300+ Viking Names

Nanna is a name from Norse mythology that is among the Top 30 names in contemporary Denmark. Popular in Norway in the 19th century, Nanna may also be considered a short form of a range of names, from Anna to Johanna to Marianne. As widespread as it is in Scandinavia, though, it's hard to imagine Nanna making a mark as a girl's name in modern day America, given its use as a name for grandmothers.

Ubbe or Ubba was a 9th-century Viking and one of the commanders of the Great Heathen Army that invaded Anglo-Saxon England in the 9th century.

An older form of Saxo, the name of an illustrious Danish medieval chronicler, which to the English ear may sound a little too close to "sexy" for comfort.

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.

This common Russian name has a somewhat effete pencil-thin-moustached image here.

A striking Nordic name with ancient roots, Svala (and its less common variant form Svale) derive from the Old Norse name for the swallow. This could be a great choice for nature lovers and fans of Edith Piaf (piaf being a term for a swallow).

Short form of Alfred that had fallen out of favor, but could come back alongside Alfie and other clunky old-style nicknames like Gus and Ike.

Alvis, sometimes spelled Alviss, is a dwarf in Norse mythology who claims to know everything and names all the features of the natural world to show off to Thor, whose daughter Alvis wants to marry. But he gets so caught up in showing off his knowledge that the sun comes up and turns him to stone.

If you're looking for a Euro-chic alternative to Max, Mats is a strong possibility. It's a fading classic in Norway, but is popular in the Netherlands and Belgium, where short names are the height of style.

A cute but rare feminine variation of the Norse thunder god (and Marvel superhero) name Thor.

This strong Norwegian name war goddess name, commonly heard in both midcentury Norway and Iceland, has never ventured far beyond its native culture.

So airy, it's almost not there.

Unless you're Nordic, probably best to stick with Michael if you want to avoid a life of confusion and misspelling.

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.

Sif, or sometimes Siv, was the name of Thor's wife and is popular in modern Scandinavia. In Norse mythology, Sif was the goddess of fertility and agriculture.

Also spelled as Freydís, this Norse and Icelandic name appears in Norse mythology, borne by Viking warrior and half-sister of Lief Erikson, Freydís Eiríksdóttir. While Freda and Freya are far more familiar in the English-speaking world, Freydis more distinctive and underused. Fourteen babies were given the name in the US in 2024.

An attractive Nordic name most common in Iceland. It was derived from the Old Norse elements bryn, meaning "armor," and her, "warrior" or "army."