Top 1,000 Norwegian Names

Norwegian names showcase the Old Norse origins of Norwegian culture and the international influences shaping modern-day Norway. One can channel the Viking victories and glorious landscapes that define Norway with a Norwegian name. Here, you’ll find our lists of common Norwegian names and curated lists of Norwegian baby names by theme.

Norwegian Names and Meanings

Norwegian names share ancient origins with other Nordic countries while maintaining uniquely Norwegian characteristics. These names are often taken from Old Norse names and themes such as pre-Christian religious figures, essential characteristics, and idealized physical features. Important elements found in Norwegian names are often passed down from Viking-era ideas, with character ideals referencing strength, courage, and intelligence. Norwegian names give the impression that someone appreciates nature and independence and is liberally minded. Qualities of Norwegian names include their classical nature, timelessness, and the strength they convey. Many Norwegian names have been used for centuries, making them unique to Norwegian culture.

Norwegian names have roots in Old Norse words and were often passed down to families, as children were commonly named after grandparents and deceased relatives. Norwegian names reflect Nordic religious deities and vocabulary, and later, Christian influences also changed Norwegian naming practices. Names like Noah, a Biblical name meaning ‘rest,’ and Vilde, an Old Norse name meaning ‘elf battle,’ reflect these influences. On this page are our comprehensive lists of Norwegian names, including lists of common names and meanings and Norwegian baby names.

Top 100 Norwegian Names

Here is our comprehensive list of common Norwegian names perennially popular with Norweign parents searching for baby names. These names have been passed down through generations, signifying familial ties and ancestral connections while maintaining their Nordic essence.

