217 Norse Baby Boy Names With Meanings

norse-baby-boy-names-with-meanings

Norse boy names emerge from an intriguing history closely connected to Scandinavia's Viking Age and also encompass names from modern-day Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. The Norse, known as Vikings, were skilled seafarers from northern Europe. They undertook daring voyages to America centuries before other Europeans (1).

One of the primary reasons parents opt for Norse names is their distinctiveness. In a world where popular names often abound, parents desire to bestow their children with a moniker that sets them apart. Norse names are integral to the Viking legacy, carrying a profound historical, cultural, and mythological significance. The Old Norse language and its rich pool of names provide a glimpse into the values, traditions, and beliefs of the Norse people.

Numerous Norse names were influenced by powerful gods, goddesses, and mythical entities. Names like Thor were popular, representing the god of thunder and power. In Norse society, animal names were also widely favored. It was quite common to encounter Vikings bearing names such as Orm, meaning 'serpent,' and Ingolf, meaning 'wolf.'

The patronymic naming system was employed throughout Scandinavia, where an individual's family name was derived from their father's first name, along with a suffix denoting their gender. This method facilitated the identification of a person's father; for instance, a man named Johannes Andersen was the son of Ander, and Maria Olofsdatter was the daughter of Olofs.

The popularity of Norse names experienced fluctuations over time, but they endured as an integral part of Norse identity and culture. In the modern era, Norse names have enjoyed a revival in popularity due to a resurgence of interest in Viking history, mythology, and popular media portrayals. As a testament to their enduring appeal, Norse names continue to captivate parents seeking meaningful and powerful appellations for their children, reaffirming the lasting impact of the ancient Norse civilization on modern naming practices.

NameGenderMeaning
heart image Garth Baby Boy Sign Boy The keeper of the garden
heart image Gartheride Baby Boy Sign Boy Owner of a place
heart image Garthrite Baby Boy Sign Boy One who owns a place or enclosure
heart image Har Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is high
heart image Harvin Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Strength, warrior, victorious
heart image Heidrun Baby Boy Sign Boy A goat who supplies mead to the gods
heart image Hildebeorht Baby Boy Sign Boy One whose light shines bright in the battle
heart image Hildeburh Baby Boy Sign Boy He is a light in the battle
heart image Hoder Baby Boy Sign Boy Battle
heart image Hoenir Baby Boy Sign Boy Odin's brother
heart image Holmstein Baby Boy Sign Boy The one who supported Flosi
heart image Hord Baby Boy Sign Boy Ashjom's father
heart image Hoskuld Baby Boy Sign Boy Thorstein's son
heart image Hrapp Baby Boy Sign Boy Hrodgeir's father
heart image Hreidmar Baby Boy Sign Boy A dwarf king
heart image Hroald Baby Boy Sign Boy Brother of Eyvind Weapon
heart image Hrolf Baby Boy Sign Boy Wolf
heart image Hrolleif Baby Boy Sign Boy Old wolf
heart image Hromund Baby Boy Sign Boy Son of Thori
heart image Hrosskel Baby Boy Sign Boy Son of Thorstein
heart image Hugin Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is thoughtful
heart image Hunbogi Baby Boy Sign Boy Son of Alf
heart image Illugi Baby Boy Sign Boy Aslak's son
heart image Im Baby Boy Sign Boy Name of a mythical giant
heart image Ingemur Baby Boy Sign Boy A famous son
heart image Ingharr Baby Boy Sign Boy Son's army
heart image Inghram Baby Boy Sign Boy Ing's raven
heart image Ingolf Baby Boy Sign Boy Wolf
heart image Isleif Baby Boy Sign Boy Name of Isrod's brother
heart image Isolf Baby Boy Sign Boy Son of Hrani
heart image Isrod Baby Boy Sign Boy Name of Isleif's brother
heart image Leira Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Plowman; Farmer
heart image Magnar Baby Boy Sign Boy A Mighty leader of the army
heart image Magne Baby Boy Sign Boy A magnificent fighter and leader
heart image Magni Baby Boy Sign Boy Mighty, powerful, strength
heart image Merowald Baby Boy Sign Boy A king of rivers and forests; King of Hereford
heart image Modthryth Baby Boy Sign Boy A Virgin damsel; A short form of Maria or Mary
heart image Molde Baby Boy Sign Boy A fertile soil
heart image Nivek Baby Boy Sign Boy Victorious; Strong; Independent
heart image Odd Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is chosen
heart image Oden Baby Boy Sign Boy Dearest human being
heart image Odin Baby Boy Sign Boy Ecstacy; Fury
heart image Odyn Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Powerful and wise
heart image Oeric Baby Boy Sign Boy An eternal ruler; One and only; Rules always
heart image Ohthere Baby Boy Sign Boy A true champion; One who is a champ or ahead of all
heart image Olaf Baby Boy Sign Boy Ancestor; Grand father
heart image Olaff Baby Boy Sign Boy The crowd who are experiencing the triumph
heart image Olan Baby Boy Sign Boy Long-lasting; Not easily destroyed
heart image Olanda Baby Boy Sign Boy One with accumulated wealth of money and jewels
heart image Olav Baby Boy Sign Boy Affectionate homegrown; Sweet home
heart image Olave Baby Boy Sign Boy Orchad of shrub; The person who is capturing interest as if by a spell
heart image Ole Baby Boy Sign Boy Framework that supports climbing plants
heart image Olef Baby Boy Sign Boy God's dedication; God's kindness
heart image Olen Baby Boy Sign Boy Private spectator; Secret observer
heart image Orm Baby Boy Sign Boy The ninth one in the family
heart image Ormarr Baby Boy Sign Boy Serpent Army
heart image Osbarn Baby Boy Sign Boy A God bear or a God warrior
heart image Osborn Baby Boy Sign Boy The warrior of God
heart image Osborne Baby Boy Sign Boy The warrior of God's army, the spiritual bear
heart image Osbourn Baby Boy Sign Boy The spiritual fighter of God's army
heart image Osfrith Baby Boy Sign Boy A god of the gods
heart image Osgar Baby Boy Sign Boy Softly bright; Radiant
heart image Osgarus Baby Boy Sign Boy God who rules the world
heart image Osgyth Baby Boy Sign Boy The beloved god of love and peace
heart image Oshern Baby Boy Sign Boy The god of peace and love
heart image Oskar Baby Boy Sign Boy God's spear; Deer's friend
heart image Osmond Baby Boy Sign Boy A protected human being
heart image Ove Baby Boy Sign Boy Edge of the sword; Awe; Fear
heart image Pollerd Baby Boy Sign Boy A short-haired man
heart image Ragnarok Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Apocalyptic destruction or end of the world
heart image Raud Baby Boy Sign Boy The father of the wolves
heart image Raven Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Dark-haired; Wise
heart image Rikky Unisex Baby Sign Unisex One who is a complete leader and ruler
heart image Roar Baby Boy Sign Boy A fighter of Heaven
heart image Roran Baby Boy Sign Boy Strong; Courageous; Leader
heart image Roscoe Baby Boy Sign Boy A roebuck of the forests
heart image Rothwell Baby Boy Sign Boy A man who lives near a red spring
heart image Rowen Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Little red one; Red-haired one
heart image Royd Baby Boy Sign Boy He who lives in forest's clearing
heart image Run Baby Boy Sign Boy A secret character of lore
heart image Sanvik Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Fortunate; Courageous; Intelligent
heart image Sceldwa Baby Boy Sign Boy The actual representation of kingship
heart image Senua Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Mysterious or enigmatic
heart image Skai Unisex Baby Sign Unisex A variant of Sky
heart image Sky Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Sky; The abode of God; Cloud
heart image Skye Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Cloud; Cloud island; Adventurous
heart image Swae Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Brilliant and bright
heart image Tankred Baby Boy Sign Boy A well thought advice
heart image Tappen Unisex Baby Sign Unisex The top of the hanging rock
heart image Tarald Baby Boy Sign Boy Power of the thunder
heart image Tarl Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Strong; Noble; Leader
heart image Tate Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Cheerful
heart image Thorson Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Son of Thor
heart image Tidhild Baby Boy Sign Boy Battle time
heart image Tor Baby Boy Sign Boy The god of thunder
heart image Torbjorn Baby Boy Sign Boy The bear of Thor
heart image Tord Baby Boy Sign Boy The Thunder God
heart image Torfi Baby Boy Sign Boy The turf; A layer of earth covered with grass
heart image Torgny Baby Boy Sign Boy The noise of the Thunder God
heart image Torhild Baby Boy Sign Boy The battle of thunder god
1 2 3

