273 Scandinavian Baby Names With Meanings

Scandinavian Baby Names With Meanings

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Norse gods, Vikings, dragons – Scandinavia, comprising Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, is fascinating in the truest sense. And it’s not just the history and mythology that attracts people to this wonderful nation. Scandinavian baby names are also enticing major interest from parents all over the world. These exquisite and unique baby names are symbolic of the rich history and culture of the country. Traditional Scandinavian names are derived from Old Norse, a Germanic language, which was spoken in the province until the 14th century. From Axl, meaning father of peace, to Ebbe, meaning brave as a boar, and Karalyn, meaning pure. These names can be robust and tough or delicate and light.

Until the 1850s, Scandinavian provinces used the patronymic naming system, where the child’s surname had the father’s name followed by the suffixes sen or sson for boys and datter or dotter for girls.

After this period, the naming system transformed, leading to the emergence of family names, ancestral names, and toponymic names. Irrespective of these changes, a common practice of given names was followed by almost all Scandinavians, allowing the same name to be repeated in different generations of the family as a memoir of their legacy. For example, the first child would be named after the father's parent and the second after the mother's parent, while the third and others were named after the parents, uncles, and aunts. Additionally, Scandinavians also had a unique practice of honoring the people who have had untimely demise. For instance, an infant born after the passing of the previous one would be given the name of the deceased child if they both had the same gender (1). However, in modern times, just like most European countries, the naming laws are very strict in Scandinavia, and they forbid the use of made-up or creative names. Hence, parents have to choose from a list of acceptable names released by the government authorities. So if you need help selecting an appropriate Scandinavian name for your little one, look at the list below. We have a comprehensive list of Scandinavian baby names, their meanings, and additional information.

