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.
Name | Gender | Meaning | |
---|---|---|---|
Heorrenda | Boy | An army shield | |
Herdis | Girl | A group of warriors | |
Hildigunn | Girl | A warrior woman | |
Hiordis | Girl | The second wife of Sigmund | |
Hlif | Girl | Mother of Atli. | |
Hoder | Boy | Battle | |
Hoenir | Boy | Odin’s brother | |
Holger | Boy | Island spear | |
Holmstein | Boy | The one who supported Flosi | |
Holter | Unisex | From the wooded hill | |
Hord | Boy | Ashjom’s father | |
Hoskuld | Boy | Thorstein’s son | |
Hrapp | Boy | Hrodgeir’s father | |
Hreidmar | Boy | A dwarf king | |
Hroald | Boy | Brother of Eyvind Weapon | |
Hrodny | Girl | Mother of Hoskuld | |
Hrolf | Boy | Wolf | |
Hrolleif | Boy | Old wolf | |
Hromund | Boy | Son of Thori | |
Hrosskel | Boy | Son of Thorstein | |
Hrut | Boy | Hejolf’s son | |
Hugin | Boy | One who is thoughtful | |
Hunbogi | Boy | Son of Alf | |
Hvergelmir | Girl | The home of Nidhug | |
Hyndla | Girl | A giant | |
Hyrrokkin | Girl | Name of an ogre | |
Idona | Girl | Norse goddess of apples of eternal youth | |
Idun | Girl | One who is active | |
Iduna | Girl | She who is active in love | |
Illugi | Boy | Aslak’s son | |
Im | Boy | Name of a mythical giant | |
Inga | Girl | The hero's daughter | |
Ingaberg | Girl | Daughter of a hero | |
Ingeborg | Girl | Of the goddess Frøy | |
Ingemur | Boy | A famous son | |
Ingharr | Boy | Son’s army | |
Inghram | Boy | Ing’s raven | |
Ingigerd | Girl | Name of Dagstygg’s sister | |
Ingjerd | Girl | Of the goddess Frøy | |
Ingolf | Boy | Wolf | |
Ingrid | Girl | Goddess of fertility | |
Ingunn | Girl | Of the goddess Frøy | |
Ingvild | Girl | Ing's power | |
Iselin | Unisex | Noble; Exalted leader | |
Isleif | Boy | Name of Isrod’s brother | |
Isolf | Boy | Son of Hrani | |
Isrod | Boy | Name of Isleif’s brother | |
Jacob | Boy | May God protect; Holder of the heel; Supplanter | |
Jannie | Girl | God is gracious | |
Jensynn | Boy | Junior Johannes or son of Johannes; God is gracious | |
Kine | Girl | She is of Christian faith | |
Kjell | Boy | Cettle | |
Kjellaug | Girl | Coundron of the holy oath | |
Kjellfrid | Girl | A beautiful kettle | |
Kjersti | Girl | A variant of Christina; The Christian one | |
Kjerstin | Girl | She is the follower of Christ | |
Kjetil | Boy | Cauldron | |
Kreston | Boy | Follower of Christ | |
Leif | Boy | A descendant; Dearly beloved | |
Lovise | Girl | Famous warrior | |
Lucas | Boy | Bringer of light | |
Lull | Girl | Woman who is a legendary soldier | |
Lulla | Girl | A legendary female warrior | |
Marete | Girl | Pearl; a variant of Margaret | |
Maya | Girl | Illusion; Magic | |
Nikolina | Girl | One who achieves victory for people | |
Nils | Boy | Accomplishment or feat of the people | |
Noah | Unisex | Rest | |
Noen | Unisex | Shining light | |
Norah | Girl | Honor; Respect; Shining light; Sunrays | |
Nore | Unisex | A small river in Ireland | |
Oleana | Girl | Ancestor's descendant | |
Olef | Boy | God's dedication; God's kindness | |
Oliver | Boy | Olive tree planter | |
Olivia | Girl | Peace; Olive tree | |
Oskar | Boy | God's spear; Deer's friend | |
Phillip | Boy | Horse lover | |
Pussa | Boy | A tipsy person | |
Ragnfrid | Girl | Of the gods | |
Rebekka | Girl | A girl who traps and baits | |
Rebekkah | Girl | She who traps and baits people | |
Reginus | Boy | A male version of Regina; The King | |
Regna | Girl | To advise; To make a decision | |
Reidar | Boy | A warrior who fights for his home | |
Reidun | Girl | One who bestows the home | |
Reka | Girl | A mighty, distinguished person | |
Rissa | Unisex | Little laughter; Joyful one | |
Roen | Unisex | Peaceful; Calm | |
Ronja | Girl | A daughter of a robber | |
Ronya | Girl | She who is a daughter of a robber | |
Rubert | Boy | One who has the glorious light | |
Runar | Boy | A magic; Secret man | |
Rurik | Boy | A notable, legendary ruler | |
Sarah | Girl | Princess; Noblewoman | |
Sigge | Boy | He who is always victorious | |
Silje | Girl | A diminutive of Cecilia; A blind woman | |
Sindre | Boy | One who is small and trivial; A sparkling one | |
Siw | Girl | She who is a bride | |
Skippere | Boy | One who is a skipper; A marine | |
Skule | Boy | One who likes to remain hidden | |
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.
References
- 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 - 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