Odda: a female name of Old Norse origin meaning "This name derives from the Old Norse “oddr / oddi,” meaning “point, sharp point, peak, front ‘of an army,’ point ‘of a weapon,’ spear".It derives from the Old Norse word "oddr / oddi > Oddr".
The name Odda carries a rich history rooted in Old Norse culture. Derived from "oddr / oddi > Oddr", this feminine name embodies the essence of This name derives from the Old Norse “oddr / oddi,” meaning “point, sharp point, peak, front ‘of an army,’ point ‘of a weapon,’ spear. Its linguistic journey through centuries reflects the cultural values and traditions of Old Norse-speaking communities.
Quick Facts About Odda
Quick facts about Odda
Origin
Old Norse
Gender
Girl name
Popularity
Moderately popular
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
This name derives from the Old Norse “oddr / oddi,” meaning “point, sharp point, peak, front ‘of an army,’ point ‘of a weapon,’ spear.” Oddr, the archer, or The saga of Oddr, the archer (Old Norse: Ǫrvar-Odds saga), is an Icelandic saga. The legend dates back to the end of the 13th-century and is believed to be the work of an Icelandic author. The oldest version(S) of the legend is preserved in a 14th-century code in the Royal Library in Stockholm and represents a copy of an earlier lost document.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
oddr / oddi > Oddr
How to Pronounce Odda
Odda is pronounced /ˈɔd.dɑ/
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Odd-a
Say it like: "ODD-A"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
This name has found popularity across norwegian, icelandic, and swedish speaking regions, demonstrating its cross-cultural appeal and adaptability.
norwegianicelandicswedish
Frequently Asked Questions About Odda
What does the name Odda mean?
Odda means "This name derives from the Old Norse “oddr / oddi,” meaning “point, sharp point, peak, front ‘of an army,’ point ‘of a weapon,’ spear.” Oddr, the archer, or The saga of Oddr, the archer (Old Norse: Ǫrvar-Odds saga), is an Icelandic saga. The legend dates back to the end of the 13th-century and is believed to be the work of an Icelandic author. The oldest version(S) of the legend is preserved in a 14th-century code in the Royal Library in Stockholm and represents a copy of an earlier lost document.". The name comes from oddr / oddi > Oddr. This old norse name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Odda for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Old Norse “oddr / oddi,” meaning “point, sharp point, peak, front ‘of an army,’ point ‘of a weapon,’ spear.” Oddr, the archer, or The saga of Oddr, the archer (Old Norse: Ǫrvar-Odds saga), is an Icelandic saga. The legend dates back to the end of the 13th-century and is believed to be the work of an Icelandic author. The oldest version(S) of the legend is preserved in a 14th-century code in the Royal Library in Stockholm and represents a copy of an earlier lost document." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Odda's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance.
What is the origin of the name Odda?
Odda is a old norse name. The name traces back to oddr / oddi > Oddr. From its old norse roots, Odda spread to become common in norwegian, icelandic, swedish. The old norse meaning "This name derives from the Old Norse “oddr / oddi,” meaning “point, sharp point, peak, front ‘of an army,’ point ‘of a weapon,’ spear.” Oddr, the archer, or The saga of Oddr, the archer (Old Norse: Ǫrvar-Odds saga), is an Icelandic saga. The legend dates back to the end of the 13th-century and is believed to be the work of an Icelandic author. The oldest version(S) of the legend is preserved in a 14th-century code in the Royal Library in Stockholm and represents a copy of an earlier lost document." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Odda a boy or girl name?
Odda is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In old norse tradition, Odda has historically been given to girls. The meaning "This name derives from the Old Norse “oddr / oddi,” meaning “point, sharp point, peak, front ‘of an army,’ point ‘of a weapon,’ spear.” Oddr, the archer, or The saga of Oddr, the archer (Old Norse: Ǫrvar-Odds saga), is an Icelandic saga. The legend dates back to the end of the 13th-century and is believed to be the work of an Icelandic author. The oldest version(S) of the legend is preserved in a 14th-century code in the Royal Library in Stockholm and represents a copy of an earlier lost document." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Odda?
Odda is pronounced "/ˈɔd.dɑ/". This pronunciation follows no language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Odda is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in norwegian, icelandic, swedish, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with old norse names, listening to a native speaker say Odda can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis.
How popular is the name Odda?
Odda is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Odda offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Odda's popularity may vary between old norse communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Old Norse “oddr / oddi,” meaning “point, sharp point, peak, front ‘of an army,’ point ‘of a weapon,’ spear.” Oddr, the archer, or The saga of Oddr, the archer (Old Norse: Ǫrvar-Odds saga), is an Icelandic saga. The legend dates back to the end of the 13th-century and is believed to be the work of an Icelandic author. The oldest version(S) of the legend is preserved in a 14th-century code in the Royal Library in Stockholm and represents a copy of an earlier lost document." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Odda holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Odda commonly used?
Odda is common in norwegian and icelandic and swedish naming traditions. Though old norse in origin, Odda found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Odda, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "This name derives from the Old Norse “oddr / oddi,” meaning “point, sharp point, peak, front ‘of an army,’ point ‘of a weapon,’ spear.” Oddr, the archer, or The saga of Oddr, the archer (Old Norse: Ǫrvar-Odds saga), is an Icelandic saga. The legend dates back to the end of the 13th-century and is believed to be the work of an Icelandic author. The oldest version(S) of the legend is preserved in a 14th-century code in the Royal Library in Stockholm and represents a copy of an earlier lost document." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Odda into their naming traditions. A child named Odda will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Odda is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.