Scandinavian Names that Start With J
- Juni
Origin:
ScandinavianMeaning:
"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.
- Jenson
Origin:
ScandinavianMeaning:
"son of Jens"Description:
The surname name Jenson is in the British Top 100 thanks to champion race car driver Jenson Button. Jenson might be an honorific for an ancestral John, the English form of Jens or Johannes, or even Jen.
- Johannes
Origin:
German, Dutch, Scandinavian, and Estonian variation of JohnMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
An Old World name that might have a chance to rise again with other ancient and worldly forms. Be sure to say yo-HAHN-es.
- Jens
Origin:
Scandinavian variation of Johannes or JohnDescription:
Short but substantial Nordic name that travels well -- although it runs the risk of being confused with all the feminine Jen names.
- Jensen
Origin:
Spelling variation of Jenson and Danish surnameMeaning:
"son of Jens"Description:
The number one surname in Denmark could make a sophisticated and stylish girl's name. Jensen Huang is the (male) cofounder of AI giant Nvidia.
- Joakim
Description:
Joakim is a masculine name with Hebrew origins, representing a Scandinavian and Eastern European form of Joachim. Derived from the Hebrew name Yehoyakim, meaning 'established by God' or 'God will raise,' Joakim carries strong religious and historical significance. Particularly popular in Sweden, Norway, Finland, and parts of Eastern Europe, the name has maintained steady usage throughout centuries. Joakim became internationally recognized partly through notable bearers including basketball player Joakim Noah and various European athletes and artists. The name blends biblical heritage with a contemporary Scandinavian feel, offering a distinctive yet accessible choice. While not among the most common names in English-speaking countries, Joakim provides an international alternative with both cultural depth and modern appeal.
- Jytte
Description:
Jytte is a feminine Danish name with Norse roots, functioning as a Danish form of Judith. The original Hebrew name Judith means 'woman from Judea' or 'praised,' while Jytte has evolved its own distinct Scandinavian identity. This name gained significant popularity in Denmark throughout the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1940s and 1950s. While less commonly given to newborns today, it remains a recognized name that carries a sense of Danish heritage and tradition. Jytte features a characteristic Scandinavian brevity and directness in pronunciation. Outside of Denmark and Scandinavian communities, the name is quite rare, offering a unique cultural connection for those who bear it.
- Jeppe
Origin:
Scandinavian diminutive of JakobMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
Nickname-name that's all the rage in Scandinavia.
- Jarel
Description:
Jarel is a masculine name with several possible origins. It may be a variant of Jarrell, which originated as an English surname derived from the Norman French personal name 'Gerold,' composed of Germanic elements meaning 'spear' and 'rule.' Alternatively, it could be a creative variation of names like Jared or Darrell. The name emerged in the United States primarily in the mid-20th century as part of the trend toward distinctive-sounding male names. Jarel has a modern, strong sound while remaining straightforward to pronounce and spell. It strikes a balance between uniqueness and familiarity, making it recognizable without being common. Though never reaching widespread popularity, Jarel has maintained steady usage among parents seeking a contemporary name with a masculine edge and distinctive character.
- Janne
Origin:
Danish and Norwegian diminutive of JohannaMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
This common name for both boys and girls in Scandinavia would definitely work better as a feminine name in the U.S.
- Janne
Origin:
Finnish variation of JohnMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
This common name in Finland, which is also a diminutive for Jan in Sweden, might feel a bit feminine in the English-speaking world, too close to girls' names Jan and Jane.
- Janson
Origin:
ScandinavianMeaning:
"Jan's son"Description:
Intriguing way to honor an ancestral John.
- Janica
Origin:
Variation of JannikMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
With its upbeat Slavic/Scandinavian air, it has the most potential of all the Jan names.
- Jarell
Description:
Jarell is a contemporary masculine given name with documented usage primarily in the United States from the late 20th century onward. The name may be a variant spelling of Jarrell, which itself could be derived from a surname of English or Norman origin. Some linguistic analyses suggest it might be related to names like Darrell or Jerald, potentially sharing Germanic roots meaning 'spear-ruler' or 'open-handed warrior.' Alternatively, it could be a creative combination of the popular prefix 'Ja-' with the suffix '-rell.' Jarell experienced modest popularity in the United States during the 1990s and early 2000s but has never been among the most common names. The name exemplifies the trend toward distinctive spellings and sound combinations that became increasingly common in American naming practices during the late 20th century.
- Jockum
Description:
Jockum is a distinctive masculine name with Scandinavian roots, primarily found in Sweden and Finland. It evolved as a variant of Joakim or Joachim, which derives from the Hebrew name Yehoyakim, meaning "established by God" or "God will raise up." While relatively uncommon globally, Jockum maintains a steady presence in Nordic countries where it's appreciated for its strong, distinctive sound and cultural heritage. The name carries a sense of tradition and uniqueness, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name with historical depth yet uncommon usage. In Sweden, it occasionally appears in the public eye through notable bearers in the arts and professional fields.
- Jokum
Description:
Jokum is a masculine name of Scandinavian origin, primarily found in Denmark and Norway. It derives from the biblical name Joachim, which comes from Hebrew roots meaning 'established by God' or 'may God raise up.' This northern European variant developed through centuries of linguistic evolution in Scandinavian languages. Historically present in Nordic countries since medieval times, Jokum remains uncommon even in its countries of origin. The name carries a strong Viking heritage and Nordic cultural connection, making it appealing for those with Scandinavian ancestry. With its distinctive sound and spelling, Jokum stands out while still being recognizable as a traditional name. Its rarity in English-speaking countries gives it a distinctive quality for parents seeking something uncommon with historical roots.
- Jakobe
Description:
Jakobe represents a modern variant spelling of Jacob, which derives from Hebrew meaning 'supplanter' or 'holder of the heel.' This contemporary spelling combines traditional roots with distinctive orthography. While traditionally a masculine name, this entry identifies it as feminine, representing the growing trend of gender-crossing names. The addition of the final 'e' softens the name, potentially enhancing its appeal as a female option. Jakobe remains relatively uncommon regardless of gender, offering uniqueness while maintaining connection to the widely recognized biblical name Jacob. Parents choosing this spelling often seek to preserve traditional meaning while creating a more distinctive identity.