Scandinavian Names for Boys
Across 8 pages
of 8
Helgi
Norse
"holy"
Older form of Helge, and a masculine form of Helga.
Ingmar
Norse
"son of Ing"
Ingmar is known here almost solely through Swedish director Ingmar Bergman. Ing was the powerful Norse god of fertility and peace, who lent his name to several mortal variations, more notably to…
Ivar
Norse
"yew wood, archer, warrior"
Closer to the original Norse name Ívarr , it is part of a small group of names with similar roots: Ivor, Iver, Ivo, Ives, and Evander, which all make rugged yet gentle feeling choices. Used…
Ivarr
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…
Kirby
Norse
"church settlement"
Attractive British place-name with a sense of humor. Fun fact: John Wayne played five characters with the first or second name of Kirby.
Kirk
Norse
"church"
Far more friendly and open than similar one-syllable names like Kent, Kurt, and Karl, it's been associated for more than half a century with actor Kirk Douglas, whose birth name was Issur…
Olaf
Norse
"ancestor's relic"
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…
Quimby
Variation of Quenby, English
"queen's settlement"
Virtually never heard in this country, with a quirky quality.
Ragnar
Norse
"powerful army; wise warrior; counsel from the army"
An fearsome old Norse name with a long history in Scandinavia. It's gotten a boost in the States from popularity of the History Channel drama "Vikings," in which the protagonist is named Ragnar.…
Sigvard
Sigvard is a masculine name of Scandinavian origin, particularly common in Sweden and Norway. It combines the Old Norse elements 'sigr' meaning 'victory' and 'varðr' meaning 'guardian' or 'defender,'…
Sigurd
Norse
"guardian of victory"
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 .
Sindri
Old Norse
"sparkling; someone who sprays sparks"
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…
Stian
Norse
"wanderer"
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…
Tait
Norse
"cheerful"
Tate would be much more user-friendly in this country.
Thor
Norse and Scandinavian
"thunder"
Thor, the powerful name of the Norse god of thunder, strength and rain, would make a bold statement. Long a comic book staple, Thor has now invaded the big screen, and could land on birth…
Thorin
Norse and Scandinavian
"thunder or brave and daring"
Some sources give Thorin as a variation of the thunder god name Thor, equivalent to Thoren, while others says it comes from the verb að þora, meaning "to dare." This is a dwarf's name that first…
Thurman
Norse
"defended by Thor"
Found as a first name primarily in baseball books giving the stats on the late New York Yankee Thurman Munson.
Ull
Norse
"glory"
This mythological name of the Norse god of winter sounds, uh, ill.
Von
Norse
"hope"
One of those midcentury shortenings that are starting to sound cool again, though we prefer Van.
Vidar
Old Norse
"quiet god"
Mythological son of Odin, powerful and mute.