Female Names	Male Names
Ingrid – Beautiful, fair	Magnus – Great
Astrid – Divine strength, beautiful	Erik – Eternal ruler
Emilie – Rival, eager	Björn – Bear
Anna – Grace, Favor	Emil – Rival, Emulating
Nora – Light, honor	Aksel – Father of peace
Emma – Universal, Whole	Oskar – God’s spear, Gentle friend
Sofie – Wisdom	Elias – The Lord is my God
Ida – Hardworking, laborious	Jonas – Dove, gift from God
Freya – Norse goddess of love, fertility, beauty	Olav – Ancestor’s descendant
Sara – Princess, Noblewoman	Sigurd – Victory guardian
Linnea – Lime tree, twinflower	Mathias – Gift of God
Mia – Mine, bitter	Henrik – Home ruler
Sigrid – Beautiful victory	Anders – Manly, brave
Thea – Goddess, gods	Filip – Lover of horses
Karoline – Free man	Jakob – Supplanter
Hedda – Battle, strife	Kasper – Bringer of treasure
Vilde – Battle, struggle	Eirik – Forever strong
Solveig – Sun and strength	Einar – One warrior, Lone warrior
Tiril – Related to a sound or chirping	Tor – Thunder god
Maria – Bitter, beloved	Lars – Laurel
Amalie – Hardworking, industrious	Knut – Knot
Lotte – Free	Hans – God is gracious
Ella – Beautiful, fairy maiden	Isak – He will laugh
Selma – Helmet of God, Safe	Fredrik – Peaceful ruler
Maja – Mother, Nurse	Kristian – Follower of Christ
Anne – Grace	Karl – Man, Free man
Sofia – Wisdom, knowledge	Thomas – Twin, twin brother
Aurora – Dawn	Andreas – Manly, brave
Camilla – Perfect, Complete	Jan – God is gracious
Marianne – Star of the sea and grace	Bjørn – Bear
Silje – Blind	Kristoffer – Christ-bearer
Kristin – Christian	Morten – From the god Mars
Katrine – Pure	Oliver – Olive tree, peaceful
Hilde – Battle, warfare	Rune – Secret
Julie – Youthful, downy	Martin – Warlike
Kristine – Christian, anointed	Markus – Warlike
Nina – Little girl	Lucas – From Lucania (light)
Marte – Lady, mistress	Ole – Ancestor’s descendant
Linda – Soft, Tender	Stian – Wanderer
Monica – Advisor	Geir – Spear
Heidi – Noble, of noble birth	Alexander – Defender of the people
Anita – Grace	Per – Rock
Bente – Blessed	Marius – From the Roman clan name Marii
Stine – Christian, anointed	Terje – Thor’s spear
Linn – A waterfall, pool	Noah – Rest, comfort
Hege – Safe, protected	Sander – Defender of man
Olivia – Olive tree, olive branch	Leif – Descendant, Heir
Tone – New	Trond – Thrusting spear
Anette – Grace	Espen – God bear
Malin – High tower or woman of Magdala	Frode – Wise, learned
Marit – Pearl	Joakim – Raised by God
Marie – Bitter, beloved	Daniel – God is my judge
Elisabeth – God is my oath	Svein – Youth
Leah – Weary, delicate	Tobias – God is good, Yahweh is good
Hanna – Grace	Kjell – Kettle, cauldron
Inger – Ing’s warrior (Norse deity)	Theodor – Gift of God
Ulrika – Wealthy, powerful	William – Strong-willed warrior
Kari – Pure	Øyvind – Øyvind: Island wind
Tove – God’s goodness	Liam – Resolute protector
Lene – Torch	Sebastian – Venerable, revered
Elin – Torch, Shining light	Johan – God is gracious
Frida – Peaceful, serene	Petter – Rock
Christina – Christian, anointed	Sindre – Sparkling, glowing
Charlotte – Free man, petite	Even – God is gracious
Liv – Life, protection	Håkon – High son
Ada – Noble	Jørgen – Farmer
Iben – God’s promise	Mikkel – Who is like God?
Lea – Weary, tired	Robert – Bright fame, fame-bright
Grethe – Pearl	Christian – Follower of Christ
Line – Lime tree	Vegard – Protection, guard
Helene – Torch, Shining light	Steinar – Stone warrior
Ann – Grace, favor	Arne – Eagle
Mona – Noble, aristocratic	Pål – Little, humble
Elise – God is my oath, pledged to God	Vidar – Warrior, Forest
Mathilde – Mighty in battle	Adrian – From the Adriatic Sea region
Viktoria – Victory	Gunnar – Warrior, Fighter
Eva – Life	Bent – Blessed
Oda – Wealth, fortune	Børge – Fortress
Kaja – Pure	Sverre – Wild, spinning
Johanne – God is gracious	Nils – Champion
Celine – Heavenly	Ivar – Bow warrior
Signe – New victory	Rolf – Famous wolf
Lise – God is my oath	Reidar – Warrior at home
Ina – Pure, innocent	Roger – Famous spear
Eline – Shining light	Finn – Fair, white
Vera – True, faithful	Trygve – Trustworthy
Madeleine – From Magdala, tower	Kåre – Curly, curly-haired
Andrea – Manly	Roy – Red
Ellen – Torch, shining light	Stig – Path
Gudrun – God’s secret lore	Helge – Holy, blessed
Ragnhild – Strong army	Asbjørn – Divine bear
Tonje – Priceless	Birger – To save, to rescue
Synnøve – Gift of the sun	Odd – Tip of the blade
Unni – To love	Jarle – Nobleman
Siv – Bride	Tom – Twin
Marthe – Lady, mistress	Ingvar – Warrior of Ing, Guarded by Ing
Birgitte – Strength	Alf – Elf
Ester – Star	Edvard – Wealthy guardian
Lena – Light, shining	Elis – The lord is my God
Kristina – Christian, anointed	Preben – First battle

Unique Norwegian Names

Unique Norwegian names stand out for their distinct Nordic resonance and cultural significance. This list of Norwegian names demonstrates the culture that makes Norway unique from any other nation.

