User-created list
Names from the North
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Erikson
Spelling variation of Ericson.
Espen
Scandinavian
"god bear"
Strong and unusual Scandinavian name, but with two possible pitfalls: people might mis-hear it as Aspen, or associate it with sports network ESPN. Variants include Esper and Esben.
Fredrik
Scandinavian variation of Frederick, German
"peaceful ruler"
Popular throughout Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, Fredrik conveys the noble meaning of 'peaceful ruler.' The name has maintained consistent popularity in Nordic countries for centuries, while remaining…
Frey
Scandinavian
"lord, exalted one"
Frey is the handsome Norse fertility god, a worthy namesake. Frey remains rare in the US even as the similar Freya picks up in popularity.
Goran
Goran is a masculine name widely used throughout the Balkans, particularly in Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Slovenia. Derived from Slavic roots, it means "mountain man" or…
Gustav
Teutonic
"staff of the Goths"
Gray-bearded name heard primarily in Sweden and Germany.
Hans
German, Dutch, and Scandinavian, diminutive of Johannes
Though familiar to all via such childhood icons as Hans Brinker, Hans(el) and Gretel, and Hans Christian Andersen, few Americans have chosen this name for their sons because of its intractably Old…
Hansen
Hansen is a masculine name of Scandinavian origin, primarily functioning as a surname meaning 'son of Hans.' Hans itself is a short form of Johannes, the Latin form of John, ultimately derived from…
Ivar
Norse
"yew wood, archer, warrior"
Closer to the original Norse name Ívarr , it is part of a small group of names with similar roots: Ivor, Iver, Ivo, Ives, and Evander, which all make rugged yet gentle feeling choices. Used…
Iver
Norwegian variant of Ivar
"yew wood, archer, warrior"
Iver is a popular name in its native Norway, but parents in the U.S. are starting to take note of this rugged yet gentle name. Stemming from the original Norse name Ívarr , it is part of a small…
Ivor
Scottish variation of Welsh Ifor, English form of Norse Ívarr
"lord; yew tree, bow warrior"
Ivor, a favorite choice for upscale characters in Brit Lit novels by authors like P.G. Wodehouse and Evelyn Waugh, is an interesting and unusual name just waiting to be discovered by parents in this…
Jelle
Dutch and Frisian
"sacrifice, value"
Originally a Frisian short form of names beginning with the element gild "sacrifice, value". It is also used as a Dutch short form of William.
Jens
Scandinavian variation of Johannes or John, Hebrew
"God is gracious"
Short but substantial Nordic name that travels well -- although it runs the risk of being confused with all the feminine Jen names.
Joran
Joran is a compact masculine name with diverse international roots. In Scandinavian countries, particularly Sweden, it serves as a variant of Göran or Jörn (forms of George, meaning 'farmer' or…
Jorgen
Danish variation of George
Anglicizing it to a phonetic pronunciation might make it easier.
Karl
German and Scandinavian variation of Charles
Manly almost to the point of macho.
Kasper
Polish variation of Casper, form of Jasper, Persian
"bringer of treasure"
Jasper and its many international variations, from Kasper to Casper to Gaspard, is finding new popularity.
Kennet
Kennet is a masculine name with Scandinavian and Scottish origins, representing a variant spelling of Kenneth. Derived from the Gaelic name Coinneach meaning 'handsome' or 'fair,' it also connects to…
Kjell
Swedish variation of Ketil, Norwegian
"kettle; cauldron; helmet"
A grandfather name in Norway, where it was a Top 5 name through the 1940s and '50s.
Kristof
Slavic variation of Christopher, Greek and Latin
"bearer of Christ"
Attractive attenuated form of the popular Christopher, well used throughout Europe, appearing as Christophe in France and Christoph in Germany.