Norwegian Names for Girls

Juni

Scandinavian

"June"

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…

Kirsten

Scandinavian variation of Christine

Lovely, authentic name -- but any Kirsten will be condemned to a lifetime of hearing "Did you say Kristen?" They're both genuine Scandinavian names but too interchangeable.

Sonja

Russian, Slavic, and Scandinavian form of Sophia, Greek

"wisdom"

Popular throughout Northern and Eastern Europe, particularly in countries like Sweden, Norway, Russia, and Germany, Sonja has a rich cultural heritage. The name gained international recognition…

Kristin

German and Norwegian variation of Christina

"a Christian"

A crystalline name that retains its loveliness far past its prime. Its biggest downside: Eternal confusion over spelling and pronunciation. Kristen? Kirsten? It can be so confusing that many parents…

Thelma

English, Literary, meaning unknown

Though modern parents seeking to honor an ancestor named Thelma might opt for the airier Thea instead, Thelma is starting to make its way back onto adventurous vintage name lovers' radars. It is…

Sunniva

Scandinavian

"sun gift"

Sunniva was an Irish-born saint who fled to Norway, where she hid in an island cave with her followers and eventually died. After miracles were reported on the island, the cave was excavated and…

Tove

Scandinavian

"beautiful, beloved"

Tove is a modern variation of an Old Norse name for which there are no letters on the twenty-first century keyboard (Þórfríðr, for those interested.) Surviving and thriving in modern Scandinavia in…

Malin

Scandinavian diminutive of Magdalene

"high tower or woman of Magdela"

The sleek Malin is a contracted form of Magdalene or Madeleine, used in Sweden, Norway, and Switzerland. A popular choice back in the 2000s, it has declined in popularity in recent years, but it…

Tea

Short form of Dorotea or Mattea

"gift of God"

As Theo and Thea get more popular, so do Teo and Tea, short forms of the Latinate variations of Theodore and Matthew -- which include Dorotea and Mattea. But like Theo and Thea, Tea can stand…

Berit

Scandinavian variation of Birgit

"exalted one"

Well used in northern Europe, almost unknown in the US, Berit is could make an off-beat alternative to Betty, Beth, or Merritt for those with Scandinavian ancestry.

Birgitte

Birgitte is a feminine name of Scandinavian origin, primarily used in Denmark and Norway as a variant of Bridget. The name derives from the Celtic name Brighid, meaning 'exalted one' or 'high…

Birte

Birte is a feminine Danish and German name, derived from the Old Norse Birgit or Bridget, ultimately stemming from the Celtic name meaning 'exalted one' or 'high, noble.' Popular in Scandinavia and…

Birgit

Scandinavian variation of Brighid

"strength"

Birgit is pronounced with a hard ' g ' and is one of the many international versions of the Irish Bridget. Birgit Nilsson was a celebrated Swedish operatic soprano.

Kirsti

Kirsti is a feminine name with Scandinavian origins, primarily used in Finland and Norway. It's a Nordic variant of Christina, ultimately derived from the Greek word 'christos' meaning 'anointed…

Kjersti

Kjersti is a feminine Scandinavian name, primarily used in Norway, representing a variation of Kirsten or Kirsti. These names are Nordic forms of Christina, ultimately derived from the Greek word…

Lovise

Lovise is a feminine name with Scandinavian roots, functioning as a Nordic variant of Louise, ultimately derived from the Germanic name Ludwig meaning 'famous warrior.' Common in Norway, Denmark, and…

Rane

Rane is a gender-neutral name that leans feminine in this context. It has multiple possible origins: it may be derived from Scandinavian roots meaning 'mighty' or 'strong,' connect to the Old English…

Beate

Beate is a feminine name with German and Scandinavian origins. It derives from the Latin name Beata, meaning "blessed" or "happy." Throughout European history, Beate has been associated with…

Terese

Terese is a feminine given name that serves as a variation of Teresa or Theresa. These names derive from the Greek 'therizein' meaning 'to harvest,' or possibly 'therizo' meaning 'summer harvest.'…

Vigdis

Norwegian

"war goddess"

This strong Norwegian name war goddess name, commonly heard in both midcentury Norway and Iceland, has never ventured far beyond its native culture.