Old Norse names belong to Old Norse, the ancestor of modern Scandinavian languages. This collection contains 6,266 Old Norse names with their meanings, cultural backgrounds, and pronunciation guides. You'll find 3,644 names traditionally given to boys and 2,576 names for girls, reflecting naming patterns from Scandinavia during the Viking Age. These names carry the linguistic heritage and cultural values of Old Norse-speaking communities. Common themes include divine, noble, new, showing what Old Norse cultures have valued across generations.
This name derives from the Old High German “raban,” from the Proto-Germanic “*hrabnaz” (Old Norse: hrafn; Old Saxon: hravan; Old English: hræfn), meaning “raven.” In turn, the name means “a thieving person or a dark-haired person.” Raven, by the way, is a unisex given name in the English language. In the United States of America, the name is more commonly used as a feminine name and has ranked amongst the top 1,000 female names given to baby girls since 1977.
This name derives from the Old Norse name Æiríkr > Eiríkr, a younger form of “*Aina-rikiaR / *Aiwa-rikiaR.” The name is composed of two elements: “*aina(z) / *aiwa(z)” (always, one, alone) plus “*rīkijaz” (kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich). The name means “the one and only, ever powerful.” Although the name was in use in Anglo-Saxon England, its use was reinforced by Scandinavian settlers arriving before the Norman Invasion. It was an uncommon name in England until the middle ages when it gained popularity and finally became a common name in the 19th century. In Norway, Sweden, and Finland, the name day for Erik and Eirik is on May 18, commemorating the death of Saint Eric of Sweden. Eric IX of Sweden (Erik the Saint, Eric the Holy, † 1160) was king of Sweden from 1150 to 1960, Eric did much to aid Christianity in his realm and was responsible for codifying the laws of his kingdom, which became known as King Eric’s Law.
The name means “beautiful goddess.” This name derives from the Old Norse “Ástríðr,” composed of two elements: “áss” (God), “also present in Åsa, Asbjorn, and Åsmund” plus “fríðr” (beautiful), also present in Guðríðr, Sigrid and Ingrid. 1) Princess Astrid of Belgium (born 1962) is the second child of King Albert II and Queen Paola and is the sister of the current Belgian monarch, King Philippe. 2) Princess Astrid Maud Ingeborg (born 1932) is the second daughter of King Olav V of Norway and his wife, Princess Märtha of Sweden. 3) Astrid Sofia Lovisa Thyra of Sweden (1905–1935) was Queen of the Belgians as the wife of King Leopold III.
The name and surname derived from “Selby,” a town and civil parish in North Yorkshire, England. The town’s origins date from establishing a Viking settlement on the banks of the River Ouse. The place is a native of a Viking colony; therefore, it seems to be of Norse origin. The name was popularized as a feminine name by the main character in the movie “The Woman in Red” (1935). It was later reinforced by the movie “Steel Magnolias” (1989), in which Julia Roberts played a character by this name. In Great Britain, 1.640 people share the surname Shelby according to our estimation. Surname Shelby is the 5.112nd most common in Great Britain. More than 5% of people whose name is Shelby live in Angus county. Shelby, in this case, is the 66th surname.
The origin of this name is still today quite uncertain. The theories include: 1) From the Germanic “Alfher” (from which Alvaro) or the Old Norse “Áleifr” from the Proto-Norse “*AnulaiƀaR” (from which Olaf). 2) From the Latin “ŏlīva” (olive, a symbol of peace, religious piety, or victory), referring to the fruit or the branch of the olive. 3) A third hypothesis, less accredited, is from the Mycenaean Greek “élaiwon (ἔλαιϝον),” Ancient Greek “élaion (ἔλαιον).” The names “Olaf” and “Oliver” are linked to the Latin root, but related to the Germanic and Norse, from (Alfher) and (Ólæifr). Saint Oliver Plunkett (1629–1681) was the Roman Catholic archbishop of Armagh and chief bishop of all of Ireland, who was the last victim of the papist plot.
The origin of this name is still today quite uncertain. The theories include: 1) From the Germanic “Alfher” (from which Alvaro) or the Old Norse “Áleifr” from the Proto-Norse “*AnulaiƀaR” (from which Olaf). 2) From the Latin “ŏlīva” (olive, a symbol of peace, religious piety, or victory), referring to the fruit or the branch of the olive. 3) A third hypothesis, less accredited, is from the Mycenaean Greek “élaiwon (ἔλαιϝον),” Ancient Greek “élaion (ἔλαιον).” The names “Olaf” and “Oliver” are linked to the Latin root, but related to the Germanic and Norse, from (Alfher) and (Ólæifr). Saint Oliver Plunkett (1629–1681) was the Roman Catholic archbishop of Armagh and chief bishop of all of Ireland, who was the last victim of the papist plot.
This name derives from the reconstructed Old Norse “*Auðvin,” composed of two elements: “auðr” (prosperity, fortune, riches, wealth) plus “vinr” (friend). In turn, the name means “the wealth of friendship.” This form derives from the Ancient Germanic “*audaz *-winiz.” This name also correlates with the name “Odin,” even if considered separately, derives from the Old Norse “Óðinn,” from the Proto-Norse “*Wōdin,” meaning “furious, eager, mad (Odin).” Audun Hugleiksson (Hestakorn) († 1302) was a Norwegian nobleman at the end of the 13th-century. He was the king’s right hand, both under King Magnus Lagabøte and King Eirik Magnusson. He was seen as a prominent politician and lawman in his time and played a central role in reforming the Norwegian law system.
