341 Norwegian Baby Names With Meanings

Norwegian Baby Names With Meanings

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Norwegian baby names have historical associations and beautiful meanings, making them a perfect naming option. Norwegian first names were generally unisex and influenced by ancient Norse names such as Olef, Haakon, Idona, and Erik. They are inspired by nature, mythological gods and goddesses, social status, and ancient virtues associated with rulers or warriors. These names were traditionally followed until they were introduced to Christianity and names inspired by Biblical characters. This led to the introduction of gender specificity in Norwegian names. Additionally, this religious integration also impacted their traditional naming traditions. The Norwegian baby-naming patterns have changed significantly throughout the centuries. Initially, a child could be given just one given name and no surname. A patronymic naming pattern existed, with names ending in suffixes such as –sson and -ssen for sons and -sdatter and -sdotter for daughters. Later, the double ‘s’ was dropped from male surname suffixes and the single ‘s’ was dropped from the female surname suffixes. Around a hundred years ago, there was a custom of using combination names. Parents gave their children as many as five names, including parents, grandparents, relatives, and even ancestors. When the Norwegians immigrated to America, they did not consistently use surnames. So in 1923, a law was ordered in which each family could have a single family name handed down through the generations. In addition, names based on paternal names, place of residence, and those acquired through marriage were also considered (1). While most families adopted a patronymic name, some even adopted occupational surnames, place surnames, or characteristic surnames. However, despite all these adaptations, Norwegian people continue to stick to their distinct cultural roots and mythologically inspired virtues. Thus, the following list brings you an exhaustive collection of baby names with meanings from the world of Norwegia.

