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Swedish Names for Boys

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Jun 09 2020
Swedish names for boys can be a severe lot to the American ear, with only a few choices such as Stellan outside of Stockholm. The most popular names for boys in Sweden are a pan-European lot, dominated by Oscar, Lucas, William, Liam, and Oliver, all also popular in the UK, the US, Australia, Germany, the Netherlands, and other countries throughout Europe and the English-speaking world. A few more exotic choices from the top of the Swedish boys' list are Ludvig, Axel, Nils, and Arvid, though not all of these originate in the Swedish language. Melvin is a popular name for boys in Sweden, as are Gustav, Viggo, Sixten, and Love.

Browse all the Swedish names for boys on Nameberry here. The top names below rank among the current US Top 1000 Baby Names and are ordered by popularity. Unique names rank below the Top 1000 and are listed alphabetically.
  1. Stellan

    • Origin:

      Swedish, meaning unknown, possibly "calm"

    • Meaning:

      "calm"

    • Description:

      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.
  2. Bjorn

    • Origin:

      Swedish, Icelandic, German

    • Meaning:

      "bear"

    • Description:

      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.
  3. Olin

    • Origin:

      Swedish, Norwegian, English

    • Meaning:

      "ancestor, to inherit, legacy; from the low-lying land"

    • Description:

      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.
  4. Lukas

    • Origin:

      German variation of Lucas

    • Meaning:

      "man from Lucanus"

    • Description:

      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.
  5. Valdemar

    • Origin:

      Nordic variation of Vladimir

    • Description:

      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.
  6. Arvid

    • Origin:

      Swedish, Norwegian, Danish

    • Meaning:

      "eagle-tree"

    • Description:

      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.
  7. Ambrosius

    • Description:

      Ambrosius is a masculine name of Greek and Latin origin, derived from the Greek word "ambrosios," meaning "immortal" or "divine." It is the original Latin form of the more common Ambrose. The name carries significant historical weight, having been borne by Saint Ambrosius of Milan, an important 4th-century theologian and one of the four original doctors of the Catholic Church. Throughout European history, the name appeared among clergy, nobility, and scholars, maintaining associations with learning and spiritual devotion. While Ambrosius has never been widely popular in modern English-speaking countries, it retains appeal for parents drawn to names with classical roots and substantial historical significance. The name projects dignity and intellectual seriousness, with potential nicknames including Ambrose, Brose, or even Sio.

  8. Filip

    • Origin:

      Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Dutch, Czech, Slovak, Bulgarian, Polish, Croatian, Serbian, Slovene, Macedonian, Romanian, and Finnish variation of Philip, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "lover of horses"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      English, variation of Everett, from German Eberhard

    • Meaning:

      "brave boar"

    • Description:

      Though you might have been a fan of tennis star Chris Evert, stick with EVERETT, which everyone will think you're saying anyway.
  10. Lennart

    • Description:

      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.
  11. Paulo

    • Origin:

      Portuguese, Swedish, and Hawaiian variation of Paul

    • Description:

      Paulo suffers in comparison to the richer and more authentic-sounding Paolo.
  12. Adolphus

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "noble wolf"

    • Description:

      This softer version of Adolf is sadly still off-limits due to the connotations with Hitler.
  13. Pelle

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian variation of Peter, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "rock, stone"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      German variation of Ernest

    • Description:

      Concise and clipped European version of the earnest Ernest.
  15. Stig

    • Origin:

      Swedish

    • Meaning:

      "wanderer"

    • Description:

      Like Stian, a more manageable short form of the unwieldy Srigandr, but with a less euphonic sound. Stig Larsson is a successful Swedish novelist, not to be confused with the even more successful late Swedish novelist Stieg Larsson (born Karl Stig-Erland LArsson), author of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo</>..
  16. Kalle

    • Description:

      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.
  17. Torkel

    • Description:

      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.
  18. Alrik

    • Description:

      Alrik is a masculine name with strong Norse and Germanic roots, meaning 'ruler of all' or 'complete ruler'—derived from elements meaning 'all' and 'ruler' or 'king.' This powerful name appears in Norse mythology and Scandinavian history, representing strength and leadership. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Alrik maintains steady usage in Scandinavian nations, particularly Sweden. The name offers a distinctive alternative to more familiar Norse-derived names like Erik or Alaric. With its compact structure, strong consonants, and meaningful heritage, Alrik appeals to parents seeking a masculine name with historical depth and a commanding presence that remains relatively unique in contemporary settings.
  19. 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.
  20. Rickert

    • Description:

      Rickert is a masculine name of Germanic origin, functioning as a variant of Richard or as a surname that has transitioned to first-name usage. The name combines the Germanic elements "ric" meaning "power, rule, or leader" and "hard" meaning "brave or strong." This variation emerged primarily in German, Dutch, and Scandinavian regions. While never achieving widespread popularity as a first name, Rickert maintains a steady presence in communities with strong Germanic heritage. The name conveys strength and leadership qualities while offering a distinctive alternative to the more common Richard. Potential nicknames include Rick, Ricky, or Rett. Its somewhat serious tone carries historical weight and projects reliability.