80 Greenlandic Baby Names With Meanings

A tribute to the land of ice and snow, steeped in Inuit tradition.

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• Oct 30, 2023

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Greenland, a place as unique and beautiful as its scenery and polar bears. It also is a region where you can come across distinctive Greenlandic baby names. These names are unique because Greenland is a sparsely populated country with little over 56,000 people (1). The native Greenlandic traditions regarding the personal name revolve around the belief that it is a type of soul that an individual possesses. The name detaches from the body when a person passes away and is passed on by giving the same moniker to the newborn baby. This way, they believe, an individual is reincarnated into the newborn’s body, as the name carries the traits of the deceased person. But modern Greenlanders prefer using trendy names for their children. No wonder names such as Hans and Ann are ruling the baby name charts in Greenland. But parents need to ensure that the names are gender specific. You’ll rarely find anyone with a unisex name in Greenland. Another thing to note is that Greenlanders prefer using kin terms instead of personal names to address people, irrespective of the affinal or genealogical connection. Greenlandic names are inspired by elements of nature unique to their region. They also use names of figures of religious importance and celestial bodies. Some names are also combinations of a regional word with a suffix to derive a modern name with traditional roots. However, original Greenlandic names may be losing popularity as parents opt for Western names that may be more appealing and modern. But this does not mean that Greenlandic names have lost their allure. These authentic names continue to carry Greenlandic history and heritage. If you need some inspiration for Greenlandic baby names, we have got a comprehensive list for you below. We have also included the meanings and their popular usage, along with the names.

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Name	Gender	Meaning
Aaju	Boy	Older sibling of the same gender
Aajunnguaq	Boy	Dear older sibling
Aakkuluk	Boy	Sweet little one
Aamannguaq	Boy	Glow; Glowing coal
Aanarsi	Boy	Greenlandic form of Anders; Manly
Agapeta	Girl	Beloved
Agpa	Unisex	Thick-billed Murre
Agssile	Boy	Greenlandic form of Aksel; The father is peace
Aigssiarssuk	Girl	Little Ptarmigan chick
Akimiu	Boy	The one who wanders by place under windows

Alaappaat	Boy	White
Alagsantere	Boy	Greenlandic form of Alexander; Defending men
Ane	Girl	God was gracious; God has shown favor; Grace
Angerlarneq	Girl	She has returned home
Anori	Unisex	Wind
Aputsiaq	Unisex	An exquisite snowflake
Avgusta	Girl	A form of August; Great
Avva	Unisex	Powerful; Strength
Balika	Girl	Variant of Palikka; Peaceful ruler
Beatrine	Girl	A blend of Beatrix and Trine

Benjamini	Boy	Greenlandic form of Benjamin; Son of the south
Bibe	Girl	Bright; Greenlandic form of Phoebe
Bitti	Girl	Early
Bolatta	Girl	Greenlandic form of Bolette, meaning battle remedy
Daavi	Boy	Daavi is a form of David; Beloved
Eelisi	Girl	Pledged to God
Eeriuffi	Boy	Warrior wolf
Eikili	Boy	Greenlandic form of Eigil; Awe; Terror
Ejnare	Boy	Greenlandic form of Ejnar; Lone warrior
Eliaser	Boy	Greenlandic form of Elieser; God is help

Emilia	Girl	Rival; To emulate; Excel
Erneeraq	Boy	Son
Fare	Boy	Ancient Germanic variant form of Faro; Journey
Gaaba	Boy	God is my strong man
Hans	Boy	God is gracious
Hansinguaq	Boy	Sweet dear
Igaliko	Boy	Abandoned hearth; Fireplace
Iggiaq	Boy	Throat
Iisaja	Boy	Greenlandic variant of Îsaia; God is salvation
Ijaakaaq	Boy	Moon

Ikila	Boy	How sweet you are
Iluuna	Girl	Greenlandic variant of Iluna; Moon
Imajuik	Girl	She who is meek and quiet
Imi	Girl	Water
Inugpaluk	Girl	Dear little
Inuk	Boy	Human being; Man
Inunnguaq	Boy	Sweet little person or man
Isabella	Girl	God is my oath
Ivaana	Girl	The embraced one; To keep warm in affection
Ivaasaq	Girl	The one having been brooded

