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Scandinavian Names for Boys

  1. Frans

    • Description:

      Frans is a masculine name with Dutch, Scandinavian, and Germanic origins. It developed as a shortened form of Franciscus, the Latin version of Francesco, ultimately deriving from St. Francis of Assisi, who was named for his father's connections to France ('Francesco' meaning 'Frenchman'). Popular throughout the Netherlands, Belgium, and Scandinavian countries, Frans has been embraced for centuries as a strong, straightforward name. While not commonly used in English-speaking countries, it remains a traditional choice in Northern Europe. The name carries associations with frankness and honesty due to its sound and historical use. Frans offers a distinctive international option that's both classic and uncomplicated with its concise one-syllable pronunciation.

  2. Frodi

    • Origin:

      Norse

    • Meaning:

      "wise, learned"

    • Description:

      The name of several legendary Danish kings, including one who declared universal peace.
  3. Quimby

    • Origin:

      Variation of Quenby, English

    • Meaning:

      "queen's settlement"

    • Description:

      Virtually never heard in this country, with a quirky quality.
  4. Lamont

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian

    • Meaning:

      "man of law"

    • Description:

      Outmoded comic book choice.
  5. Tait

    • Origin:

      Norse

    • Meaning:

      "cheerful"

    • Description:

      Tate would be much more user-friendly in this country.
  6. 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.
  7. Canute

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian

    • Meaning:

      "knot"

    • Description:

      More familiar in its K forms, where it's associated with football legend Knute Rockne, Canute has a tough, macho image.
  8. 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."
  9. Nilsson

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian

    • Meaning:

      "son of Nils"

    • Description:

      The son at the end of many Scandinavian names makes them more consistent with modern American name tastes. While Nilsson may be the proper Scandinavian form of the name, many English speakers will try to spell it Nilson or Nelson.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. Bernt

    • Description:

      Bernt is a masculine name of Scandinavian and Germanic origin, functioning as a variation of Bernard or Bernhard, which derives from elements meaning "bear" and "brave" or "hardy." Particularly common in Norway, Sweden, and Germany, Bernt has historical roots dating back centuries in Northern Europe. The name carries strong connotations of strength and resilience reflected in its etymology. While rarely used in English-speaking countries, Bernt remains a traditional choice in Scandinavian regions. Its concise, strong sound makes it distinctive in international contexts. The name combines ancient Germanic heritage with a straightforward, masculine character that feels both traditional and somewhat unique outside its countries of origin.

  13. Melker

    • Origin:

      Modern Swedish variation of Melchior

    • Meaning:

      "city of the king; king of light"

    • Description:

      Melker, a modern phonetic spelling of ancient Three Wise Men name Melchior, is in the Swedish Top 100 though not used in the US, where it would be heard as "milker." Nickname Mel is not exactly a fashionable choice at the moment either.
  14. 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.
  15. Ludvig

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian variation of Ludwig, German

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  16. Broder

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian

    • Meaning:

      "brother"

    • Description:

      One of the more unfamiliar Nordic choices, a perfect set-up for the nickname Brody.
  17. 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.
  18. Emanuel

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Emmanuel, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "God is with us"

    • Description:

      Fewer letters does not always mean easier—the traditional spelling is the one most people will recognize.
  19. Valter

    • Origin:

      German and Scandinavian variation of Walter

    • Description:

      Vill always sound as if you're pronouncing Walter with an affected accent.
  20. 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.