Top 477 Icelandic Names

Iceland is a small island nation overflowing with history and breathtaking landscapes, and the names used in Iceland mirror this unique culture and geography. Icelandic names are direct connections to antiquity thanks to the little-changed Icelandic language. We’ve curated lists of common Icelandic names and Icelandic baby names to help showcase these names to the world.

Icelandic Names and Meanings

Icelandic names reflect ancient beliefs and ideas regarding essential character traits. A few common themes in Icelandic names include references to pre-Christian religions, animals, and references to legends. They give the impression that someone is connected to the ancient times of Iceland and the Vikings who settled on the island. Uniqueness is an inherent Icelandic name quality – Icelandic names are rarely taken from other languages and retain the same or similar spelling and meanings as Old Norse names. When names are inspired or borrowed from non-Icelandic cultures, they are changed to fit Icelandic practices.

Icelandic is a language that comes from Old Norse, but unlike other Nordic languages, it has maintained many Old Norse grammar and vocabulary. This means modern Icelandic-speaking people can read Viking eddas and get direct inspiration for names. Old Norse language and Viking culture directly influence Icelandic names, and because of these influences, Icelandic people use names that have been carried unchanged for centuries. Popular Icelandic names like Frigg, an Old Norse name meaning ‘to love’ shared by a Norse goddess, and Hrafn, another Old Norse name meaning ‘raven,’ reflect this history. Read on to find our hand-picked lists of the most popular Icelandic names, Icelandic baby names, and their meanings.

Top 100 Icelandic Names

On this list are the popular Icelandic names and baby names, many of which have been in use since the Vikings. Common Icelandic names typically have meanings derived from nature, ancient sagas, or Norse mythology.

