300+ Viking Names
- Vigdis
Origin:
NorwegianMeaning:
"war goddess"Description:
This strong Norwegian name war goddess name, commonly heard in both midcentury Norway and Iceland, has never ventured far beyond its native culture.
- Efraim
Description:
Efraim is a variation of Ephraim, a biblical name of Hebrew origin meaning "fruitful" or "productive." In the Old Testament, Ephraim was the second son of Joseph and founded one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This spelling variant is particularly common in Scandinavian countries, Spain, Portugal, and across Latin America. Efraim carries rich biblical heritage while offering a slightly different sound and appearance from the more traditional English spelling. The name combines ancient roots with a clean, modern feel in its simplified spelling. It remains moderately popular in Jewish communities and Spanish-speaking regions, appealing to parents seeking a name with spiritual significance and cross-cultural recognition.
- Asger
Origin:
DanishMeaning:
"spear of God"Description:
It looks unfamiliar at first, but we think this strong Danish name is worthy of further consideration. It has a great meaning and is unusual without being a mouthful or too challenging. To us it feels like an arty or creative name, perhaps because one famous bearer, Asger Jorn, was an avant-garde sculptor and painter.
- Brynjar
Origin:
Old NorseMeaning:
"warrior armor"Description:
An attractive Nordic name most common in Iceland. It was derived from the Old Norse elements bryn, meaning "armor," and her, "warrior" or "army."
- Katrine
Description:
Katrine is a feminine name of Scandinavian, German, and French origin, serving as a variant of Katherine or Katharina. The name ultimately derives from the Greek 'Aikaterine' or 'Hekaterine,' whose meaning remains debated but may relate to the Greek 'katharos' meaning 'pure.' Katrine enjoys moderate popularity in Denmark, Norway, and other Northern European countries. In English-speaking regions, it provides a distinctive alternative to the more common Katherine or Katrina. The name carries an elegant, international quality with its clean pronunciation and classic roots. Culturally, the name appears in literature and place names (like the Norwegian Katrine Lake), adding to its subtle appeal. Parents might choose Katrine for its blend of familiarity and uniqueness.
- Sǫlvi
Origin:
Old NorseMeaning:
"temple of the Sun"Description:
Derived from the components sol, meaning "sun," and vi, "temple." It lives on today in the form of Sölvi, a common male name in Iceland.
- 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.
- Torfinn
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"Finn of Thor"Description:
Variant of Thorfinn
- Ingolf
Origin:
Old Danish and Old SwedishMeaning:
"Ing's wolf"
- Máni
Description:
Máni is a masculine name of Old Norse origin, directly referring to the personification of the Moon in Norse mythology. In ancient Nordic traditions, Máni was the brother of Sól (the Sun) and drove the chariot that carried the moon across the night sky. The name pronounced 'MAH-nee' carries a beautiful celestial connection and ancient heritage. While relatively uncommon globally, Máni retains popularity in Iceland and is gaining interest among parents drawn to Nordic mythology and culture. The name offers a distinctive yet accessible option with its brief two-syllable structure and meaningful mythological roots, connecting a child to ancient cosmic traditions.
- Halldor
Description:
Halldor is a masculine name of Norse origin, combining the elements 'hallr' meaning 'stone' or 'rock' and 'Thor,' the name of the Norse god of thunder. This powerful combination creates a name meaning 'Thor's rock' or 'Thor's stone.' Particularly common in Iceland and other Scandinavian countries, Halldor carries strong connections to Viking heritage and Nordic mythology. The name projects qualities of strength, steadfastness, and endurance. While relatively uncommon outside Nordic regions, Halldor has seen modest interest from parents seeking names with authentic Norse roots and distinctive character. The name's historical significance and uncommon status make it an appealing choice for those drawn to Scandinavian culture or seeking a name with ancient power and clear meaning.
- Hjörtur
Origin:
IcelandicMeaning:
"deer"Description:
A handsome Icelandic nature name also used in very small numbers in Sweden and Denmark.
- Askell
Origin:
ManxMeaning:
"helmet of god"Description:
Manx variant of the Norse name Asketill.
- Saxi
Origin:
Old NorseMeaning:
"Saxon or dagger"Description:
An older form of Saxo, the name of an illustrious Danish medieval chronicler, which to the English ear may sound a little too close to "sexy" for comfort.
- Gestr
Origin:
Old NorseMeaning:
"guest"
- Kári
Origin:
Variation of Kárr, Old NorseMeaning:
"curly hair"Description:
A name with Old Norse roots that at one time existed alongside the name Kárr, although Kári is the dominant form today. In recent years, it's been common in Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
- Birkir
Origin:
IcelandicMeaning:
"birch"Description:
An Icelandic nature name derived from the word for birch tree, birki. It currently ranks in Iceland's Top 25 for boys.
- Halfdan
Description:
Halfdan is a masculine name of Old Norse origin, literally meaning "half Danish" or possibly "half Dane." Historically significant in Scandinavian cultures, particularly in Norway and Denmark, it was borne by several notable Viking Age kings, including Halfdan the Black, father of Harald Fairhair who unified Norway. The name reflects the complex political and cultural relationships in medieval Scandinavia, possibly indicating mixed ancestry or political alliances. Though rare outside Scandinavia today, Halfdan maintains cultural significance in Nordic countries as a connection to their Viking heritage. In modern usage, it appeals to parents interested in names with strong historical roots and distinctive Old Norse character, representing strength and noble lineage.
- Bjørn
Origin:
Danish and Norwegian variation of Bjorn, SwedishMeaning:
"bear"Description:
The slashed O form of Bjorn is standard in Norway and Denmark. The umlaut variation, Björn is used in most other languages today.
- Sten
Origin:
SwedishMeaning:
"a stone"Description:
Once a short form of names containing this syllable, it is now used on its own, though we'd prefer Sven.