This name has two different branches: 1) From the Proto-Germanic and Old Norse “*unnaną > unna,” meaning “to grant, bestow, to love.” 2) From the Proto-Germanic and Old Norse “*unþī > unnr / uðr,” meaning “wave.”
In fact, this name represents the Scandinavian short form of names beginning with the element “AUD” from the Old Norse “auðr,” which in turn derives from the Ancient Germanic “*audaz,” meaning “prosperity, fortune, riches, wealth.” It is closely related and can be challenging to tell apart from “óðal,” meaning “one’s ancestral land, homeland, home, territory.”
This name represents the short form of names beginning with the element “Ás-.” In turn, the name is a contraction from the Ancient Germanic “*ansuz” (heathen god, áss, god). Ansuz is the common name given to the a-rune of the Elder Futhark, one of the principal deities in Germanic paganism. In the Norwegian rune poem, Óss is given a meaning “of the estuary,” while in the Anglo-Saxon one, “ōs” takes the Latin meaning of “mouth.”
This name represents the short form of names beginning with the element “Ás-.” In turn, the name is a contraction from the Ancient Germanic “*ansuz” (heathen god, áss, god). Ansuz is the common name given to the a-rune of the Elder Futhark, one of the principal deities in Germanic paganism. In the Norwegian rune poem, Óss is given a meaning “of the estuary,” while in the Anglo-Saxon one, “ōs” takes the Latin meaning of “mouth.”
This name derives from the Old Norse name “úlfr,” from the Ancient Germanic element “*-wulfaz,” meaning “wolf.” Wulf and Wolf were one of the most prolific elements in early Germanic and Nordic names. It could figure as the first element in dithematic names, as in Wulfstan, but mostly as the second element, “-ulf, / -olf.” The numerous names ending in -wulf, -ulf, -olf gave rise to hypocorisms (pet) from an early time, which was later also treated as given names in their own right. The wolf is a significant figure in Germanic and Norse paganism for more than a thousand years.
This name derives from Old Norse god “Þórr,” from the Proto-Norse “þónr” (Ancient Germanic: *þun). In Norse mythology, Thor (Old Norse: Þórr) is a hammer-wielding God associated with thunder, lightning, storms, oak trees, strength, the protection of humankind, and also hallowing, healing, and fertility. The cognate deity in more extensive Germanic mythology and paganism was known in Old English as Þunor and in Old High German as Donar (Runic: Þonar), stemming from a common Germanic “*þunraz,” meaning “thunder.”
This name derives from the Old Norse “Eyjólfr and Eyiólfr,” composed of two elements: “*awiō > ey” (island, meadow, floodplain, water, stream, river) plus “ulfr” (wolf). In turn, the name means “the wolf of the plains, the wolf of the islands.” Often the element “ey,” as well as connected to various Germanic elements, is linked to the Old Norse “auja,” which means “gift, luck, fortune.”
This name derives from the Old Norse “búi.” In turn, the name means “live, dwell, dwelling, dweller.” In Norse mythology, Búi is one of the sons of Karl and Snør in the Rígsþula. It should be noted that in the Icelandic language “búi,” means “rhymes, homophone.”
This name derives from the Old Norse word “ǫrn,” meaning “Arn (bird), an eagle.” In turn, the name derives from the Proto-Germanic “*arô,” meaning “eagle.” The modern meaning is “strong as an eagle.” Note: In Iceland, the name Örn is officially rejected as a female given name on 18 December 2001.
This name derives from Proto-Norse name “*Auja-winduR,” composed of two elements: “*awiō” (island) plus “-winduR” (winner). The modern meaning is “happy warrior, luck/fortune winner.” Eivind name-day is celebrated on August 26 in Norway, as well as Øyvind. The variant Eivindur and Oyvindur have the name-day the same day in the Faroe Islands, but Ejvind and Øjvind in Finland fall on July 3.
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.
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.
This name derives from the Old Norse “Urðr,” which in turn derives from the Proto-Germanic and Proto-Norse “*wurdiz / *werþaną > urðr / verða” meaning “fate, destiny, to become, to happen, to come about.” Urðr is one of the Norns in Norse mythology. Along with Verðandi (happening or present) and Skuld (debt or future), Urðr makes up a trio of Norns described as deciding the fates of people. Urðr is attested in stanza 20 of the “Poetic Edda” poem “Völuspá” and the “Prose Edda” book “Gylfaginning.”
Æbbe is a short form of Esbjørn and Ernbiorn. It is of Germanic and Old Norse origin and comes from the following roots: (EBERHARD) and (ǢSBIǪRN).
Æbbi is a short form of Esbjørn and Ernbiorn. It is of Germanic and Old Norse origin and comes from the following roots: (EBERHARD) and (ǢSBIǪRN).
This name derives from the Old Norse “Eyjólfr and Eyiólfr,” composed of two elements: “*awiō > ey” (island, meadow, floodplain, water, stream, river) plus “ulfr” (wolf). In turn, the name means “the wolf of the plains, the wolf of the islands.” Often the element “ey,” as well as connected to various Germanic elements, is linked to the Old Norse “auja,” which means “gift, luck, fortune.”
This name derives from the Old Norse “Eyjólfr and Eyiólfr,” composed of two elements: “*awiō > ey” (island, meadow, floodplain, water, stream, river) plus “ulfr” (wolf). In turn, the name means “the wolf of the plains, the wolf of the islands.” Often the element “ey,” as well as connected to various Germanic elements, is linked to the Old Norse “auja,” which means “gift, luck, fortune.”
This name derives from the Old Norse “týr / tívar,” which in turn derives from the Proto-Germanic *tīwaz (god), itself from Proto-Indo-European *deywós (god), a Germanic name element related to Greek “Zeus.”
