149 Icelandic Baby Names With Meanings

Radiant names make one want to travel to Iceland's vast greenery lands.

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• Aug 24, 2023

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Icelandic baby names mirror the country's rich historical and cultural heritage. Iceland is very strict about baby-naming laws. Parents have to meet certain rules of gender, grammar, and meaning to save the child from embarrassment in the future. Also, the name should contain letters that occur in the Icelandic alphabet. A list of 1853 approved names for girls and 1712 approved for boys is also available. So parents have to select names from the list or seek permission from the special committee if their chosen name is not on the list. The authorities will see if the name is compatible with the Icelandic tradition. The Icelandic Naming Committee, also referred to as the Personal Names Committee in English, is responsible for overseeing an official roster of accepted Icelandic given names. This committee plays a pivotal role in regulating the incorporation of new given names into the Icelandic cultural landscape (1). According to the regulations, an individual can possess a maximum of three personal names followed by a family name. Traditionally, Icelandic names are rooted in Norse mythology. However, many Icelandic names also draw inspiration from Old Norse words and prominent historical figures. Due to the country's conversion to Christianity in the early Middle Ages, Christianity also influences Icelandic names. Hence, many Icelandic names are inspired by saints, biblical names, and Christian virtues and concepts. Even the surnames in Iceland follow an interesting tradition. The surnames are not family names but are patronymic or matronymic. The father's first name becomes the child's last name, along with the suffix -son (for boys) or -dottir (for girls). The law also allows using the parent's name as the last name. If the Icelandic naming system intrigues you and you want to explore Icelandic names, explore the following list. It has several Icelandic names and their meaning to assist you in finding a perfect name for your baby girl or boy.

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Name	Gender	Meaning
Adalbjorg	Girl	Noble protection
Adalheidis	Girl	Noble kind; Of the noble sort
Adalstienn	Boy	Noble stone
Adalward	Boy	The noble guardian
Alexander	Boy	Defender of mankind
Alfdis	Girl	Goddess; Divine woman
Andrea	Girl	Defender of mankind
Armann	Boy	Messenger
Arna	Girl	Eagle; Power
Arnar	Boy	Warrior; Soldier.

Arnleif	Girl	The eagle inheritor
Aron	Boy	Teaching; Singing
Arthea	Girl	A variant of Artice; Lofty hill; Follower of Thor
Artice	Girl	Of lofty hill; The follower of Thor
Artina	Girl	A variant of Artice; Lofty hill; Follower of Thor
Asdis	Girl	Goddess
Asgerd	Girl	God's fence
Atli	Boy	Little father
Audbjorg	Girl	A combination of luck and one who saves
Bardi	Boy	One who has a beard

Berrant	Boy	One who is like a strong bear
Birgir	Boy	Mountain
Birkir	Boy	Birch tree
Birna	Girl	Bear
Birta	Girl	Bright; vibrant
Birtingr	Boy	A smart, capable and illustrious man
Bjarki	Boy	A small bear
Bjartur	Boy	Bright
Boga	Girl	One who is good with a bow
Brandr	Boy	Sword

Breki	Boy	Breaker
Brynhildur	Girl	Armored warrior woman
Brynjar	Boy	Armor; Warrior
Dagbjart	Boy	Daylight; Bright day
Dagbjartur	Boy	Daylight; Bright day
Dagur	Boy	Day
Dis	Girl	A beautiful woman
Dogg	Girl	The Icelandic word for dew
Drifa	Girl	The Icelandic word for snow
Dyri	Boy	Deer in the Icelandic language

Egill	Boy	Terror; One who terrorizes others
Eirikur	Boy	A man of great strength
Elisabet	Girl	Devoted to God; My God is an oath
Elvar	Boy	Elf warrior
Embla	Girl	First woman on Earth
Emilia	Girl	Rival; To emulate; Excel
Emma	Girl	Whole; Universal
Erikur	Boy	Peaceful ruler; A form of Eric
Eva	Girl	Life; The living one
Eydis	Girl	A Goddess of good fortune

