Illustration: MomJunction Design Team
If you’re expecting a bundle of joy and are thinking of giving him a Danish baby name, you have landed at the right place. Denmark, a country that embraces rules and regulations with huge enthusiasm, is very strict about the naming rules. A baby's first and last names are governed by law and must be approved by the Ministry of Family and Consumer Affairs and the Ministry of Ecclesiastical Affairs. The laws are designed to protect children who are burdened with silly and preposterous names by their parents. So you must choose names from the 7000 Western European and English names pre-approved by the government (1). But if you like a name that’s not mentioned in the list, you have to get it approved by the government by applying.
There are certain parts of Denmark where only one given name is used, while in other parts of the country, more than one name can also be used. Danish names with hyphens also rose to popularity in the 1900s; for instance, names like ‘Anna-Lisa’ were quite popular.
Around the 19th century, a common naming practice was followed in Denmark and across Europe. The first-born daughter would be named after her maternal grandmother, and the second-born daughter after her paternal grandmother. Similarly, the first-born son would be named after his paternal grandfather, and the second-born son after his maternal grandfather.
Danish names may keep coming in and going out of style, but one thing is sure, you can never write them off. Some names, such as Eva, Karen, and Cristofer, have been popular for generations. So from the birthplace of the Little Mermaid, Danish cheese, and Norse mythology, we have got you an equally magnificent collection of Danish baby names with meanings. Check them out below.
| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Saffi |  |  Girl | A wise person |
| Sibbi | |  Boy | A victorious hero; A warrior who won |
| Sigfrid | | Girl | A beautiful, fair victory |
| Signe | | Girl | New victory |
| Sigrunn | | Girl | The secret victories |
| Sille | | Girl | She who is blind |
| Sire | | Girl | A victorious woman |
| Sisse | | Girl | She who has no sight; A blind woman |
| Sissel | | Girl | A girl who is blind |
| Sofia | | Girl | Wisdom; Learned |
| Solvej | | Girl | A woman with the strength of the Sun |
| Solvey | | Girl | She is as strong as the Sun |
| Soren | | Boy | Stern; Severe |
| Sorena | | Girl | A stern person |
| Steen | | Boy | He who is made of stone |
| Stine | | Girl | She is a Christian woman |
| Svend | | Boy | A young man; A lad |
| Swen | | Boy | A young man; Lad |
| Tage | | Boy | One who gives things |
| Tem | | Boy | A famous man |
| Torben | | Boy | The bear of the thunder god |
| Tordis | | Boy | The god who controls the thunder |
| Tue | | Boy | A successful person with strong personality |
| William | | Boy | Will; Protector |
Danish baby names hold more than just labels. They can honor family ties and ancestors and mark important milestones. As Denmark has evolved, so have its naming trends, reflecting shifts in social norms and cultural influences. Today's Danish names mix old tradition with innovation, showing a balance between tradition and new ideas. These names tie people to their Danish heritage and show the culture's values, beliefs, and dreams.
Infographic: Insightful Danish Baby Names For Your Child
Danish baby names have much cultural significance, connecting individuals to their heritage and identity. They reflect traditional and modern elements and are often passed down through generations. These names also convey parents' aspirations for their children. Check out our hand-picked compilation of Danish names in this infographic to find one that fits your baby perfectly. You can even save it for later use.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do Danish naming traditions differ from naming traditions in other cultures?
The people of Danish culture followed a specific naming pattern until the 1850s. According to this pattern, the first boy was named after the father’s father, and the first girl was named after the mother’s mother. Similarly, the second boy was named after the mother’s father, and the second girl was named after the father’s mother. They also followed a patronymic surname system.
2. What are some unique Danish baby boy names that are not commonly used?
Some of the unique Danish boy names include Absalonis (reward from the Gods), Christoffer (bearer of Christ), Halvor (the chosen son), Frederik (the ruler of peace), and Bertil (intelligent). Though Chistopher is used, the old variation Christoffer is not common in the modern days.
3. What are some popular Danish baby girl names that have Nordic origins?
Annegrete (meaning God has answered the prayers), Bodil (meaning battle maiden), Gudrun (meaning God’s secret), and Jensine (meaning God is gracious) are a few of the many examples of Danish feminine names with Nordic origins.
4. Are there any famous or notable Danish men whose names are commonly used for baby boys?
The list of famous Danish men who are an inspiration includes Hans Christian Anderson (famous poet and author), Niels Bohr (physicist who received the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1922), and Viggo Mortensen (actor, musician, and poet best known for his roles in the Lord of the Rings trilogy as Aragorn). Many Danish parents choose their names for their little ones.
References
- What’s in a Name?: In Denmark It’s More Complicated Than You Think.
https://www.msuilr.org/msuilr-legalforum-blogs/2018/9/11/whats-in-a-name-in-denmark-its-more-complicated-than-you-think
