Scandinavian Names for Boys
- Thurman
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"defended by Thor"Description:
Found as a first name primarily in baseball books giving the stats on the late New York Yankee Thurman Munson.
- Waldemar
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"famous ruler"Description:
The American child given this name of four kings of Denmark, not to mention one so similar to that of the Harry Potter archvillain Lord Voldemort, might have to pay a large emotional import tax.
- Hjalmar
Origin:
ScandinavianMeaning:
"helmet protector"Description:
Old Norse name that lives on more appealingly in modern times as Jalmari, short form Jari. This form remains popular in Sweden, however.
- Canute
Origin:
ScandinavianMeaning:
"knot"Description:
More familiar in its K forms, where it's associated with football legend Knute Rockne, Canute has a tough, macho image.
- Bergen
Origin:
ScandinavianMeaning:
"lives on a hill"Description:
Norwegian city name heard much more often as a last name than a first.
- Valter
Origin:
German and Scandinavian variation of WalterDescription:
Vill always sound as if you're pronouncing Walter with an affected accent.
- Fransen
Description:
Fransen is primarily a Dutch and Scandinavian surname now occasionally used as a masculine given name. It originated as a patronymic surname meaning 'son of Frans' (the Dutch form of Francis), which ultimately derives from Latin 'Franciscus' meaning 'Frenchman.' As a first name, Fransen is extremely rare, representing a contemporary trend of adopting surnames as given names. It carries a distinctive Nordic or Dutch flavor and projects a serious, sophisticated image. The name has historical connections to Northern European heritage and may appeal to parents seeking an uncommon name with family significance or those with Dutch, Danish, or Norwegian ancestry wishing to honor their cultural roots.
- Ludvig
Origin:
Scandinavian variation of Ludwig, GermanMeaning:
"famous warrior"Description:
Unlikely to catch on in the Anglophone world, where parent name Ludwig still conjures up images of Beethoven. But Ludvig actually ranks among the top boy names in Norway and Sweden, while German form Ludwig ranks among the Top 100 boy names in Germany and Ludovico is cool in Italty.
- Knute
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"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.
- Latham
Origin:
English from ScandinavianMeaning:
"the barn"Description:
This familiar surname with a surprising meaning could be added to your list of undiscovered 'last names first' names.
- Ericson
Origin:
Old NorseMeaning:
"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.
- Haakon
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"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.
- Ragnvald
Description:
Ragnvald is a masculine Norse name with deep historical roots in Scandinavian culture. Derived from the Old Norse elements 'regin' meaning 'counsel' or 'the gods' and 'valdr' meaning 'ruler,' Ragnvald essentially translates to 'ruler advised by the gods' or 'divine ruler.' This powerful name was borne by several Norwegian kings and earls during the Viking Age, including Ragnvald Eysteinsson, a 9th-century Norwegian earl. Though uncommon outside of Norway and Sweden today, Ragnvald represents a connection to Norse heritage and carries connotations of leadership, strength, and divine wisdom. The name has retained its traditional usage in Scandinavia while remaining relatively rare globally, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with authentic Norse origins and historical significance.
- Janne
Origin:
Finnish variation of JohnMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
This common name in Finland, which is also a diminutive for Jan in Sweden, might feel a bit feminine in the English-speaking world, too close to girls' names Jan and Jane.
- Thurstan
Origin:
Scandinavian, variation of ThurstonMeaning:
"Thor's stone"Description:
Thurston Howell was the snooty millionaire on Gilligan's Island, but these days such surname names don't have the same elitist air.
- 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.
- Lamont
Origin:
ScandinavianMeaning:
"man of law"Description:
Outmoded comic book choice.
- Kristian
Origin:
Danish, Albanian, Breton, Bulgarian, Danish, Estonian, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish variation of ChristianDescription:
Variation of Christian.
- Ivarr
Description:
Ivarr is a masculine name of Old Norse origin, representing a traditional Scandinavian name that was common among Vikings. It derives from elements meaning 'yew' (a type of tree associated with warriors) and 'warrior' or 'army.' Historically significant bearers include Ivarr the Boneless, a legendary Viking leader who conquered parts of England in the 9th century. While relatively uncommon in modern English-speaking countries, the name maintains popularity in Norway, Sweden, and Iceland, often in the form Ivar. Those seeking a strong name with authentic Nordic heritage are drawn to Ivarr for its historical depth and distinctive sound.
- Per
Origin:
Scandinavian variation of PeterDescription:
So simple, yet so unique: a prime candidate for export. Pronunciation is like the English pair or pear.