187 Old Norse Baby Names With Meanings

old-norse-baby-names-with-meanings

Many immediately think of Norse mythology when considering Old Norse baby names. Old Norse names, dominant in Scandinavian and Viking history, range from strong, robust, and tough to delicate and lovely. Parents often named their children after their deceased hero or relative, hoping they would inherit the same traits, virtues, or personalities as the ones whose names they bore. If a relative died when the child was in the womb, giving the child the name of that particular relative was mandatory. If the honored relative or ancestor had a common name, the ancestor's nickname or by-name would also be attached. Hence, names remained almost the same in the families for long periods. Names of Norse gods, goddesses, and mythical beings were also common as first names. For instance, Thor was a well-liked name, symbolizing the god of thunder and might. Another example is Freya, the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility (1) (2). In Norse culture, names connected to animals were also very popular. It wasn't uncommon to find Vikings with names like Orm, which meant 'serpent,' or Ingolf, which meant 'wolf.' A patronymic or metronymic system was used. An individual's family name was commonly formed by uniting their father's first name with a gender-specific suffix. This method was used to determine a person's paternal lineage. For example, a man named Johannes Andersen denoted that he was the son of Ander, whereas the name Maria Olofsdatter denoted that she was the daughter of a man named Olofs. This form of naming provided a simple and straightforward approach to establishing lineage-based family connections. We bring you an extensive collection of Old Norse names with meanings from the language of Norse Sagas, mythology, and the Viking Age. Most of these names are still used in Scandinavia, but in anglicized form and with a different pronunciation. Keep scrolling!

