Swedish Names for Girls

  1. Jolande
    • Description:

      Jolande is a feminine name of Germanic origin, representing a variant of Yolanda. Derived from the medieval name Violante, which relates to the Latin word for violet flower, the name carries associations with beauty and delicacy. Jolande has been used throughout Europe, particularly in French, Dutch, and German-speaking regions. The name enjoyed moderate popularity during the early to mid-20th century but has become less common in recent decades, giving it a vintage charm. Jolande possesses an elegant, sophisticated quality with its soft pronunciation and flowing syllables, making it appealing to parents seeking a classic yet distinctive name with European flair.
  2. Majken
    • Origin:

      Scandinavian version of Marie or Mary, Hebrew or Egyptian
    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea; bitter; beloved; love"
    • Description:

      Majken, which is related to Maiken and Maike, is a popular name in Sweden whose variations are used throughout Scandinavia as cooler forms of Mary. Majken is virtually unknown in the U.S. and probably not bound for emigration.
  3. Gustava
    • Origin:

      Swedish
    • Meaning:

      "staff of the gods"
    • Description:

      Imposing, if not intimidating.
  4. Wera
    • Description:

      Wera is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Slavic languages, particularly Polish, it's a variant of Vera, meaning 'faith.' The name also appears in Germanic contexts as a variation of Vera or potentially related to names containing the element 'wer' meaning 'true' or 'faithful.' In some Baltic cultures, Wera has independent usage as well. Throughout the 20th century, Wera remained relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries but had more presence in Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, and Germany. The name carries a strong, concise quality with just two syllables, making it cross cultural boundaries easily. Today, Wera remains an understated choice that offers simplicity and a subtle international flair while maintaining its connection to the virtue of faith.

  5. Frederika
    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Frederick, German
    • Meaning:

      "peaceful ruler"
    • Description:

      Frederika is one of many feminine variations of the many variations of Frederick, which include Frederica, Friederike, and Frederieke. The name carries an air of nobility and elegance, having been used in royal families throughout European history.
  6. Kornelis
    • Description:

      Kornelis is traditionally a masculine Dutch name but has seen occasional use as a feminine name in some regions. It derives from the Latin name Cornelius, originally a Roman clan name possibly meaning 'horn' or relating to the cornelia, a type of cherry tree. As a feminine name, Kornelis represents a bold, unconventional choice that carries historical weight despite its gender-crossing usage. The name has strong Dutch and Frisian roots, particularly common in the Netherlands and northern Germanic regions. While relatively uncommon internationally, it offers a distinctive option for parents seeking a name with European heritage. The combination of the strong 'K' sound with the flowing ending creates a balanced name with both strength and elegance, though its masculine associations in Dutch culture should be considered.
  7. Teresia
    • Description:

      Teresia is a feminine name that serves as a variant of Teresa or Theresa, which derives from the Greek word 'therizein' meaning 'to harvest.' This traditional name has been used throughout Europe for centuries, with particular popularity in Scandinavian countries, Eastern Europe, and Finland. Teresia has biblical and historical significance through Saint Teresa of Ávila and other notable Teresas throughout history. The spelling variation with an 'i' instead of an 'a' gives the name a slightly different phonetic quality while maintaining its classic roots. Though less common than Teresa in English-speaking countries, Teresia remains a graceful option that combines historical depth with a touch of uniqueness.

  8. Barbro
    • Origin:

      Scandinavian variation of Barbara
    • Description:

      A more upbeat, modern-sounding version of a granny name.
  9. Susann
    • Description:

      Susann is a feminine name that represents a variation of Susan, which derives from the Hebrew name Shoshana, meaning 'lily' or 'rose.' This particular spelling with the double 'n' ending gives the classic name a slightly distinctive Germanic or Scandinavian flair. Susann reached its peak popularity in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s but has become less common in recent decades. The name carries the same pleasant associations as Susan—intelligence, reliability, and warmth—while the unique spelling provides a subtle differentiation. Susann balances familiarity with individuality, making it recognizable yet somewhat uncommon. The name has literary connections through American author Jacqueline Susann, adding a creative dimension to its character.
  10. Vilma
    • Origin:

      Russian, diminutive of Vilhelmina; a Polish place-name
    • Description:

      Not much to recommend this relative of Wilma; consider Willa or Willow instead.
  11. Berget
    • Description:

      Berget is a feminine name with Scandinavian origins, primarily found in Norwegian and Swedish communities. It represents a variant of Birgit or Birgitta, which derive from the Old Irish name Brighid, meaning "exalted one" or "high goddess." In Norse contexts, the name connects to Saint Bridget (Birgitta) of Sweden, a 14th-century mystic and founder of the Bridgettine Order. Berget features the characteristic Scandinavian softening of the 'i' to 'e' in pronunciation. While uncommon outside Nordic countries, the name carries a strong cultural heritage and connection to Scandinavian identity. Its traditional sound offers an authentic alternative to more widely-used Nordic names. Berget combines historical depth with a distinctive quality that might appeal to those seeking names with genuine cultural roots.
  12. Karila
    • Description:

      Karila is a feminine name with potential Finnish or indigenous roots. In Finnish, it may relate to 'kari' meaning 'reef' or 'shoal,' combined with a feminine suffix. The name might also have connections to various global indigenous naming traditions. Karila has a melodic quality with its balanced alternation of consonants and vowels and its gentle ending. It remains quite uncommon in international usage statistics, making it a distinctive choice. The name has a natural, organic feel while still sounding contemporary. Karila's international versatility comes from its straightforward pronunciation and spelling in multiple languages. For parents seeking something uncommon yet accessible, Karila offers uniqueness without complexity.

  13. Sybilla
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "seer, oracle"
    • Description:

      Sybilla and its near-identical twin Sibylla are dainty and demure names with a powerful namesake that also happen to be extremely rare -- no baby girls were given either name in the US last year.
  14. Frideborg
    • Description:

      Frideborg is a rare feminine name with Germanic origins, combining the elements 'frid' meaning 'peace' and 'borg' meaning 'fortress' or 'protection,' thus creating the beautiful meaning 'peaceful fortress' or 'protective peace.' This name has historical roots in Scandinavian countries, particularly Sweden, though it remains quite uncommon even there. Frideborg has a strong, distinctive sound that evokes images of Nordic heritage and ancient strength. The name peaked in usage during the late 19th and early 20th centuries in Scandinavia but has become increasingly rare in modern times. For contemporary parents, Frideborg offers a unique option with authentic historical roots and a meaningful etymology that speaks to protection and tranquility.
  15. Gundruna
    • Origin:

      Swedish
    • Meaning:

      "divine wisdom"
    • Description:

      Baby-naming rule #487: it's probably best to avoid names whose only possible nickname is Gun.
  16. Carolinda
    • Description:

      Carolinda is a melodious feminine name that appears to blend the classic name Caroline with the pretty ending of names like Linda or Melinda. Though not common in any country, it has a romantic, elaborate quality that evokes fairy tales and storybooks. The name carries a natural musicality with its flowing syllables. Carolinda likely shares etymological roots with Caroline, deriving from the Germanic name Karl, meaning 'free man.' The '-linda' suffix comes from Germanic origins meaning 'gentle' or 'soft.' This elaborate combination creates a name that sounds both familiar and unique, potentially appealing to parents who appreciate traditional names but want something more distinctive for their daughter. Its rarity ensures a child named Carolinda would stand out while still having a name that feels intuitive to pronounce.