300+ Viking Names
- Kalf
Origin:
Old Danish and Old SwedishMeaning:
"calf"
- Matteus
Description:
Matteus is a masculine name that represents a variation of Matthew, which derives from the Hebrew name Matityahu, meaning 'gift of God' or 'gift from God.' This form of the name is particularly common in Scandinavian countries, parts of Eastern Europe, and Brazil. Matteus carries the same biblical significance as Matthew, who was one of Jesus's twelve apostles and author of the first Gospel in the New Testament. The name combines traditional religious meaning with an international flair. While less common in English-speaking countries than the standard Matthew, Matteus has gained popularity among parents seeking a distinctive yet recognizable name with strong historical and spiritual connections.
- Arna
Origin:
German, SanskritMeaning:
"eagle; river"Description:
Truly a cross-cultural name, with usage in Germany, Scandinavia, India, France, and Iceland.
- Arni
Description:
Arni is a masculine name with Nordic and Hebrew roots. In Old Norse, Arni means 'eagle' or can be derived from 'arnviðr' meaning 'eagle tree,' symbolizing strength and vision. In Hebrew contexts, it can be a diminutive of Aaron, meaning 'high mountain' or 'exalted.' The name is particularly common in Iceland and other Scandinavian countries, while remaining quite rare in English-speaking nations. Arni has a straightforward pronunciation and spelling, making it accessible despite its uncommon status. Its brevity gives it a modern feel, while its ancient origins provide cultural depth. The name's connection to eagles offers symbolic associations with freedom, perspective, and nobility, making it an understated yet meaningful choice for parents seeking something distinctive yet simple.
- Ion
Origin:
Romanian and Basque variation of JohnDescription:
A cross between Ian and a group of atomic particles.
- 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.
- Yrsa
Origin:
Old Norse, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Icelandic, and Faroese, meaning unknownDescription:
The exact meaning of Yrsa has been lost to history, but theorists have come up with two possible explanations. The first, more likely option, is that Yrsa is a younger variant of the name Ýrr, meaning "mad" or "furious" or "wild". The other theory is based on Yrsa's similarities to Ursa, Latin for "bear", and suggests Yrsa comes from an Old Norse word that means "she-bear".
- Orm
Origin:
Old Danish and Old SwedishMeaning:
"serpent, snake"Description:
Orm was a common name in the Viking Age, when children were often given names of animals. Animal names were thought to provide protection to those who had them.
- Hakon
Description:
Hakon is a masculine name of Old Norse origin, historically spelled Hákon or Håkon in Scandinavian countries. The name combines the elements 'há' (high) and 'konr' (son, descendant), essentially meaning 'high son' or 'of noble birth.' With deep historical roots, Hakon was borne by numerous Norwegian kings and continues to be used in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Iceland today. While maintaining strong popularity in Scandinavia, it remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, though increasing interest in Norse heritage and mythology has brought attention to such traditional names. Hakon offers a strong, distinctive sound with historical depth, appealing to parents seeking a name with authentic Nordic roots and a powerful meaning.
- Åse
Origin:
Norwegian, Swedish, and DanishMeaning:
"god"
- Svein
Description:
Svein is a masculine Norse name with ancient Scandinavian roots, traditionally spelled Sveinn in Old Norse. The name means 'boy,' 'young man,' or 'servant' and has been used throughout Nordic countries for centuries. Historically significant, Svein was borne by several medieval Scandinavian kings and nobles, including Svein Forkbeard, who was King of Denmark and England in the late 10th and early 11th centuries. While maintaining steady popularity in Norway, Iceland, and other Nordic countries, the name remains uncommon in English-speaking regions. Svein carries strong associations with Viking heritage and Nordic culture, appealing to parents seeking a name with historical depth and a distinctive, masculine sound that connects to Scandinavian roots.
- Saxi
Origin:
Old NorseMeaning:
"Saxon or dagger"Description:
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.
- Eydís
Origin:
Old NorseMeaning:
"island goddess"Description:
A fast-rising name in Iceland and the name of a minor goddess in Norse mythology.
- Thyra
Origin:
Swedish and DanishMeaning:
"Thor's temple; Thor's strength"
- Dag
Origin:
ScandinavianMeaning:
"daylight"Description:
Norse god who's the son of light plus historic diplomat Dag Hammarskjöld and author Dag Solstad combine to boost this Nordic name's appeal, but this could be difficult in English-speaking countries where the obvious tease will be "daggy Dag."
- 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.
- Jarl
Origin:
Swedish variation of EarlMeaning:
"nobleman"Description:
Just as in English, the name Jarl is a noble title. Jarl was also the name of a figure in Norse mythology who, along with his wife Erna, raised a brood of eleven sons, who all became warriors.
- Bjørn
Origin:
Danish and Norwegian variation of Bjorn, SwedishMeaning:
"bear"Description:
The slashed O form of Bjorn is standard in Norway and Denmark. The umlaut variation, Björn is used in most other languages today.
- Rangi
Origin:
MaoriMeaning:
"sky"Description:
In Maori and other Polynesian mythology Rangi or Ranginui was a god of the sky, husband of the earth goddess Papa or Papatuanuku. This strong and simple Māori name would make for a fresh celestial choice.
- Gorm
Origin:
Danish and NorwegianMeaning:
"honor, respect"Description:
Gorm the Old was a famed king of Denmark. His name was common in Viking times.