300+ Viking Names
- Gertrud
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"strength of a spear"Description:
The form of Gertrude found in German and much of Scandinavia.
- Gorm
Origin:
Danish and NorwegianMeaning:
"honor, respect"Description:
Gorm the Old was a famed king of Denmark. His name was common in Viking times.
- Kjetil
Origin:
Variation of Ketil, NorwegianMeaning:
"kettle; cauldron; helmet"Description:
Firmly in Dad name territory in Norway, where it peaked in the early 1970s.
- Trygve
Origin:
NorwegianMeaning:
"trustworthy"Description:
Trygve peaked in popularity in mid-century Norway, making it a grandpa name today.
- Magni
Origin:
NordicMeaning:
"great"Description:
Magni is a powerful name from Norse mythology: he’s the son of Thor and the giant Járnsaxa. A more modern variant is Magne, which is currently climbing fast in Denmark.
- Hallbjörn
Origin:
Old NorseMeaning:
"stone bear"
- Úlfr
Origin:
Old NorseMeaning:
"wolf"
- 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.
- Gro
Origin:
NorwegianMeaning:
"to grow"Description:
Top 100 name in Norway from 1945-1980.
- Birger
Origin:
Swedish, Norwegian, and DanishMeaning:
"help, rescue"Description:
Ancient Scandinavian name popular in midcentury Norway.
- 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.
- Snorri
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"attack, onslaught"Description:
The similarity to snoring makes this one hard to wear.
- Arna
Origin:
German, SanskritMeaning:
"eagle; river"Description:
Truly a cross-cultural name, with usage in Germany, Scandinavia, India, France, and 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.
- Óðinn
Origin:
Old NorseMeaning:
"god of frenzy; poetic fury"Description:
The original Old Norse form of the name we know today as Odin, and the most popular version in modern Iceland.
- 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.
- 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.
- Leifr
Origin:
Old NorseMeaning:
"heir, descendant"Description:
Before Leif, there was Leifr.
- Oleg
Origin:
RussianMeaning:
"holy"Description:
This common Russian name has a somewhat effete pencil-thin-moustached image here.
- 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.