Names from the North

Aada

Finnish, meaning unknown

Vowel-loaded, acronym-sounding Finnish name might have some problems here. Stick with ADA.

Aeva

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…

Agnek

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…

Aina

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

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

A bright-sounding name with multicultural appeal, used regularly as a first name in Japan, Scandinavia, Latvia, and Spain. The Yoruba name Aina, pronounced ah-ee-NAH, is traditionally used for baby…

Aino

Finnish

"the only one"

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…

Alexia

Diminutive of Alexandria, Greek

"defending men"

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

Anja

Scandinavian; Finnish; Slovene; Croatian; Serbian, from Russian

"grace"

Anja is one of the most international of several versions of Ann/Anna now being imported, also including Anya and Annika. Anja is heard in several European cultures, including Germany, the…

Annalie

Nordic, German

"grace"

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

Anouk

Dutch and French variation of Anna

"grace"

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…

Asta

Norwegian

"divine strength"

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…

Benthe

Dutch short form of Benedicta, Latin

"blessed"

Benthe is a popular Dutch abbreviation of the feminine for Benedict.

Birgitta

Scandinavian variation of Bridget, Gaelic, or feminine form of Birger

"strength or exalted one; help, rescue"

Not to be confused with the Hungarian and German Brigitta, Birgitta is often considered the classic Scandinavian form of the Irish Bridget, used in Iceland, Denmark, The Netherlands, Sweden, and…

Birgitte

Birgitte is a feminine name of Scandinavian origin, primarily used in Denmark and Norway as a variant of Bridget. The name derives from the Celtic name Brighid, meaning 'exalted one' or 'high…

Britta

Scandinavian, variation of Birgit or Britt

"strength or exalted one"

If you want a pan-Scandinavian name with energy and style that could have been a winner, if not for the sound-alike water filtration company Brita.