Anglicized Old Norse Names
- Abel
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"breath"Description:
Abel, the name of Adam and Eve's unfortunate younger son, compensates with positive connotations: capable, competent, ready and willing.
- Alden
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"old, wise friend"Description:
Hot young actor Alden Ehrenreich, the new Han Solo, gives this formerly-stodgy surname name an attractive new image, making it a fresh successor to Aiden or Holden. Before it got this fresh shine, Alden was among the classic Thanksgiving baby names.
- Asa
Origin:
Hebrew, Japanese, or ScandinavianMeaning:
"healer; morning; of the gods"Description:
A male Biblical name meaning healer, Asa is also an international gem. In Japanese, it means "(born in the) morning". And in Scandinavia, where it's generally spelled Åsa or Ása and pronounced O-sa, it's a popular diminutive form of Old Norse names beginning with the element áss "god".
- Askell
Origin:
ManxMeaning:
"helmet of god"Description:
Manx variant of the Norse name Asketill.
- Auda
Description:
Auda is a feminine name with ancient Germanic origins, derived from the element "aud" meaning "wealth" or "prosperity". Historically, it appeared in medieval Scandinavian sagas and was carried by notable Norse women. The name has connections to Auda the Deep-Minded, a powerful female figure in Icelandic history. Despite its rich heritage, Auda remains quite rare in modern usage, giving it a distinctive quality. Its simple two-syllable structure and vowel-rich pronunciation create a soft yet strong impression. The name carries connotations of independence and abundance, making it appealing to parents drawn to names with both historical depth and uncommon status in contemporary naming patterns.
- Aben
- Airic
- Alfvin
- Birna
Origin:
Feminine variation of Bjorn, SwedishMeaning:
"bear"Description:
Birna is unlikely to be a hit in the US, but it's a current favorite in Iceland. Birna is also used in Finland and Scandinavia.
- Bjorn
Origin:
Swedish, Icelandic, GermanMeaning:
"bear"Description:
Bjorn is one of the most recognizable Scandinavian names, thanks in large part to tennis great Björn Borg, winner of five consecutive Wimbledon singles titles and six French opens and something of a rock star figure.
- Blase
Description:
Blase is a masculine name with Latin and Greek origins, derived from 'Blasius,' which relates to 'blaise' meaning 'lisping' or 'stuttering.' The name is associated with Saint Blaise, a physician and bishop who became a martyr in the 4th century. In modern usage, Blase carries a sophisticated, unique quality that appeals to parents seeking uncommon names. The name has maintained steady but limited usage throughout Western cultures. It's sometimes confused with the word 'blasé,' meaning indifferent or unimpressed, though the name's pronunciation typically places emphasis on the first syllable, distinguishing it from the French-derived term.
- Bernolf
- Bernulf
- Bjolan
- Brandulf
- Eirik
Description:
Eirik is a masculine name of Old Norse origin and is a traditional Scandinavian variant of Erik or Eric. The name derives from the elements 'ei' (ever, always) and 'ríkr' (ruler, king, mighty), thus meaning 'eternal ruler' or 'ever powerful.' Particularly common in Norway, this spelling preserves the authentic Nordic heritage of the name. Eirik was borne by several Norwegian kings and figures in Norse sagas, including Eirik Bloodaxe. While less common internationally than Erik, this spelling offers cultural authenticity appealing to those with Scandinavian heritage or those seeking a strong name with historical depth and a slightly distinctive spelling.
- Eiric
- Fin
Description:
Fin is a concise, impactful masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Irish tradition, it's a shortened form of Fionn or Finn, meaning 'fair' or 'white,' connected to the legendary Irish hero Finn MacCool. In Scandinavian countries, Fin derives from Old Norse, possibly meaning 'wanderer' or relating to the Finnish people. The name's brevity makes it appealing to modern parents seeking minimalist names with historical depth. While traditionally a nickname, Fin has gained popularity as a standalone name in recent decades, particularly in English-speaking countries. Its cross-cultural appeal, straightforward pronunciation, and connection to folklore contribute to its growing usage as parents embrace shorter, distinctive names with strong sounds.
- Finna
Origin:
Old NorseMeaning:
"Sámi, Finn, wanderer"Description:
A simple and attractive feminization of the Nordic name Finn.
- Frida
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"peace"Description:
The dynamic personality and paintings of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo have inspired growing numbers of parents to resurrect this form of the name. It does much better in certain European countries, especially in Denmark and Norway. The Frieda and Freida spellings were more popular in the US until the middle of the 20th century.