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Scandinavian Names for Boys

  1. Nicolai

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian and Slavic form of Nicholas

    • Meaning:

      "people of victory"

    • Description:

      Related to the Russian name Nikolai, this is a fresh and worldly form of a popular favorite.
  2. Broder

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian

    • Meaning:

      "brother"

    • Description:

      One of the more unfamiliar Nordic choices, a perfect set-up for the nickname Brody.
  3. Haakon

    • Origin:

      Norse

    • Meaning:

      "chosen son"

    • Description:

      An ancient name that's been used by the Norwegian royal family; still popular there but not likely to appeal to many American parents.
  4. Woulter

    • Description:

      Woulter is an uncommon masculine name that appears to be a variant spelling of the Dutch name Wouter, which itself derives from Walter. This distinctive spelling maintains the strong Germanic roots while offering a unique visual presentation. The name ultimately traces back to elements meaning 'ruler of the army' or 'powerful warrior,' carrying connotations of strength and leadership. Extremely rare even in the Netherlands and other Dutch-speaking regions, Woulter represents an individualized adaptation that might appeal to parents seeking a name with European heritage but distinctive spelling. The pronunciation typically follows the Dutch Wouter (VOW-ter or WOW-ter). While the unusual orthography might present some pronunciation challenges internationally, it offers a conversation-starting quality while maintaining connections to a traditional name with substantial historical significance.
  5. Ulrik

    • Origin:

      Scandianvian variation of Ulrich, German

    • Meaning:

      "rich and noble heritage"

    • Description:

      It may surprise Americans to hear that Ulrik is a fashionable choice elsewhere in the world, as U is the least-used letter for given names in the US. In recent years, Ulrik has been one of the fastest-rising names in Norway.
  6. Njord

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian

    • Meaning:

      "north"

    • Description:

      Pronounced to rhyme with fjord, the Norse god of the sea's name, this would make an unorthodox choice for sea-lovers and fishermen.
  7. Dag

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian

    • Meaning:

      "daylight"

    • Description:

      Norse god who's the son of light plus historic diplomat Dag Hammarskjöld and author Dag Solstad combine to boost this Nordic name's appeal, but this could be difficult in English-speaking countries where the obvious tease will be "daggy Dag."
  8. Stian

    • Origin:

      Norse

    • Meaning:

      "wanderer"

    • Description:

      Once popular (and still familiar) in Norway, Stian could make an interesting choice for anyone with northern European roots. It is a modern form of the Norse Stígandr, with its appealing, wanderer meaning.
  9. Ericson

    • Origin:

      Old Norse

    • Meaning:

      "son of the eternal ruler"

    • Description:

      Ericson, also spelled Erickson and Erikson (and with -sen endings too), is a Nordic surname that makes a strong choice. Ericson may continue the trend Harrison, Jefferson and Jackson started.
  10. Haldan

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian

    • Meaning:

      "half Danish"

    • Description:

      If you fit this definition, this might be a clever choice, especially as a middle name.
  11. Verner

    • Description:

      Verner is a masculine name with Germanic and Scandinavian origins, derived from the elements 'war' and 'army,' meaning 'defending warrior' or 'protecting army.' This ancient name was brought to England by the Normans and has variants including Warner and Werner. Verner carries an air of old-world dignity and strength, with historical connections to medieval Europe. Though never extremely common in English-speaking countries, it maintained steady usage throughout the 20th century before declining in popularity. The name has a distinguished, scholarly sound while still embodying traditional masculine qualities. Verner may appeal to parents seeking a name with historical depth and Nordic connections. In Scandinavian countries, particularly Sweden and Denmark, the name has enjoyed more consistent usage.
  12. Knut

    • Origin:

      Old Norse; Norwegian; Swedish; Danish

    • Meaning:

      "knot"

    • Description:

      This royal but common Scandinavian name is, in the US, linked to a single figure -- Notre Dame football coach Knute Rockne. While Rockne's name was commonly pronounced like newt, the correct pronunciation is two syllables, sound the K.
  13. Claus

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian and German variation of Nicolas

    • Description:

      A very Christmas-y Christmas baby name, that may avoid the Santa image by instead adopting the alternative spelling Klaus.
  14. Knute

    • Origin:

      Norse

    • Meaning:

      "knot"

    • Description:

      A strong, powerful choice, ancestor of the modern Superboy Names. Knut is the name of the patron saint of Denmark; Knute Rockne was a legendary Notre Dame football coach. Knute is the middle name of Jessica Simpson's son Ace, in honor of his paternal great-grandfather. Note that pronunciation is two syllables, with the K sounded.
  15. Kari

    • Origin:

      Norse

    • Meaning:

      "curly hair"

    • Description:

      In Norse mythology, the son of the giant who ruled the wind and air; in modern America, recalls a 1970s girl's nickname name, à la Carrie and Keri.
  16. Sigurd

    • Origin:

      Norse

    • Meaning:

      "guardian of victory"

    • Description:

      This old Norse name is still used in contemporary Scandinavia. An ancient hero's name, Sigurd got a modern boost from a heroic figure in television's The Vikings.
  17. Maurits

    • Description:

      Maurits is a masculine name of Dutch origin, representing the Dutch form of Maurice. It derives from the ancient Roman name Mauritius, which comes from Maurus, meaning 'dark-skinned' or 'Moorish' in Latin. Historically, the name gained significance in the Netherlands through Maurice of Nassau (Maurits van Nassau), a key military leader during the Dutch Revolt against Spain in the 16th-17th centuries. While primarily found in the Netherlands and occasionally in Flemish-speaking parts of Belgium, Maurits remains a name with strong Dutch cultural associations. Though less common than international variants like Maurice, Morris, or Moritz, the name continues to be used in Dutch families, often to honor family traditions or historical connections.

  18. Wolter

    • Description:

      Wolter is a masculine name of Germanic and Dutch origin, functioning as a variant of Walter or Wouter. The name derives from the Old German elements 'wald' meaning 'rule' or 'power' and 'hari' meaning 'army,' thus signifying 'ruler of the army' or 'powerful warrior.' Common in the Netherlands and parts of Germany, Wolter has historical significance dating back to medieval times. While not widely used in English-speaking countries, it carries a distinctive European character that connects to Germanic heritage. The name has a strong, classic sound that avoids being overly common. Bearers of this name might appreciate its connection to leadership qualities and its long-standing traditional roots. In recent decades, Wolter has maintained steady if modest usage in its countries of origin, valued for its traditional character and cultural connections.

  19. Sindri

    • Origin:

      Old Norse

    • Meaning:

      "sparkling; someone who sprays sparks"

    • Description:

      This sparkling name from Norse Mythology is borne by the blacksmith dwarf, who, along with his brother Brokkr, forged Thor's hammer Mjǫllnir and Odin's golden ring, Draupnir. Also known as Eitri in mythology, his name means "sparkling" or "someone who sprays sparks", likely in reference to his work with metal.
  20. Valter

    • Origin:

      German and Scandinavian variation of Walter

    • Description:

      Vill always sound as if you're pronouncing Walter with an affected accent.