Viking Names

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.

Halldor

Halldór is a traditional Icelandic male name with deep Norse roots. It combines the elements 'hallr' meaning 'stone' or 'rock' and 'Þórr' referring to Thor, the god of thunder in Norse mythology. Thus, the name can be interpreted as 'Thor's rock' or 'stone of Thor.' Halldór has remained popular in Iceland throughout the centuries, where patronymic naming traditions keep heritage names relevant. Notable bearers include Halldór Laxness, the Nobel Prize-winning Icelandic author. Outside of Iceland, the name is relatively uncommon but recognized within Scandinavian communities. The name conveys strength, stability, and connection to Norse cultural heritage.

Halldór

Hallfrid

Hallgerd

A masculine name in Choctaw culture. In English, it resembles the feminine name Hallie.

Halli

Hallkell

Hein is a masculine name with Germanic and Dutch origins, typically functioning as a shortened form of Heinrich (German) or Hendrik (Dutch), ultimately derived from the Germanic elements 'heim' (home) and 'ric' (ruler). Pronounced similarly to 'Hine' or 'Hayn,' this compact name is particularly common in the Netherlands, Germany, and areas with Dutch or German heritage. In South Africa, it appears among Afrikaans-speaking communities. While short, Hein carries the weight of its historical roots, suggesting leadership and authority. The name offers a distinctive international option that's brief yet meaningful. Its simple one-syllable structure makes it accessible across language barriers while still maintaining its cultural connections.

Hein

A traditional Nordic name, Helga was extremely popular throughout Scandinavia in the 19th and early 20th centuries. In Germany, it was a Top 10 pick from 1924 to 1943. And it still ranks in the Icelandic Top 50 today.

 In the English-speaking world, Helga has been associated with a series of unfortunate characters in popular culture, from the wife of Hägar the Horrible in the comic strip of the same name, to Helga Pataki from the kids' TV show Hey Arnold!. But more recent, more positive Helgas – like Helga Hufflepuff, one of the four founders of Hogwarts, and a character in the drama series Vikings – could redeem the name.

 Helga's Russian cognate, Olga, is a classic there, and still ranks in the Russian Top 50 today.

Helga

Helge

Helje is a masculine name with Scandinavian origins, particularly found in Norwegian and Swedish cultures. The name likely derives from elements meaning 'holy' or 'blessed,' sharing roots with names like Helge and Helga. With its distinctive Nordic feel, Helje carries connotations of strength, resilience, and connection to northern European heritage. Though uncommon outside Scandinavia, the name has a melodic quality that makes it accessible to English speakers. Helje represents a perfect balance between uniqueness and pronounceability for those seeking a name with authentic Nordic roots. The name's brevity gives it a modern appeal despite its ancient origins, making it suitable for contemporary usage while honoring Scandinavian naming traditions.

Helje

Helle is one Scandinavian name that hasn't crossed over to the English-speaking world. That hell syllable is tough to get beyond.

Helle

Hildur is the Icelandic variant of Hildr, an Old Norse name used for a valkyrie in Norse mythology. 

Hildur

Old Norse name that lives on more appealingly in modern times as Jalmari, short form Jari. This form remains popular in Sweden, however. 

Hjalmar

Hjalmer is a masculine Scandinavian name with Norse origins, derived from the elements 'hjalm' meaning 'helmet' or 'protection' and 'her' meaning 'warrior' or 'army.' This combination creates a powerful meaning of 'helmeted warrior' or 'protected fighter.' Popular primarily in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, Hjalmer embodies the strong, courageous characteristics valued in Norse culture. The name has maintained consistent though modest usage throughout Scandinavian history, experiencing occasional revivals among families seeking to honor their Nordic heritage. While uncommon outside Scandinavia, Hjalmer has a distinctive sound that combines traditional strength with a melodic quality. The initial 'Hj' consonant blend gives it a distinctive Nordic flavor that sets it apart from more common international names.

Hjalmer

Hjalti

Pronunciation problems overwhelm this name. 

Hjördis

A handsome Icelandic nature name also used in very small numbers in Sweden and Denmark.

Hjörtur

Derived from the Old Norse elements holmr "island" and geirr "spear". This is a widespread name in Scandinavia, and belonged to a legendary Danish hero, Holger Danske (Ogier the Dane). According to legend, Holger Danske was a fearsome warrior under Charlemagne, who never died but sleeps in the cellar of Kronborg Castle at Elsinore, ready to rise again if Denmark is ever in danger.

Holger

An Icelandic name, derived from Old Norse. 

Hrafn

An ancient Nordic name with a powerful meaning, borne by Icelandic playwright Hrafnhildur Hagalín Guðmundsdóttir.

Hrafnhildur

Viking names were used in Scandinavia during the Viking Age — between the 9th and 11th centuries. All Viking names have Germanic roots. The majority are specifically Old Norse in origin, as that was the dominant language of the time.

 like Freya and Thorsten, or animal names such as Hrefna ("raven") and Ulf ("wolf") because the properties of the deity or animal were thought to protect the child.

 include Bodil, Embla, Gudrun, Tóka, and Yrsa. In addition to Thorsten, other

 include Fenrir, Harald, Knut, Rune, and Vidar.

Viking names are currently popular in Scandinavia 

and the English-speaking world. International favorites include Astrid, Bjorn, Freya, Henrik, Ingrid, Liv, and Magnus.

 such as Leif, Ragnar, Rollo, Ivar, and Freydís are also attracting attention thanks to increased interest in Scandinavian names, as well as features in the TV series 

Explore our entire collection of Viking names, compiled from various primary sources.

Female Viking names and male Viking names include Scandinavian and Old Norse names from history (Page 16)

300+ Viking Names