Female Names	Male Names
Anna – Grace, Favor	Jón – God is gracious
Guðrún – God’s secret lore	Sigurður – Guardian of victory
Kristín – Christian, Follower of Christ	Guðmundur – Protection of God
Sigríður – Beautiful victory	Gunnar – Warrior, Fighter
Margrét – Pearl	Ólafur – Ancestor’s descendant
Helga – Holy, Sacred	Kristján – Follower of Christ
Sigrún – Victory rune, Victory secret	Einar – One warrior, Lone warrior
Ingibjörg – Protection of Ing, Ing being a Norse god	Magnús – Great
María – Wished-for child, Bitter	Stefán – Crown, Garland
Jóhanna – God is gracious	Jóhann – God is gracious
Katrín – Pure	Arnar – Eagle warrior
Elín – Torch, Shining light	Björn – Bear
Eva – Life	Árni – Eagle
Hildur – Battle	Bjarni – Bear
Sara – Princess, Noblewoman	Aron – High mountain, Exalted
Lilja – Lily	Daníel – God is my judge
Elísabet – God is my oath	Helgi – Holy, Dedicated
Ragnheiður – Clearing of the gods	Pétur – Rock
Ásta – Love, Affection	Halldór – Thor’s rock
Guðbjörg – God’s protection	Kristinn – Follower of Christ
Erla – Eagle	Ragnar – Judgment, Ruler’s advice
Auður – Wealth, Fortune	Róbert – Bright fame
Steinunn – Stone and Love	Alexander – Defender of the people
Guðný – New god	Viktor – Conqueror
Kolbrún – Coal-browed, Black eyebrow	Gísli – Ray, Shaft of light
Íris – Rainbow	Þorsteinn – Thor’s stone
Ólöf – Ancestor’s descendant	Guðjón – God’s gift
Inga – Feminine form related to the god Ing	Andri – Manly, Brave
Bryndís – Armor goddess, Armored fairy	Óskar – God’s spear, Gentle friend
Berglind – Mountain linden, Mountain spring	Davíð – Beloved
Sólveig – Sun strength, Sun and strength	Birgir – Helper, Savior
Rakel – Ewe, Innocence	Bjarki – Little bear
Hrafnhildur – Raven battle	Tómas – Twin
Ásdís – God’s goddess, God’s spirit	Sveinn – Boy, Lad
Þórunn – Thor’s love	Páll – Small, Humble
Unnur – Wave	Haukur – Hawk
Hulda – Secrecy, Hidden	Brynjar – Armor warrior
Þóra – Feminine form of Þór, meaning Thor	Ágúst – Venerable, Great
Þórdís – Thor’s goddess	Kári – Curly, Windy
Birna – Bear	Benedikt – Blessed
Hanna – Grace	Jóhannes – God is gracious
Emilía – Rival	Kristófer – Bearer of Christ
Halldóra – Thor’s rock	Atli – The terrible, derived from Attila
Karen – Pure	Karl – Man, Free man
Sandra – Defender of man	Ásgeir – God’s spear
Linda – Soft, Tender	Haraldur – Army ruler
Harpa – Harp	Baldur – Bold, Prince
Erna – Capable, Serious	Kjartan – Coastal stone
Andrea – Manly	Hilmar – Famous protector
Jóna – God is gracious	Friðrik – Peaceful ruler
Telma – Will, Desire	Rúnar – Mystery, Secret
Edda – Great grandmother, Poetry	Sigurjón – Victory and Jon
Hafdís – Sea goddess	Þórður – Thor’s warrior
Helena – Torch, Shining light	Egill – Edge of a weapon, Tip
Tinna – Related to the river Tinn	Sindri – Sparkling
Brynja – Armor, Mail coat	Hörður – Hard
Sóley – Sun island	Emil – Rival, Emulating
Aníta – Grace	Jónas – Dove
Valgerður – Spear protection, Killed in battle	Elvar – Elf warrior
Lára – Laurel	Eiríkur – Ever powerful, Eternal ruler
Arna – Eagle	Björgvin – Protection, Help and Meadow
Jónína – God is gracious	Adam – Man, Earth
Sigurbjörg – Victory protection	Ísak – He will laugh
Guðlaug – God’s promise	Hlynur – Maple
Kristjana – Christian	Ari – Eagle
Marta – Lady, Mistress	Dagur – Day
Hjördís – Sword goddess	Matthías – Gift of God
Freyja – Norse goddess of love, fertility, and beauty	Jakob – Supplanter
Stefanía – Crown, Garland	Sævar – Sea warrior
Viktoría – Victory	Mikael – Who is like God?
Alexandra – Defender of man	Birkir – Birch tree
Júlía – Youthful, Downy	Piotr – Rock
Sunna – Sun	Ómar – Life, Long-lived
Rósa – Rose	Snorri – Attack, Sharp-witted
Hrefna – Raven	Guðni – Divine
Ísabella – God is my oath	Anton – Priceless, Invaluable
Laufey – Leaf island	Arnór – Eagle and Thor
Ragnhildur – Advice, Decision of the gods	Ingvar – Warrior of Ing, Guarded by Ing
Hólmfríður – Island beauty	Sverrir – Swirling, Wild, Restless
Aðalheiður – Noble and Bright	Örn – Eagle
Katla – Kettle, Cauldron	Ívar – Bow warrior
Dagný – New day	Axel – Father of peace
Áslaug – God and Marriage	Tomasz – Twin
Emma – Universal, Whole	Eyþór – Island and Thor
Birta – Brightness, Light	Hafsteinn – Sea stone
Agnes – Pure, Holy	Jökull – Glacier, Ice
Björg – Protection, Salvation	Reynir – Rowan tree
Halla – Rock	Ingólfur – Ing’s wolf, Protected by Ing
Ágústa – Exalted, Venerable	Marcin – Warlike, From Mars
Embla – Elm tree	Garðar – Fence, Defence,, Guardian
Elva – Elf, River	Michal – Who is like God?
Hekla – Name of a famous Icelandic volcano	Tryggvi – Trustworthy, True
Elsa – God is my oath	Krzysztof – Bearer of Christ
Ingunn – Related to the Norse god Ing	Steinar – Stone warrior
Soffía – Wisdom	Gabríel – God is my strength
Fanney – Wanderer	Þórarinn – Thor and Eagle
Rebekka – To tie, To bind	Þórir – Thor’s warrior
Vigdís – War goddess	Valdimar – Rule and Famous
Ása – God	Grétar – Strong warrior

Unique Icelandic Names

We’ve gathered the names most special to Iceland in this list of unique Icelandic names. These names possess poetic and descriptive qualities, capturing the essence of the landscapes and phenomena of the island.