NameGenderMeaning
heart image Eggther heart image baby boy sign Boy Guardian for the giants
heart image Eiel heart image baby boy sign Boy one who is born to inspire fright
heart image Eigil heart image baby boy sign Boy The one who inspires fright in the hearts
heart image Eir heart image baby boy sign Girl Finnish form of Edwin; A rich friend
heart image Eistein heart image baby boy sign Boy A boy who is lucky and fortunate
heart image Eitri heart image baby boy sign Boy Name of a mythical dwarf
heart image Eivind heart image baby boy sign Boy Happy warrior; one who brings peace
heart image Eldgrim heart image baby boy sign Boy The one who was killed by Hrut Hejolfsson
heart image Elias heart image baby boy sign Boy One who believes Yahweh is the Lord
heart image Ella heart image baby boy sign Girl Beautiful light; Goddess
heart image Ellisif heart image baby boy sign Girl Consecrated to God
heart image Emil heart image baby boy sign Boy Rival
heart image Emilie heart image baby boy sign Girl Someone who is extremely laborious and hard working
heart image Emma heart image baby boy sign Girl Whole; Universal
heart image Enar heart image baby boy sign Boy A fighter
heart image Erec heart image baby boy sign Boy Always mighty
heart image Erich heart image baby boy sign Boy Ruler of the people
heart image Erick heart image baby boy sign Boy Ruler of the people
heart image Ericka heart image baby boy sign Girl A feminized form of the name Erick meaning ruler of people
heart image Erickson heart image baby boy sign Boy Son of Erik; Son of ruler
heart image Erico heart image baby boy sign Boy Someone who rules the people of a land
heart image Ericson heart image baby boy sign Boy Son of a ruler named Erik
heart image Erik heart image baby boy sign Boy Ruler of the world
heart image Erika heart image baby boy sign Girl Eternal ruler
heart image Erikka heart image baby boy sign Girl A ruler
heart image Erikson heart image baby boy sign Boy Son or Erik; Ruler of the people
heart image Erix heart image baby boy sign Boy Island ruler; Eternal ruler
heart image Erkenbaud heart image baby boy sign Boy An ancient king of Northumberland
heart image Erkengota heart image baby boy sign Girl An ancient character of mythology
heart image Erling heart image baby boy sign Boy Heir of clanchief
heart image Ernaline heart image baby boy sign Girl Capable; Serious; Battle to the death
heart image Erneburga heart image baby boy sign Girl A historical figure in Yorkshire
heart image Erp heart image baby boy sign Boy Name of Meldun’s son
heart image Errika heart image baby boy sign Girl One who rules eternally
heart image Eryk heart image baby boy sign Boy Someone who is a ruler for eternity
heart image Eryka heart image baby boy sign Girl Someone who rules for eternity
heart image Esbern heart image baby boy sign Boy A divine bear
heart image Esbjorn heart image baby boy sign Boy Bear of the Gods
heart image Eske heart image baby boy sign Boy Spear of the gods
heart image Eskil heart image baby boy sign Boy God; Divinity
heart image Esten heart image baby boy sign Boy Eastern town or island
heart image Estrith heart image baby boy sign Girl A royal person of Norway
heart image Everton heart image baby boy sign Boy A Norwegian word meaning wild boar
heart image Evinrude heart image baby boy sign Boy A swift boat
heart image Eyfrod heart image baby boy sign Boy The one who was farmed at tongue
heart image Eyjolf heart image baby boy sign Boy The one who was killed by Kari
heart image Eyvind heart image baby boy sign Boy The winner of the islands
heart image Fafner heart image baby boy sign Boy Name of a dragon in Norse mythology
heart image Faste heart image baby boy sign Boy One who is firm and resolute
heart image Fenris heart image baby boy sign Boy Name of a mythical monster
heart image Finnbogi heart image baby boy sign Boy Norwegian term meaning merchant
heart image Finnigan heart image baby boy sign Boy Descendants of the fair ones
heart image Fjall heart image baby boy sign Boy From the rough hill
heart image Fjord heart image baby boy sign Unisex Narrow, deep inlet
heart image Fjorgyn heart image baby boy sign Girl Mother of Thor
heart image Floki heart image baby boy sign Boy A heroic viking.
heart image Flosi heart image baby boy sign Boy Chieftain
heart image Forseti heart image baby boy sign Boy Balder’s son.
heart image Freki heart image baby boy sign Boy Odin’s wolf
heart image Freyr heart image baby boy sign Boy Norse God of weather
heart image Freystein heart image baby boy sign Boy One who is hard as a rock
heart image Fridleif heart image baby boy sign Boy Ari’s father.
heart image Frikka heart image baby boy sign Girl A peaceful ruler
heart image Galm heart image baby boy sign Boy Thorvald’s father
heart image Ganger heart image baby boy sign Boy A founder of Normandy
heart image Garthf heart image baby boy sign Girl Protection
heart image Gaten heart image baby boy sign Boy From Gaeta, a city in Italy
heart image Geirbjorg heart image baby boy sign Girl Sister of Bersi; The Godless
heart image Geirrid heart image baby boy sign Girl Sister of Geirrod
heart image Gimle heart image baby boy sign Girl New heaven
heart image Ginnungagap heart image baby boy sign Girl The abyss that gives birth to all living things
heart image Gjalp heart image baby boy sign Girl A giant
heart image Gna heart image baby boy sign Girl One of Frigga's ladies in waiting
heart image Grid heart image baby boy sign Girl Name of a wife of Odin
heart image Grima heart image baby boy sign Girl Son of Njal; Feminine form of Grim
heart image Grimhilda heart image baby boy sign Girl Mother of Gudrun
heart image Grimhilde heart image baby boy sign Girl A variant of the name Grimhilda. It means mother of Gudrun.
heart image Gudrid heart image baby boy sign Girl Divinely inspired wisdom
heart image Gullveig heart image baby boy sign Girl Name of a witch
heart image Gunhilde heart image baby boy sign Girl Battle maiden
heart image Gunnhildr heart image baby boy sign Girl Battle maiden
heart image Gunnlod heart image baby boy sign Girl Mother of Bragi
heart image Guro heart image baby boy sign Boy The variant of name Guru; Master or teacher who is the head of a community
heart image Guthr heart image baby boy sign Girl Warlike
heart image Gydda heart image baby boy sign Girl Aggressive; Destructive; Forceful
heart image Gytha heart image baby boy sign Girl Warlike; Aggressive in doing everything
heart image Haakon heart image baby boy sign Boy High son; Descendant
heart image Haldana heart image baby boy sign Girl A woman who is half-Danish
heart image Haldora heart image baby boy sign Girl One who is half-spirited
heart image Halla heart image baby boy sign Girl An unexpected gift; Half protected
heart image Halldis heart image baby boy sign Girl A firm helper
heart image Halldor heart image baby boy sign Boy Thor's rock
heart image Hallfrid heart image baby boy sign Girl One who is half beautiful
heart image Hallgerd heart image baby boy sign Girl One who is half-protected
heart image Halvard heart image baby boy sign Boy Rock Defender; Guardian of the Rock
heart image Halvor heart image baby boy sign Boy protector of the Rock; Rock warden
heart image Haralda heart image baby boy sign Girl An army ruler
heart image Haralds heart image baby boy sign Boy The war commander's son
heart image Hela heart image baby boy sign Girl Goddess of the underworld
heart image Helja heart image baby boy sign Girl Name of a saga