Female Names	Male Names
Aina – Always, forever	Aleksander – Defender of man
Amelia – Industrious, striving	Andor – Eagle of Thor
Ane – Grace	Aric – Ruler of all
Anina – Grace	Arkyn – Eternal king’s son
Anja – Grace	Arvid – Eagle tree
Asta – Love, Affection	August – Great, noble
Astri – Divine strength	Axel – Father of peace
Britta – Strength, exalted one	Birk – Birch
Carina – Beloved, dear little one	Bo – To live
Dagny – New day	Calder – Stream
Dorothea – Gift of God	Casper – Treasurer
Eisa – Fire	Crosby – Villages with crosses
Eli – Ascending	Cuyler – Chapel, shrine
Elisa – God is my oath	Darby – Free from envy
Ellie – Light, bright	Destin – Destiny
Ellinor – Shining light	Dustin – Valiant fighter
Ellinore – Light	Erling – Descendant, heir
Elsa – God is my oath	Fenrir – Mythological monstrous wolf
Elyna – Sun ray	Fillip – Lover of horses
Erla – Eagle	Frans – Free man
Evy – Life	Garth – Garden, enclosure
Grete – Pearl	Gustav – Staff of the gods
Hedvig – Fighting a battle	Haakon – High son
Hennie – Home ruler	Hagen – Enclosure
Hermine – Universal, whole	Halvor – Rock defender
Hilda – Battle, war	Harald – Army ruler
Josefine – He will add	Hermann – Army man
Juni – Month of June	Holmes – From the river island
Kaia – Pure	Igor – Warrior of peace
Karin – Pure	Isac – Laughter
Karina – Pure	Ivan – God is gracious
Karolina – Free man	Iver – Archer
Katarina – Pure	Jens – God is gracious
Katja – Pure	Johannes – God is gracious
Kirsten – Christian	Kai – Keeper of the keys, earth
Laila – Night	Kirk – Church, from the church
Lilli – Lily	Kirkland – Church land
Lily – Lily flower, pure	Kory – Hollow
Linea – Lime or linden tree	Lamont – Lawyer
Lisbeth – God is my oath	Ludvig – Famous warrior
Live – Life, Protection	Ludvik – Famous warrior
Lulla – Lullaby	Lukas – Man from Lucania
Luna – Moon, lunar	Manning – Son of the hero
Maia – Mother, nurse	Matheo – Gift of God
Malene – Tower	Matias – Gift of God
Matilde – Mighty in battle	Nikolai – Victory of the people
Maya – Illusion, enchantment	Noa – Motion, Movement
Mie – Rebellion	Odin – Frenzy, rage
Mikaela – Who is like God?	Olsen – Son of Ole
Noora – Light	Osmond – God’s protection
Norah – Light	Otto – Wealth, prosperity
Olga – Holy, blessed	Ralph – Wolf counsel, wise wolf
Ottilie – Wealth, fortune	Randolph – Shield wolf
Runa – Secret, mystery	Rasmus – Beloved
Saga – Story, Tale	Roscoe – Deer forest, wood of the deer
Signy – New victory	Sigmund – Victory protector
Skadi – Damage, Ski goddess in Norse mythology	Sixten – Stone path
Storm – Tempest	Sven – Young man
Sylvie – Forest, woods	Teo – Gift of God, God-given
Therese – Summer, harvester	Teodor – Gift of God
Thyra – Thor’s warrior	Theo – God’s gift, divine gift
Tirill – Related to a sound or chirping	Thor – God of thunder in Norse mythology
Tomine – Twin	Thorsen – Son of Thor
Turid – Beautiful, beloved	Thorsten – Thor’s stone
Tuva – Beautiful Thor	Torben – Thunder bear
Wanda – Wanderer or shepherding	Torsten – Thor’s stone
Willa – Resolute protection	Ulrik – Wealthy, powerful
Ylva – She-wolf	Viktor – Conqueror
Zara – Princess, radiance	Vilhelm – Willing to protect

Cute Norwegian Names

We’ve gathered the cutest Norwegian names that will inspire ‘aww’ into one adorable list. These names exude a charming blend of nature, folklore, and tradition.

