Norwegian Names for Boys
You'll find all of our cool Norwegian baby names for boys 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.
- Aksel
Origin:
Danish, version of Hebrew AbsalomMeaning:
"the father is peace"Description:
Most American parents would choose to use the more commonly seen variant, Axel, but .this form is preferred in Denmark and Norway, and also ranks in the French Top 400.
- Oslo
Origin:
Norwegian place name, Old NorseMeaning:
"meadow at the foot of a hill"Description:
Oslo, the capital city of Norway, makes for an intriguing new place name, especially with its bookended O's, as in Otto and leads to cool nickname Ozzie. One Berry has already used it and we predict others will follow; in fact, stats suggest it is used eight times more often than it was a decade ago.
- Gregor
Origin:
Scottish form of GregoryMeaning:
"vigilant, a watchman"Description:
Two prominent literary namesakes make Gregor a somewhat risky choice. On the highbrow side, there's Gregor Samsa, the Kafka character who woke up one day to find himself turned into a cockroach. And then there's Gregor Clegane, one of the most feared and purely evil characters in the world of Game of Thrones.
- Nils
Origin:
Scandinavian variation of NicholasMeaning:
"people of victory"Description:
Like Lars, Sven, Niels, and Nels, an unjustly neglected straightforward Scandinavian name. Surname Nilsson or the anglicized Nelson derives from Nils.
- Pelle
Origin:
Scandinavian variation of Peter, GreekMeaning:
"rock, stone"Description:
Pelle is one of several possible Peter-related Scandinavian choices. In Swedish or Norwegian, the name Pelle rhymes roughly with Ella.
- Arvid
Origin:
Swedish, Norwegian, DanishMeaning:
"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.
- Roar
Origin:
Norwegian cognate of RogerMeaning:
"famous warrior; famous spear"Description:
While this may look like an animal related word name to those unfamiliar with it, Roar is a Norwegian name derived from the Old Norse element hróðr meaning "fame". combined with either herr meaning "warrior" or "geirr meaning "spear". It can also be spelled as Hroar.
- Ole
Description:
Ole is a masculine name with strong Scandinavian roots, functioning as the Danish and Norwegian form of Olaf. Derived from the Old Norse name Óláfr, comprised of 'anu' meaning 'ancestor' and 'leifr' meaning 'heir' or 'descendant.' Traditionally pronounced 'OH-leh' in Scandinavian countries, the name has gained different pronunciations in other regions. Ole has maintained steady popularity in Norway, Denmark, and parts of northern Germany, while in the United States it has historically been associated with Scandinavian-American communities, particularly in the Upper Midwest. The name carries connotations of heritage and tradition while remaining simple and accessible. Ole's compact form gives it a friendly, approachable quality while still honoring Nordic naming traditions and cultural connections.
- Roald
Origin:
NorwegianMeaning:
"famous ruler"Description:
This intriguing Scandinavian name is associated with Roald Dahl, author of the juvenile classics James and the Giant Peach and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. You can honor an ancestral Ronald just by dropping that middle 'n'.
- Mats
Origin:
Scandinavian diminutive of Matthias, AramaicMeaning:
"gift of God"Description:
If you're looking for a Euro-chic alternative to Max, Mats is a strong possibility. It's a fading classic in Norway, but is popular in the Netherlands and Belgium, where short names are the height of style.
- Stein
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"Stone"
- Svein
Description:
Svein is a masculine Norse name with ancient Scandinavian roots, traditionally spelled Sveinn in Old Norse. The name means 'boy,' 'young man,' or 'servant' and has been used throughout Nordic countries for centuries. Historically significant, Svein was borne by several medieval Scandinavian kings and nobles, including Svein Forkbeard, who was King of Denmark and England in the late 10th and early 11th centuries. While maintaining steady popularity in Norway, Iceland, and other Nordic countries, the name remains uncommon in English-speaking regions. Svein carries strong associations with Viking heritage and Nordic culture, appealing to parents seeking a name with historical depth and a distinctive, masculine sound that connects to Scandinavian roots.