Norwegian baby names continue to reflect the nation's history, culture, and values. With their ties to nature, lineage, religion, and social ideals, these names glimpse the deep-rooted historical connections Norwegians maintain while embracing the future. Whether inspired by ancient legends or Christian trends, the above-given Norwegian names carry a piece of the country's heart and soul. This beautifully blends heritage and progress into a harmonious union.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What restrictions exist on the names that can be given to babies in Norway?

The Norwegian Names Act of 2022 regulates the names given to children. Any person can change their family name to a common family name. Norway's strict naming laws are aimed at protecting children from strange-looking names. You can even end up in jail if you give a name banned in Norway, such as swear names or names of medicines and diseases. Some examples of acceptable names are Raabi, Gesher, Glisur, and Dits (2).

2. How do Norwegian baby names reflect the country's culture and history?

Norwegian names reflect the Old Norse Mythology. Some examples of such names are Oskar, meaning spear of Gods, and Thor or the God of strength. Astrid and Kaia are Scandinavian roots. The former means divinely beautiful, while the latter means pure or the sea. Ellinor means the other Aenor. One of the first females named Eleanor was the 12th-century queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. Hanna, meaning Yahweh is gracious, is another Norwegian name with Greek roots that reflect the country's culture.

3. What does the Norwegian baby name Maren, Olav, and Astrid mean?

Maren is a Latin feminine name that means 'star of the sea.' Olav is a Dutch, Polish, Scandinavian, and German name. It means ancestor's relic or heirloom. Astrid is a modern form of Ástríðr and means 'divinely beautiful.'

4. Which Norwegian baby names are also popular in other countries?

Many Norwegian baby names have become popular across Europe today. Many of them are inspired by Norse mythology, and some are Viking warrior names. Some examples include Anders, meaning brave, Ingrid, meaning beautiful, Karl, meaning free man, Ella, meaning fairy maiden, and Karolina, meaning warrior.

Infographic: Mesmerizing Norwegian Baby Names With Meanings

From nature-inspired to heroic names, Norwegian naming practices intertwine tradition and history with societal values. With evolution and modernization, these names continue to hold on to their Nordic roots and mythological tales. Delve into the mesmerizing blend of history, culture, and tradition hidden within modern-sounding names with the following infographic.

marvelous norwegian names for your baby (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

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.  Norway Personal Names.
    https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Norway_Personal_Names#:~:text=1923%20Law%20on%20Personal%20Names%5B,a%20woman%20receives%20her%20husband%27s%20surname
  2. These 11 countries are banning certain baby names because you can't be trusted.
    https://theworld.org/stories/2014-04-01/these-11-countries-are-banning-certain-baby-names-because-you-cant-be-trusted
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