300+ Viking Names
- 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.
- Arvid
Origin:
Swedish, Norwegian, DanishMeaning:
"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.
- Arne
Origin:
Dutch and Scandinavian variation of ArnoldMeaning:
"ruler; strong as an eagle"Description:
Works better as a full name than Arnie does as a nickname.
- Kali
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"black one"Description:
Kali is a popular girls' name in the US with dark origins: She is the Hindu goddess of death and destruction, though we'd wager many parents see the name as simply a respelling of Callie.
- Klaus
Origin:
German variation of Claus, diminutive of Nicolas, GreekMeaning:
"people of victory"Description:
Two drawbacks: some unpleasant World War II associations, and the Santa clause.
- Mikel
Origin:
Basque and Scandinavian variation of MichaelMeaning:
"who is like God"Description:
A Basque and Scandinavian form of Michael, pronounced MEE-kel. In the US, it is sometimes chosen as a modern alternative spelling of Michael.
- Karl
Origin:
German and Scandinavian variation of CharlesDescription:
Manly almost to the point of macho.
- Halli
Origin:
Choctaw, Native American, meaning unknownDescription:
A masculine name in Choctaw culture. In English, it resembles the feminine name Hallie.
- Thyra
Origin:
Swedish and DanishMeaning:
"Thor's temple; Thor's strength"
- Ymir
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"cry"Description:
Ymir comes from Norse mythology, he is a giant and forebear of all the Norse gods and goddesses. A moon of Saturn is named Ymir.
- Birk
Description:
Birk is a masculine name with Germanic and Scandinavian roots. It derives from the Old Norse 'björk' or German 'birke,' both meaning 'birch tree.' In Nordic countries, the birch symbolizes new beginnings, resilience, and growth, lending these positive associations to the name. Short and strong with just one syllable, Birk projects a rugged, outdoorsy character while remaining approachable. Though relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, it enjoys some usage in Scandinavian nations where nature-inspired names have traditional appeal. The name's botanical connection also places it within the modern trend of nature names while its Norse heritage gives it historical depth. For parents seeking a brief, distinctive name with natural symbolism and Nordic flavor, Birk offers an understated yet meaningful choice.
- Sindri
Origin:
Old NorseMeaning:
"sparkling; someone who sprays sparks"Description:
This sparkling name from Norse Mythology is borne by the blacksmith dwarf, who, along with his brother Brokkr, forged Thor's hammer Mjǫllnir and Odin's golden ring, Draupnir. Also known as Eitri in mythology, his name means "sparkling" or "someone who sprays sparks", likely in reference to his work with metal.
- Roar
Origin:
Norwegian cognate of RogerMeaning:
"famous warrior; famous spear"Description:
While this may look like an animal related word name to those unfamiliar with it, Roar is a Norwegian name derived from the Old Norse element hróðr meaning "fame". combined with either herr meaning "warrior" or "geirr meaning "spear". It can also be spelled as Hroar.
- Torsten
Origin:
Swedish from Old NorseMeaning:
"Thor's stone"Description:
Scandinavian names are fashionable these days, and Torsten is one that is used only occasionally: About 20 baby boys were named Torsten in the US last year.
- Freyr
Origin:
Old NorseMeaning:
"lord"Description:
Freyr is the Norse god of fertility, sunlight, and peace. He features prominently in the Icelandic mythology collections the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda, and is considered an ancestor of the Swedish royal family.
- Ole
Description:
Ole is a masculine name with strong Scandinavian roots, functioning as the Danish and Norwegian form of Olaf. Derived from the Old Norse name Óláfr, comprised of 'anu' meaning 'ancestor' and 'leifr' meaning 'heir' or 'descendant.' Traditionally pronounced 'OH-leh' in Scandinavian countries, the name has gained different pronunciations in other regions. Ole has maintained steady popularity in Norway, Denmark, and parts of northern Germany, while in the United States it has historically been associated with Scandinavian-American communities, particularly in the Upper Midwest. The name carries connotations of heritage and tradition while remaining simple and accessible. Ole's compact form gives it a friendly, approachable quality while still honoring Nordic naming traditions and cultural connections.
- Roald
Origin:
NorwegianMeaning:
"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'.
- Kari
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"curly hair"Description:
In Norse mythology, the son of the giant who ruled the wind and air; in modern America, recalls a 1970s girl's nickname name, à la Carrie and Keri.
- Knut
Origin:
Old Norse; Norwegian; Swedish; DanishMeaning:
"knot"Description:
This royal but common Scandinavian name is, in the US, linked to a single figure -- Notre Dame football coach Knute Rockne. Could easily be confused with Newt.
- Eir
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"peacefulness, mercy"Description:
So airy, it's almost not there.