My favorite Scandinavian (North European) Names

Leif is one of the most recognizable Scandinavian names, thanks to Icelandic explorer Leif Erikson, and is still one of the best, with a pleasant aural association with the word leaf.

This pet form of Helena and other ena-ending names, long used as an independent name, is attracting notice again as an option both multicultural and simple. Lena was a Top 100 name from 1880 to 1920.

Lennart is a masculine Scandinavian name derived from the Germanic elements 'leon' (lion) and 'hard' (brave, strong), meaning "strong as a lion" or "lion-hearted." Popular primarily in Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Germany, Lennart functions as the Nordic equivalent of Leonard. The name carries a sense of strength and resilience in Scandinavian culture, where it has maintained steady popularity for generations. While traditional in Northern Europe, Lennart remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it a distinctive quality internationally. The name projects both reliability and quiet strength, with famous bearers including Swedish diplomat Lennart Meri and novelist Lennart Hellsing.

Levin, known in the U.S. mostly as a surname, is a Top 100 boys' name in Germany. There have been saints with variations of this name, whose meaning relates to love.

Cute and quirky Lily alternative.

This pretty, succinct Arabic name is also commonly used as a nickname for names like Carolina.

Linnea is an attractive Scandinavian name that derives from the renowned 18th century Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus, who developed the Linnean system of classifying plants and animals.

Liv combines the succinct charm of a nickname—people might assume it's short for Olivia—with the solidity of being a classic stand-alone Scandinavian name with a life-force meaning. It was brought into the public eye (in the English speaking world that is) due to the fame of actress and Aerosmith daughter Liv Tyler.

This nickname-name is very popular in Germany, though Lottie is still the preferred version in the US. The problem, of course, is that you'll have to put up with a lotta jokes. See?

Magnus is a Latin name, literally meaning "greatest," that has a Scandinavian feel. It dates back to Charlemagne being called Carolus Magnus, or Charles the Great. Norwegian king Magnus I, named after Charlemagne, introduced it to his culture, and thus Magnus was the name of six early kings of Norway and four of Sweden. It is still a highly popular name in Denmark and Norway.

Whether you pronounce it my-a, ma-zha or ma-ha, Maja is an intriguing choice. Sometimes associated with Goya's famous painting "The Naked Maja." As a cognate of Maya, it's a Top 10 name in Slovenia and Sweden and is also popular in Germany and Norway.

Majken, which is related to Maiken and Maike, is a popular name in Sweden whose variations are used throughout Scandinavia as cooler forms of Mary. Majken is virtually unknown in the U.S. and probably not bound for emigration.

A multi-cultural name that's in the Norwegian Top 50 and well-used throughout the Scandinavian cultures. Malin has the advantage of being at once simple and unusual.

Malte began as a short form of the now-obsolete Ancient Germanic name Helmold. Helmold has gone extinct, but Malte has survived and is now enjoying a popularity resurgence in Germany and Sweden.

Marieke is a Dutch and Frisian feminine name, serving as a diminutive form of Maria. Ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Miriam, it shares the same roots as Mary, meaning "sea of bitterness," "rebelliousness," or possibly "wished-for child." Pronounced mah-REE-keh, this melodic name is particularly popular in the Netherlands and Belgium. It gained international attention through Dutch gold medal Olympic swimmer Marieke Guehrer and through references in popular culture, including Jacques Brel's famous song "Marieke." The name has a gentle, flowing quality with its soft ending, combining traditional roots with a distinctive sound. While uncommon outside of Dutch-speaking regions, Marieke offers an appealing alternative to more familiar Mary derivatives that still feels accessible to English speakers.

An unusual and straightforward name with an attractive Scandinavian accent; a royal name in Norway.

Marlene Dietrich made it famous when she condensed her first two names, Maria and Magdalena. Now more often pronounced with two syllables rather than three.

Mathea is a feminine name of Greek origin, derived from the masculine name Matthew (Matthaios), meaning 'gift of God' or 'gift of Yahweh.' This elegant variation maintains the meaningful roots while offering a distinctly feminine form. Popular in Scandinavian countries, particularly Norway, Mathea has a timeless quality that bridges ancient origins with contemporary appeal. The name has been gradually gaining recognition in other parts of the world as parents seek names with historical depth and meaningful etymology. Mathea offers the appealing combination of biblical connections through its relation to Matthew while providing a less common alternative to more frequently used names like Matilda or Matea. Its pronunciation (mah-TAY-ah) gives it a melodic, graceful quality.