NameGenderMeaning
heart image Freya heart image baby boy sign Girl Noble woman
heart image Freyja heart image baby boy sign Girl Lady of love, beauty and death
heart image Fridtjof heart image baby boy sign Boy The one who stole the harmony
heart image Gamela heart image baby boy sign Girl One who resembles an older or elder person
heart image Gefion heart image baby boy sign Girl One who bestows treasures
heart image Gefjun heart image baby boy sign Girl The person who provides prosperity
heart image Gerd heart image baby boy sign Girl A plot of ground where plants are cultivated
heart image Gersemi heart image baby boy sign Girl Precious as a gem and valuable as a jewel
heart image Gulla heart image baby boy sign Girl Yellow or divine sea
heart image Gunner heart image baby boy sign Boy Bold warrior
heart image Halda heart image baby boy sign Girl One who is half-Danish
heart image Hanne heart image baby boy sign Girl Grace; Charm; Elegance
heart image Hannes heart image baby boy sign Boy God is gracious; Loving; Quick-minded
heart image Hanson heart image baby boy sign Boy Son of Hans
heart image Havard heart image baby boy sign Boy High guardian
heart image Hendrick heart image baby boy sign Boy Rules his household
heart image Hendrixx heart image baby boy sign Boy Variation of Henry; Estate ruler
heart image Inger heart image baby boy sign Unisex God's protection; Hero's daughter
heart image Iver heart image baby boy sign Boy Energetic, strong, and adventurous
heart image Iverson heart image baby boy sign Unisex Son of Iver; Archer's son
heart image Jakob heart image baby boy sign Boy Holder of the heel
heart image Jakobina heart image baby boy sign Girl May the Lord watch over her
heart image Jakoby heart image baby boy sign Boy One who will supplant
heart image Janson heart image baby boy sign Boy Son of Jan
heart image Jaris heart image baby boy sign Unisex Strong and courageous
heart image Jennsen heart image baby boy sign Girl God has shown favor
heart image Jensen heart image baby boy sign Boy Son of Jens
heart image Jeppe heart image baby boy sign Boy The person who illegally holds the place of another person
heart image Jerk heart image baby boy sign Boy Ever-ruling; Variant of Eric
heart image Jerker heart image baby boy sign Boy Island ruler; Variant of Eric
heart image Joen heart image baby boy sign Unisex Strong; Independent; Unique
heart image Jokith heart image baby boy sign Boy Icelandic name for glacier
heart image Josef heart image baby boy sign Boy He will add
heart image Kaj heart image baby boy sign Boy Earth; Rejoice
heart image Kajsa heart image baby boy sign Girl Pure
heart image Kamri heart image baby boy sign Unisex Unique; Adventurous; Charismatic
heart image Karalee heart image baby boy sign Girl Pure; Fair
heart image Karalie heart image baby boy sign Girl Genuine
heart image Karalyn heart image baby boy sign Girl Pure; True; Bright
heart image Kare heart image baby boy sign Boy Enormous; Big
heart image Karlie heart image baby boy sign Girl Free woman
heart image Kasper heart image baby boy sign Boy A treasured secret
heart image Kasyn heart image baby boy sign Boy He is chaste
heart image Khristene heart image baby boy sign Girl She is of Chrisian faith
heart image Khristos heart image baby boy sign Boy Christ
heart image Kirci heart image baby boy sign Girl A blossom of a cereal herb amaranth
heart image Klara heart image baby boy sign Girl The clear, bright one
heart image Klaus heart image baby boy sign Boy Victory of the people
heart image Kristian heart image baby boy sign Boy Follower of Christ
heart image Kristin heart image baby boy sign Girl Follower of Christ
heart image Kristina heart image baby boy sign Girl Christian
heart image Kristinn heart image baby boy sign Girl Shw who believes in Christ
heart image Kristoff heart image baby boy sign Boy Strong, noble, Scandinavian
heart image Kristoffer heart image baby boy sign Boy Bearing Christ; A variant form of Christopher and Kristopher
heart image Kristyan heart image baby boy sign Boy He who is of Christian religion
heart image Laila heart image baby boy sign Girl Night
heart image Laris heart image baby boy sign Unisex To be crowned with laurel
heart image Lars heart image baby boy sign Boy From Laurentum; Crowned with laurel
heart image Larsen heart image baby boy sign Boy One who achieved a great victory
heart image Larson heart image baby boy sign Boy Son of a victorious and triumphant man
heart image Lassen heart image baby boy sign Boy Son of Lars; A son of an honorable and famous one
heart image Latham heart image baby boy sign Boy A person who resides a lot in the barns or works in a barn
heart image Lief heart image baby boy sign Boy A person first in the line of ancestry; A heir
heart image Lisana heart image baby boy sign Girl my God is perfection
heart image Lise heart image baby boy sign Girl Pledged to God; God is abundance
heart image Loxie heart image baby boy sign Unisex Unique; Spirited; Adventurous
heart image Ludvigs heart image baby boy sign Boy Fame or war
heart image Lullede heart image baby boy sign Boy Legendary warrior
heart image Lynea heart image baby boy sign Unisex Lime; Linden tree
heart image Lynnea heart image baby boy sign Girl A name of a flower
heart image Makaiden heart image baby boy sign Boy One who is known as a famous warrior
heart image Marten heart image baby boy sign Boy A soldier of the God of War
heart image Mattis heart image baby boy sign Unisex Strong and steadfast
heart image Melton heart image baby boy sign Boy City in the middle of villages; The middle settlement
heart image Mimir heart image baby boy sign Boy The wise person; One who remembers easily
heart image Nanne heart image baby boy sign Boy Merciful; Caring
heart image Nansen heart image baby boy sign Boy Son of Nan; Grace
heart image Nels heart image baby boy sign Boy The over come people
heart image Nelsa heart image baby boy sign Girl Strong-minded; Independent
heart image Nessa heart image baby boy sign Girl Miracle; Holy; Pure
heart image Nessarose heart image baby boy sign Girl The rose of the peninsula
heart image Nilsson heart image baby boy sign Boy Son of Nell or son of Neil
heart image Norell heart image baby boy sign Girl From the Northern land or part
heart image Nysse heart image baby boy sign Girl The graceful of all
heart image Odda heart image baby boy sign Girl One who is complete in every aspect
heart image Oddlaug heart image baby boy sign Girl Derived of water
heart image Oddny heart image baby boy sign Girl The Chosen one; Preferred one; Head of a village or society in Arabic
heart image Oddrun heart image baby boy sign Girl Someone who is chosen or preferred upon
heart image Oddveig heart image baby boy sign Girl Salvation or to be relieved
heart image Odin heart image baby boy sign Boy Ecstacy; Fury
heart image Oletha heart image baby boy sign Girl The person who is remarked by simplicity; Having a humble opinion of himself
heart image Olga heart image baby boy sign Girl Holy; Blessed
heart image Olov heart image baby boy sign Boy The fruits of the olive tree.
heart image Olsen heart image baby boy sign Boy The born son of Olaf
heart image Olson heart image baby boy sign Boy Son born to Ole
heart image Olva heart image baby boy sign Boy Downhill of the families
heart image Onnika heart image baby boy sign Girl Light reflection of nimble or shine
heart image Orvis heart image baby boy sign Unisex Spear of power; Strength
heart image Osburne heart image baby boy sign Boy The period of heartiest prosperity or productivity