Female Names	Male Names
Aila – From the strong place	Alfred – Elf counsel, wise counselor
Aili – Noble, kind	Anton – Priceless, Invaluable
Alina – Noble, light	Ari – Eagle
Alli – Noble, kind	Bror – Brother
Alma – Nourishing, kind	Brynjar – Armor warrior
Alva – Elf	Carl – Man, Free man
Amina – Trustworthy, faithful	Charlie – Free man, strong
Angelica – Angel, messenger of God	Christen – Christian, anointed
Anneli – Grace	Corey – From the hollow, ravine
Annie – Gracious, merciful	Eero – Eternal ruler
Arna – Eagle	Einer – One warrior
Berit – Splendid, glorious	Eino – Alone
Birgit – Strength	Enok – Dedicated, devoted
Carola – Free man	Erikson – Son of Erik
Charlotta – Free man	Evert – Strong as a boar
Diana – Divine	Felix – Happy, fortunate
Ebba – Strength of an animal	Freyr – Lord
Edit – Wealth, fortune	Gabriel – God is my strength, hero of God
Eivor – Gift, luck	Georg – Farmer
Elma – Apple	Halvard – Rock defender
Embla – Elm tree	Harry – Ruler of the home, home ruler
Emmi – Universal, whole	Hemming – Shape, change
Emmy – Universal, entire	Hugo – Mind, intellect
Erika – Ever powerful	Isaac – He will laugh, laughter
Eveliina – Desired, water, island	Jacob – Supplanter, holder of the heel
Groa – Growing, To grow	Jahn – God is gracious
Gyda – Goddess	Jesse – Gift, wealthy
Hanne – God is gracious	Jonatan – God has given
Henny – Home ruler	Joni – God is gracious
Hilma – Will, helmet	Joonas – Dove
Iida – Industrious, work	Josef – God will increase
Ingeborg – Ing’s protection	Kaj – Pure
Irene – Peace, peaceful	Kalle – Free man
Jennie – Fair, smooth	Kim – Noble, brave as a leader
Kajsa – Pure	Klaus – Victory of the people
Kara – Beloved, dear	Kristoff – Christ-bearer
Kelsey – From the ship’s island	Leevi – Joined, attached
Laura – Laurel, bay tree	Leiv – Heir, descendant
Lilja – Lily	Leo – Lion
Lis – God’s promise	Leon – Lion
Liva – Life	Lief – Beloved
Lotta – Free man	Loki – Trickster god
Lovisa – Renowned warrior	Marcus – Warlike, Roman god of war
Lovise – Renowned warrior	Mattias – Gift of God
Maija – Bitter or beloved	Max – Greatest
Maiken – Pearl	Mika – Who is like God?
Martina – Warlike	Mikko – Who is like God?
Matilda – Mighty in battle, strength in battle	Morgan – Sea defender, bright sea
Mille – Graceful	Niko – Victory of the people
Molly – Bitter, wished for child	Olaf – Ancestor’s descendant
My – Beautiful	Olli – Ancestor’s descendant
Niina – Grace	Oscar – God’s spear, deer lover
Petra – Rock, stone	Ossi – God’s power
Pia – Pious	Osvald – God’s power
Rebecka – To tie, to bind	Ottar – Fear, Dread
Sally – Princess	Paal – Little rock
Sari – Princess	Palle – Rock
Selby – Willow farm	Petri – Rock
Siiri – Victory, beautiful, fair	Rurik – Famous ruler
Sophia – Wisdom, knowledge	Sami – Elevated, high
Sophie – Wisdom, skill	Simo – Listener
Svea – Spear, strength	Soren – Strict, stern
Sylvi – Forest, woods	Tarben – Unknown
Taina – Hidden, secret	Timo – Honoring God
Terttu – Clump or cluster	Tomas – Twin
Tuula – Wind	Tomi – Twin
Viola – Violet (flower)	Tommi – Twin
Viveka – Alive	Urban – City dweller
Vivian – Alive, lively	Vilho – Helmet, protection

Pretty Norwegian Names

Our list of pretty Norwegian names heralds the age of Vikings and the beautiful people of Norway. They resonate with both the ancient and the contemporary, making them timeless choices for babies.

