Scandinavian Names that Start With D
- Dahlia
Origin:
Flower name, from Swedish surnameMeaning:
"Dahl's flower"Description:
One of the flower names, used occasionally in Britain (where it's pronounced DAY-lee-a). It seems to have recovered from what was perceived as a slightly affected la-di-dah air. The flower was named in honor of the pioneering Swedish botanist Andreas Dahl, which means dale.
- Dustin
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"brave warrior, or Thor's stone"Description:
Dustin's popularity in recent years has probably had more due to its similarity to Justin than to idolization of Dustin Hoffman -- himself named after silent screen cowboy star Dustin Farnum -- who certainly was the one to put it on the name map. In recent years, golfer Dustin Johnson has brought fresh renown to the name. Dustin is a character in Netflix hit Stranger Things. After decades in the spotlight, Dustin feels like a classic rather than an upstart. It peaked in the Top 50s in the 1980s.
- Darby
Origin:
Irish, NorseMeaning:
"free from envy; from the deer estate"Description:
Once a common boys' name in Ireland (e. g. , Darby O'Gill and the Little People), the dynamic Darby now has a definite unisex feel. Actor Paul Rudd has a young daughter named Darby.
- Darby
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"from the deer estate"Description:
Spirited and bubbly, but handsome and preppy too, Darby is a surname style choice that fits in well with the likes of Alby and Lennox.
- Dagny
Origin:
ScandinavianMeaning:
"new day"Description:
If you're looking for a name with Scandinavian roots, this would make a stronger and more appealing import than Dagmar. With its meaning of "new day," it could make an ideal choice for a girl born around New Year's.
- 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.
- Dagmar
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"Day maiden"Description:
This royal Danish name has long been used across Scandinavia, Germany and Slavic countries and somewhat in the US around the turn of the last century --it was #622 in 1888. There were two notable silent screen stars named Dagmar, one with Polish, the other with Danish roots.
- Daven
Description:
Daven is a masculine name with multiple potential origins. It may be an Anglicized form of the Irish name Damhan (pronounced DAV-awn), meaning 'little stag,' or possibly a variant of Davin, a diminutive of David. In Hebrew, where David originates, the meaning is 'beloved.' The name has also gained some usage as a modern invented name, appreciated for its contemporary sound while maintaining a traditional feel. Daven has risen in popularity since the 1970s but remains relatively uncommon, giving it distinction without being completely unfamiliar. The name carries a strong yet accessible quality, with its two-syllable structure and familiar sounds making it easy to pronounce across cultures. Parents might choose Daven for its subtle connection to traditional names while still offering a fresh alternative to more common choices like David or Devin.
- Daan
Origin:
Scandinavian & Dutch variation of DanielMeaning:
"God is my judge"Description:
Dan with a little something extra.
- Dair
Description:
Dair is a concise feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be derived from the Gaelic word 'darach' meaning 'oak tree,' suggesting strength and endurance. Alternatively, it could be a variant of Dare or a shortened form of names like Daria. In some contexts, it might also relate to the Middle English word for daring or boldness. As a given name, Dair is quite uncommon, offering significant distinctiveness. Its brief, one-syllable structure gives it a modern, punchy quality while its nature-based origins connect it to traditional naming patterns. The name's simplicity makes it easy to pronounce across cultures while maintaining its unique character.
- Daved
Description:
Daved represents an alternative spelling of the classic name David, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'beloved.' This spelling variation maintains the traditional pronunciation while offering a visual distinction from the more common form. While David has been consistently popular throughout history, appearing in religious texts and used across numerous cultures, the Daved variant remains relatively uncommon. This alternative spelling might appeal to parents who appreciate the historical significance and universal recognition of David but desire something slightly different. Though uncommon in official records, Daved follows the pattern of contemporary naming trends that favor personalized spellings of traditional names while maintaining their fundamental sound and heritage.
- Dag
Origin:
ScandinavianMeaning:
"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."
- Daven
Description:
Daven as a feminine name represents an interesting gender crossover, as it's more commonly recognized as a masculine name of Celtic and Hebrew origins. For girls, it offers a modern, strong alternative to more traditional feminine names. The name possibly derives from the Hebrew 'David' meaning 'beloved' or from Irish roots where it relates to 'deer' or 'poet.' As a feminine choice, Daven carries an appealing androgynous quality that aligns with contemporary naming trends. While still quite rare for girls, it exemplifies the growing movement toward gender-neutral naming. Its short, crisp sound makes it practical yet distinctive, with a contemporary edge that appeals to parents seeking something uncommon but not difficult to pronounce or spell.