300+ Viking Names

  1. Klaus
    • Origin:

      German variation of Claus, diminutive of Nicolas, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "people of victory"
    • Description:

      Two drawbacks: some unpleasant World War II associations, and the Santa clause.
  2. Lukas
    • Origin:

      German variation of Lucas
    • Meaning:

      "man from Lucanus"
    • Description:

      Highly popular in Germany, Norway, Lithuania, and Austria, Lukas is a spelling variation of the also extremely popular Lucas. The "K" spelling gives it extra kick and a more international, globe-trotter feel.
  3. Hildegard
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "comrade in arms"
    • Description:

      Hildegard is an ancient name that sounds it, but it does have sweet short forms Hildie and Hilda to recommend it, as well as several illustrious historical bearers.
  4. Thor
    • Origin:

      Norse and Scandinavian
    • Meaning:

      "thunder"
    • Description:

      Thor, the powerful name of the Norse god of thunder, strength and rain, would make a bold statement. Long a comic book staple, Thor has now invaded the big screen, and could land on birth certificates as well.
  5. Aren
    • Description:

      Aren is a masculine name with multiple origins and meanings across different cultures. In Armenian, it means 'eagle,' symbolizing strength and vision. It can also be a variation of Aaron, derived from Hebrew meaning 'high mountain' or 'exalted.' In some Scandinavian contexts, Aren may be related to Arne, meaning 'eagle' or 'ruler.' The name's simplicity, modern sound, and cross-cultural appeal have contributed to its gradual increase in usage. Aren benefits from being short, easily pronounced, and recognized across different languages while remaining distinctive. Its strong consonant sounds and straightforward pronunciation give it a contemporary, streamlined quality appreciated by many parents.

  6. Dagny
    • Origin:

      Scandinavian
    • Meaning:

      "new day"
    • Description:

      If you're looking for a name with Scandinavian roots, this would make a stronger and more appealing import than Dagmar. With its meaning of "new day," it could make an ideal choice for a girl born around New Year's.
  7. Kristin
    • Origin:

      German and Norwegian variation of Christina
    • Meaning:

      "a Christian"
    • Description:

      A crystalline name that retains its loveliness far past its prime. Its biggest downside: Eternal confusion over spelling and pronunciation. Kristen? Kirsten? It can be so confusing that many parents today opt to bypass it.
  8. Alva
    • Origin:

      English form of Irish Ailbhe, Swedish and Norwegian feminine form of Alf
    • Meaning:

      "white; elf"
    • Description:

      While the male Alva or Alvah relates directly to the minor Biblical character, the female version is more likely an Anglicized form of the Irish name Ailbhe, or a feminine form the name Alf (and Alf- beginning names), popular in its native Sweden and Norway. Best known as Thomas Edison's middle name, Alva has true unisex roots.
  9. Herman
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "soldier, warrior"
    • Description:

      It's hard to believe now that Herman was once, at the turn of the last century, a Top 50 name, remaining in the Top 100 until 1935, and even harder to imagine it making a comeback. But then again, our parents thought the same thing about Max and Jake. Consider the French Armand or Spanish Armando instead. Notable bearers include writers Herman Melville and Hermann Hesse--and then there was TV's Herman Munster.
  10. Rolf
    • Origin:

      Abbreviated form of Rudolf, German
    • Meaning:

      "famous wolf"
    • Description:

      Like Papa name Rudolf, Rolf never quite emigrated from the Bavarian Alps. You might want to move on to Rollo or Wolf.
  11. Helga
    • Origin:

      Scandinavian
    • Meaning:

      "holy, blessed"
    • Description:

      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.
  12. Gerda
    • Origin:

      Scandinavian, Norse, German, Dutch
    • Meaning:

      "enclosure, stronghold; brave, hardy spear"
    • Description:

      Gerda is one of two things: a modern, Latinized form of the Old Norse name Gerd or a feminine form of the masculine German name, also Gerd. Not currently in style, it has a strong, ancient sounding feeling.
  13. Sunna
    • Origin:

      Icelandic, Norse, Germanic, Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "sun; lily; habit, custom"
    • Description:

      A familiar choice in Iceland, the sunny and simple Sunna may be viewed as a nickname for Sunneva or Súsanna, the Icelandic variants of Sunniva and Susannah. As such, it two nature-connected meanings: "sun gift" and "lily" respectively.
  14. Ragnar
    • Origin:

      Norse
    • Meaning:

      "powerful army; wise warrior; counsel from the army"
    • Description:

      An fearsome old Norse name with a long history in Scandinavia. It's gotten a boost in the States from popularity of the History Channel drama "Vikings," in which the protagonist is named Ragnar. Ragnar Lodbrok (meaning "shaggy pants") was a legendary warrior whose story was told in the Viking sagas. Ragnar also recalls name of the Norse Judgment Day, Ragnarök.
  15. Roald
    • Origin:

      Norwegian
    • Meaning:

      "famous ruler"
    • Description:

      This intriguing Scandinavian name is associated with Roald Dahl, author of the juvenile classics James and the Giant Peach and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. You can honor an ancestral Ronald just by dropping that middle 'n'.
  16. Skadi
    • Origin:

      Old Norse
    • Meaning:

      "shadow, harm"
    • Description:

      Skadi is an anglicized spelling of Skaði, a Scandinavian goddess associated with winter, skiing, bowhunting and mountains. This mythological choice is enjoying the limelight of names like Odin and Thor: it first appeared in the US charts in 2017 and is given to a few more girls each year.
  17. Tekla
    • Description:

      Tekla is a feminine name of Greek origin, derived from 'Thekla,' which comes from 'theocleia' meaning 'glory of God.' It gained prominence through Saint Thecla, a follower of Saint Paul in early Christian tradition and one of the earliest female saints. The Tekla spelling variation is particularly common in Poland, Sweden, Finland, and other Northern and Eastern European countries. While never extremely common in English-speaking countries, the name maintains steady usage in its regions of origin. Tekla carries a sense of ancient dignity and religious significance while offering a distinctive sound. The name appeals to parents seeking something with historical depth, cross-cultural presence, and a slightly exotic quality that remains relatively straightforward to pronounce.

  18. Arvid
    • Origin:

      Swedish, Norwegian, Danish
    • Meaning:

      "eagle-tree"
    • Description:

      Arvid, a Scandinavian name that's virtually unknown in the US, is one of the top baby names in Sweden. It might make a handsome, unusual choice for a parent in search of an original yet traditional A name.
  19. Embla
    • Origin:

      Norse
    • Meaning:

      "elm"
    • Description:

      In Norse mythology, Embla is the equivalent of the Bible's Eve. With a lovely nature meaning, and a soft but distinctive sound, Embla is one of the most popular girl names in Iceland.
  20. Lasse
    • Origin:

      Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, and Finnish form of Laurence, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "from Laurentum; bay laurel"
    • Description:

      Well used throughout The Netherlands, Germany, Norway, and Denmark, Lasse is a variation of Laurence, typically used as a nickname for the related Lars. While English speakers may be tempted to say "lass" or "lassie", the correct pronunciation would LA-suh in Denmark, LAHS-seh in Norway and Finland, and LA-seh in Sweden and Germany.

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