Female Names	Male Names
Agnes – Pure, Holy	Aarne – Eagle
Alicia – Noble, exalted	Ahti – Mythological sea god
Alisa – Of the nobility	Albert – Noble and bright, noble one
Amalia – Industrious, hardworking	Albin – White, fair
Ana – Gracious	Alvar – Elf warrior
Annelie – Grace and God is my oath	Armas – Dear
Annica – Grace	Arthur – Bear, noble one
Annika – Grace	Bendik – Blessed
Beatrice – Blessed, bringer of joy	Bertil – Bright raven
Betina – God is my oath	Bjarte – Bright, shining
Bettina – God is my oath	Christer – Christian, anointed
Brita – Strength, exalted one	Christoffer – Christ-bearer
Brynhild – Armor and Battle	Claus – Victory of the people
Carin – Pure	Dag – Day
Carolina – Free man, song of happiness	Eivind – Gift, blessing
Catarina – Pure	Elliot – The Lord is my God
Celina – Heaven	Emanuel – God with us
Christine – Christian	Endre – Brave, manly
Clara – Clear, Bright	Ernst – Serious, resolute
Cornelia – Horn	Eskil – Divine cauldron
Daniela – God is my judge	Fabian – Bean grower
Dina – Judged	Frederik – Peaceful ruler
Edith – Riches, prosperous in war	Goran – Farmer or earth worker
Elizabeth – Pledged to God	Gudmund – God’s protection
Elvira – All true	Gustaf – Staff of the gods
Erica – Ever powerful	Hampus – God is gracious
Evelina – Desired	Ingolf – Ing’s wolf
Filippa – Lover of horses	Jalmari – Helmeted warrior
Freja – Lady, noblewoman	Janne – God is gracious
Gabriella – God is my strength, heroine of God	Jarl – Nobleman
Greta – Pearl	Jeppe – God will add another son
Harriet – Ruler of the home, estate ruler	Jørn – Farmer
Henriette – Ruler of the home	Julius – Youthful, downy-bearded
Ilona – Joyful, light	Kauko – Distant
Ines – Chaste, pure	Lauri – Laurel
Irina – Peace	Lennart – Lion strength
Iris – Rainbow, messenger	Linus – Flax
Isabel – God is my oath, pledged to God	Malte – Helm, council
Isabell – Pledged to God	Malthe – Council, meeting
Jannie – God is gracious	Marco – Warlike
Jasmin – Jasmine flower	Marko – Warlike
Jeanette – God is gracious	Melker – King
Joanna – God is gracious	Mikael – Who is like God?
Jonna – God is gracious	Mikjel – Who is like God?
Josefina – God will increase	Milo – Gracious, merciful
Kaarina – Pure	Nicolai – Victory of the people
Katariina – Pure	Niels – Champion
Kathrine – Pure	Niilo – Victory of the people
Kirsti – Christian	Niklas – Victory of the people
Klara – Clear, Bright	Nikolaj – Victory of the people
Laina – Path, route	Njord – Name of a god
Leila – Night, dark beauty	Olof – Ancestor’s descendant
Lisbet – God is my oath	Olve – Ancestor’s descendent
Liselotte – God is my oath and Free man	Oskari – God’s spear
Maarit – Pearl	Paavo – Small
Madelene – From Magdala	Patrik – Nobleman
Mariam – Beloved, sea of bitterness	Peder – Rock
Marika – Bitter, rebellious	Rafael – God has healed
Marina – From the sea, of the sea	Ralf – Wolf counsel
Marja – Berry	Rickard – Brave ruler
Marlene – Wished-for child and from Magdala	Roald – Famous ruler
Martine – Warlike, Mars the Roman god of war	Roland – Famous throughout the land
Maryam – Beloved, sea of bitterness	Ronald – Ruler’s counselor
Mathilda – Mighty in battle	Ruben – Behold, a son
Maud – Mighty in battle	Sakari – God remembers
Melina – Honey, honey-colored	Santeri – Defender, helper
Melissa – Honeybee	Simen – Listening intently
Nadia – Hope, filled with hope	Svante – Swede
Natalia – Born on Christmas Day	Tapani – Crown
Nellie – Shining light	Tapio – God of the forest
Regina – Queen, ruler	Thurston – Thor’s stone
Rosa – Rose	Toni – Invaluable
Ruth – Companion, friend	Torbjorn – Thor’s bear
Sabina – Sabine woman	Tormod – Thor’s mind
Sanna – Truth	Torstein – Thor’s stone
Simone – Hearing, one who listens	Torvald – Thor’s ruler
Sjofn – Norse goddess associated with love	Tuomas – Twin
Susanna – Lily, graceful lily	Uhtred – Wealthy peace
Suvi – Summer	Valtteri – Power, rule
Svana – Swan	Vemund – Protecting warrior
Tiina – River	Vetle – Small
Tyra – God of battle, Thor	Viggo – War
Vanessa – Butterfly	Viljami – Helmet, protection
Verdandi – Happening, Becoming	Viljar – Resolute protector
Veronica – True image	Ville – Willing to protect
Vivi – Alive, lively	Wiktor – Conqueror
Zahra – Bright, shining	Wilhelm – Willing to protect

