List of names from Astrid Lindgren stories

Alfred is up off his recliner! If you're looking for a path to Fred, you can go directly to Frederick or take the long way around with the so-out-it's-in-again Alfred. Alfred is quite popular in several European countries, especially England and Wales, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.

Alma is a somewhat solemn, soulful name that had a burst of popularity a century ago, then faded into the flowered wallpaper, and is now finding its footing once more.

While the male Alva or Alvah relates directly to the minor Biblical character, the female version is more likely an Anglicized form of the Irish name Ailbhe, or a feminine form the name Alf (and Alf- beginning names), popular in its native Sweden and Norway. Best known as Thomas Edison's middle name, Alva has true unisex roots.

Friendly, unusual, but a decidedly Old Country version of Andrew and one of the classic Scandinavian names. It made a brief appearance in the US Top 1000 in 2006 and then reentered in 2010. Its rising popularity could be attributed to the interest in Anderson, which has been gaining steadily over the last fifteen years.

Trivia tidbits: The patronymic Andersson is the second most popular surname in Sweden, and in Denmark, Donald Duck is called Anders.

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.

Annika is a surprise hit of recent years, inspired by golfer Sorenstam; for Trekkies, it was also the name of a 'Star Trek:Voyager' character. Some people's first memory of it might be as Pippi Longstocking's friend. A nice namesake for an ancestral Ann.

Cultured and cultivated in an old-style, Old World way, Anton is popular across Europe. It may be associated with the classic Russian playwright Anton Chekhov and also with ballroom dancer Anton Du Beke.

Birk is a masculine name with Germanic and Scandinavian roots. It derives from the Old Norse 'björk' or German 'birke,' both meaning 'birch tree.' In Nordic countries, the birch symbolizes new beginnings, resilience, and growth, lending these positive associations to the name. Short and strong with just one syllable, Birk projects a rugged, outdoorsy character while remaining approachable. Though relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, it enjoys some usage in Scandinavian nations where nature-inspired names have traditional appeal. The name's botanical connection also places it within the modern trend of nature names while its Norse heritage gives it historical depth. For parents seeking a brief, distinctive name with natural symbolism and Nordic flavor, Birk offers an understated yet meaningful choice.

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.

Derived from the Latin word aemulus, Emil is a name with international appeal. Concise and sturdy but with the gentle Em sound, Emil is popular across Europe, from Azerbaijan to Finland, from Germany to Norway, and Denmark. Alternative spelling Emile also ranks highly in Belgium and Canada.

While substituting a C for a K is a modern trend, Erik is in fact the traditional spelling of the name, derived from the Old Norse Eiríkr and introduced to the English speaking world in the Anglo-Saxon period. Now, Erik is popular in Scandinavia and throughout much of Central and Eastern Europe, where it ranks in the Top 100 in Germany, Slovenia, Hungary, and more.

Greta is an Old World name long tied to the iconic Garbo, but now synonymous with environmental activism.

A name that sounds so old-fashioned some parents out there might conceivably find it quirky enough for a comeback, along with other one-time fuddie-duddies like Oscar and Homer.

Many vowel names stylish a century ago are coming back, and Ida seems like a possible, logical successor to Ada and Ava.

Joen is a masculine name with Nordic and Hebrew origins. It can be considered a variant spelling of John or Johan, ultimately derived from the Hebrew Yochanan, meaning 'God is gracious.' In Scandinavian countries, particularly Denmark and Norway, Joen represents a traditional form that has been used since medieval times. The name combines simplicity with historical depth, offering a distinctive alternative to more common variants of John. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, Joen carries the same rich biblical heritage as its more familiar counterparts while providing a unique Nordic flair. Its brevity and straightforward pronunciation make it accessible despite its relative rarity.