User-created list
Names from the North
Across 11 pages
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Sonja
Russian, Slavic, and Scandinavian form of Sophia, Greek
"wisdom"
Popular throughout Northern and Eastern Europe, particularly in countries like Sweden, Norway, Russia, and Germany, Sonja has a rich cultural heritage. The name gained international recognition…
Svea
Nordic
"spear"
More Scandinavian names are making their way into English-speaking homes. If Sven and Freya are useable, why not Svea? With a similar sound to Ava, it is associated with Mother Svea, a national…
Thora
Norse
"thunder goddess"
Thora, related to Thor, is the ancient Norse thunder goddess name that's much softer and gentler than its meaning suggests. A noted bearer is actress Thora Birch.
Tora
Norse
"thunder"
Tora is the female version of Tor or Thor, the name of the Norse god of thunder. Actress Jeanne Tripplehorn chose it for her daughter.
Tyra
Scandinavian, feminine variation of Tyr, an ancient Indo-European god
High profile supermodel/entrepreneur Tyra Banks has put this name in the spotlight, endowing it with her confident, superattractive image.
Ulla
Scandinavian
"will, determination"
Ulla, the beautiful Swedish secretary in The Producers (played by Uma Thurman in the movie) who purrs, "Ven you got it, flaunt it," has changed the image of this name forever. Ulla may stand on its…
Vega
Arabic, Spanish
"swooping eagle; meadow"
Another astral name, this one relating to one of the largest and brightest stars in the heavens, is popular in Scandinavia and Spain, where it ranks among the Top 50 girls' names . Although still…
Vendela
Scandinavian
"wanderer"
An unusual name associated with the gorgeous Swedish-Norwegian model, actress, and TV host, Vendela is possibly a feminine form of Wendell.
Vigga
Scandinavian
"war/battle"
While Americans may be more familiar with the male form of this name, thanks to actor Viggo Mortensen, Vigga is a popular name in contemporary Denmark and prime for wider export. It's a name with a a…
Viveca
Swedish, Nordic
"alive, life; place of refuge"
This is one of the most vibrant and feminine of the names meaning life , and it's sure to gain more attention as the whole sisterhood of Viv- names rise. Celebrated Swedish actress Viveca Lindfors,…
Viveka
Swedish, Nordic; Sanskrit
"alive, life; wisdom"
A truly multicultural choice, with separate origins from Scandinavia (also spelled Viveca and Vivica), as well as India (with spiritual meaning in Hinduism).
Vivi
Diminutive of Viv- names
"life"
Vivi is a short form of all the Vivian and Viveca forms that is sure to get a lot more attention now that a little Jolie-Pitt girl has been named Vivienne.
Elka
Latinization of Elke, Scandinavian diminutive of Adelheid
"noble one"
Much more manageable than the full form of the name. Possible international alternative to Ella.
Aava
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…
Aiggo
Annen
Eisa
Hel
Helle
Nete
Greek, meaning unknown
In Greek mythology, Nete was one of the Muses of the lyre. One of the lyre's seven notes is named for her.