Cool Norwegian Names

We collected this list of cool Norwegian names for name-seeking artists and innovators. These names draw inspiration from the country’s Viking heritage, evoking images of brave warriors and legendary women.

Female Names	Male Names
Aino – The only one	Aimo – Generous amount
Airi – Love, affection	Andre – Man, warrior
Aleksandra – Defender of mankind	Antti – Invaluable
Anni – Grace	Arto – Stone, rock
Annikki – Grace	Artur – Bear or stone
Arja – Bringer of productivity	Asger – Spear of God
Astra – Star	Atle – Little father
Brit – Strength	Bjarne – Bear
Britt – Strength, exalted one	Bruno – Brown, dark complexion
Carita – Little and womanly	Canute – Knot
Christel – Follower of Christ	Carr – From the wetland
Ditte – Rich in war	Carsten – Christian, anointed
Dorte – Gift of God	Colborn – From the cold stream
Dorthe – Gift of God	Dagfinn – Day, Finnr
Eeva – Living	Esa – God is salvation
Eila – Whirling, bird	Esko – God-bearer
Eira – Snow	Fiske – Fish
Elvi – Elf, supernatural being	Flemming – From Flanders
Ewa – Living	Gunvald – Battle ruler
Gitte – Strong	Hakan – High son or emperor
Gun – Battle, war	Haldor – Rock of Thor
Gunilla – Battle-maid	Halstein – Rock stone
Gunn – Battle, war	Hannes – God is gracious
Gunnel – Battle-maid	Harri – Ruler, home ruler
Gunvor – Cautious in war	Havard – High guardian
Heli – Sun ray	Heikki – Home ruler
Helle – Holy	Ingemar – Famous son
Helmi – Pearl	Jaakko – Supplanter
Helvi – Safe, hale	Jack – God is gracious, supplanter
Henna – Home ruler	Jani – God is gracious
Hilja – Silent, calm	Jesper – God beholds
Inge – God Ing’s protection	Johnny – God is gracious
Ingegerd – Ing’s enclosure	Jonny – God is gracious
Jaana – God is gracious	Jouni – Journey
Jenna – Fair, white	Juha – God is gracious
Jenni – Fair, smooth	Jukka – Gift from God
Jette – Home ruler	Jussi – Gift from God
Jorunn – Lover of horses	Karsten – Christian, anointed
Jytte – Home ruler	Kent – High, border
Kaija – Rejoice	Kimmo – Brave
Kaisa – Pure	Kjetil – Kettle, helmet
Kamilla – Perfect, Complete	Klas – Victory of the people
Karla – Free man	Krister – Christian, anointed
Kati – Pure	Kurt – Courteous, polite
Katri – Pure	Loke – Trickster god
Kirsi – Frost, or Christian	Mads – Gift of God
Lone – Ready for battle	Magne – Strong, warrior
Lova – Promise	Mats – Gift of God
Maire – Bitter, wished-for child	Mauri – Dark-skinned
Maren – Sea	Mogens – Great, strength
Mari – Bitter, rebellious	Nicklas – Victory of the people
Marita – Bitter or sea of bitterness	Niclas – Victory of the people
Marjo – Berry	Ola – Ancestor’s descendant
Marjut – Pearl	Olle – Ancestor’s descendant
Milla – Industrious	Ove – Edge of a sword
Mira – Wonderful, admirable	Pauli – Little, humble
Nova – New, new star	Pontus – Sea
Pauliina – Small, humble	Ragnar – Judgment, Ruler’s advice
Pirkko – Strong, firm	Raimo – Protecting hands
Ragna – Advice, Decision	Rainer – Wise army
Raija – Easy, soft	Rauno – Counsel
Rebekka – To tie, To bind	Risto – Follower of Christ
Renate – Reborn	Seppo – Smith, craftsman
Riikka – Peaceful ruler	Skule – Shelter
Rikke – Brave ruler	Stein – Stone
Saara – Princess	Stigr – Path
Sanne – Truth	Tage – Day
Sanni – Lily	Tallak – Talkative
Seija – Serene, quiet	Teemu – Valiant
Sisko – Sister	Thurmund – Thor’s protection
Sissel – Blind	Thursten – Thor’s stone
Stina – Christian, anointed	Toivo – Hope
Tarja – Kingly, possess well	Tord – Thor’s god
Tilda – Strength in battle	Tore – Thunder
Tilde – A variation of Tilda	Torkel – Thor’s cauldron
Tindra – Twinkle	Veikko – Brother
Torill – Thor’s battle	Veli – Brother
Vigdis – War goddess	Vesa – Young tree

