By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 8 pages
of 8
Variation of Kristen
Kind of a Kristen/Christine compromise name that makes less of either choice.
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.
Scandinavian
"war/battle"
While Americans may be more familiar with the male form of this name, thanks to actor Viggo Mortensen, Vigga is a popular name in contemporary Denmark and prime for wider export. It's a name with a a…
"god's rune; secret battle"
Difficult name familiar here mainly via D. H. Lawrence's Women in Love .
Grethe is a feminine Scandinavian name, primarily used in Norway and Denmark, that functions as a variant of Greta or Margaret. Its ultimate origins trace back to the Greek 'margarites' meaning…
Norse
"armed for battle"
One of the Valkyries, still clad in heavy armor.
Variant of Brunhild, still clad in heavy armor. Though the heroine Brunhilda of Quentin Tarantino's recent film Django Unchained may have given this version of the name new appeal.
Scandinavian, Norse, German, Dutch
"enclosure, stronghold; brave, hardy spear"
Gerda is one of two things: a modern, Latinized form of the Old Norse name Gerd or a feminine form of the masculine German name, also Gerd. Not currently in style, it has a strong, ancient sounding…
"Day maiden"
This royal Danish name has long been used across Scandinavia, Germany and Slavic countries and somewhat in the US around the turn of the last century --it was #622 in 1888. There were two notable…
Dair is a concise feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be derived from the Gaelic word 'darach' meaning 'oak tree,' suggesting strength and endurance. Alternatively, it could be a…
Scandinavian, diminutive of Federica or Erica
Pretty but slight.
"peacefulness, mercy"
So airy, it's almost not there.
Else is a feminine name with Germanic origins, functioning as both a standalone name and a short form of names containing the element 'Elis' such as Elisabeth or Elise. In German and Scandinavian…
"holy, blessed"
A traditional Nordic name, Helga was extremely popular throughout Scandinavia in the 19th and early 20th centuries. In Germany, it was a Top 10 pick from 1924 to 1943. And it still ranks in the…
Karan as a feminine name has multiple cultural origins. In Hindi, it's primarily masculine, meaning 'helper' or 'one who acts,' but has been adapted as a feminine name in Western contexts. It may…
Scandinavian, diminutive of Hedvig
Hedda is a card-carrying member of the league of older, slightly bohemian urban names like Nedda, Andra, and Petra; also linked to Ibsen heroine Hedda Gabler, as well as being the basis of cruel joke…
Daven as a feminine name represents an interesting gender crossover, as it's more commonly recognized as a masculine name of Celtic and Hebrew origins. For girls, it offers a modern, strong…
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…
"spring, fountain"
One of the few K names that sounds middle-aged.
"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.
