312 Old Norse Boy Names For Your Viking

This post about Old Norse boy names lists beautiful names with their meanings and origins. However, before we get to the names, let's look at the background of the Old Norse and the Vikings. Old Norse, a North Germanic language used by the Vikings and their ancestors, significantly impacted modern Scandinavian languages. At the beginning of the Viking Age, two varieties of Old Norse were used, namely East Old Norse and West Old Norse. While the former was the language of Denmark, Sweden, and the Norse Baltic region, the latter was the native language of Norway and the Atlantic Islands, which included the Hebrides, Orkney, Shetland, the Faroes, Iceland, and Greenland (1). Traditionally, Old Norse given names were composed of a prefix and a suffix. These names typically drew inspiration from Norse gods and goddesses. However, many were derived from natural elements like plants, animals, landscapes, and even weather conditions. Traits and characteristics, virtues, and religious associations are other sources from where Old Norse given names originated. As practiced in many cultures today, Old Norse names were also used through generations to establish a connection with one's lineage. On the other hand, certain names were developed based on the individuals' rank, position, or social status. Arick, for instance, means 'the ruler of an island, Haraldur, translates to 'leader of the army,' and Hinrik, means 'estate ruler.' If you find these names attractive and want to explore more options, scan the list below. These names provide insight into the Old Norse culture, traditions, and beliefs. They are a perfect pick for those looking for names that evoke a sense of connection between the divine and mythical world.

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NameGenderMeaning
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Oliver
Baby Boy Sign Boy Olive; Olive tree planter; Ancestor's descendant; All cautious
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Eric
Baby Boy Sign Boy Eternal ruler
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Oscar
Baby Boy Sign Boy God's spear; Friend of deer
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Erick
Baby Boy Sign Boy Eternal ruler; Powerful ruler
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Odin
Baby Boy Sign Boy Inspiration; Frenzy; Rage
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Erik
Baby Boy Sign Boy Eternal ruler
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Gunnar
Baby Boy Sign Boy Bold warrior
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Ronald
Baby Boy Sign Boy Ruler's counsel; Ruler's advice
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Drake
Baby Boy Sign Boy Dragon; Serpent
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Dustin
Baby Boy Sign Boy Thor's stone
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Gustavo
Baby Boy Sign Boy Staff of the Gods
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Bjorn
Baby Boy Sign Boy Bear
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Gary
Baby Boy Sign Boy Enclosure; Spearman; Watchful
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Truett
Baby Boy Sign Boy Dry resinous wood; River bend
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Branson
Baby Boy Sign Boy Burning sword; Son of Brandr
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Leif
Baby Boy Sign Boy A descendant; Heir
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Ralph
Baby Boy Sign Boy Wolf counsel
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Brent
Baby Boy Sign Boy Holy one; From a steep hill; Sword; Warrior
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Kaycen
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Enclosure; Yard; Town; Calf
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Oskar
Baby Boy Sign Boy God's spear; Deer's friend
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Kacen
Baby Boy Sign Boy Descendant from the vigilant one; Noble heart; Calf
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Fynn
Baby Boy Sign Boy Fair; Blessed; Person from Finland
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Ivar
Baby Boy Sign Boy Bow warrior; Army; Yew tree
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Oden
Baby Boy Sign Boy Inspiration; Frenzy; Rage
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Thor
Baby Boy Sign Boy Thunder
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Ragnar
Baby Boy Sign Boy Army; Counsel; Judgement
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Hoyt
Baby Boy Sign Boy Someone who lives high or on a hill; Stick
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Ronaldo
Baby Boy Sign Boy Ruler's counsel; Ruler's advice
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Broderick
Baby Boy Sign Boy Son of Rhydderch; Descendant of Bruadar; Brother
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Caison
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Calf
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Roscoe
Baby Boy Sign Boy Forest of the roebuck; Deer forest; Doe wood
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Iver
Baby Boy Sign Boy Bow warrior; Army; Yew tree
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Truitt
Baby Boy Sign Boy Dry resinous wood; River bend; Trust; Loyalty; Boar
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Halston
Baby Boy Sign Boy Rock; Stone
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Brandt
Baby Boy Sign Boy Fire; Torch; Sword
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Olivier
Baby Boy Sign Boy Olive tree; Ancestor's descendant; Planter of olive trees; All cautious
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Brayton
Baby Boy Sign Boy Broad; Farmstead
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Brant
Baby Boy Sign Boy Fire; Torch; Sword
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Sven
Baby Boy Sign Boy Boy; Lad; Young man
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Tyr
Baby Boy Sign Boy God; Deity
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Olen
Baby Boy Sign Boy Ancestor's descendant
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Roel
Baby Boy Sign Boy Famous land; Famous wolf; Famous ruler
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Arik
Baby Boy Sign Boy Lion of God; Eternal ruler; Powerful; Brave
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Boe
Baby Boy Sign Boy To live
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Eivin
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Good fortune and victor
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Aric
Baby Boy Sign Boy Ever ruler
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Olliver
Baby Boy Sign Boy Olive; Olive tree; Ancestor's descendant; All cautious; Elf warrior
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Ron
Baby Boy Sign Boy Song; Joy; Ruler's advice; Ruler's counsel
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Espen
Baby Boy Sign Boy God's bear; Divine bear
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Rorik
Baby Boy Sign Boy Famous ruler
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Wayland
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Battle; Brave; Small wood grove; Craft
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Einar
Baby Boy Sign Boy One army; One warrior
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Torben
Baby Boy Sign Boy Thor's bear; Thunder bear
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Erickson
Baby Boy Sign Boy Son of Erik; Ever ruler
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Jomar
Baby Boy Sign Boy Famous horse; God increases
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Coulter
Baby Boy Sign Boy Young horse or colt; Backland
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Ole
Baby Boy Sign Boy Ancestor's descendant
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Torsten
Baby Boy Sign Boy Thor's stone; Enclosure; Settlement
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Trigg
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Trustworthy; Faithful; True; Loyal
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Kaysin
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Calf; Enclosure; Yard; Town
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Creek
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Stream smaller than a river
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Esben
Baby Boy Sign Boy God's bear; Divine bear
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Taft
Baby Boy Sign Boy Homestead; One from
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Haakon
Baby Boy Sign Boy High battle; Combat
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Erich
Baby Boy Sign Boy Eternal ruler
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Erling
Baby Boy Sign Boy Heir; Chieftain; Descendant of the jarl
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Igor
Baby Boy Sign Boy Warrior; Army of the Germanic god Yngvi
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Arvid
Baby Boy Sign Boy Eagle tree
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Ericson
Baby Boy Sign Boy Son of Eric; Ever ruler
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Gable
Baby Boy Sign Boy God is my strength; A triangular-shaped hill; God is bright
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Bransen
Baby Boy Sign Boy Son of Brand; Fiery torch
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Keyton
Baby Boy Sign Boy River town; hedged town; Cheerful town
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Tor
Baby Boy Sign Boy Thunder; King
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Esten
Baby Boy Sign Boy Stone of good fortune; Stone island; East town
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Ronal
Baby Boy Sign Boy Ruler's counsel
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Thurston
Baby Boy Sign Boy Stone of Thor
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Wyland
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Brave in battle; Battlefield
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Garth
Baby Boy Sign Boy Garden; The keeper of the garden
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Hamlet
Baby Boy Sign Boy From the village; Compassionate
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Beorn
Baby Boy Sign Boy Warrior; Man; Hero
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Frey
Baby Boy Sign Boy Free; Independent; Lord
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Ivor
Baby Boy Sign Boy Bow of the warrior; Yew tree army
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Ronell
Baby Boy Sign Boy Ruler's advice; Ruler's counsel
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Thackery
Baby Boy Sign Boy A nook or corner with thatching
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Agrim
Baby Boy Sign Boy Chief; Principal; Elder; Prosperity; Fortune; Person wearing a face mask
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Arne
Baby Boy Sign Boy Eagle; Eagle ruler
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Arrick
Baby Boy Sign Boy Powerful ruler; Ever ruling; Lone ruler; Island ruler; A variant of Aric
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Bond
Baby Boy Sign Boy A peasant, farmer, or landowner
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Arvis
Baby Boy Sign Boy Eagle tree; Jungle of eagles
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Gamal
Baby Boy Sign Boy Beauty; Old
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Sten
Baby Boy Sign Boy To be like a stone
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Roe
Baby Boy Sign Boy Roe; Striped; Spotted; King; Corner; Clearing; Red-haired
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Gar
Baby Boy Sign Boy Spear; Triangle field; From the garden
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Ralphie
Baby Boy Sign Boy Wolf counsel
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Sael
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Happiness; Prosperity
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Jerik
Baby Boy Sign Boy Ever ruler
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Rhaegar
Baby Boy Sign Boy Noble; Visionary; Enigmatic
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Oleg
Baby Boy Sign Boy Holy; Blessed; Sacred
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Trygve
Baby Boy Sign Boy Trustworthy; True
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Astin
Baby Boy Sign Boy God's helmet; Divine cauldron
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Old Norse boy names have a rich cultural history and are frequently associated with the Viking age. These names often mirror the traditions, beliefs, and values of Norse people. The list above compiles a vibrant collection of these names with deep meanings and prominent symbolisms. Several of them are inspired by the warriors, monarchs, and brave people who played significant roles in the history of the Nordic culture. Hence, they serve as a great means to honor and celebrate the Nordic spirit.