NameGenderMeaning
heart image Aasta Baby Girl Sign Girl Love
heart image Adalbjorg Baby Girl Sign Girl Noble protection
heart image Adalheidis Baby Girl Sign Girl Noble kind; Of the noble sort
heart image Adalstienn Baby Boy Sign Boy Noble stone
heart image Adalward Baby Boy Sign Boy The noble guardian
heart image Age Baby Boy Sign Boy Chaste; Edge; Blade
heart image Agnar Baby Boy Sign Boy Sharp; Edge of a sword; Ruler with a sword
heart image Ake Baby Boy Sign Boy Representatives of ancestors; A derivative of Aage
heart image Alfdis Baby Girl Sign Girl Goddess; Divine woman
heart image Alfild Baby Girl Sign Girl Elf; Supernatural being; Battle; Magical counsel
heart image Alfina Baby Girl Sign Girl Elf; Supernatural being; Battle; Magical counsel
heart image Alvilda Baby Girl Sign Girl Variant of Alfhild; Elf; Supernatural being; Elf battle; Victory
heart image Ansgar Baby Boy Sign Boy God spear; Gentle friend; A variant name of Oscar
heart image Arick Baby Boy Sign Boy Ever-ruling, Island ruler; Powerful ruler
heart image Arik Baby Boy Sign Boy Lion of God
heart image Arlan Baby Boy Sign Boy Pledge; Oath
heart image Armann Baby Boy Sign Boy Messenger
heart image Arna Baby Girl Sign Girl Eagle; Power
heart image Arnleif Baby Girl Sign Girl The eagle inheritor
heart image Arrick Baby Boy Sign Boy Powerful ruler; Ever ruling; Lone ruler; Island ruler; A variant of Aric
heart image Arthea Baby Girl Sign Girl A variant of Artice; Lofty hill; Follower of Thor
heart image Artice Baby Girl Sign Girl Of lofty hill; The follower of Thor
heart image Artina Baby Girl Sign Girl A variant of Artice; Lofty hill; Follower of Thor
heart image Arvie Baby Boy Sign Boy Friend of the people; Eagle tree; A variant of the name Arvid
heart image Asatrus Baby Boy Sign Boy Faith in God; True to God
heart image Asbjorn Baby Boy Sign Boy Divine Bear
heart image Asdis Baby Girl Sign Girl Goddess
heart image Asger Baby Boy Sign Boy Spear of god
heart image Asgerd Baby Girl Sign Girl God's fence
heart image Astri Baby Girl Sign Girl Divinely beautiful; Fair beautiful goddess; Divine beauty; Fair
heart image Audbjorg Baby Girl Sign Girl A combination of luck and one who saves
heart image Birgir Baby Boy Sign Boy Mountain
heart image Birkir Baby Boy Sign Boy Birch tree
heart image Birtingr Baby Boy Sign Boy A smart, capable and illustrious man
heart image Bjarki Baby Boy Sign Boy A small bear
heart image Bjartur Baby Boy Sign Boy Bright
heart image Borje Baby Boy Sign Boy Old Norse - From the fortified Hill or Castle; A variant of the name Borg
heart image Botilda Baby Girl Sign Girl Old Norse - A commanding Heroine; Battle for Help
heart image Brandr Baby Boy Sign Boy Sword
heart image Brenndah Baby Girl Sign Girl Sword; Torch; Burning
heart image Brunhild Baby Girl Sign Girl Battle armor; Protection
heart image Brynhildr Baby Girl Sign Girl Armor or protective battle maiden
heart image Dagbjart Baby Boy Sign Boy Daylight; Bright day
heart image Dagbjartur Baby Boy Sign Boy Daylight; Bright day
heart image Dagnija Baby Girl Sign Girl Day
heart image Dagomara Baby Girl Sign Girl A glorious day
heart image Dyri Baby Boy Sign Boy Deer in the Icelandic language
heart image Elf Unisex Baby Sign Unisex A small human being-like mythical creature from folklore
heart image Eysteinn Baby Boy Sign Boy The stone island
heart image Eyvindur Baby Boy Sign Boy Lucky warrior
heart image Finnur Baby Boy Sign Boy One from Finland
heart image Fraida Baby Girl Sign Girl Someone who is beautiful and adored by all
heart image Fram Baby Boy Sign Boy Someone who is forward, outward and brave
heart image Fray Baby Boy Sign Boy The foremost person; Lord
heart image Fraya Baby Girl Sign Girl Noble lady
heart image Frea Baby Girl Sign Girl The lady; Mistress
heart image Frei Baby Boy Sign Boy Lord; Master; Free man
heart image Freia Baby Girl Sign Girl Lady or mistress
heart image Freja Baby Girl Sign Girl Lady; Goddess of beauty, love, and war
heart image Freo Baby Boy Sign Boy Lord or master; A nobleman
heart image Freya Baby Girl Sign Girl Noble woman
heart image Freydis Baby Girl Sign Girl Lady; Noble woman
heart image Fridgeir Baby Boy Sign Boy Peace spear
heart image Fridmar Baby Boy Sign Boy Brilliant or shining peace
heart image Fridr Baby Girl Sign Girl One who is beautiful
heart image Fridrik Baby Girl Sign Girl One who governs peacefully
heart image Fridrika Baby Girl Sign Girl Peaceful ruler
heart image Frigg Baby Girl Sign Girl One who belongs to Iceland
heart image Gerdur Baby Girl Sign Girl Protection; A protective woman
heart image Gerta Baby Girl Sign Girl Spear; Strength; Power; Enclosure
heart image Gertha Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Protected or strength in battle
heart image Gils Baby Boy Sign Boy Father of Hedin; A variant form of Gisle and Gisli; Small goat; Son of the bishop's servant
heart image Glib Baby Boy Sign Boy Hair of God
heart image Greipr Baby Boy Sign Boy A man of great strength
heart image Gudrun Baby Girl Sign Girl God's secret lore
heart image Guenther Baby Boy Sign Boy Battle; Warrior
heart image Gustavs Baby Boy Sign Boy The staff of the geats or goths or Gods
heart image Hagen Baby Boy Sign Boy A chosen son or descendent; High; A derivative from Hakon
heart image Hako Baby Boy Sign Boy Highest number in the race
heart image Halden Baby Boy Sign Boy Half Dane; From Denmark
heart image Haldis Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Spirit of stone; Firm helper
heart image Haldor Baby Boy Sign Boy Rock; Thor; God of thunder; Derived from word Hallr
heart image Hallden Baby Boy Sign Boy Half Dane; From Denmark; A variant of the name Halden
heart image Halle Baby Girl Sign Girl Rock
heart image Haraldur Baby Boy Sign Boy Leader of an army
heart image Haukr Baby Boy Sign Boy Hawk
heart image Hawk Baby Boy Sign Boy Falcon; Bird of prey
heart image Hawke Baby Girl Sign Girl A falcon bird of prey
heart image Healfdene Baby Boy Sign Boy Half Dane
heart image Helga Baby Girl Sign Girl Holy
heart image Helge Baby Boy Sign Boy Holy; Blessed; Derived from Helgi and Heilagr
heart image Hinrik Baby Boy Sign Boy Estate ruler
heart image Hjalmar Baby Boy Sign Boy Helmeted warrior
heart image Hjalte Baby Boy Sign Boy Man from Hjaltland
heart image Hjordis Baby Girl Sign Girl Sword goddess
heart image Hjordos Baby Girl Sign Girl Sword goddess
heart image Hlynur Baby Boy Sign Boy Maple tree
heart image Howea Baby Girl Sign Girl Horse; High; Warden; Guard; Heart; Mind; Clearing in the woods
heart image Hoyt Baby Boy Sign Boy Descended of mind or spirit; A variant of Hoit
heart image Hrafn Baby Boy Sign Boy Raven
1 2

