Norse gods, Vikings, dragons – Scandinavia, comprising of 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. Scandinavian 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 Scandinavian until the 14th century. These names can be robust and tough or delicate and light. Just like most European countries, the naming laws are very strict in Scandinavia as well. Parents are forbidden from using made up or creative names. They have to choose from a list of acceptable names released by the government authorities. So if you need some help with Scandinavian baby names, have a look at MomJunction's list below. We have a comprehensive list of Scandinavian baby names along with meanings and additional information.
Name | Gender | Meaning | |
---|---|---|---|
Aaren | Boy | the name has several meanings In Scandinavian the meaning of the name Aaren is: Lofty or inspired. it also means high mountain | |
Agnes | Girl | A chaste woman | |
Alrik | Boy | A person who is a noble, gracious universal ruler | |
Anker | Boy | A manly harvester who is strong and very brave | |
Annika | Girl | Variation of Anna, which means Grace | |
Ansgar | Boy | Old Norse - God Spear; Gentle Friend; A variant name of Oscar | |
Anshelm | Boy | German - Protected by God; A variant of name Ansel | |
Asbjorn | Boy | Old Norse - Divine Bear | |
Asmund | Boy | Cognate of Osmond; gold which is the protector | |
Astor | Boy | One who is looking for a prey; Hawk and thunder | |
Astrid | Girl | A Girl who is divinely beautiful | |
Asva | Boy | Having speed like a horse, one who is swift | |
Ax | Boy | One who like peaceful condition | |
Axill | Boy | They are the one who spread peace; kind of father | |
Axl | Boy | They are the father of peace | |
Aymer | Boy | A noble and generous human being | |
Beorhthelm | Boy | A protector of light | |
Bertelot | Boy | A man who is light and bright | |
Betla | Girl | 一个女人发现上帝在她的誓言 | |
Bimasha | Girl | She is a mighty woman from the sea | |
Bjorn | Boy | 熊 | |
Bode | Boy | Scandinavian - Sheltered; A variation of name Bodi; A contraction of name Boden | |
Boden | Boy | One who takes shelter | |
Bodie | Boy | One who is sheltered | |
波定 | Boy | To find shelter | |
Boe | Boy | A very handsome admirer | |
Booth | Boy | He who lives in a hut | |
Borge | Boy | A helping person | |
Borghild | Boy | A war in the fortifications | |
Borgny | Boy | One who gladly helps | |
Bori | Boy | One who is a father of the warrior | |
Botill | Girl | One who likes to command | |
Brage | Boy | A famous, shining and popular king | |
Brigid | Girl | A Celtic goddess of poetry and fire | |
Britt | Boy | One of strenght | |
Britta | Girl | She is of strenght | |
Broder | Boy | To be someone's brother | |
Brynja | Girl | An armoured and protected woman | |
Brynklie | Boy | A woman with an armour | |
Burr | Boy | A beautiful youth | |
Cajetan | Boy | A rejoiced man | |
Canute | Boy | To tie in a knot | |
Carianne | Girl | A mericul and pure woman | |
Carina | Girl | She who is dear | |
Carson | Boy | A Scottish surname, unknown meaning | |
Crysten | Girl | Follows Christ | |
Dag | Boy | Day; Present | |
Dagen | Boy | The one who is dark-haired | |
Dagmar | Girl | A mother | |
Dagmara | Girl | Maiden; unmarried | |
Dagna | Girl | A special day | |
Dagny | Girl | A speacial new day | |
Dahlia | Girl | Dwells in the valley | |
Dain | Boy | The one who is from Denmark | |
Daube | Boy | Name of a bird called Dove | |
Denby | Boy | One who is from Danish settlement | |
Ebbe | Boy | It means Brave like a Boar. | |
Edda | Girl | One with clear vision; great grandmother inheritance | |
Edzard | Boy | Strong egde | |
Eggert | Boy | Hardy and has a lot of potential | |
Eilif | Boy | An immortal person who is born to do great things | |
Eirny | Girl | One who is born of new healing and is fresh | |
Elizabet | Girl | God provides everyone with plenty; bountiful god | |
Elna | Girl | A creative as well as creative person | |
Else | Girl | this is used as an abbreviation of Elisabeth or it can also mean one who is noble. | |
Elvi | Girl | this name means noble friend. | |
Eric | Boy | ever or eternal ruler. | |
Erica | Girl | forever strong or ever queenly. | |
Erick | Boy | a word which means someone who rules the people. | |
Erik | Boy | a ruler of the world. | |
Erika | Girl | a feminized form of the name Eric meaning someone who rules the world. | |
Erikka | Girl | a feminized word which means a ruler. | |
Erikson | Boy | son or Erik; ruler of the people. | |
Erilyn | Girl | a combination of two words Eric and Lynn. | |
Erle | Boy | a leader or nobleman or warrior or prince. | |
Erleen | Girl | noble woman. | |
Erlend | Boy | a stranger. | |
Erlene | Girl | an elfin or a noble woman. | |
Erth | Unisex | a German word for earth. | |
Ertha | Girl | an Old English word for earth. | |
Erwinek | Boy | friend at sea. | |
Eryn | Girl | a poetic form of referring to Ireland. | |
Erynn | Girl | a word which is used in poetry for referring to Ireland. | |
Erynne | Girl | a feminized word used in poetry for referring to Ireland. | |
Esabell | Girl | somebody who has been devoted to god. | |
Esben | Boy | a divine bear. | |
Eslanda | Girl | an Irish word for truth. | |
Estrid | Girl | a beautiful goddess. | |
Etna | Girl | the name of a 5th century Irish saint. | |
Euddogwy | Boy | a famous saint pilgrim of ancient times. | |
Eudeat | Boy | used to refer to a very ancient saint pilgrim. | |
Eudel | Boy | from the yew tree valley. | |
Eudelme | Boy | a grove of yew trees. | |
Eyre | Girl | One who lives at the gravel bank river | |
Finn | Boy | A 'fair' or 'white' person | |
Freya | Girl | In Norse mythology, Freya was the goddess of love; Lady | |
Freyja | Girl | A name given to the lady of love, beauty and death | |
Fridtjof | Boy | The one who stoles the harmony. | |
Gamela | Girl | Resembles an older or elder person. | |
Gefion | Girl | One who bestows treasures. | |
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 (1). 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 (2).
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 (3).
References:
MomJunction的文章都是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 oureditorial policy.
- Names in Sweden Throughout Historyhttps://digitalcommons.augustana.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2049&context=swensonsag
- Sweden Personal Nameshttps://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Sweden_Personal_Names
- Sweden: New Law Regulating Names Adoptedhttps://www.loc.gov/item/global-legal-monitor/2016-12-15/sweden-new-law-regulating-names-adopted/