Scandinavian Names that Start With K
- Kaia
Origin:
Latin, Scandinavian, or HawaiianMeaning:
"to rejoice or sea"Description:
The new Maia, the next Kayla, Kaia has been on the charts since the year 2000. You might see it as a female form of the also-rising Kai, which means sea in Hawaiian and is sometimes used for girls as well, or as a Kardashianization of the ancient goddess name Caia.
- Kara
Origin:
Spelling variation of Cara or Norse mythology nameMeaning:
"wild stormy one"Description:
Kara and the soundalike (though not necessarily related) Cara are among the most multi-cultural names around. Cara has roots in Latin, Italian, Irish, Spanish, and Portuguese, and Kara can be viewed as simply as K-starting version of Cara.
- Kirk
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"church"Description:
Far more friendly and open than similar one-syllable names like Kent, Kurt, and Karl, it's been associated for more than half a century with actor Kirk Douglas, whose birth name was Issur Danielovitch Demsky.
- Karina
Origin:
Scandinavian, German, Polish, and Russian variation of CarinaDescription:
This sweet and loving name, favored in recent years by a mix of Hispanic-American parents and Bob Dylan fans, was chosen for her daughter by TV actress Melina Kanakaredes.
- Kai
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"sea"Description:
This appealing multi-cultural name, pronounced KYE, is beginning to be used for girls as well as boys. Among its many derivations and meanings: "sea" in Hawaiian, "forgiveness" in Japanese, "willow tree" in Navajo, "food" in Maori, and "earth" in Scandinavian. For girls, it debuted on the US Top 1000 in 2010.
- Kirsten
Origin:
Scandinavian variation of ChristineDescription:
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.
- Kaspar
Description:
Kaspar is a masculine name with ancient Persian origins, traditionally believed to mean 'treasurer' or 'keeper of the treasure.' It gained prominence in Christian tradition as one of the Three Wise Men (or Magi) who visited the infant Jesus, often spelled Caspar in some accounts. The name spread throughout Europe during medieval times, with variations including Casper, Kasper, and Gaspard appearing across different countries. In Germanic countries, Kaspar has maintained steady popularity through the centuries. The name carries an air of wisdom and mysticism due to its biblical associations, while also evoking a classic, distinguished character. Today, it offers parents a traditional option with historical depth and cross-cultural recognition.
- Kent
Origin:
English surname and place-nameMeaning:
"edge"Description:
Kent is a no-nonsense, brief, brisk one-syllable name, almost as curt as Kurt.
- Karin
Origin:
Danish variation of Katherine or KarenMeaning:
"pure"Description:
Karin was a fairly popular spelling variation of Karen in the US but fell off the Top 1000 in the late 80s, as Karen's popularity wained. Today, the Karen meme interferes with the otherwise appealing sound of this name.
- Kirby
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"church settlement"Description:
Attractive British place-name with a sense of humor. Fun fact: John Wayne played five characters with the first or second name of Kirby.
- Kristina
Origin:
Scandinavian variation of ChristinaMeaning:
"annointed, a Christian"Description:
This streamlined form of a pretty and feminine classic may not be as popular as it once was, but it's never out of style. A royal name best used now in its full glory rather than as nicknames Kris or Kristy.
- Karan
Description:
Karan as a feminine name has multiple cultural origins. In Hindi, it's primarily masculine, meaning 'helper' or 'one who acts,' but has been adapted as a feminine name in Western contexts. It may also represent a variation of Karen, derived from Katherine, meaning 'pure.' In Irish tradition, Ciarán (sometimes anglicized as Karan) means 'little dark one.' The name's simplicity and cross-cultural presence give it versatility, while its familiar sound pattern makes it accessible despite its relative rarity for girls. Most common in Indian diaspora communities and occasionally in English-speaking countries, Karan represents a straightforward yet distinctive choice that bridges multiple cultural traditions while maintaining a contemporary feel.
- Kallan
Origin:
ScandinavianMeaning:
"stream, river"Description:
Name with genuine roots that nevertheless feels synthetic.
- Karena
Origin:
Variation of KarenDescription:
Karena modernizes middle-aged Karen but also creates pronunciation confusion. Is it ka-REN-a, ka-REEN-a, or just plain Karen with an a at the end? Spelled Karenna as in Gore goes partway toward clarifying things.
- Knut
Origin:
Old Norse; Norwegian; Swedish; DanishMeaning:
"knot"Description:
This royal but common Scandinavian name is, in the US, linked to a single figure -- Notre Dame football coach Knute Rockne. While Rockne's name was commonly pronounced like newt, the correct pronunciation is two syllables, sound the K.
- Kari
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"curly hair"Description:
In Norse mythology, the son of the giant who ruled the wind and air; in modern America, recalls a 1970s girl's nickname name, à la Carrie and Keri.
- Kiersten
Origin:
Variation of KirstenDescription:
Kiersten is the version of Kirsten you use if you really really really don't want anyone to mispronounce it as ker-sten or kris-ten. But they probably still will.
- Knute
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"knot"Description:
A strong, powerful choice, ancestor of the modern Superboy Names. Knut is the name of the patron saint of Denmark; Knute Rockne was a legendary Notre Dame football coach. Knute is the middle name of Jessica Simpson's son Ace, in honor of his paternal great-grandfather. Note that pronunciation is two syllables, with the K sounded.
- Kyran
Description:
Kyran as a feminine name represents an interesting gender crossover, as it originated primarily as a masculine name in Irish tradition. Derived from the Gaelic name Ciarán (from 'ciar' meaning 'dark' or 'black'), it historically referred to someone with dark features. While still predominantly used for boys internationally, its adoption for girls demonstrates the modern trend toward gender-neutral naming. The feminine usage likely gained traction due to its similarity to popular feminine names like Kyra and Karen. The name has a strong, concise sound that works well cross-culturally. As a feminine choice, Kyran offers a distinctive option with Celtic heritage and a contemporary edge, appealing to parents seeking names that challenge traditional gender associations while maintaining cultural roots.
- Kristy
Origin:
Diminutive of all variations of KristinaMeaning:
"a Christian"Description:
Kristy (and Kristi and Kristie) are the ultimate kool girl nicknames of the sixties and seventies, not kwite as kute any more.