This name derives from the Old Norse “búi.” In turn, the name means “live, dwell, dwelling, dweller.” In Norse mythology, Búi is one of the sons of Karl and Snør in the Rígsþula. It should be noted that in the Icelandic language “búi,” means “rhymes, homophone.”
This name derives from the reconstructed Old Norse “*Auðvin,” composed of two elements: “auðr” (prosperity, fortune, riches, wealth) plus “vinr” (friend). In turn, the name means “the wealth of friendship.” This form derives from the Ancient Germanic “*audaz *-winiz.” This name also correlates with the name “Odin,” even if considered separately, derives from the Old Norse “Óðinn,” from the Proto-Norse “*Wōdin,” meaning “furious, eager, mad (Odin).” Audun Hugleiksson (Hestakorn) († 1302) was a Norwegian nobleman at the end of the 13th-century. He was the king’s right hand, both under King Magnus Lagabøte and King Eirik Magnusson. He was seen as a prominent politician and lawman in his time and played a central role in reforming the Norwegian law system.
This name derives from the reconstructed Old Norse “*Auðvin,” composed of two elements: “auðr” (prosperity, fortune, riches, wealth) plus “vinr” (friend). In turn, the name means “the wealth of friendship.” This form derives from the Ancient Germanic “*audaz *-winiz.” This name also correlates with the name “Odin,” even if considered separately, derives from the Old Norse “Óðinn,” from the Proto-Norse “*Wōdin,” meaning “furious, eager, mad (Odin).” Audun Hugleiksson (Hestakorn) († 1302) was a Norwegian nobleman at the end of the 13th-century. He was the king’s right hand, both under King Magnus Lagabøte and King Eirik Magnusson. He was seen as a prominent politician and lawman in his time and played a central role in reforming the Norwegian law system.
This name derives from the reconstructed Old Norse “*Auðvin,” composed of two elements: “auðr” (prosperity, fortune, riches, wealth) plus “vinr” (friend). In turn, the name means “the wealth of friendship.” This form derives from the Ancient Germanic “*audaz *-winiz.” This name also correlates with the name “Odin,” even if considered separately, derives from the Old Norse “Óðinn,” from the Proto-Norse “*Wōdin,” meaning “furious, eager, mad (Odin).” Audun Hugleiksson (Hestakorn) († 1302) was a Norwegian nobleman at the end of the 13th-century. He was the king’s right hand, both under King Magnus Lagabøte and King Eirik Magnusson. He was seen as a prominent politician and lawman in his time and played a central role in reforming the Norwegian law system.
This name derives from the reconstructed Old Norse “*Auðvin,” composed of two elements: “auðr” (prosperity, fortune, riches, wealth) plus “vinr” (friend). In turn, the name means “the wealth of friendship.” This form derives from the Ancient Germanic “*audaz *-winiz.” This name also correlates with the name “Odin,” even if considered separately, derives from the Old Norse “Óðinn,” from the Proto-Norse “*Wōdin,” meaning “furious, eager, mad (Odin).” Audun Hugleiksson (Hestakorn) († 1302) was a Norwegian nobleman at the end of the 13th-century. He was the king’s right hand, both under King Magnus Lagabøte and King Eirik Magnusson. He was seen as a prominent politician and lawman in his time and played a central role in reforming the Norwegian law system.
In fact, this name represents the Scandinavian short form of names beginning with the element “AUD” from the Old Norse “auðr,” which in turn derives from the Ancient Germanic “*audaz,” meaning “prosperity, fortune, riches, wealth.” It is closely related and can be challenging to tell apart from “óðal,” meaning “one’s ancestral land, homeland, home, territory.”
In fact, this name represents the Scandinavian short form of names beginning with the element “AUD” from the Old Norse “auðr,” which in turn derives from the Ancient Germanic “*audaz,” meaning “prosperity, fortune, riches, wealth.” It is closely related and can be challenging to tell apart from “óðal,” meaning “one’s ancestral land, homeland, home, territory.”
In fact, this name represents the Scandinavian short form of names beginning with the element “AUD” from the Old Norse “auðr,” which in turn derives from the Ancient Germanic “*audaz,” meaning “prosperity, fortune, riches, wealth.” It is closely related and can be challenging to tell apart from “óðal,” meaning “one’s ancestral land, homeland, home, territory.”
This name derives from Old Norse “Þórfríðr,” composed of two elements: “Þórr” (thunder, Thor) plus “fríðr” (beautiful, nutritious, to make beautiful, lovely, beloved). In Norse mythology, Thor (Old Norse: Þórr) is a hammer-wielding God associated with thunder, lightning, storms, oak trees, strength, the protection of humankind, and also hallowing, healing, and fertility. The cognate deity in more extensive Germanic mythology and paganism was known in Old English as Þunor and in Old High German as Donar (Runic: Þonar), stemming from a common Germanic “*þunraz,” meaning “thunder.”
This name derives from Old Norse god “Þórr,” from the Proto-Norse “þónr” (Ancient Germanic: *þun). In Norse mythology, Thor (Old Norse: Þórr) is a hammer-wielding God associated with thunder, lightning, storms, oak trees, strength, the protection of humankind, and also hallowing, healing, and fertility. The cognate deity in more extensive Germanic mythology and paganism was known in Old English as Þunor and in Old High German as Donar (Runic: Þonar), stemming from a common Germanic “*þunraz,” meaning “thunder.”
