User-created list
By frauleinawesome · Updated May 2023
Across 10 pages
of 10
Norse
"fair victory"
Sigrid is a distinctly Scandinavian name that is starting to edge out into the wider world, a la cousin Ingrid. Unfortunately, short form Siri is now off the table, but Sigrid is still a possibility.
Latin
"little female bear"
A saint's name with a noteworthy literary background, including uses by Shakespeare in Two Gentlemen of Verona and Much Ado About Nothing , by Ben Johnson, Walter Scott, Longfellow, D. H. Lawrence…
Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish variation of Eleanor, meaning unknown, or Elin, Swedish variation of Ellen
"torch, shining light"
Eleanor is a rising classic in the US, and the similarly-pronounced Ellinor is a favorite in Sweden and Norway. While Eleanor is not considered one of the many Helen variations, some sources say that…
"of the city"
Urban was not an uncommon name through the 1930s (rising as high as Number 435), having been attached to several saints and early popes, but it has completely disappeared from the landscape--both…
French; Norwegian; Danish; Dutch; German, variation of Matilda
"battle-mighty"
Mathilde is even more popular in France than Matilda, a hipster favorite thanks to Michelle Williams and Heath Ledger, is here. And the French pronunciation, while confusing to English speakers,…
Danish variation of Nicholas; Dutch diminutive of Cornelius
Gives middle-aged Neil a new lease on life.
"thunder goddess"
Thora, related to Thor, is the ancient Norse thunder goddess name that's much softer and gentler than its meaning suggests. A noted bearer is actress Thora Birch.
German variation of Katherine, Greek
"pure"
Katharina is an attractive form of Katherine and a great way to update a classic. Popular in Austria and a classic in Germany, it is typically pronounced as ka-ta-REE-na, though kath-uh-REE-nuh or…
Monika is a feminine name primarily of Latin origin, being a variant spelling of Monica. The name derives from the Latin 'moneo' meaning 'to advise' or 'to remind.' Monika is particularly popular in…
Short form of Christina
Fading since the 1970s -- but still a lovely name.
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.
Stefanie is a feminine name that represents a German and Dutch variation of Stephanie, ultimately derived from the Greek name Stephanos, meaning "crown" or "garland." This elegant name carries…
Annelie is a charming feminine name with Germanic and Scandinavian origins. It developed as a variation of Anneli, which itself is a Nordic diminutive of Anna. The name combines the grace of Anne…
Scandinavian variation of Johanna
"God is gracious"
A Scandinavian short form of Johanna, properly pronounced with a Y sound at the start, but would likely be read as the more prosaic "John-a" in an English-speaking context.
English variation of Kristin, German and Norwegian
"a Christian"
Christina who decided, at the last minute, she'd rather be Kristen.
"guarded by Ing"
Ing was a powerful Norse god whose name inspired several modern variations -- though Inga has become a caricatured Scandinavian choice.
Short form of Dorotea or Mattea
"gift of God"
As Theo and Thea get more popular, so do Teo and Tea, short forms of the Latinate variations of Theodore and Matthew -- which include Dorotea and Mattea. But like Theo and Thea, Tea can stand…
German
"victorious protection"
The connection to Freud is a strong one, but this German name has a strong and interesting sound and great nickname potential: Ziggy, Iggy, Sim, Sid...
German, Scandinavian diminutive of Charlotte
"free man"
Lotte is a short form of Charlotte and a name used in its own right in Scandinavia as well as Dutch- and German-speaking countries. It’s unlikely to catch on in the US, where even Lottie hasn’t…
Edvard is a masculine name of Scandinavian and Eastern European origin, representing a variant of Edward. The name combines the Old English elements 'ead' meaning 'wealth' or 'fortune' and 'weard'…