Deciding to grant your child an Old Norse baby name is like going on an adventure into history, stories, and culture. These names carry the history of old times and have fascinating meanings associated with them. Each name is like a string that connects the past with the present, making a special history that keeps going in families. Whether it's the magic of mythological figures or the power of animal symbolism, Old Norse names open the door to a world where each name has its own story, waiting for you to find it.

Infographic: Folkloric Old Norse Baby Names With Meanings

Old Norse baby names are like whispers from a distant and captivating era. These names often draw inspiration from mythical creatures, powerful gods, and nature's elements, reflecting the beliefs and values of an ancient society. Check out this infographic and discover names for your little ones that tell a story of honor, valor, and the deep connection between humans and their surroundings.

magical old norse names for your child (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who are some famous people with Old Norse names?

One of the popular individuals with Old Norse names includes Leif Erikson, the pioneering explorer who became the first European to discover North America (3). Another notable figure is Ingrid Bergman, a renowned 20th-century actress who embodies beauty and grace. Thor Heyerdahl, an adventurer and ethnographer, achieved fame through his adventurous spirit and curiosity, exemplified by his Kon-Tiki expedition exploring ancient cultures (4).

2. What are some Old Norse baby names inspired by mythology?

Old Norse baby names inspired by mythology include Sif, denoting bride or kinswoman, and associated with Siv, the wife of Thor in Norse mythology. Idun, derived from the goddess of spring and immortality, signifying youth and rejuvenation, embodies everlasting beauty.

3. Which is a gender-neutral Old Norse baby name?

One beautiful gender-neutral Old Norse name is Auðr, which means 'wealth' or 'fortune.' It is a unique choice that can be embraced by children of any gender, carrying a sense of prosperity and abundance.

4. What do Old Norse baby names signify or symbolize?

Old Norse names typically embody mythological and natural elements and connotations relevant to warfare. For instance, Bjorn, meaning 'bear,' signifies strength, courage, and resilience. Arna, meaning 'eagle,' represents grace, might, and natural wonder. Freya, meaning 'lady,' derived from the goddess of love and beauty, embodies passion, fertility, and the power of femininity.

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. Norse Mythology.
    https://www.worldhistory.org/Norse_Mythology/
  2. Freya.
    https://norse-mythology.org/gods-and-creatures/the-vanir-gods-and-goddesses/freya/
  3. Leif Erikson.
    https://u.osu.edu/christophervscolumbus/land-ho/leif-erikson/
  4. Thor Heyerdahl and the Galapagos Islands;
    https://galapagosconservation.org.uk/thor-heyerdahl-galapagos-islands/
Was this article helpful?
thumbsupthumbsdown
The following two tabs change content below.