341 Norwegian Baby Names With Meanings

From the mighty goddess to warriors, classic names from the Scandinavian island.

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• Nov 22, 2023

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Norwegian baby names have historical associations and beautiful meanings, making them a perfect naming option. Norwegian first names were generally unisex and influenced by ancient Norse names such as Olef, Haakon, Idona, and Erik. They are inspired by nature, mythological gods and goddesses, social status, and ancient virtues associated with rulers or warriors. These names were traditionally followed until they were introduced to Christianity and names inspired by Biblical characters. This led to the introduction of gender specificity in Norwegian names. Additionally, this religious integration also impacted their traditional naming traditions. The Norwegian baby-naming patterns have changed significantly throughout the centuries. Initially, a child could be given just one given name and no surname. A patronymic naming pattern existed, with names ending in suffixes such as –sson and -ssen for sons and -sdatter and -sdotter for daughters. Later, the double ‘s’ was dropped from male surname suffixes and the single ‘s’ was dropped from the female surname suffixes. Around a hundred years ago, there was a custom of using combination names. Parents gave their children as many as five names, including parents, grandparents, relatives, and even ancestors. When the Norwegians immigrated to America, they did not consistently use surnames. So in 1923, a law was ordered in which each family could have a single family name handed down through the generations. In addition, names based on paternal names, place of residence, and those acquired through marriage were also considered (1). While most families adopted a patronymic name, some even adopted occupational surnames, place surnames, or characteristic surnames. However, despite all these adaptations, Norwegian people continue to stick to their distinct cultural roots and mythologically inspired virtues. Thus, the following list brings you an exhaustive collection of baby names with meanings from the world of Norwegia.

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Name	Gender	Meaning
Aarvik	Boy	Strong; Courageous
Aasta	Girl	Love
Abellona	Girl	The sun Goddess
Aegileif	Girl	Daughter of Hrolf Helgason
Aesir	Boy	Of the Gods
Aevar	Boy	Name of Ketil's son
Agot	Girl	A woman who is good-hearted
Alfarin	Boy	Name of Hlif's son
Alfgeir	Boy	Elfin's spear
Alfrigg	Boy	Name of a mythical dwarf

Alfrothul	Boy	Of the Sun
Amund	Boy	Respectful protector
Andvaranaut	Boy	Brunhild's ring
Andvari	Boy	Name of a mythical treasure guardian
Angerboda	Girl	A giant
Angerbotha	Girl	One who is a giant
Annar	Boy	Father of the world
Annikin	Girl	A form of Anne, Grace or mercy
Anrid	Girl	Wife of Ketil Fjorleifarson
Ansfrid	Boy	Protected by God

Arild	Boy	War chief; Battle commander
Arkyn	Boy	Eternal king's son.
Armod	Boy	Name of Geirleif's blood brother
Arneot	Boy	One who frightens eagles
Arngeir	Boy	The eagle's spear
Arnlaug	Boy	Eagle
Aros	Boy	From the river's mouth
Arvakl	Boy	Name of a mythical horse
Arwed	Boy	Eagle of the woods; Clear minded and has good judgement
Asbiom	Boy	A divine bear

Asgard	Boy	Name of the city of the Gods in Norse mythology
Asgaut	Boy	Name of a mythical divine goth
Asgrim	Boy	Name of a thief; leadership ability
Ashilda	Girl	A variant of Ashild; God fighting
Askel	Boy	A term used for a divine cauldron
Aslak	Boy	A divine sport
Astlyr	Girl	Divine strength
Astryd	Girl	Divine strength
Asvor	Girl	Wife of Asrod
Asvoria	Girl	One who is divinely prudent

Aud	Girl	Deserted or isolated
Audhilda	Girl	Rich warrior woman
Audhumbla	Girl	Name of a giant cow that nursed Ymir
Audney	Girl	New found wealth
Audny	Girl	New prosperity
Auduna	Girl	Deserted
Aundy	Girl	New founded prosperity
Bakli	Boy	Name of Blaeng's son.
Balmung	Boy	Siegfried's sword.
Baug	Boy	Son of Raud

Beini	Boy	Name of a smith
Beorhtel	Boy	He who shines with a bright light
Berdon	Boy	Norwegian variant of Berton, Bergtor
Beret	Girl	A glorious and bright individual
Bergdis	Girl	Spirit protection
Bergliot	Girl	Helpful light
Bergthor	Boy	Thor's spirit
Bergthora	Girl	Thor's spirit
Berrant	Boy	One who is like a strong bear
Bersi	Boy	Son of Bakli

