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.
Name | Gender | Meaning | |
---|---|---|---|
Freya | Girl | Noble woman | |
Freyja | Girl | Lady of love, beauty and death | |
Fridtjof | Boy | The one who stole the harmony | |
Gamela | Girl | One who resembles an older or elder person | |
Gefion | Girl | One who bestows treasures | |
Gefjun | Girl | The person who provides prosperity | |
Gerd | Girl | A plot of ground where plants are cultivated | |
Gersemi | Girl | Precious as a gem and valuable as a jewel | |
Gulla | Girl | Yellow or divine sea | |
Gunner | Boy | Bold warrior | |
Halda | Girl | One who is half-Danish | |
Hanne | Girl | Grace; Charm; Elegance | |
Hannes | Boy | God is gracious; Loving; Quick-minded | |
Hanson | Boy | Son of Hans | |
Havard | Boy | High guardian | |
Hendrick | Boy | Rules his household | |
Hendrixx | Boy | Variation of Henry; Estate ruler | |
Inger | Unisex | God's protection; Hero's daughter | |
Iver | Boy | Energetic, strong, and adventurous | |
Iverson | Unisex | Son of Iver; Archer's son | |
Jakob | Boy | Holder of the heel | |
Jakobina | Girl | May the Lord watch over her | |
Jakoby | Boy | One who will supplant | |
Janson | Boy | Son of Jan | |
Jaris | Unisex | Strong and courageous | |
Jennsen | Girl | God has shown favor | |
Jensen | Boy | Son of Jens | |
Jeppe | Boy | The person who illegally holds the place of another person | |
Jerk | Boy | Ever-ruling; Variant of Eric | |
Jerker | Boy | Island ruler; Variant of Eric | |
Joen | Unisex | Strong; Independent; Unique | |
Jokith | Boy | Icelandic name for glacier | |
Josef | Boy | He will add | |
Kaj | Boy | Earth; Rejoice | |
Kajsa | Girl | Pure | |
Kamri | Unisex | Unique; Adventurous; Charismatic | |
Karalee | Girl | Pure; Fair | |
Karalie | Girl | Genuine | |
Karalyn | Girl | Pure; True; Bright | |
Kare | Boy | Enormous; Big | |
Karlie | Girl | Free woman | |
Kasper | Boy | A treasured secret | |
Kasyn | Boy | He is chaste | |
Khristene | Girl | She is of Chrisian faith | |
Khristos | Boy | Christ | |
Kirci | Girl | A blossom of a cereal herb amaranth | |
Klara | Girl | The clear, bright one | |
Klaus | Boy | Victory of the people | |
Kristian | Boy | Follower of Christ | |
Kristin | Girl | Follower of Christ | |
Kristina | Girl | Christian | |
Kristinn | Girl | Shw who believes in Christ | |
Kristoff | Boy | Strong, noble, Scandinavian | |
Kristoffer | Boy | Bearing Christ; A variant form of Christopher and Kristopher | |
Kristyan | Boy | He who is of Christian religion | |
Laila | Girl | Night | |
Laris | Unisex | To be crowned with laurel | |
Lars | Boy | From Laurentum; Crowned with laurel | |
Larsen | Boy | One who achieved a great victory | |
Larson | Boy | Son of a victorious and triumphant man | |
Lassen | Boy | Son of Lars; A son of an honorable and famous one | |
Latham | Boy | A person who resides a lot in the barns or works in a barn | |
Lief | Boy | A person first in the line of ancestry; A heir | |
Lisana | Girl | my God is perfection | |
Lise | Girl | Pledged to God; God is abundance | |
Loxie | Unisex | Unique; Spirited; Adventurous | |
Ludvigs | Boy | Fame or war | |
Lullede | Boy | Legendary warrior | |
Lynea | Unisex | Lime; Linden tree | |
Lynnea | Girl | A name of a flower | |
Makaiden | Boy | One who is known as a famous warrior | |
Marten | Boy | A soldier of the God of War | |
Mattis | Unisex | Strong and steadfast | |
Melton | Boy | City in the middle of villages; The middle settlement | |
Mimir | Boy | The wise person; One who remembers easily | |
Nanne | Boy | Merciful; Caring | |
Nansen | Boy | Son of Nan; Grace | |
Nels | Boy | The over come people | |
Nelsa | Girl | Strong-minded; Independent | |
Nessa | Girl | Miracle; Holy; Pure | |
Nessarose | Girl | The rose of the peninsula | |
Nilsson | Boy | Son of Nell or son of Neil | |
Norell | Girl | From the Northern land or part | |
Nysse | Girl | The graceful of all | |
Odda | Girl | One who is complete in every aspect | |
Oddlaug | Girl | Derived of water | |
Oddny | Girl | The Chosen one; Preferred one; Head of a village or society in Arabic | |
Oddrun | Girl | Someone who is chosen or preferred upon | |
Oddveig | Girl | Salvation or to be relieved | |
Odin | Boy | Ecstacy; Fury | |
Oletha | Girl | The person who is remarked by simplicity; Having a humble opinion of himself | |
Olga | Girl | Holy; Blessed | |
Olov | Boy | The fruits of the olive tree. | |
Olsen | Boy | The born son of Olaf | |
Olson | Boy | Son born to Ole | |
Olva | Boy | Downhill of the families | |
Onnika | Girl | Light reflection of nimble or shine | |
Orvis | Unisex | Spear of power; Strength | |
Osburne | 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.
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
- Scandinavian Naming Practices – Genealogy Research in Scandinavia.
1.https://www.swedishfinnhistoricalsociety.org/scandinavian-naming-practices-genealogy-research-in-scandinavia/ - Names in Sweden Throughout History
https://digitalcommons.augustana.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2049&context=swensonsag - Sweden Personal Names
https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Sweden_Personal_Names - Sweden: New Law Regulating Names Adopted
https://www.loc.gov/item/global-legal-monitor/2016-12-15/sweden-new-law-regulating-names-adopted/