Danish Names for Girls

  1. Karen
    • Origin:

      Danish variation of Katherine
    • Meaning:

      "pure"
    • Description:

      Karen is a Danish diminutive of Katherine, an English name derived from the Greek Aikaterine. The etymology of Aikaterine is contested, but generally considered to have arisen from the Greek root katharos, meaning "pure." Kaja is a related name, as it is another Danish variation of Katherine.
  2. Juni
    • Origin:

      Scandinavian
    • Meaning:

      "June"
    • Description:

      Juni is the Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, and Finnish form of the month name June. While Juni feels cute and fresh, most Americans would assume it was a nickname or a Joni variation. We prefer Juna or the English June.
  3. Kristen
    • Origin:

      Danish and Norwegian variation of Christine
    • Meaning:

      "a Christian"
    • Description:

      Kristen may be somewhat past its fashion high point, but it remains forever crystalline clear. Possible problem: confusion with the similar Scandinavian names Kristin, Kirsten, Kirstie, et al.
  4. Lise
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Elisabeth, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"
    • Description:

      Lise is most often found in the U.S. as the second half of the hybrid name Annalise. Canadian journalist Lyse Doucet bears a pretty alternative spelling, pronounced LEESE.
  5. Ane
    • Description:

      Ane is a feminine name of Nordic origin, particularly common in Denmark and Norway. It is a variation of Anna, which derives from the Hebrew name Hannah, meaning 'grace' or 'favor.' In Scandinavian countries, Ane has been used for centuries, often appearing in historical records dating back to medieval times. The name has a simple, elegant quality with its short pronunciation and has maintained steady usage without becoming overly popular. In modern times, Ane appeals to parents looking for a traditional name with Nordic roots that is brief and easy to pronounce across languages.
  6. Silje
    • Origin:

      Danish
    • Meaning:

      "variation of Celia"
    • Description:

      This Danish variation of Celia / Cecilia is quite popular in Denmark in recent years.
  7. Malene
    • Description:

      Malene is a feminine name primarily used in Denmark and Norway. It originated as a Scandinavian form of Magdalene, which derives from Mary Magdalene in biblical tradition. The name has been used in Nordic countries for centuries and maintains steady popularity there, though it remains uncommon elsewhere. Malene has a gentle, melodic sound with its soft consonants and balanced syllables. In Scandinavian cultures, the name carries associations of elegance and tradition. While simple in structure, Malene offers a distinctive Nordic alternative to more common Mary-derived names, connecting bearers to Scandinavian heritage while remaining accessible in pronunciation for non-Nordic speakers.

  8. Vibeke
    • Description:

      Vibeke is a feminine Scandinavian name particularly popular in Norway and Denmark. It derives from the Old Norse name Vibeka, which combines 'vi' (sacred) and 'beka' (protection), essentially meaning 'sacred protector' or 'woman of sanctuary.' The name gained prominence in Scandinavia during the medieval period and remains moderately common there today. Outside Nordic countries, Vibeke is considered quite exotic. It's typically pronounced 'VEE-beh-keh' with emphasis on the first syllable. The name carries connotations of strength, spirituality, and guardianship within Scandinavian culture, reflecting ancient Norse values of protection and sacred duty.
  9. Jonna
    • Origin:

      Scandinavian variation of Johanna
    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"
    • Description:

      A Scandinavian short form of Johanna, properly pronounced with a Y sound at the start, but would likely be read as the more prosaic "John-a" in an English-speaking context.
  10. Petrina
    • Description:

      Petrina is a feminine name with classical roots, derived from the Latin name Petrus, meaning "rock" or "stone." It's essentially the feminine form of Peter, carrying connotations of strength and steadfastness. The name appears across several European cultures, including Italian, Croatian, and Greek traditions, with slight pronunciation variations. While never reaching widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, Petrina has maintained steady usage, particularly in Southern and Eastern European communities. The name has an elegant, somewhat Old World charm with its melodic three syllables and classical origins. Petrina offers parents a distinctive choice that still feels accessible and pronounceable. It provides a more uncommon alternative to the popular Patricia while sharing similar classical roots and a sophisticated sound that works well across different ages.

