131 Scandinavian Baby Girl Names With Meanings

scandinavian-baby-girl-names-with-meanings

Scandinavian girl names are mystical and versatile. Scandinavia comprises nations such as Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. These countries are known for their pristine natural beauty and landscapes. Scandinavia is also known for their harsh weather conditions. However, the indigenous inhabitants were so accustomed to the conditions and the rugged terrain that over the years they gained physical attributes to suit their environment. As they experience very sparse and watery sunshine throughout the year, most of the indigenous inhabitants lose the majority of the melanin from their cells and have a pale countenance. Amazingly they also possess striking blue eyes and blonde hair.

As striking as these features are, Scandinavian names are also beautiful and unique. Scandinavia follows the patronymic naming system where an individual's family name was formed by taking the first name of the father and adding a gender-specific suffix to it (1). These names are often inspired by the old Norse Gods, some of which have become famous globally due to their references in popular culture. They include Thor the God of Thunder and Loki the God of Mischief. These characters have made an appearance in the American-based Marvel Series the Avengers, and are admired by people all over the world.
The Nordic inhabitants also revered nature and its elements. They particularly worshiped the sea and were expert sailors. Many Scandinavian names bear resemblances to these aspects, such as the Gods they worshiped, the natural elements, and their physical features. Some of the names that are still widely used across the globe are Bimasha meaning ‘a mighty woman from the sea,’ Estrid meaning ‘a beautiful goddess’ and Olga meaning ‘the holy light.’ In this post, we list some adorable Scandinavian names with meanings. Scroll down.

