Valkyrja

Valkyrja is the Old Norse word from which "valkyrie" is derived. In Norse mythology, a valkyrja (or valkyrie) would choose the men who would die in combat. The valkyries (who were always female) would bring the men they had chosen to Odin in Valhalla — the hall of the slain — where they would prepare for the battles of Rangarök.

As a baby name, Valkyrie is sharply rising in popularity for girls, but Valkyrja has yet to be used.

The word valkyrja is derived from the Old Norse components valr, meaning "the slain," and kjósa, "to choose."

Pronounced val-KIR-yuh.