Scandinavian Names for Boys
- Haldor
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"Thor's stone"Description:
This, like many Norse and Scandinavian names, remains icebound, though with the unexpected rise of such ancient Scandinavian mythology names as Odin, Thor, and Freya, we may see Haldor rise again.
- Thoren
Origin:
Norse and ScandinavianMeaning:
"thunder"Description:
As the mythological Thor morphs into a modern baby name, the variations Thoren and Thorin feel like real possibilities, not just in Scandinavia but around the Western world.
- Aalto
Origin:
FinnishMeaning:
"wave"Description:
The last name of Finnish moderne designer/architect makes an original, creative choice with an unexpected water-related meaning.
- Lothar
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"famous army"Description:
Lothar is cloddish, till you add a dashing io to the end...
- Nyle
Description:
Nyle is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant spelling of Nile, referring to the famous Egyptian river, which carries connotations of life-giving properties and ancient civilizations. Alternatively, it could be an Anglicized form of the Irish name Niall, meaning 'champion' or 'cloud.' Nyle has maintained consistent but low usage in English-speaking countries throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. The name gained some recognition through personalities like deaf activist and model Nyle DiMarco. With its streamlined, modern feel and rich potential meanings, Nyle appeals to parents seeking a concise, distinctive name that balances uniqueness with accessibility. Its single-syllable structure gives it a strong, straightforward quality.
- Raynor
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"mighty army"Description:
Original and straightforward, but with little appeal.
- Von
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"hope"Description:
One of those midcentury shortenings that are starting to sound cool again, though we prefer Van.
- Niles
Origin:
ScandinavianMeaning:
"son of Neil"Description:
Perfect name for TV Frasier's effete brother. In the 2020 film Palm Springs, Andy Samberg plays a character with the updated spelling Nyles.
- Broderick
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"brother"Description:
Despite its brotherly meaning, sounds rather formal and cold.
- Olaf
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"ancestor's relic"Description:
Olaf, though sainted and regal in Norway, is slightly oafish here. It is one of those names that has become completely familiar in the U.S. without ever becoming assimilated. Now that he's a comical character in Disney's Frozen, he might get some more attention.
- Thorian
Description:
Thorian is a modern masculine name with Norse inspirations, likely derived from Thor, the powerful Norse god of thunder, strength, and protection. The suffix '-ian' adds a contemporary feel while maintaining the name's mythological roots. Though not a traditional Nordic name, Thorian appeals to parents seeking unique names with strong imagery and historical connections. The name carries connotations of strength, courage, and mythical power. It remains relatively uncommon, giving it distinctive character in most communities. Thorian fits with the growing trend of reviving and adapting ancient mythological names for modern use, appealing to parents drawn to names with bold meanings and distinctive sounds.
- Halle
Origin:
Modern invented name or diminutive of Harald, English or NorseMeaning:
"Thor's stone"Description:
Popular in the Scandinavian countries, but in this country it would surely bring to mind the very feminine Halle Berry.
- Garth
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"groundskeeper, enclosure"Description:
A name that took on a pronounced country twang via Nashville megastar Garth (born Troyal) Brooks.
- Pelle
Origin:
Scandinavian variation of Peter, GreekMeaning:
"rock, stone"Description:
Pelle is one of several possible Peter-related Scandinavian choices. In Swedish or Norwegian, the name Pelle rhymes roughly with Ella.
- Kaspar
Description:
Kaspar is a masculine name with ancient Persian origins, traditionally believed to mean 'treasurer' or 'keeper of the treasure.' It gained prominence in Christian tradition as one of the Three Wise Men (or Magi) who visited the infant Jesus, often spelled Caspar in some accounts. The name spread throughout Europe during medieval times, with variations including Casper, Kasper, and Gaspard appearing across different countries. In Germanic countries, Kaspar has maintained steady popularity through the centuries. The name carries an air of wisdom and mysticism due to its biblical associations, while also evoking a classic, distinguished character. Today, it offers parents a traditional option with historical depth and cross-cultural recognition.
- Folke
Origin:
ScandinavianMeaning:
"people's guardian"Description:
Folke - which has two syllables - is a Top 100 name in its native Sweden, but rarely heard elsewhere. A related alternative is Fulk, popular with the Normans but little-used now.
- Wray
Origin:
Old NorseMeaning:
"dweller near the corner"Description:
A locational surname turned rare first name, which would likely be misheard as the much more familiar Ray.
- Torvald
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"Thor's ruler"Description:
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 world as the infuriatingly sexist husband of Nora in Ibsen's play A Doll's House, which may account for its low usage. However, Linus Torvalds, inventor of Linux , might put the name into a more positive light, especially in Silicon Valley.
- Digby
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"town by the ditch"Description:
Digby is a place-name in Lincolnshire turned surname turned quirky first name that is starting to get some attention.
- Kirby
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"church settlement"Description:
Attractive British place-name with a sense of humor. Fun fact: John Wayne played five characters with the first or second name of Kirby.