353 Old Norse Boy Names For Your Viking
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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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| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  Boy | Olive; Olive tree planter; Ancestor's descendant; All cautious | |
| | Boy | Eternal ruler | |
| | Boy | God's spear; Friend of deer | |
| | Boy | Eternal ruler; Powerful ruler | |
| | Boy | Inspiration; Frenzy; Rage | |
| | Boy | Eternal ruler | |
| | Boy | Bold warrior | |
| | Boy | Ruler's counsel; Ruler's advice | |
| | Boy | Dragon; Serpent | |
| | Boy | Thor's stone | |
| | Boy | Staff of the Gods | |
| | Boy | Bear | |
| | Boy | Enclosure; Spearman; Watchful | |
| | Boy | Dry resinous wood; River bend | |
| | Boy | Burning sword; Son of Brandr | |
| | Boy | A descendant; Heir | |
| | Boy | Wolf counsel | |
| | Boy | Holy one; From a steep hill; Sword; Warrior | |
| |  Unisex | Enclosure; Yard; Town; Calf | |
| | Boy | God's spear; Deer's friend | |
| | Boy | Descendant from the vigilant one; Noble heart; Calf | |
| | Boy | Fair; Blessed; Person from Finland | |
| | Boy | Bow warrior; Army; Yew tree | |
| | Boy | Inspiration; Frenzy; Rage | |
| | Boy | Thunder | |
| | Boy | Army; Counsel; Judgement | |
| | Boy | Someone who lives high or on a hill; Stick | |
| | Boy | Ruler's counsel; Ruler's advice | |
| | Boy | Son of Rhydderch; Descendant of Bruadar; Brother | |
| | Unisex | Calf | |
| | Boy | Forest of the roebuck; Deer forest; Doe wood | |
| | Boy | Bow warrior; Army; Yew tree | |
| | Boy | Dry resinous wood; River bend; Trust; Loyalty; Boar | |
| | Boy | Rock; Stone | |
| | Boy | Fire; Torch; Sword | |
| | Boy | Olive tree; Ancestor's descendant; Planter of olive trees; All cautious | |
| | Boy | Broad; Farmstead | |
| | Boy | Fire; Torch; Sword | |
| | Boy | Boy; Lad; Young man | |
| | Boy | God; Deity | |
| | Boy | Ancestor's descendant | |
| | Boy | Famous land; Famous wolf; Famous ruler | |
| | Boy | Lion of God; Eternal ruler; Powerful; Brave | |
| | Boy | To live | |
| | Unisex | Good fortune and victor | |
| | Boy | Ever ruler | |
| | Boy | Olive; Olive tree; Ancestor's descendant; All cautious; Elf warrior | |
| | Boy | Song; Joy; Ruler's advice; Ruler's counsel | |
| | Boy | God's bear; Divine bear | |
| | Boy | Famous ruler | |
| | Unisex | Battle; Brave; Small wood grove; Craft | |
| | Boy | One army; One warrior | |
| | Boy | Thor's bear; Thunder bear | |
| | Boy | Son of Erik; Ever ruler | |
| | Boy | Famous horse; God increases | |
| | Boy | Ray of hope | |
| | Boy | Young horse or colt; Backland | |
| | Boy | Ancestor's descendant | |
| | Boy | Thor's stone; Enclosure; Settlement | |
| | Unisex | Trustworthy; Faithful; True; Loyal | |
| | Unisex | Calf; Enclosure; Yard; Town | |
| | Unisex | Stream smaller than a river | |
| | Boy | God's bear; Divine bear | |
| | Boy | Homestead; One from | |
| | Boy | High battle; Combat | |
| | Boy | Eternal ruler | |
| | Boy | Heir; Chieftain; Descendant of the jarl | |
| | Boy | Warrior; Army of the Germanic god Yngvi | |
| | Boy | Eagle tree | |
| | Boy | Son of Eric; Ever ruler | |
| | Boy | God is my strength; A triangular-shaped hill; God is bright | |
| | Boy | Son of Brand; Fiery torch | |
| | Boy | River town; hedged town; Cheerful town | |
| | Boy | Ever ruler | |
| | Boy | Thunder; King | |
| | Boy | Stone of good fortune; Stone island; East town | |
| | Boy | Ruler's counsel | |
| | Boy | Stone of Thor | |
| | Unisex | Brave in battle; Battlefield | |
| | Boy | Garden; The keeper of the garden | |
| | Boy | From the village; Compassionate | |
| | Boy | Warrior; Man; Hero | |
| | Boy | Free; Independent; Lord | |
| | Boy | Bow of the warrior; Yew tree army | |
| | Boy | Ruler's advice; Ruler's counsel | |
| | Boy | A nook or corner with thatching | |
| | Boy | Chief; Principal; Elder; Prosperity; Fortune; Person wearing a face mask | |
| | Boy | Eagle; Eagle ruler | |
| | Boy | Ever ruler; Always king | |
| | Boy | A peasant, farmer, or landowner | |
| | Boy | Eagle tree; Jungle of eagles | |
| | Boy | Beauty; Old | |
| | Boy | To be like a stone | |
| | Boy | Roe; Striped; Spotted; King; Corner; Clearing; Red-haired | |
| | Boy | Spear; Triangle field; From the garden | |
| | Boy | Wolf counsel | |
| | Unisex | Happiness; Prosperity | |
| | Boy | Ever ruler | |
| | Boy | Holy; Blessed; Sacred | |
| | Boy | Trustworthy; True | |
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.
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.
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.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
Look Up For Many More Names
Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.
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