Infographic: Classic Old Norse Boy Names

The Nordic Region is expansive, consisting of seven European countries and two autonomous regions. Nordic names have a distinctive sound and often refer to Norse mythology and history. In the following infographic, we have compiled a list of names from the Nordic countries to help you choose the right name for your little son. You can even save this infographic for future reference and share it with your friends and family.

timeless old norse names for your baby boy (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some Old Norse baby boy names that have a strong historical significance and mythological origins?

Loki is a popular boy name in Norse mythology, meaning ‘lock,’ and is the name of a trickster god of shape-shifting and magic. Thor is another name that makes a strong appearance in Norse mythology and is popular in Vikings. The God of storms, thunder, war, and strength bore the name and means ‘thunder (2).’

2. What Old Norse baby boy names have been popularized in modern times?

Popular names in modern times include Arne meaning ‘eagle,’ Erik, meaning ‘absolute ruler,’ Frode meaning ‘wise, clever, and learned,’ and Ivar meaning ‘archer,’ which have been heavily influenced by the TV series Vikings and the Old Norse mythology.

3. What were the naming conventions for Old Norse baby boys?

Naming conventions like naming after a relative, naming for a God, patronymics, and adding different alliterations and variations to the name are prevalent in Old Norse and Vikings. It's important to note that there are variations and regional differences in Old Norse naming practices, and some names may have evolved. Additionally, the modern understanding and interpretation of Old Norse names may differ from their historical usage.

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. What is Old Norse?
    https://oldnorse.org/what-is-old-norse/
  2. THOR.
    https://norse-mythology.org/gods-and-creatures/the-aesir-gods-and-goddesses/thor/
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