Rare Norwegian Names

We hand-picked this list of rare Norwegian names to highlight Norway’s most extraordinary names. These names hail from ancient Norse myths and old regional dialects, often preserved in sagas and folktales.

Female Names	Male Names
Aase – A tree, ash tree	Agnar – Sharp, Edge of a sword
Alberte – Bright, noble	Ake – Ancestor
Annette – Grace, favor	Alvin – Friend of elves
Anu – Grace	Arild – Battle commander
Ase – Goddess	Arnfinn – Eagle, Finnr
Aud – Wealth, prosperity	Arvi – Eagle tree
Aune – Holy, sanctified	Arvo – Value, worth
Beate – She who brings happiness	Bengt – Blessed
Birte – Strength	Bernt – Strong as a bear
Birthe – Bright, famous	Brede – Glacier
Catharina – Pure	Claes – Victory of the people
Cathrine – Pure	Egil – Edge of a sword
Dagmar – Day and Maiden	Egon – Edge of a sword
Eija – Rest, peace	Erkki – Ever ruler
Elna – Torch, Shining light	Erlend – Foreigner, stranger
Else – God is my oath	Gard – Enclosure
Erna – Capable, Serious	Gaute – Goth
Frederikke – Peaceful ruler	Gert – Strong spear
Gerd – Enclosure, stronghold	Grim – Hooded, masked
Gerda – Protected, stronghold	Hannu – God is gracious
Gry – Dawn	Hjalmar – Helmeted warrior
Hannele – God’s grace	Holger – Spear island
Hilkka – Battle, war	Hrafn – Raven
Hillevi – Healthy battle maiden	Ib – God’s oath
Ingela – Ing’s protection	Ilkka – Air
Ingvild – Ing’s warrior	Inge – Ancestor
Irja – Peace	Jarmo – Helmeted warrior
Irma – Universal, whole	Jorma – Farmer
Janne – God is gracious	Jostein – Horse stone
Kerstin – Christian, anointed	Jouko – Warrior
Kjersti – Christian, anointed	Juhani – God is gracious
Kristiina – Christian, anointed	Jyrki – Earth worker
Leena – Light	Kaarlo – Free man
Lempi – Love	Keijo – Rejoice
Liisa – My God is an oath	Kjeld – Kettle, cauldron
Margit – Pearl	Kustaa – Staff of the Goths
Margrethe – Pearl	Ludwig – Famous warrior
Maritta – Pearl	Markku – Warlike
Martta – Lady, mistress	Martti – Warlike
Merete – Pearl	Matti – Gift of God
Merja – Sea	Mauno – Protector
Mervi – Marjoram, sea of bitterness	Olavi – Ancestor’s descendant
Miia – Beloved	Oluf – Ancestor’s descendant
Mina – Love, mine	Onni – Happiness, luck
Minna – Love, will, desire	Osmo – A branch, twig
Mirja – Bitter or sea of bitterness	Pawel – Small, Humble
Mirjam – Bitter or sea of bitterness	Pekka – Rock
Pernille – Rock	Pentti – Rock
Pirjo – Glittering, sparkling	Pertti – Famous, bright
Raili – Easy, soft	Poul – Small, humble
Rauha – Peace	Reijo – Watchful, vigilant
Reidun – Nest, home	Reino – Counsel ruler
Rigmor – Judgement, silence	Rene – Reborn, born again
Riitta – Exalted one	Snorre – Tied knot
Ritva – Branch, twig	Sondre – The south
Rut – Friend, companion	Staffan – Crown
Saima – Lake	Steen – Stone
Satu – Fairytale	Steffen – Crown, garland
Silja – Blind	Sveinn – Boy, Lad
Sinikka – Blue	Teuvo – Gift from God
Sirkka – Cricket	Torbjørn – Thor’s bear
Sirpa – Fragment, piece	Tuomo – Twin
Terese – Harvester	Urho – Hero
Tine – Follower of Christ	Veijo – Brother
Toini – Priceless	Verner – Defending army
Tuija – Cedar	Viljo – Will, desire
Vilma – Will, desire; helmet, protection	Yngve – Ingenious, forefather