Female Names	Male Names
Aðalbjörg – Noble protection	Aðalsteinn – Noble stone
Alda – Wave	Agnar – Sharp, Edge of a sword
Aldís – Wave goddess	Andrés – Manly, Brave
Aría – Melody, Song	Ármann – Army man, Warrior
Arndís – Eagle goddess	Ásmundur – God’s protection
Arney – Eagle island	Baldvin – Bold friend
Aþena – Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom	Bergur – Rock, Mountain
Bára – Wave, Billow	Bragi – Poet, Poetry
Bergþóra – Rock and Thor	Brynjólfur – Armor wolf
Bettina – God is my oath	Christian – Follower of Christ
Birgitta – The exalted one	Daði – Old Norse form of Daþa
Björk – Birch tree	Eggert – Edge of a sword, Point
Bríet – The exalted one	Elfar – River
Brynhildur – Armor battle	Elías – My God is Yahweh
Dagbjört – Day bright	Eyjólfur – Island wolf
Dóra – Gift	Fannar – Snow drift
Elfa – Elf	Finnur – Finn, Person from Finland
Elísa – God is my oath	Geir – Spear
Elísabeth – God is my oath	Guðlaugur – God’s promise
Emelía – Rival	Gunnlaugur – Warrior’s promise
Ester – Star	Gylfi – Roaring sea, a mythological king’s name
Eydís – Island goddess	Hafþór – Sea Thor
Eygló – Island glow	Hákon – High son
Eyrún – Island secret	Hallgrímur – Rock mask, Rock hood
Fjóla – Violet	Hannes – God is gracious
Fríða – Beautiful, Beloved	Heiðar – Honor, Brightness
Gerður – Norse goddess Gerður, associated with fertility	Heimir – World, Home
Gréta – Pearl	Hermann – Army man
Guðfinna – God and Fair	Hjálmar – Helmeted warrior
Guðmunda – God and Protection	Hjalti – Hilt of a sword
Guðríður – God and Ride, Journey	Hjörtur – Heart
Gunnhildur – War and Battle	Hreinn – Pure, Clean
Gyða – Goddess	Ingi – Diminutive of names beginning with Ing-
Heiða – Heath, Moor	Jakop – Supplanter
Heiðrún – Goat in Norse mythology, Heath and Secret	Jens – God is gracious
Herdís – Army goddess	Júlíus – Youthful, Jove’s child
Hrönn – Wave	Kolbeinn – Coal, Dark and Bear
Hugrún – Mind, Thought and Secret	Kristian – Follower of Christ
Iðunn – Norse goddess associated with apples and youth	Lárus – Laurel
Jenný – Fair one	Leifur – Descendant, Heir
Kamilla – Perfect, Complete	Mathías – Gift of God
Karítas – Charity	Mattías – Gift of God
Klara – Clear, Bright	Mikkael – Who is like God?
Kristbjörg – Christian protection	Mikkel – Who is like God?
Kristrún – Christian secret	Oddur – Spear point, Tip of the blade
Lovísa – Renowned warrior	Olav – Ancestor’s descendant
Magnea – Great	Óli – Ancestor’s descendant
Margrjet – Pearl	Pálmi – Palm tree
Martha – Lady, Mistress	Pawel – Small, Humble
Matthildur – Combination of Mighty and Battle	Pjetur – Rock
Móeiður – Maiden of the moor	Sæmundur – Sea protection
Nanna – Norse goddess of joy and peace, Daring, Brave	Sævarr – Sea warrior
Oddný – Point and New	Sigfús – Victory and Eager
Ólafía – Ancestor’s descendant	Sigurbjörn – Victory bear
Ragna – Advice, Decision	Sigurgeir – Victory spear
Rannveig – House, Home and Strength	Skúli – Shelter, Protection
Saga – Story, Tale	Smári – Small, Tiny
Selma – Helmet of God, Safe	Steingrímur – Rock mask, Stone hood
Sesselja – Sister and diminutive suffix	Svavar – Swallow
Sigurlaug – Victory and Promise	Sveinbjörn – Boy bear, Youth bear
Sofie – Wisdom	Svend – Boy, Lad
Sólrún – Sun secret	Þór – Thor (Norse god of thunder)
Sonja – Wisdom	Þorgeir – Thor’s spear
Svala – Swallow (bird)	Þórhallur – Thor’s rock
Svanhildur – Swan battle	Þorkell – Thor’s kettle
Svava – Noise, Clamor	Þorvaldur – Thor’s rule
Thelma – Will, Wish	Þröstur – Thrush (a type of bird)
Þorbjörg – Thor and Protection	Trausti – Trustworthy, Loyal
Þórey – Thor and Island	Valdemar – Famous ruler
Þorgerður – Thor and Protection	Valgeir – Power of the slain, Carnage spear
Þórhildur – Thor and Battle	Valur – Falcon
Þuríður – Thor and Beautiful	Victor – Conqueror
Una – Lamb, Together	Viðar – Warrior, Forest
Valdís – Power, Authority and Goddess	Vignir – Warrior
Vilborg – Will and Protection	Vilhjálmur – Will helmet, Desire to protect

