Sunniva

SOON-ee-va

Scandinavian

"sun gift"

Sunniva Origin and Meaning

The name Sunniva is a girl's name of Norwegian origin meaning "sun gift".

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.

Sunniva Rank in Nameberry Top 1000

# 395 on Nameberry

Popularity of the name Sunniva

• 395 Nameberry 2025

20 Names Similar to Sunniva

These 20 names were selected by our users that were looking for other names like Sunniva.

• Amoret
• Elettra
• Arrietty
• Ophira
• Ondine
• Asta
• Signe
• Elva
• Evanthe
• Amandine
• Tove
• Lucine
• Iolanthe
• Lilivere
• Vivica
• Sorcha
• Lilias
• Calanthe
• Gwenora
• Eirlys

Famous People Named Sunniva

• Sunniva Næs Andersen Norwegian handballer
• Sunniva Ørstavik Norwegian sociologist and public servant
• Sunniva Hakestad Møller Norwegian politician

The name Sunniva in Pop Culture

• Sunniva character in the novel "The Dark Light" by Mette Newth