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

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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