75 Icelandic Baby Girl Names With Meanings

Icelandic baby girl names echo a cultural legacy, mirroring the country’s captivating landscapes and deep-rooted mythology that shape its history. Iceland’s distinct approach to genealogy is characterized by a time-honored practice of tracing ancestral roots and safeguarding ancient records. One feature of Iceland’s genealogy that may intrigue you is its utilization of the patronymic system to give family names to babies. The person’s surname originates from the first name of the father, after which a suffix to denote the gender is given (1). Prior to 1925, the freedom to adopt new surnames was permissible, with notable instances like Nobel laureate Halldór Laxness and author Einar Hjörleifsson, who, along with his siblings, adopted the family name ‘Kvaran.’ However, since 1925, the option to take on a new family name has been restricted to those with legal inheritance rights. For novel first names, Icelanders may first secure approval from the Icelandic Naming Committee or the Personal Names Committee, ensuring seamless integration into the language and adherence to the Icelandic alphabet (2). This process mandates the name’s ability to conform to the grammatical case system, allowing for the creation of a genitive form consistent with Icelandic linguistic principles. The majority of Icelandic surnames derive from the father, yet occasionally the mother’s name is adopted, indicating a break in paternal connections. Some women adopt this for societal impact, while others opt for this as a personal flair. Every name reflects Iceland’s lasting customs and ongoing transformation, from the empowering name Andrea to the nature-inspired choice Ylfa. These names can offer your child an exclusive and significant identity while linking them to the mystical and picturesque country, where conventional and modern naming converges. So, why wait for so long? Explore our thoughtfully compiled, extensive collection of Icelandic baby names, perfect for your cherished little addition.

Name		Gender	Meaning
Andrea		Girl	Defender of mankind
Elisabet		Girl	Devoted to God; My God is an oath
Embla		Girl	First woman on Earth
Emilia		Girl	Rival; To emulate; Excel
Emma		Girl	Whole; Universal
Eva		Girl	Life; The living one
Hekla		Girl	Cloak
Kari		Unisex	Black-haired one; Free woman; Strong; Tremendous
Katla		Girl	Cauldron; Helmet
Lilith		Girl	Person of the night
Lilja		Girl	Name of a flower; Scandinavian variant of Lily
Sara		Girl	Princess
Adalbjorg		Girl	Noble protection
Adalheidis		Girl	Noble kind; Of the noble sort
Alfdis		Girl	Goddess; Divine woman
Arna		Girl	Eagle; Power
Arnleif		Girl	The eagle inheritor
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
Audbjorg		Girl	A combination of luck and one who saves
Birna		Girl	Bear
Birta		Girl	Bright; vibrant
Boga		Girl	One who is good with a bow
Brynhildur		Girl	Armored warrior woman
Dis		Girl	A beautiful woman
Dogg		Girl	The Icelandic word for dew
Drifa		Girl	The Icelandic word for snow
Eydis		Girl	A Goddess of good fortune
Faida		Girl	Folded wings
Falda		Girl	With folded wings
Fjola		Girl	Violet flower
Fridr		Girl	One who is beautiful
Fridrik		Girl	One who governs peacefully
Fridrika		Girl	Peaceful ruler
Frigg		Girl	One who belongs to Iceland
Gerdur		Girl	Protection; A protective woman
Groa		Girl	To grow
Grou		Girl	To grow; A variant of Groa
Gudlaug		Girl	One who is a good wife
Halldora		Girl	Thunder; Thunder goddess
Harpa		Girl	Icelandic word for harp
Hodd		Girl	A woman whose hair is beautiful
Hrafnhildur		Girl	Raven or battle
Hrafntinna		Girl	Raven or flint
Hrefna		Girl	Raven
Huld		Girl	Secret
Idunn		Girl	To renew nature or active in love
Isabella		Girl	God is my oath
Kolbrun		Girl	Coal or eyebrow
Kristjana		Girl	Icelandic form of Kristina, meaning follower of Christ.
Lilija		Girl	Name of a flower; Pure; Icelandic form of Lily
Ljot		Girl	Light; One who fills lives of everyone with light
Margrjet		Girl	Pearl
Matthildur		Girl	Mighty and strong
Osk		Girl	Longing or desiring
Rut		Girl	She who is a loyal friend
Saga		Girl	The all-seeing one
Salka		Girl	Princess
Schwanhilde		Girl	Swan
Sigurbjorn		Girl	A victorious soldier
Steinunn		Girl	Stone or wave
Sunna		Girl	She is the sun
Svala		Girl	A bird
Svana		Girl	One who is like a swan in the battle; One who fights elegantly
Svanhildur		Girl	A variant of Schwanhild; Swan
Thordis		Girl	Thor's woman
Tinna		Girl	Icelandic form of Tina; River
Unndis		Girl	Loving woman; Woman of the wave
Unnr		Girl	A variant of Unnur, meaning wave
Unnur		Girl	Wave
Valdis		Girl	Goddess of the dead
Ylfa		Girl	A female wolf

Infographic: Appealing Icelandic Names For Your Little Princess

Icelandic girl names gracefully weave history and nature, echoing Old Norse roots with meanings of strength and spirituality. They mirror the nation's breathtaking scenery and deep culture. These names, molded by linguistic changes, hold importance in Icelandic life, blending tradition with contemporary influences. Check out our infographic, which features a selection of exquisite names inspired by Iceland for your precious daughter.

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Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

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