This name derives from the Old Norse element “askr,” meaning “ash tree.” In Norse mythology, Ask, and Embla (Old Norse: Askr ok Embla), male and female respectively were the first two humans, created by the gods. The pair is attested in both the Poetic Edda, compiled in the 13th-century from earlier traditional sources, and the Prose Edda, written in the 13th century by Snorri Sturluson. In both sources, three gods, one of whom is Odin, find Ask and Embla and bestow upon them various corporeal and spiritual gifts.
This name derives from the Old Norse “*unr > una,” meaning “to enjoy, be happy with, be content.”
This name derives from the Old Norse “*unr > una,” meaning “to enjoy, be happy with, be content.”
This name derives from Proto-Norse name “*Auja-winduR,” composed of two elements: “*awiō” (island) plus “-winduR” (winner). The modern meaning is “happy warrior, luck/fortune winner.” Eivind name-day is celebrated on August 26 in Norway, as well as Øyvind. The variant Eivindur and Oyvindur have the name-day the same day in the Faroe Islands, but Ejvind and Øjvind in Finland fall on July 3.
This name derives from the Old Norse “Víðarr.” The theories include: 1) Name composed of two elements: “víðr” (wide, broad, extensive), from the Proto-Norse “*wīda-“(wide) plus “*hariaR” (warrior, leader of an army). 2) Name composed of two elements: “*wiðu-” (forest as a borderline), plus “*hariaR” (warrior, leader of an army). In Norse mythology, Víðarr (Old Norse, possibly “wide ruler,” sometimes anglicized as Vidar, Vithar, Vidarr, and Vitharr), is a god among the Æsir associated with a vengeance. Víðarr is described as the son of Odin and the jötunn Gríðr and is foretold to avenge his father’s death by killing the wolf Fenrir at Ragnarök, a conflict which he is described as surviving.
The name has two different origins: 1) From the Old Norse name “ÁsulfR,” composed of two elements: “áss” (heathen god, god, deity) plus “ulfr” (wolf). In turn, the name means “divine wolf.” 2) from the Ancient Finnish “otso,” meaning “bear.”
This name derives from the Old Norse “sif,” meaning “wife, bride,” singular form of the plural “sifjar,” meaning “affinity, connexion by marriage.” In Norse mythology, Sif is a goddess associated with earth. Sif is attested in the Poetic Edda, compiled in the 13th-century from earlier traditional sources, and the Prose Edda, written in the 13th-century by Snorri Sturluson the poetry of skalds. Sifjar is cognate to the Old English “sib” (affinity, connection, by marriage) and in other Germanic languages: Gothic language “sibja,” Old High German “sibba,” and German “Sippe.” Sifjar appears not only in ancient poetry and records of law but also in compounds “byggja sifjar,” meaning “to marry.”
This name derives from the Old Norse “haukr,” meaning “hawk.”
This name derives from the Old High German and Old Norse “Godafrid and Guðifriðr,” composed of two elements: “*gudą” (god, deity, divine being) plus “*friþuz” (peace, tranquility, friendship). In turn, the name means “God’s peace, peaceful pledge, God gives me peace of mind, my friendship with God.” The name was introduced to Britain by the Normans. There are several English spelling variations of the German “Gottfried.” Some are derived directly from the Germanic (the ones that begin with ‘G’), and others derive from the Anglo-Norman (the ones that start with ‘J’), but always from the Germanic root. 1) Geoffroy d’Amiens was a bishop of Amiens. He is a saint in the Catholic Church. 2) Geoffrey V, called the Handsome, was the Count of Anjou, Touraine, and Maine by inheritance, from 1129 and then Duke of Normandy by conquest from 1144. 3) Gudrid Thorbjarnardóttir (Icelandic: Guðríður Þorbjarnardóttir), also known as Vidforla or “the Far-Traveler” was a Norse woman born around the year 980 in Laugarbrekka, Iceland. She is best known for her appearances in “The Saga of Eirik the Red” and “The Saga of the Greenlanders,” known collectively as the “The Vinland Sagas.”
This name derives from the Old Norse “gautr,” which in turn derives from the Proto-Norse “*gautaz,” meaning “Goth, Geat, from Gautland “Götaland, Gothia in southern Sweden.” Gothenland, Gautland or Geatland is one of three lands of Sweden and comprises provinces. Geographically it is located in the south of Sweden, bounded to the north by Svealand, with the deep woods of Tiveden, Tylöskog, and Kolmården marking the border. Götaland once consisted of petty kingdoms, which its inhabitants called Gautar in Old Norse. It is generally agreed that these were the same as the Geatas, the people of the hero Beowulf in England’s national epic, Beowulf.
This name derives from the Old Norse “hlíf,” meaning “cover, shelter, protection, shield,” which has been early associated with Old Norse “líf” meaning “life.”
This name derives from the Old Norse “leikr,” meaning “game, sport, play, contest, amusement, a joke.”
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.
This name derives from the Old Norse “*Anur,” meaning “ancestor, father.” Oge and Åge are also a diminutive of the name “August.” This name is of Old Norse and Latin origin and comes from the following roots (*ANUR) and (AUGUSTUS).
This name derives from the Old Norse name “úlfr,” from the Ancient Germanic element “*-wulfaz,” meaning “wolf.” Wulf and Wolf were one of the most prolific elements in early Germanic and Nordic names. It could figure as the first element in dithematic names, as in Wulfstan, but mostly as the second element, “-ulf, / -olf.” The numerous names ending in -wulf, -ulf, -olf gave rise to hypocorisms (pet) from an early time, which was later also treated as given names in their own right. The wolf is a significant figure in Germanic and Norse paganism for more than a thousand years.
