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
heart image Rheta Baby Girl Sign Girl Advice; Speaker
heart image Rhetta Baby Girl Sign Girl Advice; Counsel
heart image Rigmor Baby Girl Sign Girl Rich; Powerful; Ruler; Spirit; Courage; Maid
heart image Rona Baby Girl Sign Girl Joy is mine; Fame; Friend; Spear; Pike; White; Fair; Blessed; Holy; Fair Haired
heart image Rora Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Dawn; Morning light
heart image Roselen Baby Girl Sign Girl She who holds the beauty of the roses
heart image Ruth Baby Girl Sign Girl Friend; Companion
heart image Sas Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Short form of Sasha and Saskia
heart image Sedalia Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Graceful; Elegant; Serene
heart image Signy Baby Girl Sign Girl One who brings new victories
heart image Sigrid Baby Girl Sign Girl Wisdom brought by victory
heart image Sigrun Baby Girl Sign Girl To achieve secret victories
heart image Silka Baby Girl Sign Girl A dim-sighted woman; A short form of Cecilia
heart image Smilla Baby Girl Sign Girl One who is always smiling; One with a beautiful smile
heart image Sofia Baby Girl Sign Girl Wisdom; Learned
heart image Somerild Baby Girl Sign Girl One who is a traveler in the summer
heart image Sunnie Baby Girl Sign Girl She is the Sun's gift
heart image Sunnild Baby Girl Sign Girl She is like the Sun
heart image Susannah Baby Girl Sign Girl Lily; Lotus; Rose
heart image Svea Baby Girl Sign Girl Spear
heart image Sweden Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Country in Northern Europe
heart image Synne Baby Girl Sign Girl She who is of the Sun
heart image Synnove Baby Girl Sign Girl A girl who was the Sun's gift; To be gifted by the Sun
heart image Tiabeanie Baby Girl Sign Girl Main character of the adult animated fantasy television series Disenchantment
heart image Tonje Baby Girl Sign Girl One who can't be labelled with a price
heart image Tralloni Baby Girl Sign Girl The servant or the serf
heart image Tyra Unisex Baby Sign Unisex God of battle; Warrior woman
heart image Uzma Baby Girl Sign Girl Grand; Greatest; Supreme; Ultimate
heart image Valda Baby Girl Sign Girl Power; Rule
heart image Viki Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Victory; Conqueror
heart image Weylyn Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Wolf leader; Brave wolf
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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.

splendid scandinavian names for your daughter (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

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

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