If you're looking for a name with Scandinavian roots, Dagny makes a strong and appealing import. Derived from Old Norse, it means "new day", perfect for a girl born around New Year's or the change of…
Norse
"thunder goddess"
Thora, related to Thor, is the ancient Norse thunder goddess name that's much softer and gentler than its meaning suggests. A noted bearer is actress Thora Birch.
Monika is a feminine name primarily of Latin origin, being a variant spelling of Monica. The name derives from the Latin 'moneo' meaning 'to advise' or 'to remind.' Monika is particularly popular in…
"the strong house; the way of the sun"
Currently popular in Norway where it ranks in the Top 50, Solveig is a sunny but strong choice, also familiar across Sweden, Denmark, Germany, and Finland. It notably appears as the name of the…
Scandinavian variation of Annalie or Hannah
"grace"
Anneli is one of the hundreds of Anne variations with an intriguing spelling. This name has been popular throughout Scandinavia over time and would certainly translate easily to English-speaking…
Scandinavian diminutive of Magdalene
"high tower or woman of Magdela"
The sleek Malin is a contracted form of Magdalene or Madeleine, used in Sweden, Norway, and Switzerland. A popular choice back in the 2000s, it has declined in popularity in recent years, but it…
Variation of Karen
Karena modernizes middle-aged Karen but also creates pronunciation confusion. Is it ka-REN-a, ka-REEN-a, or just plain Karen with an a at the end? Spelled Karenna as in Gore goes partway toward…
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.
Eline is a delicate feminine name with multiple potential origins. In the Scandinavian tradition, it functions as a variant of Helena or Ellen, while in French contexts, it may be considered a form…
Scandinavian, diminutive of Katrina
Nickname name that retains an Old Country feel.
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.
Hilde is a feminine name of Germanic origin, functioning as both a standalone name and a diminutive of names containing the element "hild" meaning "battle" or "strife." Popular in Scandinavian…
English diminutive of Leona or Lena; Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian diminutive of Abelone or Magdalone; German diminutive of Apollonia or Ilona; Hawaiian
"lion; destroyer, strength, father's light; from Magdala; shining torch, light, joy"
Truly multicultural choice that feels ripe for revival in this era of Traveling Lite names. In English, Lona is a variation of Leona or Lena. The Scandinavian Lona is a diminutive for names like…
Czech, variation of Ruth
"companion, friend"
Pronounced ROOT in its native land, but in a rut here.
Latinization of Elke, Scandinavian diminutive of Adelheid
"noble one"
Much more manageable than the full form of the name. Possible international alternative to Ella.
"guarded by Ing"
Ing was a powerful Norse god whose name inspired several modern variations -- though Inga has become a caricatured Scandinavian choice.
Norwegian diminutive of Elisabet, English and Spanish diminutive of names ending in -lita, or Romanian variation of Leta, Latin
"pledged to God; little; glad, joyful"
Vivacious but lightweight.
Scandinavian diminutive of Helena or Elena, Greek
"shining light; torch"
A short, succinct short form of the classic Helen and Helena along with the international variant, Elena, Elna was a popular choice in the 19th and early 20th century in the US, but has since fallen…
