300+ Viking Names

  1. Valter
    • Origin:

      German and Scandinavian variation of Walter
    • Description:

      Vill always sound as if you're pronouncing Walter with an affected accent.
  2. Bríet
    • Origin:

      Icelandic
    • Meaning:

      "exalted or rescue"
    • Description:

      Icelandic short form of Birgitta, which may derive from the Irish Brighid "exalted one" or from the male Norse name Birger, meaning "help, rescue". A famous bearer is Icelandic feminist Bríet Bjarnhéðinsdóttir (1856-1940), founder of the first women's magazine in Iceland.
  3. Magnús
    • Origin:

      Icelandic variation of Magnus, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "greatest"
    • Description:

      The Icelandic form of the internationally popular Magnus, currently ranked in the Top 50 over there.
  4. Bjarne
    • Description:

      Bjarne is a masculine Scandinavian name primarily used in Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. It derives from the Old Norse 'Bjǫrn' meaning 'bear,' symbolizing strength and courage. The suffix '-e' or '-i' creates the meaning 'bear-like' or 'little bear.' Bjarne has been consistently popular in Scandinavian countries for centuries, though it remains relatively uncommon outside Nordic regions. The name combines rugged Nordic heritage with a somewhat approachable sound to non-Scandinavian speakers. Bjarne carries associations with Viking tradition, natural power, and resilience. The name has a distinctive quality that balances uniqueness with historical depth, making it appealing to parents with Scandinavian heritage or those seeking a strong yet uncommon name.

  5. Birger
    • Origin:

      Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish
    • Meaning:

      "help, rescue"
    • Description:

      Ancient Scandinavian name popular in midcentury Norway.
  6. Kjetil
    • Origin:

      Variation of Ketil, Norwegian
    • Meaning:

      "kettle; cauldron; helmet"
    • Description:

      Firmly in Dad name territory in Norway, where it peaked in the early 1970s.
  7. Gunhild
    • Origin:

      Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish
    • Meaning:

      "war battle"
  8. Helle
    • Origin:

      Variation of Helga, Danish, Norwegian; Estonian
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  9. Byggvir
    • Origin:

      Old Norse
    • Meaning:

      "barley"
    • Description:

      Byggvir is a Norse mythology character associated with barley, grain, and harvest.
  10. Magni
    • Origin:

      Nordic
    • Meaning:

      "great"
    • Description:

      Magni is a powerful name from Norse mythology: he’s the son of Thor and the giant Járnsaxa. A more modern variant is Magne, which is currently climbing fast in Denmark.
  11. Óðinn
    • Origin:

      Old Norse
    • Meaning:

      "god of frenzy; poetic fury"
    • Description:

      The original Old Norse form of the name we know today as Odin, and the most popular version in modern Iceland.
  12. Orm
    • Origin:

      Old Danish and Old Swedish
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  13. Stígandr
    • Origin:

      Old Norse
    • Meaning:

      "wanderer, swift on his feet"
    • Description:

      An Old Norse name with an adventurous meaning, nowadays seen as its modern form: Stian.
  14. Flóki
    • Origin:

      Old Norse
    • Meaning:

      "tuft of hair; outspoken man"
    • Description:

      Lovers of Loki who don't appreciate the overt mythological reference might like this unusual Icelandic name.
  15. Hjalmer
    • Description:

      Hjalmer is a masculine Scandinavian name with Norse origins, derived from the elements 'hjalm' meaning 'helmet' or 'protection' and 'her' meaning 'warrior' or 'army.' This combination creates a powerful meaning of 'helmeted warrior' or 'protected fighter.' Popular primarily in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, Hjalmer embodies the strong, courageous characteristics valued in Norse culture. The name has maintained consistent though modest usage throughout Scandinavian history, experiencing occasional revivals among families seeking to honor their Nordic heritage. While uncommon outside Scandinavia, Hjalmer has a distinctive sound that combines traditional strength with a melodic quality. The initial 'Hj' consonant blend gives it a distinctive Nordic flavor that sets it apart from more common international names.

  16. 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.
  17. Leikny
    • Origin:

      Old Norse
    • Meaning:

      "new game"
  18. Sigfrid
    • Description:

      Sigfrid is a masculine name with ancient Germanic origins, a variant of Siegfried, combining elements meaning "victory" and "peace" or "protection." This powerful name appears in Norse mythology and medieval German epics, most notably in the Nibelungenlied, where Siegfried is a heroic dragon-slayer. Throughout Northern European history, variations of this name have been borne by kings, saints, and nobility. While more common in Scandinavian countries, Germany, and parts of Eastern Europe, Sigfrid remains relatively rare in English-speaking regions. The name carries strong historical associations with courage, strength, and triumph, making it an appealing choice for parents drawn to names with deep cultural roots and powerful meanings.

  19. Osvald
    • Description:

      Osvald is a masculine name of Germanic and Scandinavian origin, derived from the elements 'os' meaning 'god' and 'wald' meaning 'power' or 'ruler.' Essentially, the name translates to 'divine power' or 'god's ruler.' Historically prominent in Nordic countries, particularly Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, Osvald represents a distinguished heritage. While less common in modern usage, it maintains appeal for parents seeking strong traditional names with historical significance. The English variant Oswald is more recognized in English-speaking countries. Osvald carries an air of nobility and strength, evoking images of Viking heritage and Scandinavian tradition with its distinctive and powerful sound.
  20. Sigrún
    • Description:

      Sigrún is a feminine name from Norse mythology, combining the elements 'sigr' meaning 'victory' and 'rún' meaning 'secret' or 'rune.' In Norse legends, Sigrún was a Valkyrie who fell in love with the hero Helgi. The name remains in use in Iceland today, where traditional Norse names are still common. It has maintained modest usage in Scandinavia but remains rare outside the Nordic countries. Sigrún carries strong associations with Norse heritage, strength, and mysticism. The name's combination of historical depth and distinctive sound might appeal to parents interested in names with clear mythological connections. Its authentic Old Norse origins offer a genuine alternative to more widely known Norse-inspired names.