NameGenderMeaning
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Annika
Baby Girl Sign Girl Beautiful; Grace; Favor
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Astrid
Baby Girl Sign Girl Godly strength
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Carina
Baby Girl Sign Girl Beloved; Pure
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Dahlia
Baby Girl Sign Girl Dahlia flower
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Erika
Baby Girl Sign Girl Eternal ruler
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Freya
Baby Girl Sign Girl Noble woman
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Freyja
Baby Girl Sign Girl Lady of love, beauty and death
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Karlie
Baby Girl Sign Girl Free woman
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Laila
Baby Girl Sign Girl Night
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Liv
Baby Girl Sign Girl Life; Protection; Shelter
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Agnes
Baby Girl Sign Girl Chaste; Pure
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Airic
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Ruler; Eternal ruler
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Aivy
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Gift of God
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Betla
Baby Girl Sign Girl A woman who finds God in her oath
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Bimasha
Baby Girl Sign Girl She is a mighty woman from the sea
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Botill
Baby Girl Sign Girl One who likes to command
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Brigid
Baby Girl Sign Girl A Celtic goddess of poetry and fire
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Britta
Baby Girl Sign Girl Exalted one; Mighty; Help
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Brynja
Baby Girl Sign Girl An armoured and protected woman
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Carianne
Baby Girl Sign Girl A merciful and pure woman
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Crysten
Baby Girl Sign Girl Follows Christ
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Dagmar
Baby Girl Sign Girl Day; Maiden
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Dagmara
Baby Girl Sign Girl Maiden; Unmarried
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Dagna
Baby Girl Sign Girl A special day
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Dagny
Baby Girl Sign Girl A special new day
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Edda
Baby Girl Sign Girl One with a clear vision; Great grandmother inheritance
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Eirny
Baby Girl Sign Girl One who is born of new healing and is fresh
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Eivin
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Island; Good fortune; Victor
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Elizabet
Baby Girl Sign Girl My God is an oath
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Elna
Baby Girl Sign Girl A creative person
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Else
Baby Girl Sign Girl One who is noble; An abbreviated form of Elisabeth
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Elvi
Baby Girl Sign Girl Noble friend
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Erica
Baby Girl Sign Girl Forever strong; Noble leader
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Erikka
Baby Girl Sign Girl A ruler
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Erilyn
Baby Girl Sign Girl A combination of two words Eric and Lynn
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Erleen
Baby Girl Sign Girl Noble woman
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Erlene
Baby Girl Sign Girl An elfin; A noble woman
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Erth
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Earth
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Ertha
Baby Girl Sign Girl Earth
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Eryn
Baby Girl Sign Girl A poetic form of referring to Ireland
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Erynn
Baby Girl Sign Girl A word which is used in poetry for referring to Ireland
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Erynne
Baby Girl Sign Girl Ireland
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Esabell
Baby Girl Sign Girl Someone who is devoted to God
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Eslanda
Baby Girl Sign Girl An Irish word for truth
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Estrid
Baby Girl Sign Girl Beautiful goddess
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Etna
Baby Girl Sign Girl A 5th century Irish saint.
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Eyra
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Arrow or warrior
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Eyre
Baby Girl Sign Girl One who lives at the gravel bank river
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Gamela
Baby Girl Sign Girl One who resembles an older or elder person
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Gefion
Baby Girl Sign Girl One who bestows treasures
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Gefjun
Baby Girl Sign Girl The person who provides prosperity
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Gerd
Baby Girl Sign Girl A plot of ground where plants are cultivated
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Gersemi
Baby Girl Sign Girl Precious as a gem and valuable as a jewel
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Gulla
Baby Girl Sign Girl Yellow or divine sea
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Halda
Baby Girl Sign Girl One who is half-Danish
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Hanne
Baby Girl Sign Girl Grace; Charm; Elegance
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Inger
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex God's protection; Hero's daughter
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Iverson
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Son of Iver; Archer's son
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Jakobina
Baby Girl Sign Girl May the Lord watch over her
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Jaris
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Strong and courageous
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Jennsen
Baby Girl Sign Girl God has shown favor
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Joen
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Strong; Independent; Unique
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Kajsa
Baby Girl Sign Girl Pure
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Kamri
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Unique; Adventurous; Charismatic
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Karalee
Baby Girl Sign Girl Pure; Fair
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Karalie
Baby Girl Sign Girl Genuine
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Karalyn
Baby Girl Sign Girl Pure; True; Bright
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Khristene
Baby Girl Sign Girl She is of Chrisian faith
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Kirci
Baby Girl Sign Girl A blossom of a cereal herb amaranth
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Klara
Baby Girl Sign Girl The clear, bright one
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Kristin
Baby Girl Sign Girl Follower of Christ
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Kristina
Baby Girl Sign Girl Christian
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Kristinn
Baby Girl Sign Girl Shw who believes in Christ
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Laris
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex To be crowned with laurel
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Lisana
Baby Girl Sign Girl my God is perfection
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Lise
Baby Girl Sign Girl Pledged to God; God is abundance
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Loxie
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Unique; Spirited; Adventurous
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Lynea
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Lime; Linden tree
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Lynnea
Baby Girl Sign Girl A name of a flower
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Mattis
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Strong and steadfast
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Nelsa
Baby Girl Sign Girl Strong-minded; Independent
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Nessa
Baby Girl Sign Girl Miracle; Holy; Pure
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Nessarose
Baby Girl Sign Girl The rose of the peninsula
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Norell
Baby Girl Sign Girl From the Northern land or part
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Nysse
Baby Girl Sign Girl The graceful of all
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Odda
Baby Girl Sign Girl One who is complete in every aspect
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Oddlaug
Baby Girl Sign Girl Derived of water
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Oddny
Baby Girl Sign Girl The Chosen one; Preferred one; Head of a village or society in Arabic
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Oddrun
Baby Girl Sign Girl Someone who is chosen or preferred upon
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Oddveig
Baby Girl Sign Girl Salvation or to be relieved
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Oletha
Baby Girl Sign Girl The person who is remarked by simplicity; Having a humble opinion of himself
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Olga
Baby Girl Sign Girl Holy; Blessed
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Onnika
Baby Girl Sign Girl Light reflection of nimble or shine
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Orvis
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Spear of power; Strength
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Paley
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex One with the pale eyes
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Paxson
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Peaceful, son of peace
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Pernilla
Baby Girl Sign Girl Rock; Stone; A variant of Petra
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Petronella
Baby Girl Sign Girl Country bumpkin; Rock; Stone
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Quinnie
Baby Girl Sign Girl Living like royalty
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Rakel
Baby Girl Sign Girl Ewe; A variant of Rachel
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Scandinavian girl names reflect the rich history and culture of its people and land. The indigenous inhabitants of the land were named after Norse gods and natural elements. Some names are inspired by the physical traits of a person. The names bestowed upon the children have deep symbolism and meanings. So browse through the list, and pick a name that catches your fancy. Whether to honor your Scandinavian roots or your love for Scandinavian culture and landscapes, these names can be a beautiful gift to your little princess.

Infographic: Scintillating Scandinavian Baby Girl Names

Scandinavian countries have a rich heritage and culture. Scandinavian baby girl names represent the vibrant history of this region. If you’re inspired to gift your little princess a name from this culture, look no further. We present Scandinavian girl names along with meanings in the infographic below. Scroll on and pick your favorite name.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some naming traditions or customs in Scandinavian culture?

The Scandinavian countries embraced a cherished tradition of baby naming, wherein the birth order played a pivotal role, and names were bestowed, honoring both sides of the family. A beautiful example of this tradition unfolded as the firstborn son inherited the name of his paternal grandfather, while the initial first daughter was bestowed with the name of her paternal grandmother. Similarly, the second son and daughter embrace names from the maternal side.

2. Can I use a Scandinavian baby girl's name if I am not Scandinavian?

If you discover a Scandinavian name that resonates deeply with your heart and feels perfectly befitting for your precious child, the cultural background should not be a hindrance. Astrid, a name treasured not only in Scandinavian countries but also within French and German cultures, radiates its profound meaning of 'god, beautiful.' Likewise, Elsa and Oda, multicultural gems, signify 'my God is an oath' and 'wealth,' respectively, gracing any deserving child.

References

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  1. Scandinavia Names, FamilySearch
    https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Scandinavia_Names
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