Norse boy names boast a riveting history tied to the fierce Viking Age in northern Europe. Brace yourself for names like Alvis, Gandalf, and Odin, drawn from epic Norse mythology, and trendy animal-inspired picks. The patronymic naming system adds an extra layer of heritage to these names, tracing back to ancestral lineage. Despite fluctuations in popularity, Norse names are enjoying a resurgence thanks to renewed interest in Viking culture.

Infographic: Captivating Norse Baby Boy Names With Meanings

Embark on an enthralling journey into the mystical world of Norse boy names and bestow your son with a name that resonates with the ancient Viking legacy. Norse names hold a deep-rooted historical, cultural, and mythological significance, making them an integral part of the Viking heritage. Check out the infographic below for names that represent strength and valor. Pick your favorite for your adorable little hero.

powerful norse baby boy names for your little warrior (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the meaning of the Norse name ‘Thor’?

The name Thor is derived from an Old Norse word meaning thunder, which ultimately comes from the Proto-Germanic *Þunraz. In Norse mythology, Thor is the son of Odin and the god of thunder, the sky, and agriculture. He is the husband of Sif and the defender of Asgard and Midgard. Thursday is dedicated to Thor (2).

2. What are some Norse baby boy names that have positive or virtuous meanings?

There are several masculine Norse names with positive and virtuous meanings. Magni is a Norse mythological name meaning power or strength, Bendik is a Norwegian name meaning blessed, and Felix means lucky or successful.

3. Which Norse baby boy names mean strong, victory, and wolf?

There are several names with these meanings. Norse baby boy names that mean strong include Gabriel meaning God is my strong man, Njord meaning strong, vigorous, and Magni meaning power, strength. Next, the Norse baby boy names meaning victory are Sigmund, meaning victory and protection, Sigurd meaning victory and guard, and Signý meaning victory and new. Meanwhile, Norse baby boy names like Ingolf combine the name of the Germanic god Ing with wolf, Adolf meaning noble wolf, Fastúlfr meaning solid and wolf, and Hróðulfr meaning praise, fame and wolf are some examples of names meaning wolf.

4. Can you provide some examples of Norse baby boy names with historical significance?

Norse baby names like Erik (inspired by Erik the Red, who founded the first European settlement in Greenland), Leif (inspired by Leif Erikson, who was the first European to set foot on North America), and Olaf (inspired by Olaf II Haraldsson or Saint Olaf who was the King of Norway) have historical significance.

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.
  1. The Beginning of the Viking Age in the West.
    https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11457-018-9221-3
  2. Thor
    https://www.worldhistory.org/Thor/
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