This name derives from the Old Norse “Bóthildr” composed of two elements: “bōt,” meaning “bettering, remedy, compensation” plus “hildr,” meaning “battle, fight.” The name should be translated as: one who helps or heals wounds in battle. Boedil (Bodil) Turgotsdotter († 1103) was a medieval Danish queen, queen consort of King Eric I of Denmark. Bodil was the daughter of the Danish Earl Thrugot Fagerskind and Thorgunna and the sister of Svend Thrugotsen. The Bodil Awards are the major Danish film awards given by Denmark’s National Association of Film Critics (Danish: Filmmedarbejderforeningen). Established in 1948, it is one of the oldest film awards in Europe.
This name derives from the Old Norse “Rúni,” a short form of names containing the name element “rún,” which in turn derives from the Ancient Germanic “*rūnō,” meaning “secret, secret lore, secret knowledge, magic.”
This name derives from the Old Norse “móðir,” which in turn derives from the Ancient Germanic “*mātér / *mōdēr,” meaning “mother.”
This name derives from the Old Norse “(alfr / ælfr),” meaning “elf, sprite, fairy, supernatural being” The root “(alfr / ælfR),” the name “Alv,” and its female variants are closely linked to the Swedish name “Alef” (Adolf). It represents the short form or combinations with the name element “alf.”
This name derives from the Old Norse “búi.” In turn, the name means “live, dwell, dwelling, dweller.” In Norse mythology, Búi is one of the sons of Karl and Snør in the Rígsþula. It should be noted that in the Icelandic language “búi,” means “rhymes, homophone.”
This name derives from the Old Norse “búi.” In turn, the name means “live, dwell, dwelling, dweller.” In Norse mythology, Búi is one of the sons of Karl and Snør in the Rígsþula. It should be noted that in the Icelandic language “búi,” means “rhymes, homophone.”
This name derives from the Old Norse “búi.” In turn, the name means “live, dwell, dwelling, dweller.” In Norse mythology, Búi is one of the sons of Karl and Snør in the Rígsþula. It should be noted that in the Icelandic language “búi,” means “rhymes, homophone.”
This name derives from the Old Norse name Æiríkr > Eiríkr, a younger form of “*Aina-rikiaR / *Aiwa-rikiaR.” The name is composed of two elements: “*aina(z) / *aiwa(z)” (always, one, alone) plus “*rīkijaz” (kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich). The name means “the one and only, ever powerful.” Although the name was in use in Anglo-Saxon England, its use was reinforced by Scandinavian settlers arriving before the Norman Invasion. It was an uncommon name in England until the middle ages when it gained popularity and finally became a common name in the 19th century. In Norway, Sweden, and Finland, the name day for Erik and Eirik is on May 18, commemorating the death of Saint Eric of Sweden. Eric IX of Sweden (Erik the Saint, Eric the Holy, † 1160) was king of Sweden from 1150 to 1960, Eric did much to aid Christianity in his realm and was responsible for codifying the laws of his kingdom, which became known as King Eric’s Law.
This name derives from the Old Norse name Æiríkr > Eiríkr, a younger form of “*Aina-rikiaR / *Aiwa-rikiaR.” The name is composed of two elements: “*aina(z) / *aiwa(z)” (always, one, alone) plus “*rīkijaz” (kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich). The name means “the one and only, ever powerful.” Although the name was in use in Anglo-Saxon England, its use was reinforced by Scandinavian settlers arriving before the Norman Invasion. It was an uncommon name in England until the middle ages when it gained popularity and finally became a common name in the 19th century. In Norway, Sweden, and Finland, the name day for Erik and Eirik is on May 18, commemorating the death of Saint Eric of Sweden. Eric IX of Sweden (Erik the Saint, Eric the Holy, † 1160) was king of Sweden from 1150 to 1960, Eric did much to aid Christianity in his realm and was responsible for codifying the laws of his kingdom, which became known as King Eric’s Law.
This name derives from the Old Norse name “Stígr,” directly from the element “stíga” (to step, to step upwards, tread, path). In turn, derives from the Proto-Germanic “*stīganą,” meaning “to step, to stride, to rise, to increase.”
This name is a Swedish short form of names containing the element (víg), from the Old Norse “vígr,” meaning “in fighting condition, able to fight.”
This name derives from the Old Norse god “Yngvi,” the form of the Germanic god’s name (*Ingwaz) plus “*harjaz” (army, army leader, commander, warrior). Yngvi “Proto-Germanic (Ingwaz)” is an essential mythological Germanic figure which appears to have been the older name for the god Freyr. Freyr is one of the most important gods of Old-Norse paganism, sometimes referred to as Yngvi-Freyr, (God of beauty and fertility).
This name is a short form of Ebergund, Eberharde, Eberarda, Eberhild, Ebrikke, and several names beginning with “ebe-.” It is of Germanic and Old Norse origin and comes from the following roots: (*EBURAZ *GUNTHO / *GUNÞIZ) (EBERHARD) and (*EBURAZ *HILDIZ).
This name is a short form of Ebergund, Eberharde, Eberarda, Eberhild, Ebrikke, and several names beginning with “ebe-.” It is of Germanic and Old Norse origin and comes from the following roots: (*EBURAZ *GUNTHO / *GUNÞIZ) (EBERHARD) and (*EBURAZ *HILDIZ).
This name derives from the Old Norse “*unr > una,” meaning “to enjoy, be happy with, be content.”
This name derives from the Old Norse “*UnR > una,” meaning “to enjoy, be happy with, be content,” and also represents a short form of the Finnish name “Unelma.”
