300+ Viking Names
- Halldór
Description:
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.
- Brynhild
Description:
Brynhild is a feminine name with deep roots in Norse mythology, where Brynhildr was a legendary shieldmaiden and valkyrie. The name combines Old Norse elements: 'bryn' meaning 'armor' or 'protection' and 'hildr' meaning 'battle' or 'warfare,' creating a powerful meaning of 'armor-clad warrior woman' or 'battle in armor.' This strong, distinctive name reflects courage and strength. Though never extremely common, it has maintained a presence in Scandinavian countries and has seen occasional use among those with Nordic heritage or those drawn to mythological names. The name carries historical gravitas and an association with female power and determination.
- Dagfrid
Origin:
NorwegianMeaning:
"beautiful day"
- Frideborg
Description:
Frideborg is a rare feminine name with Germanic origins, combining the elements 'frid' meaning 'peace' and 'borg' meaning 'fortress' or 'protection,' thus creating the beautiful meaning 'peaceful fortress' or 'protective peace.' This name has historical roots in Scandinavian countries, particularly Sweden, though it remains quite uncommon even there. Frideborg has a strong, distinctive sound that evokes images of Nordic heritage and ancient strength. The name peaked in usage during the late 19th and early 20th centuries in Scandinavia but has become increasingly rare in modern times. For contemporary parents, Frideborg offers a unique option with authentic historical roots and a meaningful etymology that speaks to protection and tranquility.
- Sigrun
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"victory rune"Description:
Sigrún was a valkyrie of Norse mythology. She marries Helgi and dies of sadness after he is slain by her brother, Dagr.
- Hallfrid
Origin:
Norwegian and SwedishMeaning:
"beautiful stone"
- Gunnhild
Origin:
NorwegianMeaning:
"battle, fight"
- Birla
Origin:
Old NorseMeaning:
"bear"
- Hallbera
Origin:
Old NorseMeaning:
"stone bear"
- Baggi
Origin:
Old NorseMeaning:
"bag; Norwegian"
- Hallkell
Origin:
Old SwedishMeaning:
"stone helmet"
- Gróa
Origin:
Old NorseMeaning:
"to grow"
- Bjarne
Description:
Bjarne is a masculine Scandinavian name primarily used in Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. It derives from the Old Norse 'Bjǫrn' meaning 'bear,' symbolizing strength and courage. The suffix '-e' or '-i' creates the meaning 'bear-like' or 'little bear.' Bjarne has been consistently popular in Scandinavian countries for centuries, though it remains relatively uncommon outside Nordic regions. The name combines rugged Nordic heritage with a somewhat approachable sound to non-Scandinavian speakers. Bjarne carries associations with Viking tradition, natural power, and resilience. The name has a distinctive quality that balances uniqueness with historical depth, making it appealing to parents with Scandinavian heritage or those seeking a strong yet uncommon name.
- Gudrid
Description:
Gudrid is a feminine name with ancient Norse origins, most famously associated with Gudrid Thorbjarnardóttir, a notable female figure in the Icelandic sagas who traveled to North America around 1000 CE. The name combines elements from Old Norse, possibly derived from 'guð' meaning 'god' and 'fríðr' meaning 'beautiful' or 'peaceful'. Historically significant in Nordic cultures, Gudrid represents strength and adventurous spirit in Norse tradition. Though rarely used in modern times outside Iceland and other Scandinavian countries, it carries historical weight and connects to Viking heritage. For those with Nordic ancestry or appreciation for Norse mythology, Gudrid offers a distinctive choice with deep historical roots.
- Åsa
Origin:
SwedishMeaning:
"god"Description:
Åsa is not a variation of the Biblical boy name Asa, but a Swedish short form of names beginning with the Old Norse element áss meaning "god". It appears as Åse, Aase, and Ása across various Scandinavian countries.
- Buna
Description:
Buna is a succinct feminine name with diverse cultural origins. In Ethiopian traditions, particularly among the Oromo people, Buna refers to coffee and its important cultural ceremonies. The name also appears in Eastern European contexts, particularly in Romanian and Albanian communities. Additionally, Buna exists as a place name in several countries including Papua New Guinea and Texas. This multicultural name carries different meanings depending on its origin—from representing a cherished beverage tradition to potentially deriving from words for "good" in some Slavic languages. Buna's simplicity, pleasing sound pattern, and cross-cultural presence make it an uncommon but accessible option for parents seeking a short, distinctive name with international connections.
- Ginna
Description:
Ginna is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a diminutive of names containing 'gin' like Virginia or Regina, a variant spelling of Jenna (meaning 'white wave' or 'fair phantom'), or derived from Scandinavian elements meaning 'wide' or 'spacious.' The name's simplicity and soft sounds give it an approachable, friendly quality. While never achieving mainstream popularity, Ginna has maintained consistent if sparse usage throughout the decades. The name's straightforward pronunciation and spelling offer practical advantages, though occasional confusion with Gina may occur. Ginna provides a slightly distinctive alternative to more common short feminine names while remaining familiar and accessible.
- Thurid
Origin:
Norwegian, Swedish, and DanishMeaning:
"Thor + beautiful"
- Svanhild
Origin:
Old NorseMeaning:
"swan battle"
- Hrafnhildur
Origin:
IcelandicMeaning:
"raven battle"Description:
An ancient Nordic name with a powerful meaning, borne by Icelandic playwright Hrafnhildur Hagalín Guðmundsdóttir.