  11. Caryn
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Karen, Danish variation of Katherine
    • Meaning:

      "pure"
    • Description:

      Modernized spelling not enough to revive Karen.
  12. Joina
    • Description:

      Joina is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be derived from 'join' in English, suggesting unity or connection, or it could have roots in various African languages where similar names exist. As an uncommon name, Joina carries a distinctive quality while remaining relatively straightforward to pronounce and spell. The name has a melodic quality with its flowing vowel sounds and soft consonants. While rare in most Western naming traditions, Joina may have specific cultural significance in certain communities, particularly in parts of Africa. The name's simplicity combined with its uniqueness makes it appealing to parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible, with positive connotations of bringing people together.
  13. Vigga
    • Origin:

      Scandinavian
    • Meaning:

      "war/battle"
    • Description:

      While Americans may be more familiar with the male form of this name, thanks to actor Viggo Mortensen, Vigga is a popular name in contemporary Denmark and prime for wider export. It's a name with a a lot of vigor.
  14. Abelone
    • Origin:

      Danish form of Apollonia
    • Meaning:

      "destroyer, strength, father of light"
    • Description:

      A Danish name relating back to the Greek Apollo.
  15. Jone
    • Description:

      Jone is a feminine name with multiple cultural connections. It can be viewed as a variant spelling of Joan, which derives from the Hebrew name Yochanan meaning 'God is gracious.' In Basque culture, Jone is a distinct female name pronounced 'HO-neh' and is associated with the moon. The name also appears occasionally as a variation of Joni or as a simplified form of Joanne. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Jone has seen modest usage historically. Its simplicity gives it a clean, modern appeal despite its ancient roots. The name's cross-cultural presence means it can function well internationally, being easily pronounced in various languages. Jone offers a streamlined alternative to more common variants like Joan or Joanna while maintaining their graceful qualities and historical significance.

  16. Jensine
    • Origin:

      Danish
    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"
    • Description:

      Sure to be mispronounced.
  17. Petah
    • Origin:

      Native American
    • Meaning:

      "rock, stone"
    • Description:

      This spelling variation of Peta, chosen by Ani DiFranco for her daughter, might be a little difficult to pull off. Alternative suggestions: Petra and Petal.
  18. Dorte
    • Description:

      Dorte is a feminine name of Scandinavian origin, particularly popular in Denmark. It evolved as a Danish variant of Dorothy, which ultimately derives from the Greek name Dorothea meaning 'gift of God.' Dorte has been used in Scandinavia since medieval times, though it experienced its peak popularity in the mid-20th century. The name carries a simple, unpretentious elegance with its short form and clear pronunciation. While common in Denmark and recognized throughout Scandinavia, Dorte remains quite rare in English-speaking countries, giving it a distinctive quality internationally. The name conveys a sense of Nordic heritage and straightforward charm. Dorte's brevity and strength make it appealing to parents seeking a name that's both traditional in its roots yet uncommon in global contexts.

  19. Dorthe
    • Description:

      Dorthe is a feminine name primarily found in Scandinavian countries, particularly Denmark and Norway. It's a variation of Dorothy, ultimately derived from the Greek name Dorothea meaning 'gift of God.' Dorthe has a distinctly Nordic charm while maintaining connections to its more widely recognized counterpart. Though less common internationally, it enjoys moderate popularity in its countries of origin. The name carries a sense of traditional femininity with its soft ending, while still sounding strong and direct. Dorthe represents a cultural bridge between ancient Greek origins and Nordic heritage, offering a unique alternative for parents drawn to Scandinavian naming traditions or seeking a less common variant of Dorothy.
  20. Pedrine
    • Description:

      Pedrine is a feminine name of Portuguese and Spanish origin, functioning as the feminine form of Pedro (Peter), which derives from the Greek 'Petros' meaning 'stone' or 'rock.' This elegant variation maintains the meaning of strength and steadfastness associated with its root name. Pedrine is quite rare in English-speaking countries but has historical usage in Iberian and Latin American contexts. The name has a graceful, romantic quality with its soft ending, blending traditional roots with an uncommon flair. It offers an interesting alternative to more familiar feminine forms like Petra or Petrina. Parents drawn to names with Spanish or Portuguese heritage might find Pedrine an appealing choice that carries traditional meaning in a distinctive package.