This name has two different branches: 1) From the Proto-Germanic and Old Norse “*unnaną > unna,” meaning “to grant, bestow, to love.” 2) From the Proto-Germanic and Old Norse “*unþī > unnr / uðr,” meaning “wave.”
This name derives from the Old Norse “*Anur,” meaning “ancestor, father.” Oge and Åge are also a diminutive of the name “August.” This name is of Old Norse and Latin origin and comes from the following roots (*ANUR) and (AUGUSTUS).
This name derives from the Old Norse word “ǫrn,” meaning “Arn (bird), an eagle.” In turn, the name derives from the Proto-Germanic “*arô,” meaning “eagle.” The modern meaning is “strong as an eagle.” Note: In Iceland, the name Örn is officially rejected as a female given name on 18 December 2001.
This name derives from Old Norse “Þórfríðr,” composed of two elements: “Þórr” (thunder, Thor) plus “fríðr” (beautiful, nutritious, to make beautiful, lovely, beloved). In Norse mythology, Thor (Old Norse: Þórr) is a hammer-wielding God associated with thunder, lightning, storms, oak trees, strength, the protection of humankind, and also hallowing, healing, and fertility. The cognate deity in more extensive Germanic mythology and paganism was known in Old English as Þunor and in Old High German as Donar (Runic: Þonar), stemming from a common Germanic “*þunraz,” meaning “thunder.”
This name represents the short form of several Germanic and Scandinavian names beginning or ending with the element “gunt, gund, gunnr,” which in turn derives from the ancient Germanic “*guntho / *gunþiz”, which means “battle, fight, clash, act of killing, lashing, hitting”.
In fact, this name represents the Scandinavian short form of names beginning with the element “AUD” from the Old Norse “auðr,” which in turn derives from the Ancient Germanic “*audaz,” meaning “prosperity, fortune, riches, wealth.” It is closely related and can be challenging to tell apart from “óðal,” meaning “one’s ancestral land, homeland, home, territory.”
This name derives from the Old Norse root “Þórr > Þýrví > Thyrvi,” meaning “thunder fighter.” This name is a feminine form of Thor. In Norse mythology, Thor (Old Norse: Þórr) is a hammer-wielding God associated with thunder, lightning, storms, oak trees, strength, the protection of humankind, and also hallowing, healing, and fertility. The cognate deity in more extensive Germanic mythology and paganism was known in Old English as Þunor and in Old High German as Donar (Runic: Þonar), stemming from a common Germanic “*þunraz,” meaning “thunder.”
This name is a diminutive of Olaf and Oskar. It is of Old English (Anglo-Saxon) and Old Norse origin and comes from the following roots: (ÓLAFR) (ŌSGĀR) and (ÁSGÆIRR).
This name is a Swedish short form of names containing the element (víg), from the Old Norse “vígr,” meaning “in fighting condition, able to fight.”
This name derives from a surname derived initially from a place name in Cumbria of Brythonic origin, meaning “trickling stream.” Dacre is a small village, civil parish, and electoral ward in the Lake District National Park in the Eden District of Cumbria, England. Dacre is “the trickling one,” from a Brythonic “dagr tear-drop.” It refers to the stream, Dacre Beck, which gave its name to the village.
This name derives from Old Norse god “Þórr,” from the Proto-Norse “þónr” (Ancient Germanic: *þun). In Norse mythology, Thor (Old Norse: Þórr) is a hammer-wielding God associated with thunder, lightning, storms, oak trees, strength, the protection of humankind, and also hallowing, healing, and fertility. The cognate deity in more extensive Germanic mythology and paganism was known in Old English as Þunor and in Old High German as Donar (Runic: Þonar), stemming from a common Germanic “*þunraz,” meaning “thunder.”
The origin of this name is still today quite uncertain. The theories include: 1) From the Germanic “Alfher” (from which Alvaro) or the Old Norse “Áleifr” from the Proto-Norse “*AnulaiƀaR” (from which Olaf). 2) From the Latin “ŏlīva” (olive, a symbol of peace, religious piety, or victory), referring to the fruit or the branch of the olive. 3) A third hypothesis, less accredited, is from the Mycenaean Greek “élaiwon (ἔλαιϝον),” Ancient Greek “élaion (ἔλαιον).” The names “Olaf” and “Oliver” are linked to the Latin root, but related to the Germanic and Norse, from (Alfher) and (Ólæifr). Saint Oliver Plunkett (1629–1681) was the Roman Catholic archbishop of Armagh and chief bishop of all of Ireland, who was the last victim of the papist plot.
This name derives from the Proto-Norse “*BerʒiaR,” which in turn derives from the Ancient Germanic element “*berganą / *burgz,” meaning “to take care, to preserve, to protect, to save, to help, to rescue / fortification, stronghold, a fortified city, castle.” The name also represents the short form of Old Norse’s name, starting with the element “Berg-.” Birger (1280–1321) was King of Sweden from 1290 to 1318. Birger was the son of King Magnus III and Hedwig of Holstein. He was hailed the king of Sweden when he was four years old. It was done by his father in order to secure the succession. In 1275, King Magnus had led a rebellion against his elder brother, King Valdemar of Sweden, and ousted him from the throne.
This name derives from the Old Norse “Arnviðr” composed of two elements: “ǫrn” plus “viðr,” which in turn this name is of Germanic origin, composed of two elements: “*arnu- / *arô” (eagle) plus “*widu-” (forest, wood, tree). The meaning should be translated as a “forest of eagles.” Arvid August Afzelius (1785–1871) was a Swedish pastor, poet, historian, and mythologist. In Sweden and Estonia, the secular feast day is celebrated on August 31.
