Names from the North

Thoren

Norse and Scandinavian

"thunder"

As the mythological Thor morphs into a modern baby name, the variations Thoren and Thorin feel like real possibilities, not just in Scandinavia but around the Western world.

Thorin

Norse and Scandinavian

"thunder or brave and daring"

Some sources give Thorin as a variation of the thunder god name Thor, equivalent to Thoren, while others says it comes from the verb að þora, meaning "to dare." This is a dwarf's name that first…

Thorsten

Thorsten is a Germanic masculine name variation of Torsten, derived from the Old Norse name Þórsteinn (Thor's stone). It combines the elements 'Thor' (the Norse god of thunder) and 'stein' (stone),…

Thorvald

Thorvald is a masculine name of Old Norse origin, combining the elements 'Thor' (the Norse god of thunder) and 'vald' meaning 'ruler' or 'power.' Thus, the name essentially means 'Thor's ruler' or…

Torben

Danish and German

"thunder bear"

A familiar name in the Nordic countries that hasn't yet gained popularity in the English speaking world. But it could, now that Old Norse names like Thor and Odin are on the rise. It derives from…

Tygo

Dutch form of Tycho, Greek, Dutch, Old Norse

"hitting the mark; thunder"

This Dutch form of the ancient Greek saints' name Tycho is in the Top 100 in The Netherlands. While largely unknown in the English-speaking world, it's got a cool sound and ancient roots, which…

Valter

German and Scandinavian variation of Walter

Vill always sound as if you're pronouncing Walter with an affected accent.

Verner

Verner is a masculine name with Germanic and Scandinavian origins, derived from the elements 'war' and 'army,' meaning 'defending warrior' or 'protecting army.' This ancient name was brought to…

Vester

Vester is an uncommon masculine name with Germanic roots, possibly derived from the Latin 'vestis' meaning 'clothing' or as a variant of Sylvester, meaning 'from the forest.' In American usage,…

Vidar

Old Norse

"quiet god"

Mythological son of Odin, powerful and mute.

Viggo

Scandinavian

"war"

Though to most Americans Viggo is a one-person name attached to intense actor Mortensen, it is actually an old Norse name dating back to the Vikings, and is currently the 32nd most popular…

Viktor

Scandinavian, Russian, and Eastern European variation of Victor

The Viktor form of this classic name is widely used throughout Europe and is rising in the US as well.

Willem

Dutch variation of William

"resolute protector"

Common in Holland, the appealing Willem (as in de Kooning and Dafoe) makes William fresh and distinctive.