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Norwegian Names for Girls

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Jun 09 2020
Norwegian girl names feel fresh, feisty and fashionable in the English-speaking world right now — in an understated, Scandi-chic sort of a way, of course. With their strong consonant sounds and simple spellings, these stylish Norwegian girls' names are the opposite of frilly, fussy, or frou-frou. A few — like Birgit, Vigdis and Helge — might be a little too clunky for all but the bravest of baby-namers, but others — like Juni, Malin and Sunniva — feel bang on-trend in the US today.

Browse our full roster of cool Norwegian baby girl names below. 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. Malin

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian diminutive of Magdalene

    • Meaning:

      "high tower or woman of Magdela"

    • Description:

      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 remains a concise and appealing choice.
  2. Tove

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian

    • Meaning:

      "beautiful, beloved"

    • Description:

      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 the form of Tove, Tuva, and Tova, it is originally related to the name Thor and means "beautiful, beloved."
  3. Sunniva

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian

    • Meaning:

      "sun gift"

    • Description:

      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 Sunniva's intact body was found. Sunniva is the patron saint of Western Norway. Her name would make a fascinating and unusual choice for a modern baby girl, and if her story is a bit grim, you can take refuge in the upbeat nickname Sunny or Sunni.
  4. Tuva

    • Origin:

      Swedish and Norwegian variation of Tove

    • Meaning:

      "beautiful"

    • Description:

      Tove is a modern variation of an Old Norse name, related to Thor. Tuva is a form of the name popular in modern Scandinavia.
  5. 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.
  6. Kristin

    • Origin:

      German and Norwegian variation of Christina

    • Meaning:

      "a Christian"

    • Description:

      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 today opt to bypass it.
  7. Thelma

    • Origin:

      English, Literary, meaning unknown

    • Description:

      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 currently experiencing a modest revival in France, where it now ranks around the #300 mark.
  8. Kirsten

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian variation of Christine

    • Description:

      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.
  9. Sonja

    • Origin:

      Russian, Slavic, and Scandinavian form of Sophia, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "wisdom"

    • Description:

      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 through figures like Sonja Henie, the Norwegian Olympic figure skating champion.
  10. Tea

    • Origin:

      Short form of Dorotea or Mattea

    • Meaning:

      "gift of God"

    • Description:

      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 perfectly well on its own and blends seamlessly into any Anglophone or European culture, if that is your aim. Some may argue that the Tea version is the prettiest and it's certainly the sleekest.
  11. Berit

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian variation of Birgit

    • Meaning:

      "exalted one"

    • Description:

      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.
  12. Vigdis

    • Origin:

      Norwegian

    • Meaning:

      "war goddess"

    • Description:

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

    • Description:

      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 word for 'rain,' or represent a variant spelling of Reign or Rayne. With its concise four-letter structure and simple pronunciation, Rane combines brevity with distinctiveness. The name has never been common in English-speaking countries but has seen occasional use in Nordic regions. Its nature association gives it an elemental, refreshing quality, while its Scandinavian roots lend strength and character. Rane works particularly well for parents seeking a short, contemporary name with subtle depth.

  14. Terese

    • Description:

      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.' Some sources also connect it to the Greek island of Thera (Santorini). Terese has a refined, elegant quality while being slightly less common than the more traditional Teresa spelling. The name gained modest popularity in Europe and North America throughout the 20th century, partly influenced by notable figures like Saint Teresa of Ávila and Mother Teresa. Terese carries associations of warmth, compassion, and spiritual depth due to these religious connections, while maintaining a classic, timeless appeal.

  15. Kirsti

    • Description:

      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 one.' This short form developed as Scandinavian languages adapted the Christian name to local pronunciation patterns. Kirsti has been consistently used in Nordic countries for centuries, though it remains relatively uncommon outside these regions. The name has a crisp, bright quality with its short form and distinct ending. In the United States, Kirsti saw modest usage during the mid-20th century when Scandinavian names gained some popularity. The name combines cultural heritage with simplicity, appealing to parents seeking a name with authentic Nordic roots and straightforward pronunciation.
  16. Helge

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian

    • Meaning:

      "holy"

    • Description:

      Form of Helga
  17. Kjersti

    • Description:

      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 'christos' meaning 'anointed one.' The distinctive spelling with 'Kj' reflects traditional Norwegian orthography, where this combination creates a sound similar to 'ch' in English. Though uncommon outside Scandinavia, Kjersti carries strong cultural connections for those with Norwegian heritage. The name conveys a sense of Nordic elegance and strength. Despite its relatively rare usage in English-speaking countries, Kjersti offers an authentic option for parents seeking a name with genuine Scandinavian roots and a distinctive, yet accessible sound.
  18. Birgit

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian variation of Brighid

    • Meaning:

      "strength"

    • Description:

      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.
  19. Fjord

    • Origin:

      Norse word name

    • Description:

      The Old Norse and modern Norwegian word name Fjord, which refers to a passage in the sea, could work for children of both genders.
  20. Beate

    • Description:

      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 qualities of joy and blessedness. The name gained popularity in Germanic countries during the medieval period, often connected to religious connotations of divine blessing. While not widely used in English-speaking countries, Beate remains a classic choice in Germany, Austria, and Scandinavian nations. The name's pronunciation varies slightly by region, commonly as "bay-AH-tuh" in German or "bay-AH-teh" in Scandinavian countries.