The naming practices related to Scandinavian baby names offer a fascinating glimpse into the region's history, culture, and evolution. One of their most appreciative qualities is how they use naming traditions to honor their ancestry, respect their deceased, and stay connected to nature and family. Although these practices have evolved with changing times, they remain strongly connected to their origins. From ancient roots to modern trends, the above-given list covers a wide range of names that continue to hold onto their deep-seated values and meaningful identity.

Infographic: Splendid Scandinavian Baby Names With Meanings

Scandinavian names encompass several notable aspects, such as Viking history, Norse mythology, and the region's ancient traditions. While continuing to retain their cultural roots, these names have evolved to accommodate family, nature-oriented, and toponymic names. The following infographic presents a selection of such Scandinavian names you may consider for your baby.

sublime scandinavian names you must consider for your little one (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How popular are Scandinavian baby names in other countries?

Popular culture has led to a coming together of many cultures, which is evident in the migration of given names. Scandinavian names have found their way to other countries, whether through films or books. Names like Bodie, Carson, Eric, Finn, Jense, and Sofia have been widely used in other countries.

2. What is the meaning behind the name "Sven"?

Sven is a masculine name with Old Norse origins. Taken from the byname Sveinn, it means 'boy' and was borne by many rulers of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.

3. How do Scandinavian baby names reflect the region's culture and history?

Naming patterns in Scandinavian countries tell of the Viking origins and changes that have since taken place (2). The traditional naming patterns follow the patronymic style, where personal names are inherited from the father. For example, the first son would be named after his paternal grandfather, the second son would be named after his maternal grandfather, and the third son would be named after the father. For daughters, the first daughter would be named after her maternal grandmother, the second would be named after her paternal grandmother, and the third daughter would be named after her mother (3).

4. How are names chosen for newborns in modern-day Scandinavia?

Baby names in Scandinavia, specifically Sweden, are chosen and approved through the Swedish naming law. The law requires the government's approval for naming your child. A name should be submitted three months before birth, and the Swedish Tax Agency will administer the registration of names in Sweden (4).

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. Scandinavian Naming Practices – Genealogy Research in Scandinavia.
    1.https://www.swedishfinnhistoricalsociety.org/scandinavian-naming-practices-genealogy-research-in-scandinavia/
  2. Names in Sweden Throughout History
    https://digitalcommons.augustana.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2049&context=swensonsag
  3. Sweden Personal Names
    https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Sweden_Personal_Names
  4. Sweden: New Law Regulating Names Adopted
    https://www.loc.gov/item/global-legal-monitor/2016-12-15/sweden-new-law-regulating-names-adopted/
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