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Scandinavian Names that Start With K

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Oct 01 2024
  1. Kirk

    • Origin:

      Norse

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  2. Kaia

    • Origin:

      Latin, Scandinavian, or Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  3. Kara

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Cara or Norse mythology name

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  4. Karina

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian, German, Polish, and Russian variation of Carina

    • Description:

      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.
  5. Kent

    • Origin:

      English surname and place-name

    • Meaning:

      "edge"

    • Description:

      Kent is a no-nonsense, brief, brisk one-syllable name, almost as curt as Kurt.
  6. Kai

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  7. 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.
  8. Kristina

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian variation of Christina

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  9. Karin

    • Origin:

      Danish variation of Katherine or Karen

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  10. Kristian

    • Origin:

      Danish, Albanian, Breton, Bulgarian, Danish, Estonian, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish variation of Christian

    • Description:

      Variation of Christian.
  11. Kieron

    • Description:

      Kieron is traditionally a masculine name of Irish origin, though listed here as feminine. It represents an anglicized spelling of the Irish name Ciarán or Kieran, derived from 'Ciar' meaning 'dark' or 'black' combined with a diminutive suffix, essentially meaning 'little dark one' or 'dark-haired.' The name has historical significance through several Irish saints named Ciarán, including the founder of Clonmacnoise monastery. While primarily used for boys in Ireland and other English-speaking countries, names occasionally cross gender boundaries in usage. This particular spelling with 'o' instead of 'a' offers a subtle variation on the more traditional Kieran. The name carries associations with Irish heritage, spiritual devotion, and intellectual pursuits, reflecting the scholarly reputation of Saint Ciarán of Clonmacnoise.
  12. Kristine

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian variation of Christine

    • Description:

      Christine was one of the first megapopular C-to-K baby names, from Scandinavian variations such as Kristine and Kirsten to Kris, Kristy, and Kristy. While Kristine retains its krisply lovely sound, it's lost much of its kool.
  13. Kirby

    • Origin:

      Norse

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  14. Knute

    • Origin:

      Norse

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  15. Knut

    • Origin:

      Old Norse; Norwegian; Swedish; Danish

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  16. Kiersten

    • Origin:

      Variation of Kirsten

    • Description:

      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.
  17. Kennet

    • Description:

      Kennet is a masculine name with Scandinavian and Scottish origins, representing a variant spelling of Kenneth. Derived from the Gaelic name Coinneach meaning 'handsome' or 'fair,' it also connects to the Scottish clan name. In Scandinavian countries, particularly Sweden, Kennet has been used as a distinct variation. The name carries historical significance through Kenneth MacAlpin, the first king who united the Scots and Picts in the 9th century. While less common than Kenneth in English-speaking countries, Kennet offers a slightly different sound and appearance while maintaining the strong, classic appeal of its more familiar counterpart. The name suggests qualities of leadership and attractiveness while providing a subtle twist on a traditional name.

  18. Kallan

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian

    • Meaning:

      "stream, river"

    • Description:

      Name with genuine roots that nevertheless feels synthetic.
  19. Karena

    • Origin:

      Variation of Karen

    • Description:

      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.
  20. 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.