Bestla	Girl	Mother of Odin
Bifrost	Girl	The bridge from the Earth to Asgard
Bionbyr	Boy	Warrior's estate
Biorn	Boy	Norwegian word for bear
Birget	Girl	A protecting woman
Biyn	Boy	One who is strong
Bjame	Boy	Norwegian word for bear
Bjolf	Boy	Name of lodmund's blood brother
Bjorn	Boy	Bear
Bodile	Girl	A fighting woman

Bodilla	Girl	A fighting woman; A variant of Bodile
Bodmod	Boy	Name of Oleif's son
Borg	Boy	Castle; Stronghold; Fortification; Credit
Borghilda	Girl	Wife of Sigmund; A variant of Borghild
Bork	Boy	One who is killed by a gunnar
Borre	Boy	He who is a great help
Bothi	Boy	Herald; begin
Bragi	Boy	First and foremost; Poetry; Name of Norse God of poetry
Brander	Boy	Fiery sword
Brisingamen	Girl	Freya's necklace

Brokk	Boy	Name of a mythical dwarf
Brondolf	Boy	Name of Naddodd's son.
Bruni	Boy	Son of Earl Harek.
Brunnehilde	Girl	The armored and fighting woman
Bryne	Unisex	From the brook
Bryngerd	Girl	The mother of Tonguestein.
Brynhilde	Girl	The armored fighting woman.
Bugga	Boy	A man of power
Bugge	Boy	A powerful man
Cnute	Boy	Norwegian word for knot

Dagrun	Girl	A secret lore
Dalr	Girl	From the valley
Danb	Boy	The one from Denmark
Danhy	Boy	The one from Denmark
Dellingr	Boy	Shining; Brilliant
Dikibyr	Boy	One from the Dike settlement
Diss	Girl	One who is spirited
Dordi	Girl	A gift from God
Dorte	Girl	God's gift
Duartr	Boy	A rich guard

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Norwegian baby names continue to reflect the nation's history, culture, and values. With their ties to nature, lineage, religion, and social ideals, these names glimpse the deep-rooted historical connections Norwegians maintain while embracing the future. Whether inspired by ancient legends or Christian trends, the above-given Norwegian names carry a piece of the country's heart and soul. This beautifully blends heritage and progress into a harmonious union.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What restrictions exist on the names that can be given to babies in Norway?

The Norwegian Names Act of 2022 regulates the names given to children. Any person can change their family name to a common family name. Norway's strict naming laws are aimed at protecting children from strange-looking names. You can even end up in jail if you give a name banned in Norway, such as swear names or names of medicines and diseases. Some examples of acceptable names are Raabi, Gesher, Glisur, and Dits (2).

2. How do Norwegian baby names reflect the country's culture and history?

Norwegian names reflect the Old Norse Mythology. Some examples of such names are Oskar, meaning spear of Gods, and Thor or the God of strength. Astrid and Kaia are Scandinavian roots. The former means divinely beautiful, while the latter means pure or the sea. Ellinor means the other Aenor. One of the first females named Eleanor was the 12th-century queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. Hanna, meaning Yahweh is gracious, is another Norwegian name with Greek roots that reflect the country's culture.

3. What does the Norwegian baby name Maren, Olav, and Astrid mean?

Maren is a Latin feminine name that means 'star of the sea.' Olav is a Dutch, Polish, Scandinavian, and German name. It means ancestor's relic or heirloom. Astrid is a modern form of Ástríðr and means 'divinely beautiful.'

4. Which Norwegian baby names are also popular in other countries?

Many Norwegian baby names have become popular across Europe today. Many of them are inspired by Norse mythology, and some are Viking warrior names. Some examples include Anders, meaning brave, Ingrid, meaning beautiful, Karl, meaning free man, Ella, meaning fairy maiden, and Karolina, meaning warrior.

Infographic: Mesmerizing Norwegian Baby Names With Meanings

From nature-inspired to heroic names, Norwegian naming practices intertwine tradition and history with societal values. With evolution and modernization, these names continue to hold on to their Nordic roots and mythological tales. Delve into the mesmerizing blend of history, culture, and tradition hidden within modern-sounding names with the following infographic.

marvelous norwegian names for your baby (infographic)

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

Norway Personal Names.
https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Norway_Personal_Names#:~:text=1923%20Law%20on%20Personal%20Names%5B,a%20woman%20receives%20her%20husband%27s%20surname
These 11 countries are banning certain baby names because you can't be trusted.
https://theworld.org/stories/2014-04-01/these-11-countries-are-banning-certain-baby-names-because-you-cant-be-trusted

Look Up For Many More Names

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