75 Icelandic Baby Boy Names With Meanings

From Jokull to Valdimar, a collection of names that echoes from the North.

Written by Angela Alex, MA Specialty: Baby NamesExperience: 2 years

Angela is an honors student with a master's degree in Linguistics from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in History from St. Stephen’s Col... more

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Srija holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta and a PG Diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her interest in editing ranges across niches, including aca... more

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• Oct 3, 2023

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Icelandic baby boy names are firmly rooted in the nation's history and cultural diversity. They honor ancestral heritage, languages, and nature. Patronymics are a vital component of Iceland's naming system. Unlike Western cultures, Icelandic surnames often consist of the father's first name followed by the suffix '-son' (meaning son of). For instance, if the father's name is Jon, his son's surname could be Jonsson. This naming practice emphasizes the bond between the child and the father while establishing a continual relationship between generations. It also represents Icelandic society's close-knit nature, where family ties and personal interactions are highly cherished. The Icelandic Naming Committee, which authorizes new first names, ensures they adhere to Icelandic linguistic regulations and historical and cultural traditions. The Icelandic language is vital in the naming process. Icelandic baby names are typically given before the child attains six months of age. They are provided a title listed in the National Register of Persons, or an application is requested to the Personal Names Committee to approve the name if their names are not recorded in their list of approved names (1). Further, the government oversees the creation of new names and their compliance with the language's grammatical structure and pronunciation. Conforming to Icelandic spelling and inflection patterns is also part of this process. This rigorous approach protects the Icelandic language's integrity, preserving its distinct character amidst the influence of other global languages. As the language is an essential element of Iceland's cultural history, it also represents national pride and identity. Icelandic names frequently reflect the country's stunning landscapes and natural diversities. Many names are influenced by natural elements such as mountains, glaciers, rivers, and the island's peculiar weather conditions. This connection to the soil demonstrates the Icelandic people's profound link with nature. It points to the awareness and respect for nature, representing the interdependence of humans and their surroundings. Continue reading the article to explore unique Icelandic baby boy names.

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Name	Gender	Meaning
Aron	Boy	Teaching; Singing
Jokull	Boy	Joyful; Jolly one; Who seeks happiness; Pleasure
Jon	Boy	God is gracious
Kari	Unisex	Black-haired one; Free woman; Strong; Tremendous
Kristian	Boy	Follower of Christ
Mikkael	Boy	Icelandic version of Michael, meaning who is like God?
Viktor	Boy	A form of Victor
Adalstienn	Boy	Noble stone
Adalward	Boy	The noble guardian
Alexander	Boy	Defender of mankind

Armann	Boy	Messenger
Arnar	Boy	Warrior; Soldier.
Atli	Boy	Little father
Bardi	Boy	One who has a beard
Berrant	Boy	One who is like a strong bear
Birgir	Boy	Mountain
Birkir	Boy	Birch tree
Birtingr	Boy	A smart, capable and illustrious man
Bjarki	Boy	A small bear
Bjartur	Boy	Bright

Brandr	Boy	Sword
Breki	Boy	Breaker
Brynjar	Boy	Armor; Warrior
Dagbjart	Boy	Daylight; Bright day
Dagbjartur	Boy	Daylight; Bright day
Dagur	Boy	Day
Dyri	Boy	Deer in the Icelandic language
Egill	Boy	Terror; One who terrorizes others
Eirikur	Boy	A man of great strength
Elvar	Boy	Elf warrior

Erikur	Boy	Peaceful ruler; A form of Eric
Eysteinn	Boy	The stone island
Eyvindur	Boy	Lucky warrior
Fannar	Boy	Snow; Warrior; Army
Finnur	Boy	One from Finland
Fridgeir	Boy	Peace spear
Fridmar	Boy	Brilliant or shining peace
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
Gestur	Boy	Sword
Greipr	Boy	A man of great strength
Hafoca	Boy	Havoc
Hallbjorn	Boy	Rock; Hair
Haraldur	Boy	Leader of an army
Haukr	Boy	Hawk
Helgi	Boy	One who is blessed
Hinrik	Boy	Estate ruler
Hjortur	Boy	Deer