This name represents the short form of names beginning with the element “Ás-.” In turn, the name is a contraction from the Ancient Germanic “*ansuz” (heathen god, áss, god). Ansuz is the common name given to the a-rune of the Elder Futhark, one of the principal deities in Germanic paganism. In the Norwegian rune poem, Óss is given a meaning “of the estuary,” while in the Anglo-Saxon one, “ōs” takes the Latin meaning of “mouth.”
This name derives from the Old Norse “gautr,” which in turn derives from the Proto-Norse “*gautaz,” meaning “Goth, Geat, from Gautland “Götaland, Gothia in southern Sweden.” Gothenland, Gautland or Geatland is one of three lands of Sweden and comprises provinces. Geographically it is located in the south of Sweden, bounded to the north by Svealand, with the deep woods of Tiveden, Tylöskog, and Kolmården marking the border. Götaland once consisted of petty kingdoms, which its inhabitants called Gautar in Old Norse. It is generally agreed that these were the same as the Geatas, the people of the hero Beowulf in England’s national epic, Beowulf.
This name derives from the Old Norse “finnr,” meaning “Sámi, Laplander, Finn,” probably from the Proto-Norse, meaning “wanderer.” In Northern Mythology, Finnr is the name of a dwarf in the Vǫluspá and the Þulur. In Germanic mythology, a dwarf is a being that dwells in the mountains and the earth and is variously associated with wisdom, smithing, mining, and crafting. The Finns had a reputation in Medieval Scandinavia for being magicians. We must also note Finn, son of Folcwald, a legendary Frisian king. He is mentioned in Widsith, in Beowulf, and the Finnsburg Fragment, and there is also a Finn mentioned in Historia Brittonum.
This name derives from the Old Norse and Proto-Norse “garðr / *garðiō,” which in turn derives from the Ancient Germanic “*gardaz,” meaning “court, yard, enclosure, garden, protection, refuge” and represents the short form of names containing the name element “GERD.”
This name has two different branches: 1) From the Proto-Germanic and Old Norse “*unnaną > unna,” meaning “to grant, bestow, to love.” 2) From the Proto-Germanic and Old Norse “*unþī > unnr / uðr,” meaning “wave.”
This name of Norse origin has different branches 1) Modern form of the Old Norse and Icelandic name “Þúfa,” meaning “mound, knoll.” 2) From the Swedish “tuva,” meaning “tussock, a tuft of grass.” 3) Pet form of names containing the first element “þor” (Þórr, Thor), and the last element beginning with “f-” or with “v-/w-.”
This name derives from the Old Norse “hlíf,” meaning “cover, shelter, protection, shield,” which has been early associated with Old Norse “líf” meaning “life.”
This name derives from the Old Norse “snær / snjár,” which in turn derives from the Proto-Germanic “*snaiwaz” meaning “snow.”
This name derives from the name of the flower. It has two derivations, both of which are connected to the famous 18th-century Swedish scientist Carl Linnaeus, who was ennobled as Carl von Linné later in life. Secondarily, people have named their children after the twinflower Linnaea, which was named to honor Linnaeus. Linnaeus' family name, in turn, is derived from the Swedish word “lind,” the linden (lime tree).
This name represents the short form of names beginning with the element “Ás-.” In turn, the name is a contraction from the Ancient Germanic “*ansuz” (heathen god, áss, god). Ansuz is the common name given to the a-rune of the Elder Futhark, one of the principal deities in Germanic paganism. In the Norwegian rune poem, Óss is given a meaning “of the estuary,” while in the Anglo-Saxon one, “ōs” takes the Latin meaning of “mouth.”
This name derives from the Old High German and Old Norse “Godafrid and Guðifriðr,” composed of two elements: “*gudą” (god, deity, divine being) plus “*friþuz” (peace, tranquility, friendship). In turn, the name means “God’s peace, peaceful pledge, God gives me peace of mind, my friendship with God.” The name was introduced to Britain by the Normans. There are several English spelling variations of the German “Gottfried.” Some are derived directly from the Germanic (the ones that begin with ‘G’), and others derive from the Anglo-Norman (the ones that start with ‘J’), but always from the Germanic root. 1) Geoffroy d’Amiens was a bishop of Amiens. He is a saint in the Catholic Church. 2) Geoffrey V, called the Handsome, was the Count of Anjou, Touraine, and Maine by inheritance, from 1129 and then Duke of Normandy by conquest from 1144. 3) Gudrid Thorbjarnardóttir (Icelandic: Guðríður Þorbjarnardóttir), also known as Vidforla or “the Far-Traveler” was a Norse woman born around the year 980 in Laugarbrekka, Iceland. She is best known for her appearances in “The Saga of Eirik the Red” and “The Saga of the Greenlanders,” known collectively as the “The Vinland Sagas.”
The name Aija and its variants represent a diminutive of Aina and a short form of Freja. Aina derives from the Finnish “ainoa,” meaning “only, the only one.” Elias Lönnrot, who composed the Kalevala, invented the name. In Nordic mythology and Norse mythology, Freyja (Old Norse the ‘lady’) is a goddess associated with love, beauty, fertility, gold, war, and death. Like the name of the group of deities to which Freyja belongs, the Vanir, the name Freyja is not attested outside Scandinavia, unlike the goddess Frigg, who is certified as a goddess common to all Germanic peoples, and whose name is reconstructed as Proto-Germanic *frijjō. The origin of the name is “eijaa” a Finnish exclamation of joy. In the Greenlandic language, “aja” means “maternal aunt.”
