300+ Viking Names
- Vilhelm
Origin:
German variation of WilliamDescription:
The way Wilhelm is pronounced anyway, so a pointless spelling variation.
- Atli
Origin:
Old Norse variation of AttilaMeaning:
"little father"Description:
One of the most usable names for an American child from the Icelandic Top 50.
- Katla
Origin:
Feminization of Ketil, NorwegianMeaning:
"kettle; cauldron; helmet"Description:
A Top 10 name in Iceland, where it is also the name of an active volcano.
- Berghild
Origin:
Old NorseMeaning:
"battle helper"
- Finna
Origin:
Old NorseMeaning:
"Sámi, Finn, wanderer"Description:
A simple and attractive feminization of the Nordic name Finn.
- Eirik
Description:
Eirik is a masculine name of Old Norse origin and is a traditional Scandinavian variant of Erik or Eric. The name derives from the elements 'ei' (ever, always) and 'ríkr' (ruler, king, mighty), thus meaning 'eternal ruler' or 'ever powerful.' Particularly common in Norway, this spelling preserves the authentic Nordic heritage of the name. Eirik was borne by several Norwegian kings and figures in Norse sagas, including Eirik Bloodaxe. While less common internationally than Erik, this spelling offers cultural authenticity appealing to those with Scandinavian heritage or those seeking a strong name with historical depth and a slightly distinctive spelling.
- Bodil
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"battle remedy"Description:
A popular Scandinavian name which ranked consistently in Norway's Top 100 in the middle of the 20th century. The Danish version of the Oscars are named the Bodil Awards, after two famous Danish actresses Bodil Ipsen and Bodil Kjer.
- Brynjar
Origin:
Old NorseMeaning:
"warrior armor"Description:
An attractive Nordic name most common in Iceland. It was derived from the Old Norse elements bryn, meaning "armor," and her, "warrior" or "army."
- Efi
Description:
Efi is a short, crisp masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Greek tradition, it often serves as a diminutive for Efstratios or Efthimios, names meaning 'good army' and 'cheerful' respectively. In Nigerian culture, particularly among the Efik and Ibibio peoples, Efi has indigenous roots. The name's brevity gives it a modern, accessible quality that crosses cultural boundaries easily. With just two syllables, Efi offers simplicity while remaining distinctive. Though not widely used in Western countries, its multicultural appeal and contemporary sound make it an increasingly attractive option for parents seeking something brief yet meaningful. The name carries a friendly, approachable quality while maintaining masculine strength.
- Gorm
Origin:
Danish and NorwegianMeaning:
"honor, respect"Description:
Gorm the Old was a famed king of Denmark. His name was common in Viking times.
- Audr
Description:
Audr is a masculine name with Norse origins. It is a variant of the Old Norse name Auðr, which means 'wealth' or 'prosperity.' In Norse mythology and Viking culture, wealth was highly valued, making this name a symbol of good fortune and abundance. While uncommon in modern times, Audr carries a strong historical connection to Scandinavian heritage. The name's brief, powerful sound lends it a distinctive quality. Despite its ancient roots, Audr might appeal to parents seeking a uniquely masculine name with historical depth and positive connotations of prosperity and good fortune.
- Hrefna
Origin:
Old NorseMeaning:
"raven"
- 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.
- Helle
Origin:
Variation of Helga, Danish, Norwegian; EstonianMeaning:
"holy, blessed; gentle, tender"Description:
Helle is one Scandinavian name that hasn't crossed over to the English-speaking world. That hell syllable is tough to get beyond.
- Alf
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"elf counsel"Description:
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.
- Kjetil
Origin:
Variation of Ketil, NorwegianMeaning:
"kettle; cauldron; helmet"Description:
Firmly in Dad name territory in Norway, where it peaked in the early 1970s.
- Brunhild
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"armed for battle"Description:
One of the Valkyries, still clad in heavy armor.
- Stígandr
Origin:
Old NorseMeaning:
"wanderer, swift on his feet"Description:
An Old Norse name with an adventurous meaning, nowadays seen as its modern form: Stian.
- Estrid
Description:
Estrid is a feminine name with ancient Norse origins that carries a sense of Nordic strength and heritage. Historically used in Viking-age Scandinavia, the name combines the elements 'ás' referring to the gods, and 'fríðr' meaning 'beautiful' or 'fair,' essentially translating to 'divinely beautiful' or 'beautiful as a goddess.' Estrid was borne by several notable Viking-age women, including Danish royalty. While uncommon in modern times, it has seen some revival among parents interested in historical Scandinavian names. Estrid offers a distinctive alternative to more popular Nordic names like Astrid or Ingrid, bringing a similar sound but with a unique character. The name's strong consonants balanced with the softer ending create a name that feels both powerful and feminine.
- Snær
Origin:
Old NorseMeaning:
"snow"Description:
The personification of the snow in Norse mythology, and a legendary king of Finland.