Scandinavian Names for Girls
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Monika
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…
Nanna
Scandinavian
"daring"
Nanna is a name from Norse mythology that is among the Top 30 names in contemporary Denmark. Popular in Norway in the 19th century, Nanna may also be considered a short form of a range of names, from…
Oda
Scandinavian, short form of Odelia
Ada, yes. Ida, maybe. But Oda, a Scandinavian version of Odelia, not really. To English speakers, it sounds too much like "odor".
Ola
Norwegian and Swedish form of Olaf
"ancestor's relic"
Simple, friendly, distinctive name heard in several cultures. The a ending may feel more feminine in the US than Ole, though both variations are acceptable in Scandinavia.
Patrika
Patrika is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from Greek 'patrika,' meaning 'of the father' or 'patrilineal,' or could be related to Sanskrit traditions where it can mean…
Rakel
Scandinavian variation of Rachel
Apt to be confused with Raquel.
Rickarda
Rickarda is a feminine name that represents the female form of Richard, which comes from Germanic elements meaning 'powerful' and 'brave' or 'hardy.' This strong name carries connotations of…
Ronja
Swedish literary name
Pippi Longstocking author Astrid Lindgren invented the name Ronja for her book Ronja, the Robber's Daughter . She was inspired by the lake Juronjaure, located in Norrbotten, Sweden. Lindgren's…
Rut
Czech, variation of Ruth
"companion, friend"
Pronounced ROOT in its native land, but in a rut here.
Sanna
Swedish, Finnish, Inuktitut
"lily"
If you're ready to move beyond Anna and Hannah, consider this traditional Scandinavian short form of Susanna, historically very popular in its native lands. Sanna is also a modern Inuktitut form of…
Signe
Scandinavian
"new victory"
Signe could make an offbeat, more unusual alternative to Sydney or Sigrid. In Norse mythology, Signe was the twin sister of Sigmund. Can also be spelled Signy.
Solveig
Norse
"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…
Sonia
Russian and Scandinavian variation of Sophia
"wisdom"
Early European import, well known in the 1940s via Norwegian skating movie star Sonja Henie, that has sailed back across the Atlantic, despite the rising popularity of other Russian names.
Steena
Scandinavian short form of Christina
"annointed, Christian"
The Steen, Steena, and Stina nicknames for Christina are much more common in Scandinavia than in the English-speaking world, which prefers the Chris variations.
Dembe
African, Ugandan
"peace"
A warm and musical name with a lovely meaning. There is a popular song called Dembe by famous Ugandan artist named Bobbi Wine, who also ran for President.
Tyra
Scandinavian, feminine variation of Tyr, an ancient Indo-European god
High profile supermodel/entrepreneur Tyra Banks has put this name in the spotlight, endowing it with her confident, superattractive image.
Ulla
Scandinavian
"will, determination"
Ulla, the beautiful Swedish secretary in The Producers (played by Uma Thurman in the movie) who purrs, "Ven you got it, flaunt it," has changed the image of this name forever. Ulla may stand on its…
Ulrica
Feminine form of Ulrich or Wulfric, Swedish, German
"rich and noble heritage; wolf ruler"
Ulrica has an Old World sound, but is perhaps enough like Erika and Annika that it could work today. Also spelled Ulrika, it was borne by a 18th century Swedish queen and Olympic ice hockey player,…
Vanja
Scandinavian, feminine variation of Vanya
Russian Uncle Vanya becomes niece Vanja in Sweden: an intriguing switch.
Vendela
Scandinavian
"wanderer"
An unusual name associated with the gorgeous Swedish-Norwegian model, actress, and TV host, Vendela is possibly a feminine form of Wendell.