Cute Icelandic Names

Cute Icelandic names evoke charming and endearing qualities, drawing inspiration from nature, and folklore. These names are perfect for those who want a historical and an adorable name.

Female Names	Male Names
Analía – Grace and Bearer	Alex – Defender of the people
Atli – The Progenitor	Antoni – Priceless, Invaluable
Camilla – Perfect, Complete	Baltasar – God protect the king
Clara – Clear, Bright	Bjartur – Bright, Shiny
Díana – Divine	Elmar – Noble, Famous
Díanna – Divine	Frosti – Frost
Drifa – Snowdrift	Leif – Descendant, Heir
Gróa – Growing, To grow	Leó – Lion
Ísabel – God is my oath	Leon – Lion
Kari – Pure	Óðinn – Inspiration, Rage
Maja – Mother, Nurse	Óliver – Olive tree
Saara – Princess	Sölvi – Silver
Salka – Soul	Theodór – Gift of God
Silja – Blind	Úlfur – Wolf
Ylfa – She-wolf	Ýmir – Resounder

Pretty Icelandic Names

Pretty Icelandic names resonate with elements of beauty, nature, and poetic grace found within the country’s mesmerizing landscapes and rich heritage. These names bring to mind the beautiful flowers and new leaves of Iceland’s spring.

Female Names	Male Names
Audbjörg – Wealth and Protection	Alvar – Elf warrior
Brynhild – Armor and Battle	Benteinn – Blessed, Good and Stone
Faida – Plentiful	Carl – Man, Free man
Gígja – Horse	Darri – Spear
Hallbera – Rock and Bear	Flóki – Curly, Hairy
Jonna – God is gracious	Funi – Fire, Flame
Kaðlín – Pure	Kasper – Bringer of treasure
Marit – Pearl	Ketill – Kettle, Helmet
Thekla – God’s fame	Nói – Ship, related to Noah
Verdandi – Happening, Becoming	Valtýr – Ruler and Thor
Vor – means Spring	Vilmar – Will and Famous

Rare Icelandic Names

Rare Icelandic names hold ties to ancient sagas, long-lost folklore, or older linguistic traditions, giving them a mystique and depth. We’ve curated this list of rare Icelandic names for those unafraid of attention.

Female Names	Male Names
Álfheiður – Elf and Bright, Clear	Björgólfur – Rescue, Save and Wolf
Áshildur – God and Battle	Elliði – Ship
Dagmar – Day and Maiden	Finnbogi – Finn and Bow
Ebba – Strength of an animal	Freyr – Lord
Elna – Torch, Shining light	Högni – High, related to Hawk
Glódís – Glow and Goddess	Hrafn – Raven
Hallfríður – Rock and Beautiful	Hrólfur – Famous wolf
Helene – Torch, Shining light	Hugi – Mind, Thought
Hrund – Related to a word for Log	Jón Þór – God is gracious and Thor
Kaja – Pure	Njáll – Champion
Ósk – Wish, Desire	Orri – Black grouse, Eagle
Rósmarín – Icelandic for Rosemary	Óttar – Fear, Dread
Sædís – Sea and Goddess	Sigfinnur – Victory and Finn
Sigurveig – Victory and Strength	Þorbergur – Thor and Protection, Save
Sjöfn – Norse goddess associated with love	Þorfinnur – Thor and Finn
Svana – Swan	Þorgrímur – Thor and Mask, Helmet
Þórdísa – Thor and Goddess	Þorleifur – Thor and Descendant, Heritage
Tóta – Feminine form of the Thor	Þorvarður – Thor and Guardian
Víkína – A feminine form related to Viking	Víðir – Wood, Forest

Double Icelandic Names

Double Icelandic names are combinations of two individual names, melding their meanings and cultural connotations. Check out this list of popular Icelandic double names.

