300+ Viking Names
- 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.
- Margrét
Origin:
IcelandicMeaning:
"pearl"Description:
Icelandic form of Margaret, currently in the Top 50 girl names there.
- Vana
Description:
Vana is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Sanskrit, it means 'forest' or 'woodland,' connecting the bearer to nature. In Persian, it relates to 'fair' or 'beautiful.' The name also appears in Greek mythology as a minor goddess. Vana possesses a melodic quality with its flowing vowel sounds, giving it a gentle yet distinctive character. The name's brevity makes it easy to pronounce across languages and cultures. While not widely used in English-speaking countries, Vana enjoys some popularity in parts of Eastern Europe and India. Its international versatility and natural associations make it appealing to parents seeking a simple yet meaningful name with cross-cultural potential.
- Kalf
Origin:
Old Danish and Old SwedishMeaning:
"calf"
- Magnús
Origin:
Icelandic variation of Magnus, LatinMeaning:
"greatest"Description:
The Icelandic form of the internationally popular Magnus, currently ranked in the Top 50 over there.
- 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.
- Ketil
Origin:
NorwegianMeaning:
"kettle; cauldron; helmet"Description:
An old Norwegian name derived from ketill, the word for a cauldron or kettle used to catch sacrificial animal blood in ancient Norse pagan rituals. Today the name is more often seen in its Kjetil and Kjell variations for boys, and Katla for girls.
- Mikkel
Origin:
Danish variation of MichaelDescription:
Unless you're Nordic, probably best to stick with Michael if you want to avoid a life of confusion and misspelling.
- Sǫlvi
Origin:
Old NorseMeaning:
"temple of the Sun"Description:
Derived from the components sol, meaning "sun," and vi, "temple." It lives on today in the form of Sölvi, a common male name in Iceland.
- Unna
Description:
Unna is a feminine name with several possible origins. In Finnish, it relates to the word meaning "dream" or "vision," giving it a whimsical, ethereal quality. It also appears as a place name in Germany and has roots in Sami culture from northern Scandinavia. The name's brevity and soft sounds make it appealing in multiple languages while remaining distinctive. Unna has never been widely popular, maintaining its uniqueness across cultures. The simple two-syllable structure gives it a gentle rhythm, while its uncommon status makes it stand out. The potential meaning connection to dreams gives the name a poetic quality that might appeal to parents seeking something meaningful yet understated for their daughter.
- Byggvir
Origin:
Old NorseMeaning:
"barley"Description:
Byggvir is a Norse mythology character associated with barley, grain, and harvest.
- Egill
Description:
Egill is a masculine name with deep Norse roots, derived from ancient Scandinavia and particularly prominent in Icelandic culture. The name is associated with the legendary Icelandic hero and poet Egill Skallagrímsson, subject of the famous Egil's Saga, giving it strong literary and historical connections. Linguistically, it may relate to the Old Norse word for "awe" or "dread," suggesting formidable qualities. Pronounced roughly as "EH-gil" with a slight emphasis on the first syllable, this name maintains its traditional Norse spelling with the double 'l' ending. While common in Iceland and recognizable throughout Nordic countries, Egill remains quite rare in other regions, making it distinctively Scandinavian. The name carries connotations of poetic talent, strength, and the independent spirit associated with Viking culture.
- Agnarr
Origin:
Old NorseMeaning:
"army terror"
- Oluf
Description:
Oluf is a masculine name of Scandinavian origin, particularly associated with Danish and Norwegian naming traditions. It represents a variant of Olaf, which derives from the Old Norse 'Áleifr,' meaning 'ancestor's descendant' or possibly 'ancestral relic.' Historically significant in Nordic countries, the name was borne by several Danish and Norwegian kings and nobles throughout medieval times. While maintaining steady usage in Scandinavia, Oluf remains relatively unknown internationally. The name carries cultural heritage and historical depth, projecting strength and tradition. Its distinctive sound and spelling make it recognizable within Scandinavian communities while offering uniqueness elsewhere. The name's brevity and strong ending sound give it a sturdy, reliable quality.
- 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.
- Asger
Origin:
DanishMeaning:
"spear of God"Description:
It looks unfamiliar at first, but we think this strong Danish name is worthy of further consideration. It has a great meaning and is unusual without being a mouthful or too challenging. To us it feels like an arty or creative name, perhaps because one famous bearer, Asger Jorn, was an avant-garde sculptor and painter.
- 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.
- Vilhelm
Origin:
German variation of WilliamDescription:
The way Wilhelm is pronounced anyway, so a pointless spelling variation.
- Hvitserk
Origin:
Old NorseMeaning:
"white shirt"
- Dalla
Description:
Dalla is a feminine name with Norse and Germanic roots. In Old Norse, it may be related to 'dal' meaning 'valley,' suggesting someone who dwells in or comes from a valley. The name also appears in Norse mythology. Dalla has a melodic quality with its flowing sounds and balanced syllables. While uncommon in modern usage, it offers an intriguing alternative to more popular names like Della or Dalia. The name carries a subtle natural connection through its valley association, evoking images of lush landscapes. Dalla's rarity makes it appealing to parents seeking a name with ancient roots but a fresh feel for contemporary use.