Ivalu	Girl	Sinew; Tendon; Thread
Jakkubiina	Girl	Greenlandic form of Jakobina; It means supplanter
Jatse	Girl	State ruler
Jenseraq	Boy	Young animal
Juaannguaq	Boy	Sweet, dear
Julie	Girl	Youthful; Downy-bearded; Soft hair; Beautiful; Vivacious
Justuse	Boy	Greenlandic form of Justus, fair
Kanik	Girl	Blood
Karala	Girl	A free woman
Kimmernaq	Girl	Lingonberry

Kulooq	Girl	The huge one
Malik	Boy	King
Manumina	Girl	A small piece of fur under the chin
Miillaaraq	Girl	Humming
Minik	Boy	A tough layer of fat; To seal the skin cuts
Naaja	Girl	Gull, seagull
Naasoq	Girl	Plant; Flower
Naasunnguaq	Girl	Sweet little flower
Najaaraq	Girl	Little Naja
Nivi	Girl	Maiden or girl

Niviarsiaq	Girl	A girl; A female child
Nuka	Girl	The youngest and last daughter in the family.
Paninnguaq	Girl	Sweet little daughter
Peter	Boy	Rock; Stone
Pilu	Unisex	A great bilberry
Pipaluk	Girl	The little one; Sweet Little Thing
Salik	Boy	One who follows the spiritual path
Sisilla	Girl	A woman without sight
Sissinnguaq	Girl	One who resambles a squirrel
Stene	Boy	A man who is a stone

Greenlandic baby names are rare and meaningful. These names symbolize the Inuit traditions and culture. Each name has a story behind it that is rooted in Greenlandic history. They reflect the natural beauty of the region and the spiritual beliefs of the people. They depict the human values and future aspirations of Greenlanders. Native parents chose these names to keep their legacy alive while non-Inuit people choose these names because they are rare and meaningful.

Infographic: Grand Greenlandic Names For Babies

Greenlandic names are rare and unique. These names depict the history and culture of this beautiful island. Most of these names indicate a strong relationship with nature and its elements. The infographic below can introduce you to some cool Greenlandic names that you may consider for your child. You may also share it with your family and friends!

authentic greenlandic names for your little one (infographic)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do Greenlandic baby names have meanings related to Greenlandic culture?

Traditional Greenlandic baby names are rooted in the native Inuit language, Kalaallisut, and reflect the unique cultural heritage of Greenland (2). Most of these names are inspired by elements of the Arctic environment, animals, natural phenomena, and traditional beliefs. For example, Aputsiaq means ‘snowflake,’ while Qillaq refers to ‘seal hide.’

2. Are Greenlandic baby names difficult to pronounce for non-Greenlandic speakers?

Greenlandic names have complex sounds that may not exist in other languages. For instance, some Greenlandic names have sounds like ‘q,’ ‘ll,’ or ‘r,’ which may be challenging for non-Greenlandic speakers to pronounce easily. Also, the pronunciation of certain consonants and vowel combinations may differ from what non-Greenlandic speakers are accustomed to.

3. Are Greenlandic names gender-specific?

Like any other culture, some Greenlandic names are gender-specific. Different names, such as Malik and Aqissiaq, are traditionally used for boys. Also, names such as Aviaaja and Naja are specifically used for girls. However, Greenland also has gender-neutral names such as Inuk and Nuka.

4. Can I use a Greenlandic name if I'm not from Greenland?

Yes, you can use a Greenlandic name even if you are not a native of Greenland. However, it is extremely important that you thoroughly research the meaning, significance, and pronunciation of a Greenlandic name by consulting an expert in the native language.

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.

Facts about Greenland.
https://www.norden.org/en/information/facts-about-greenland
Indigenous Peoples in Greenland
https://www.iwgia.org/en/kalaallit-nunaat-greenland.html

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.