Names from the North

Names derived from and found around Northern regions of Netherlands, and Scandinavia. Countries: Denmark, Sweden, Holland, Finland, Norway, Iceland + Faroe Islands. AKA: Danish, Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, Norse, Nordic, Scandinavian
  1. Aada
    • Origin:

      Finnish, meaning unknown
    • Description:

      Vowel-loaded, acronym-sounding Finnish name might have some problems here. Stick with ADA.
  2. Aava
    • Description:

      Aava is a feminine name of Finnish origin, meaning 'open water' or 'wide and open space.' It draws connections to nature, particularly bodies of water that remain unfrozen during winter. The name has gained popularity in Finland and other Nordic countries for its simplicity, natural meaning, and melodic sound. In recent years, Aava has begun to spread internationally as parents seek out distinctive yet pronounceable names with meaningful connections to the natural world. The name's short length and flowing vowel sounds make it both elegant and contemporary, appealing to modern naming trends that favor brief, vowel-rich names for girls.
  3. Ada
    • Origin:

      German or Turkish
    • Meaning:

      "noble, nobility, or island"
    • Description:

      Ada is one of the classic baby names for girls that is suddenly super stylish again. A favorite at the end of the nineteenth century, Ada is an alternative to the over-popular Ava. Ada is also part of the trend toward simple, old-fashioned names beginning with a vowel, like Ivy and Ella.
  4. Aeva
    • Description:

      Aeva is a feminine name that appears to be a modern variant spelling of Eva or Ava, both of which have ancient roots. Eva derives from the Hebrew name Chava meaning "life" or "living one," while Ava has potential Persian origins meaning "voice" or "sound." The addition of the initial 'e' to Ava creates a distinctive spelling while maintaining familiar pronunciation. This contemporary variation emerged as parents began seeking unique spellings of classic names. Aeva combines the timeless simplicity of its traditional counterparts with a touch of modern flair. The name's balanced structure of two syllables and flowing vowel sounds gives it an elegant, feminine quality that appeals to parents looking for something slightly unusual yet still accessible.

  5. Agnek
    • Description:

      Agnek is an unusual feminine name with mysterious origins. It may be a creative variant of Agnes, which comes from the Greek 'hagnos' meaning 'pure' or 'holy.' The distinctive spelling with the ending 'k' gives it a strong, unexpected quality that sets it apart from more common variations. The name has an intriguing, somewhat exotic sound that might appeal to parents seeking something truly unique. Agnek could also have roots in various Eastern European naming traditions, though it remains extremely rare in most naming databases. The combination of the soft 'g' sound with the firm ending creates an interesting phonetic contrast. While unconventional and not represented in popularity charts, Agnek offers the appeal of a name that is unlikely to be shared with classmates while still maintaining a connection to historical naming traditions.

  6. Aina
    • Origin:

      Scandinavian and Finnish variation of Aino, Catalan variation of Anna, Japanese, Latvian, Kazakh, Yoruba
    • Meaning:

      "always; grace; lover of green; sight; mirror; delivery had complications [umbilical cord twisted around neck]"
    • Description:

      A bright-sounding name with multicultural appeal, used regularly as a first name in Japan, Scandinavia, Latvia, and Spain.
  7. Aino
    • Origin:

      Finnish
    • Meaning:

      "the only one"
    • Description:

      What a lovely name for the much-longed for daughter - no wonder Aino is in the Top 5 in Finland, whence the name originates. Like other popular Finnish names, Aino is short and avoids the ubiquitous "a" ending we usually see in feminine names, which gives it a fresh feel and sound.
  8. Aksel
    • Origin:

      Danish, version of Hebrew Absalom
    • Meaning:

      "the father is peace"
    • Description:

      Most American parents would choose to use the more commonly seen variant, Axel, but .this form is preferred in Denmark and Norway, and also ranks in the French Top 400.
  9. Alexia
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Alexandria, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "defending men"
    • Description:

      This diminutive, similar to Alex or Alexis, has been yo-yoing in popularity since the turn of the 21st century.
  10. Anja
    • Origin:

      Scandinavian; Finnish; Slovene; Croatian; Serbian, from Russian
    • Meaning:

      "grace"
    • Description:

      Anja is one of the most international of several versions of Ann/Anna now being imported, also including Anya and Annika.
  11. Anna
    • Origin:

      Variation of Hannah, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "grace"
    • Description:

      Anna has become the dominant form of the Ann family, offering a touch of the international to English speakers and a bit more style than the oversimplified Ann or Anne.
  12. Annalie
    • Origin:

      Nordic, German
    • Meaning:

      "grace"
    • Description:

      Melodious and unusual form of a name with an uncountable number of variations. Many will understand it as the more down-to-earth Annalee.
  13. Anne
    • Origin:

      French variation of English Ann and Hebrew Hannah
    • Meaning:

      "grace"
    • Description:

      The name of the sainted mother of the Virgin Mary was among the top girls’ names for centuries, in both the original English Ann spelling and the French Anne. Both left the Top 100 around 1970 but Anne is still among the most classic names for girls, although others are more likely to choose the original Hannah, the Anna variation, or even Annabel or Annabella.
  14. Anouk
    • Origin:

      Dutch and French variation of Anna
    • Meaning:

      "grace"
    • Description:

      Anouk, made famous by French actress Anouk Aimée, is a singular name with a lovely sound and a Bohemian feel. Anouk Aimée was born as Francoise, but adopted the first name of the character she played in her debut film.
  15. Arne
    • Origin:

      Dutch and Scandinavian variation of Arnold
    • Meaning:

      "ruler; strong as an eagle"
    • Description:

      Works better as a full name than Arnie does as a nickname.
  16. Arvid
    • Origin:

      Swedish, Norwegian, Danish
    • Meaning:

      "eagle-tree"
    • Description:

      Arvid, a Scandinavian name that's virtually unknown in the US, is one of the top baby names in Sweden. It might make a handsome, unusual choice for a parent in search of an original yet traditional A name.
  17. Asger
    • Origin:

      Danish
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  18. Asta
    • Origin:

      Norwegian
    • Meaning:

      "divine strength"
    • Description:

      This Scandinavian name was made famous in English-speaking countries as the name of the dog in the "Thin Man" series. Danish actress Asta Nielsen was another famous bearer. Asta can be considered as a short form of Astrid or Augusta.
  19. Astrid
    • Origin:

      Scandinavian
    • Meaning:

      "divinely beautiful"
    • Description:

      Astrid has been a Scandinavian royal name since the tenth century, and many people associated it with the Swedish author of the Pippi Longstocking stories, Astrid Lindgren. Astrid is derived from the name Ástríðr, which is made up of the Old Norse elements that mean "god" and "beautiful."
  20. Aya
    • Origin:

      Japanese, Hebrew, Danish, Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "colorful, design; honey buzzard, bird; rock, lull, happiness; sign, verse"
    • Description:

      Aya, barely more than a breath, is an international favorite, with origins in several languages and cultures. Popular throughout Europe, It debuted on the US Top 1000 in 2012.