This name derives from Proto-Norse name “*Auja-winduR,” composed of two elements: “*awiō” (island) plus “-winduR” (winner). The modern meaning is “happy warrior, luck/fortune winner.” Eivind name-day is celebrated on August 26 in Norway, as well as Øyvind. The variant Eivindur and Oyvindur have the name-day the same day in the Faroe Islands, but Ejvind and Øjvind in Finland fall on July 3.
This name derives from the Old Norse word “ǫrn,” meaning “Arn (bird), an eagle.” In turn, the name derives from the Proto-Germanic “*arô,” meaning “eagle.” The modern meaning is “strong as an eagle.” Note: In Iceland, the name Örn is officially rejected as a female given name on 18 December 2001.
This name derives from the Old Norse “móðir,” which in turn derives from the Ancient Germanic “*mātér / *mōdēr,” meaning “mother.”
This name derives from the Old Norse “ÁsulfR,” composed of two elements: “áss” (heathen god, god, deity), from the Proto-Germanic “*ansuz” plus “ulfr” (wolf). In turn, the name means “divine wolf.”
This name represents the short form of names beginning with the element “Ás-.” In turn, the name is a contraction from the Ancient Germanic “*ansuz” (heathen god, áss, god). Ansuz is the common name given to the a-rune of the Elder Futhark, one of the principal deities in Germanic paganism. In the Norwegian rune poem, Óss is given a meaning “of the estuary,” while in the Anglo-Saxon one, “ōs” takes the Latin meaning of “mouth.”
This name derives from the Old Norse “*unr > una,” meaning “to enjoy, be happy with, be content.”
This name is a diminutive of Olaf and Oskar. It is of Old English (Anglo-Saxon) and Old Norse origin and comes from the following roots: (ÓLAFR) (ŌSGĀR) and (ÁSGÆIRR).
This name derives from the Old Norse name “úlfr,” from the Ancient Germanic element “*-wulfaz,” meaning “wolf.” Wulf and Wolf were one of the most prolific elements in early Germanic and Nordic names. It could figure as the first element in dithematic names, as in Wulfstan, but mostly as the second element, “-ulf, / -olf.” The numerous names ending in -wulf, -ulf, -olf gave rise to hypocorisms (pet) from an early time, which was later also treated as given names in their own right. The wolf is a significant figure in Germanic and Norse paganism for more than a thousand years.
Old Norse names have roots during the Viking Age (roughly 793-1066 CE). As part of Old Norse, the ancestor of modern Scandinavian languages, these names carry sounds and meanings shaped by thousands of years of linguistic development. The naming traditions of Scandinavia during the Viking Age reflect the history, beliefs, and social structures of the people who lived there.
Viking-era names honored the Norse gods, celebrated battle prowess, or invoked protection. Names traveled across the Viking world from Scandinavia to Iceland, Britain, and beyond. Many names familiar today in English-speaking countries have Old Norse origins.
Today, Old Norse names appear far beyond Scandinavia during the Viking Age. Immigration, global media, and cultural exchange have made many Old Norse names familiar worldwide. Parents choose these names to honor heritage, appreciate their meanings, or simply because they like how they sound. The 6,266 names in this collection range from ancient choices still popular today to names that have fallen out of use but retain historical interest.
Viking-era names often combined elements meaning battle, god, or protection. Many names honored Norse gods like Thor, Odin, and Freya. Nature elements like wolf, bear, and eagle appeared frequently.
These traditional patterns still matter, but modern parents also mix things up. Some combine traditional and contemporary elements, pick names from other cultures, or create unique variations of classic names.
This collection breaks down to 58% masculine names (3,644) and 41% feminine names (2,576).
Old Norse pronunciation follows patterns that may differ from English. Here are key points for English speakers:
The letter "p" represents "th" as in "thing". The letter "o" (eth) represents "th" as in "the". Vowel length distinguished words and is sometimes marked with accents.
When in doubt about pronunciation, listening to native speakers helps more than reading transliterations. Each name page has a pronunciation guide. If you're considering a Old Norse name for your child, say it out loud and think about how others in your community will pronounce it.
With 6,266 names in our database, Old Norse is one of our bigger origin categories. These names appear on birth certificates worldwide, from Scandinavia during the Viking Age to immigrant communities on every continent.
The collection offers balanced options for both genders, with 3,644 names for boys and 2,576 for girls.
Current naming trends show renewed interest in heritage names, with parents seeking meaningful connections to cultural roots. Some Old Norse names have crossed over to mainstream use, while others remain specific to Old Norse-speaking communities.
Popular Old Norse names for boys include Raven, Erika, Estrid, Shelby, Olivia. Our database contains 3,644 Old Norse names traditionally given to boys, ranging from classic choices to unique options.
Our collection includes 2,576 Old Norse names for girls. Popular choices blend traditional sounds with meaningful origins. Use the feminine tab to explore options organized by popularity.
Old Norse names carry meanings from Old Norse, the ancestor of modern Scandinavian languages. Common themes in Old Norse names include divine, noble, new, warrior. Each name in our database includes its specific meaning and cultural context.
Old Norse pronunciation follows specific patterns. The letter "p" represents "th" as in "thing". Each name page includes a pronunciation guide to help English speakers say the name correctly.
This database contains 6,266 Old Norse names: 3,644 for boys and 2,576 for girls. This represents documented names that have been used historically or are in current use. The actual number of Old Norse names ever used is certainly higher.
Spelling difficulty depends on the specific name and your familiarity with Old Norse phonetics. Some Old Norse names have been adapted to English spelling conventions, making them straightforward. Others retain original spellings that may be unfamiliar. Consider how important easy spelling is to you when choosing a name.