- Olav
Description:
Olav is a masculine Scandinavian name, particularly popular in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. It derives from the Old Norse name Óláfr, composed of the elements 'ancestor' and 'heir' or 'descendant,' essentially meaning 'ancestor's descendant.' This name has deep historical significance in Scandinavia, having been borne by several Norwegian kings, including Saint Olav (Olav II), who helped Christianize Norway in the 11th century. While traditional in Nordic countries, Olav remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking regions. The name carries connotations of strength, heritage, and leadership. Alternative spellings include Olaf, Olof, and Olave, with Olav being the modern Norwegian form.
- Arnljot
Description:
Arnljot is a masculine name of Old Norse origin with deep historical roots in Scandinavian culture. The name combines elements meaning 'eagle' and 'light,' symbolizing strength, vision, and illumination. Historically used in Norway and other Nordic countries, Arnljot appears in Norse sagas and historical records dating back to medieval times. The name carries a powerful, traditional character and evokes the ancient Norse heritage. While relatively uncommon in modern times, even in Scandinavian countries, Arnljot represents a connection to Nordic ancestry and mythology. Parents choosing this name often have Scandinavian heritage or an appreciation for names with strong historical significance and distinctive character.
- Eirik
Description:
Eirik is a masculine name of Old Norse origin and is a traditional Scandinavian variant of Erik or Eric. The name derives from the elements 'ei' (ever, always) and 'ríkr' (ruler, king, mighty), thus meaning 'eternal ruler' or 'ever powerful.' Particularly common in Norway, this spelling preserves the authentic Nordic heritage of the name. Eirik was borne by several Norwegian kings and figures in Norse sagas, including Eirik Bloodaxe. While less common internationally than Erik, this spelling offers cultural authenticity appealing to those with Scandinavian heritage or those seeking a strong name with historical depth and a slightly distinctive spelling.
- Audr
Description:
Audr is a masculine name with Norse origins. It is a variant of the Old Norse name Auðr, which means 'wealth' or 'prosperity.' In Norse mythology and Viking culture, wealth was highly valued, making this name a symbol of good fortune and abundance. While uncommon in modern times, Audr carries a strong historical connection to Scandinavian heritage. The name's brief, powerful sound lends it a distinctive quality. Despite its ancient roots, Audr might appeal to parents seeking a uniquely masculine name with historical depth and positive connotations of prosperity and good fortune.
- Trygg
Origin:
NorwegianMeaning:
"safe"Description:
Sarah Palin spelled it Trig, as in the nickname for trigonometry, but Trygg is a genuine Norwegian word name for boys.
- Salomon
Description:
Salomon is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, representing a variant spelling of Solomon. Derived from 'shalom' meaning 'peace,' it carries the beautiful meaning of 'peaceful one.' This form of the name is particularly common in French, Spanish, and German-speaking countries, while Solomon is more prevalent in English-speaking regions. The name references the biblical King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom and wealth. Salomon has maintained steady though modest popularity across various cultures throughout history. Parents might choose this spelling for its slightly more international feel while still connecting to the rich biblical heritage and connotations of wisdom associated with the name.
- Nels
Origin:
Norwegian and Swedish variation of NicholasMeaning:
"people of victory"Description:
One of those simple Norse names, like Lars, that is definitely worth thinking about.
- Olay
Description:
Olay is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Scandinavian contexts, it's a variant of Olaf or Olav, derived from Old Norse elements meaning 'ancestor's relic.' In Spanish-speaking regions, it may be a variation of Olallo, with distinct etymological roots. The name's brevity and international versatility give it modern appeal, while its heritage connects to ancient Nordic traditions. Though not widely used in English-speaking countries, Olay has a contemporary feel with historical depth. The name's streamlined simplicity works well cross-culturally and avoids pronunciation difficulties. For parents seeking a short, distinctive name with northern European character that travels well internationally, Olay offers an uncommon yet accessible option.