Holti	Boy	He who comes from the small forest
Hrafn	Boy	Raven
Hreinn	Boy	A reindeer
Kalfr	Boy	Young cow in Icelandic
Kleppr	Boy	A large stone
Kolli	Boy	One who is bald
Kolskeggr	Boy	One who has a black beard
Leifr	Boy	Heir; A variant of Leifur
Leifur	Boy	Heir; Successor.
Narfi	Boy	Thin

Refr	Boy	A fox
Sigurdur	Boy	He who is a victorious defender
Sindri	Boy	He who sparkles
Skeggr	Boy	Thin
Styrr	Boy	Battle
Svartur	Boy	The color black
Sveinn	Boy	A Boy or a lad; One who is young
Torfi	Boy	The turf; A layer of earth covered with grass
Trausti	Boy	One who is dependable
Uggi	Boy	Fear of something; Phobia

Ulfhrafn	Boy	Combination of the words wolf and raven
Ulfr	Boy	Wolf
Vagn	Boy	A carriage
Valdimar	Boy	Ruler of the ocean
Vigharthur	Boy	One who is fearless in war

Icelandic baby boy names celebrate the nation's glorious history and their reverence for ancestral lineage. The government regulates Icelandic baby names, which helps them preserve their cultural identity. Icelandic names also serve as a link between different generations. Their naming practice demonstrates how a title is not merely an identifier but a symbol of heritage and values, and a thoughtful expression of Iceland's distinctive culture and landscape. It's a tradition that continues to be followed in modern Icelandic society. So browse through the list below and take your pick.

Infographic: Legendary Icelandic Baby Boy Names

Icelandic baby boy names are infused with the country's rich history, language, and natural surroundings. These names, which use patronymic surnames and adhere to rigorous linguistic norms supervised by their government, retain the country's distinct cultural character. The infographic below provides some enchanting Icelandic baby boy names for your reference.

illuminating icelandic names for your cute son(infographic)

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I name a child in Iceland?

Iceland has a tradition of using gender-specific names, and most names are specifically designated for either males or females (2). On the other hand, Icelandic surnames are based on the parent's first name. In the majority of cases, the "last name" in Iceland is patronymic, which means it is derived from the father's name with the suffix -son or -dóttir added to it (3). Names should be capable of having a genitive ending or traditionally adopted in the Icelandic language. They should be compatible with the structure of the Icelandic language and its spelling conventions (2).

2. Why do Icelandic names end in son?

Icelandic names traditionally end in "-son" or "-dóttir" to indicate a person's patronymic or matronymic lineage. The suffix "-son" means "son," while "-dóttir" means "daughter" in Icelandic. This naming convention reflects the individual's relationship with their father or mother.

3. What are some tips for researching Icelandic baby boy names before choosing one for your child?

Familiarize yourself with Icelandic culture, history, and naming customs. Gain a basic understanding of the Icelandic language to appreciate the pronunciation and spelling of names. If you have Icelandic ancestry or a connection to Icelandic culture, explore names that reflect your family heritage. Assess the popularity of Icelandic names to find a balance between choosing a name and ensuring it is not overly popular or too unique.

4. How can I ensure that the Icelandic baby boy name I choose is legally allowed in Iceland and other countries?

Familiarize yourself with the naming laws and regulations specific to Iceland. According to the Names Act, all first names must either be capable of having Icelandic genitive endings or have become established in the Icelandic language through tradition. The Act also states that names should not violate the linguistic structure of Icelandic and should be written following the standard rules of Icelandic orthography unless an alternative orthography has been traditionally established (2).

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.

Name giving.
https://island.is/en/name-giving
What’s in an Icelandic legal name;
https://blogs.loc.gov/law/2015/09/whats-in-an-icelandic-legal-name/
Name law and gender in Iceland;
ttps://escholarship.org/content/qt0ds6g1hf/qt0ds6g1hf_noSplash_839c6338fdea3eb0cd67035c010d35b2.pdf

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.