Female Names	Male Names
Anna Guðrún – Grace and God’s secret lore	Andri Már – Manly Sea
Anna Kristín – Grace and Christian	Andri Þór – Manly Thor
Anna Lilja – Grace and Lily	Arnar Freyr – Eagle Lord
Anna Margrét – Grace and Pearl	Arnar Már – Eagle of the Sea
Anna Maria – Grace and Bitter, Beloved	Arnar Þór – Eagle Thor
Anna Sigríður – Grace and Victory and Beautiful	Árni Þór – Eagle Thor
Eva María – Life, Living and Bitter, Beloved	Bjarki Þór – Little Bear Thor or Strong Thor
Guðrún Helga – God’s secret lore and Holy, Sacred	Bjarni Þór – Bear Thor
Guðrún Margrét – God’s secret lore and Pearl	Einar Örn – Warrior Eagle
Guðrún María – God’s secret lore and Bitter, Beloved	Einar Þór – Warrior Thor
Guðrún Ósk – God’s secret lore and Wish, Desire	Guðmundur Ingi – God’s protection of Ing
Guðrún Sigríður – God’s secret lore and Victory and Beautiful	Gunnar Örn – Warrior Eagle
Helga Kristín – Holy, Sacred and Christian	Gunnar Þór – Warrior Thor
Helga María – Holy, Sacred and Bitter, Beloved	Jón Gunnar – God’s gracious warrior
Íris Ósk – Rainbow and Wish, Desire	Jón Ingi – God’s gracious Ing
Kristín Helga – Christian and Holy, Sacred	Magnús Þór – Great Thor
Kristín María – Christian and Bitter, Beloved	Ólafur Þór – Ancestor’s descendant Thor
Lilja Björk – Lily and Birch tree	Sigurður Þór – Victory Guardian Thor
Linda Björk – Soft, Tender and Birch tree	Stefán Þór – Crowned Thor or Thor’s Garland
Sara Lind – Princess and Lime, Linden tree

Names of Famous Icelandic Men and Women

Halldór Laxness is a critically acclaimed writer who has authored novels, plays, essays, and short stories. He was born in Iceland in 1902. His writing was seen as a renewal of Icelandic narrative art, and he earned the 1955 Nobel Prize in literature. Halldór is of Old Norse origin and means ‘Thor’s rock.’

Ólafur Jóhann Ólafsson, born in Iceland in 1962, graduated from Brandeis University where he studied physics. He worked as a writer before transitioning into the technology industry. As an employee at Sony, he helped lead the creation of the PlayStation. Ólafur comes from an Old Norse word meaning ‘ancestor’s relic.’

Bjarni Tryggvason was born in Iceland in 1945 and has become a renowned engineer and astronaut. He studied at the Universities of British Columbia and Western Ontario and focused on atmospheric research. Bjarni is an Icelandic name of Old Norse origin and means ‘bear.’

Björk Guðmundsdóttir is a singer and actress recognizable for her creative style, powerful voice, and extensive range. She was born in Iceland in 1965 and began her career in the band The Sugarcubes. Björk has earned a multitude of international awards. Björk is of Icelandic origin and means ‘birch.’

Ragnheiður Ragnarsdóttir, known by her stage name Ragga Ragnars, was born in Iceland in 1984. She was a professional swimmer and retired to become an actress, later performing on Vikings. Ragnheiður is from Old Norse and means ‘woman who gives good advice.’

References

Information from Statistics Iceland which collects, analyses, and publishes information on Icelandic baby names, was used to collect this data. If you are interested in learning more about Iceland’s naming laws, the Iceland public services website outlines the rules on name giving, and more information on Icelandic names can be found on Wikipedia.