Swedish Names for Boys

Stellan is a strong, attractive, Scandinavian possible up-and-comer, known through actor Stellan Skarsgard, and his namesake, the son of Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany. Its trendy 'an' ending and the similarity in sound to the popular Kellen/Kellan make it all the more accessible.

Highly popular in Germany, Norway, Lithuania, and Austria, Lukas is a spelling variation of the also extremely popular Lucas. The "K" spelling gives it extra kick and a more international, globe-trotter feel.

Distinctive yet familiar, Olin is both a Scandinavian name and an English surname. Currently a rare choice, yet reminiscent of popular options, like Oliver, Orion, and Colin.

Bjorn is one of the most recognizable Scandinavian names, thanks in large part to tennis great Björn Borg, winner of five consecutive Wimbledon singles titles and six French opens and something of a rock star figure.

Pelle is one of several possible Peter-related Scandinavian choices. In Swedish or Norwegian, the name Pelle rhymes roughly with Ella.

Ten years ago we would have advised people to steer clear of this name (and maybe choose the similar sounding Walter instead); but with the rise of other Nordic and Eastern European names like Viggo and Casimir, maybe its time to re-thing Valdemar. It's a big name, but with enough penache, it could be pulled off. Valdemar was introduced to Scandinavia in the 12th Century by a Danish king named for his Ukrainian grandfather, and is currently in the Danish Top 20.

Arvid, a Scandinavian name that's virtually unknown in the US, is one of the top baby names in Sweden. It might make a handsome, unusual choice for a parent in search of an original yet traditional A name.

Streamlined spelling found all across Europe. The Spanish Filipo has extra zip.

Lennart is a masculine Scandinavian name derived from the Germanic elements 'leon' (lion) and 'hard' (brave, strong), meaning "strong as a lion" or "lion-hearted." Popular primarily in Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Germany, Lennart functions as the Nordic equivalent of Leonard. The name carries a sense of strength and resilience in Scandinavian culture, where it has maintained steady popularity for generations. While traditional in Northern Europe, Lennart remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it a distinctive quality internationally. The name projects both reliability and quiet strength, with famous bearers including Swedish diplomat Lennart Meri and novelist Lennart Hellsing.

Kalle is a masculine name with Scandinavian origins, particularly popular in Finland and Sweden. It originated as a diminutive form of Karl (or Carl), which derives from the Old Germanic word meaning 'free man' or 'man'. In Nordic countries, Kalle has long been used as an independent given name rather than just a nickname. The name combines historical depth with a friendly, approachable quality. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, its straightforward pronunciation (KAL-eh) and spelling make it accessible. In Sweden, the name has periodically ranked among the top 100 boys' names, appreciated for its traditional Nordic character balanced with a casual, youthful appeal.

Few Scandinavian names make the journey to America...and this one shows you why. Still, names such as Freya and Odin are making an unlikely comeback, so we wouldn't count any of the Scandinavian baby names out forever.

Lauris is a masculine name with Baltic and Latin roots. In Latvia and Lithuania, it's a traditional male name derived from the Latvian word "lauris" meaning "crowned with laurel" or simply "laurel." The laurel plant has historically symbolized victory, honor, and achievement since ancient Greek and Roman times. In Roman tradition, laurel wreaths crowned victors and poets. The name may also be connected to the Latin name Laurentius (Lawrence), meaning "from Laurentum" or also associated with laurel. Lauris has remained moderately popular in Baltic countries while being relatively uncommon elsewhere. It offers a distinctive yet accessible option with classical roots and strong symbolic associations with triumph and artistic achievement.

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.

Torkel is a masculine name of Old Norse origin, derived from 'Þórkell' or 'Þórketill,' combining 'Þórr' (Thor, the god of thunder) and 'ketill' (cauldron, vessel). The name essentially means 'Thor's cauldron' or 'Thor's helmet.' With deep roots in Viking culture and Scandinavian heritage, Torkel was common throughout medieval Scandinavia and remains in use in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark today, though it's relatively rare. The name carries strong associations with Norse mythology and the powerful god Thor, conveying strength, protection, and ancient Northern European traditions. Its distinctive sound maintains authenticity while being pronounceable in English. For parents seeking a name with genuine Nordic heritage and mythological connections, Torkel offers a compelling option with historical depth and cultural significance.

Concise and clipped European version of the earnest Ernest.

Roffe is a masculine name with Scandinavian origins, particularly Swedish and Norwegian. It likely developed as a variant or diminutive of Rolf, which combines the Germanic elements 'hrod' (fame) and 'wulf' (wolf), creating a powerful meaning of 'famous wolf.' In Swedish, 'Roffe' is commonly used as a familiar form of Rolf. The name has a strong, compact quality with its two syllables and distinctive double 'f.' While uncommon in English-speaking countries, Roffe maintains popularity in parts of Scandinavia. The name carries associations of Nordic heritage and conveys a sense of strength. Its rarity outside Scandinavia makes it an interesting choice for parents seeking a name with authentic Nordic roots.

Gries is an extremely uncommon masculine name with Germanic origins. It primarily exists as a German and Dutch surname derived from Middle High German 'gries' meaning 'sand' or 'gravel,' likely originally referring to someone who lived near a sandy area. As a given name, Gries is exceptionally rare, representing the modern trend of adopting surnames as first names. The name has a strong, concise sound with its single syllable and distinctive consonant combination. Its rarity makes it virtually unique as a first name, appealing to parents seeking a truly distinctive option with Germanic roots. Gries might also connect to place names in Northern Italy and Austria, potentially making it meaningful for families with connections to these regions. While challenging to pronounce for those unfamiliar with Germanic names, its brevity helps make it accessible.

While Barthelemy does not garner much attention these days, it has a storied history in French-speaking countries. Notable bearers include geologist and explorer Barthélemy Faujas de Saint-Fond, philosopher Jules Barthélemy-Saint-Hilaire, and historian and writer Jean-Barthélemy Hauréau, to name a few.

Måns is a masculine Scandinavian name, primarily used in Sweden, representing a contracted form of Magnus. The name Magnus derives from Latin meaning 'great' or 'powerful.' Måns gained wider recognition through notable bearers like Swedish musician Måns Zelmerlöw. The distinctive 'å' character marks it as unmistakably Nordic. While common in Sweden, it remains relatively unknown internationally, making it an intriguing option for those with Scandinavian heritage or appreciation for Swedish culture. Short and straightforward, Måns combines brevity with historical depth. The name's strong single syllable gives it a bold, distinctive quality despite its simplicity. Its ancient roots connected to greatness contrast appealingly with its modern, minimalist form.