Awesome Norwegian Names
- Katarina
Origin:
Slovak; Swedish; Serbian; Croatian; Slovenian, variation of KatherineMeaning:
"pure"Description:
The Russian version of Katherine is usually Ekaterina, but this form is used throughout Eastern Europe and may be more friendly to the American ear.
- Maja
Origin:
German, Slovene, and Scandinavian form of Maya; also, ArabicMeaning:
"splendid"Description:
Whether you pronounce it my-a, ma-zha or ma-ha, Maja is an intriguing choice. Sometimes associated with Goya's famous painting "The Naked Maja." As a cognate of Maya, it's a Top 10 name in Slovenia and Sweden and is also popular in Germany and Norway.
- Gustav
Origin:
TeutonicMeaning:
"staff of the Goths"Description:
Gray-bearded name heard primarily in Sweden and Germany.
- Ulla
Origin:
ScandinavianMeaning:
"will, determination"Description:
Ulla, the beautiful Swedish secretary in The Producers (played by Uma Thurman in the movie) who purrs, "Ven you got it, flaunt it," has changed the image of this name forever. Ulla may stand on its own or be an abbreviation of Ursula or Ulrika; Ula may be seen as another spelling.
- Erika
Origin:
English and Scandinavian variation of Erica, Norse feminization of Eric or Italian word nameMeaning:
"eternal ruler; heather"Description:
This is a more spunky and Nordic looking variant of Erica, but the k also makes the connection to the beautiful flower less apparent.
- Martina
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"warlike"Description:
A feminine form of Martin, this strong and zestful sounding name is popular in Argentina, Chile, Spain, and Italy, where it ranks in the Top 30. Also familiar in Czechia, the UK, Slovakia, and Switzerland, it has never made it big in the US, and fell out of the charts back in the 2000s.
Ultimately associated with Mars, the Roman god of war and with the 3rd century patron saint of Rome, it has also been borne by two notable tennis players, Martina Navratilova and Martina Hingis.
- Gunnar
Origin:
Scandinavian variation of GuntherMeaning:
"bold warrior"Description:
A key figure in Norse legend and a traditional Scandinavian favorite making inroads here.
- Tuva
Origin:
Swedish and Norwegian variation of ToveMeaning:
"beautiful"Description:
Tove is a modern variation of an Old Norse name, related to Thor. Tuva is a form of the name popular in modern Scandinavia.
- Signy
Origin:
ScandinavianMeaning:
"new victory"Description:
Signy — also spelled Signe — would make another distinctively offbeat alternative to Sydney. Signy appears in Norse mythology as the twin sister of Sigmund.
- Viktor
Origin:
Scandinavian, Russian, and Eastern European variation of VictorDescription:
The Viktor form of this classic name is widely used throughout Europe and is rising in the US as well.
- Aksel
Origin:
Danish, version of Hebrew AbsalomMeaning:
"the father is peace"Description:
Most American parents would choose to use the more commonly seen variant, Axel, but .this form is preferred in Denmark and Norway, and also ranks in the French Top 400.
- Cecilie
Origin:
Norwegian, Danish, Czech, variation of Cecilia, LatinMeaning:
"blind"Description:
Variant of Cecilia used in several European countries, which could also make for a pretty variant spelling of the medieval English version, Cecily.
- Hanna
Origin:
Spelling variation of HannahDescription:
This simplified version is not nearly as popular as the original (it also destroys a perfectly good palindrome), and has been on the decline in recent years.
- Karolina
Description:
Karolina is a feminine name of Germanic origin, being a variant of Caroline or Carolina, ultimately derived from the masculine name Karl or Charles, meaning 'free man' or 'strong.' This elegant name is particularly popular in Eastern European countries including Poland, Croatia, Slovakia, and Lithuania, as well as in Scandinavian nations. Karolina has a melodic quality with its four syllables and soft ending. The name carries an international appeal while maintaining connections to traditional naming practices. Throughout history, various royal figures have borne related forms of this name. Karolina projects an image of feminine strength combined with grace. The name allows for multiple nickname options including Kara, Lina, or Karo. Its classic roots give it enduring appeal while its specific spelling offers a distinctive touch.
- Milly
Origin:
Variation of Millie, English diminutive of Mildred or MillicentMeaning:
"gentle strength; strong in work"Description:
Milly and her more popular sister Millie are adorable Old Lady nickname-names springing back to life. Nearly 100 baby girls were named Milly, just Milly, last year, and Millie is in the US Top 500. Milly is the Molly of the new generation.
- Helene
Origin:
French variation of HelenMeaning:
"bright, shining one"Description:
Whether it's pronounced with an "een" or an "aine" or an "enn" sound at the end, Helene doesn't feel as current the more forthright Helen or the airier Helena. Helene reached a high of Number 228 in the US in 1916, when ene, ine and een names were all the fashion, and stayed in the Top 500 until 1962, making a final exit in 1970. It still ranks well in its native France, and even more in Norway (#70). Model Heidi Klum's daughter 'Leni' has Helene on her birth certificate.
- Gerda
Origin:
Scandinavian, Norse, German, DutchMeaning:
"enclosure, stronghold; brave, hardy spear"Description:
Gerda is one of two things: a modern, Latinized form of the Old Norse name Gerd or a feminine form of the masculine German name, also Gerd. Not currently in style, it has a strong, ancient sounding feeling.
- Oskar
Origin:
German variation of OscarDescription:
Oskar is to Oscar as Jakob is to Jacob: more distinctive and continental.
- Ester
Origin:
Variation of Esther, HebrewMeaning:
"star"Description:
This simplified spelling is a bit too polyester, though this is also the authentic Slavic version of an Old Testament name that's being rediscovered.
- Kari
Origin:
Norwegian diminutive of Katarina or variation of Carrie, EnglishMeaning:
"pure; free man"Description:
Kari and all her many sisters, from Carrie to Carey to Kerry and onward, originated for the most part as short forms of either Catherine Katherine or one of the Charles feminizations such as Carol or Caroline.
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