Eysteinn	Boy	The stone island
Eyvindur	Boy	Lucky warrior
Faida	Girl	Folded wings
Falda	Girl	With folded wings
Fannar	Boy	Snow; Warrior; Army
Finnur	Boy	One from Finland
Fjola	Girl	Violet flower
Fridgeir	Boy	Peace spear
Fridmar	Boy	Brilliant or shining peace
Fridr	Girl	One who is beautiful

Fridrik	Girl	One who governs peacefully
Fridrika	Girl	Peaceful ruler
Frigg	Girl	One who belongs to Iceland
Gamli	Boy	Old; Something old
Gegn	Boy	The one who is against or versus
Geir	Boy	Pointed weapon used in the battle field
Gellir	Boy	Sword
Gerdur	Girl	Protection; A protective woman
Gestur	Boy	Sword
Greipr	Boy	A man of great strength

Groa	Girl	To grow
Grou	Girl	To grow; A variant of Groa
Gudlaug	Girl	One who is a good wife
Hafoca	Boy	Havoc
Hallbjorn	Boy	Rock; Hair
Halldora	Girl	Thunder; Thunder goddess
Haraldur	Boy	Leader of an army
Harpa	Girl	Icelandic word for harp
Haukr	Boy	Hawk
Hekla	Girl	Cloak

Helgi	Boy	One who is blessed
Hinrik	Boy	Estate ruler
Hjortur	Boy	Deer
Hodd	Girl	A woman whose hair is beautiful
Holti	Boy	He who comes from the small forest
Hrafn	Boy	Raven
Hrafnhildur	Girl	Raven or battle
Hrafntinna	Girl	Raven or flint
Hrefna	Girl	Raven
Hreinn	Boy	A reindeer

Huld	Girl	Secret
Idunn	Girl	To renew nature or active in love
Isabella	Girl	God is my oath
Jokull	Boy	Joyful; Jolly one; Who seeks happiness; Pleasure
Jon	Boy	God is gracious
Kalfr	Boy	Young cow in Icelandic
Kari	Unisex	Black-haired one; Free woman; Strong; Tremendous
Katla	Girl	Cauldron; Helmet
Kleppr	Boy	A large stone
Kolbrun	Girl	Coal or eyebrow

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Exploring the realm of Icelandic baby names is an enthralling voyage that unveils the intricate fabric of a nation's culture. These names, resonating with history, nature, and mythology, encapsulate and celebrate Iceland's essence. From enduring classics that echo the past to innovative choices that embrace modernity, these names reflect a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. So pick a meaningful name from the above list and give your child a beautiful gift that will keep them connected to Iceland's beauty and heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the meaning of the name Ásta?

The name is a diminutive of Ástríðr and means love and beloved God, formed by a combination of Norse elements.

2. What are some popular Icelandic baby names based on Norse mythology?

Atli, from the old Norse term Attila, is a version of the name in the Völsunga saga for the fictional or Norse mythological character of King Atilla the Hun (2). Bragi, meaning first, foremost, or poetry, is another example of a name from Norse mythology. Bragi is believed to be the God of poetry. Furthermore, the name Eir meaning mercy, also comes from mythological relevance, where she is revered as the Goddess of healing and medicine (3).

3. What are some Icelandic baby names that are inspired by nature?

Some Icelandic baby names inspired by nature are Fjall, meaning ‘from the rough hill,’ Vatn, meaning ‘water,’ and Eldur, meaning ‘fire.’ These names reflect the beauty and natural elements of Iceland’s landscape.

4. What are some Icelandic baby names that have a meaning related to strength or courage?

Names such as Nanna, meaning daring or brave; Eirikur and Greipr, denoting a man of great strength; and Gunnar, meaning a brave warrior encompass the essence of courage and strength.

5. How have Icelandic baby names evolved over time?

The evolution in Icelandic baby names may be seen in the changes in their naming system and rules. Now, first names can be chosen without restrictions based on gender. Also, individuals who are officially recognized as non-binary can use the suffix -bur (“child of”) instead of -son or -dóttir in their names.

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.

The Saga of the Volsungs;
https://sites.pitt.edu/~dash/volsungsaga.html
Michael J. Smith; 2003; Ways of the Ásatrú-Beliefs of the Modern, Northern Heathens;
https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=b431ec01829fc480c805a3e99636dd52ff798444
What’s In A Name?
https://kenan.ethics.duke.edu/whats-in-a-name/

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.