Scandinavian Names for Girls

Modernized spelling not enough to revive Karen. 

Caryn

Pippi may be cute but isn't very practical.  In addition to being forever Pippi Longstocking, there is that variant pee-pee spelling to consider.  Try Pippa instead.

Pippi

Caren is a feminine name that serves as a variant spelling of Karen, which originated as a Danish form of Katherine. Katherine ultimately derives from the Greek name Aikaterine, possibly meaning 'pure.' Caren emerged as an alternative spelling in the mid-20th century, offering a slight distinction from the more common Karen. The name reached its peak popularity in the United States during the 1960s and early 1970s. Caren conveys a sense of clarity and strength while maintaining a soft, feminine quality. In recent years, the name has become less common for newborns, following trends affecting similar names of that era. Despite cultural associations with the name Karen in contemporary times, Caren maintains its separate identity and continues to be appreciated for its simplicity and gentle sound.

Caren

Carin looks like Carina but sounds like Karen, which is a big drawback these days when Karen is a not-flattering sobriquet for a bossy middle-aged woman. Better to lengthen it to Carina or shorten it to Cara.

Carin

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 name could now make a strong, distinctive, and appealing choice to those outside its native country, especially to those interested in Norse Mythology.

Toril

Tordis left Norway's popularity charts in 1948, placing it among the old lady name that could soon be up for revival.

Tordis

Although a bold male figure in Scandinavian legend, this is more appropriate for a girl. 

Vali

The Old Norse and modern Norwegian word name Fjord, which refers to a passage in the sea, could work for children of both genders. 

Fjord

Heidrun, which is occasionally used in modern Europe, was the name of a mythological goat who nibbled from the tree of life, transforming her milk into mead.  You might think of Heidrun as a cross between Heidi and Gudrun, but there's a good reason this one's never caught on in the US: It's still stuck on that mythical Norse hillside.

Heidrun

This lovely name is best-known as the surname of eponymous Bronte heroine, Jane Eyre, and would make an appealing and distinctive middle name for the child of fans of that book. While the surname Eyre is found mainly in England, its origins are Norse and it's thought to derive from Norse settlers. Still, the status of the classic books means Eyre deserves to stand proudly among <a href="/baby-names/164/english-names">English baby names</a>.

Eyre

Gentle yet tough, rare and intriguing, Fritha is an Anglicized variation as well as a Manx form of the Old Norse Fríða. Ultimately derived from the element fríðr meaning "fair, beautiful", it is similar but not the same as the Germanic Frida which means "peace".

Fritha

Not to be confused with the Hungarian and German Brigitta, Birgitta is often considered the classic Scandinavian form of the Irish Bridget, used in Iceland, Denmark, The Netherlands, Sweden, and Finland. In this case, the name would mean "strength" or "exalted one", lending it a solid feel to match its sounds.
 
The name was notably borne by Saint Birgitta of Sweden, the patron saint of Europe, which may offer an alternative origin for the name. Saint Birgitta's father was called Birger (BIR-yehr or BIR-guhr), a name from Old Norse meaning "rescue, help, save", which may explain the placement of the R.

Birgitta

Spritely Summer meets strong classic Hilda in this Anglo-Scandinavian choice, joining together to make a name that feels as poetic as it does tough. 

Somerilda

Birgit is pronounced with a hard 'g' and is one of the many international versions of the Irish Bridget. Birgit Nilsson was a celebrated Swedish operatic soprano.

Birgit

Carita may feel like an endearing nickname but it's a name in its own right, used throughout Scandinavia in this form and as Karita, Caritas, and Karitas as a variation on Charity.

Carita

Karita and Karitas are the Icelandic spins on Charity, also found as Carita and Caritas throughout Scandinavia. While to the English speakers, these names may feel like a Latinate endearment, they are popular names in their own right.

Karita

Bera is a rare feminine form of Biǫrn (or Björn), used in Scandinavian and Nordic countries, albeit quietly. Derived from Old Norse, it means "bear", either in relation to the animal or to the idea of bearing or carrying weight. 
 
Alternatively, Bera may also be used as a variation of Russian Vera, notably among speakers Aragonese in northern Spain and in Kazakhstan, while as a Biblical or Hebrew name, it may be associated with Bereket, Beracha, or Bracha, which meaning "blessing".

Bera

Ebbe

A more upbeat, modern-sounding version of a granny name. 

Barbro

Agne is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Lithuanian tradition, it derives from the Greek name Agnes, meaning 'pure' or 'holy.' In Latvian usage, it shares these same roots while developing its own cultural associations. The name is pronounced AHG-neh in these Baltic languages, not to be confused with the English pronunciation of Agnes. In French contexts, Agne might appear as a variant of Agnès, while in some Scandinavian countries, particularly Sweden, it can be found as a feminine name with similar etymological connections. While not among the most popular names globally, Agne maintains steady usage in Baltic countries and Lithuanian diaspora communities, appreciated for its classic simplicity, cultural connections, and elegant sound.

Agne

Scandinavian names for baby girls hail from Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, but NOT Finland despite its geographical proximity to the Scandinavian countries. 

Mia is the most popular Scandinavian name for girls in the US

, ranking in the Top 10. Along with Mia, other 

Scandinavian girl names ranking in the US Top 1000

 include Astrid, Freya, Dahlia, and Liv. 

 trending now include Juni, Sunniva, and Toril.

 Scandinavian countries, popular native names for girls

 include Frida and Iben in Norway, Astrid and Freja in Sweden, and Asta and Saga in Denmark.

These Scandinavian names for girls have become more visible and fashionable in recent years, with the 

If you're in search of a Scandinavian name for your baby girl, browse the following list, ordered by current popularity on Nameberry.

Scandinavian Names for baby girls with origins in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, including top Scandinavian girl names and unique Scandinavian female names, with meanings, origins, and popularity. (Page 6)