Old Norse Names

Old Norse names hail from the Viking Age, representing a blend of mythology, history, and the poetic sagas of the time. Read our list of old Norwegian names for a name from the annals of history.

Female Names	Male Names
Alfhild – Elf, Battle	Åge – Ancestor
Bodil – Battle remedy	Arnold – Eagle power, ruler
Cecilia – Blind, unseeing	Arnstein – Eagle stone
Cecilie – Blind	Aron – High mountain, Exalted
Elena – Bright, shining	Canutte – Knot
Elina – Torch, shining light	Ebbe – Wild boar
Elisabet – God is my oath	Edvin – Rich friend
Elli – Light	Gorm – He who worships god
Estrid – God’s strength	Halfdan – Half Dane
Gertrud – Spear of strength	Hallvard – Rock guardian
Gro – To grow	Henning – Home ruler
Gunhild – Battle, war	Herman – Army man
Helena – Torch, Shining light	Jari – Helmeted warrior
Helga – Holy, Sacred	Kari – Curly or wavy
Inga – Feminine form of the god Ing	Knud – Knot
Ingunn – Related to the Norse god Ing	Lasse – Laurel
Johanna – God is gracious	Njal – Giant
Magdalena – Woman from Magdala	Ødger – Wealth, spear
Margareta – Pearl	Rikard – Brave ruler
Marta – Lady, Mistress	Roar – Famous spear
Martha – Lady, Mistress	Skarde – Gap, pass
Mette – Pearl	Sten – Stone
Nanna – Norse goddess of joy and peace	Sune – Son
Randi – Beautiful, to love	Svend – Boy, Lad
Revna – Raptor, bird of prey	Toke – Thor, helmet
Sif – Wife, bride	Troels – Thor’s arrow
Thurid – Thor’s beauty	Truls – Thor’s arrow
Tora – Thor’s warrior	Ulf – Wolf
Ulfhild – Wolf, Battle	Valdemar – Famous ruler
Yrsa – Little she-bear	Valter – Ruler of the army

See more Viking Names

Names of Famous Norwegian Men and Women

Knut Hamsun, born in Norway in 1859, was an author who wrote novels, poems, plays, and essays throughout his career. He used groundbreaking writing techniques like interior monologues and, in 1920, earned a Nobel Prize in Literature. Knut is a Norwegian name of Old Norse origin, meaning ‘knot.’

Harald V of Norway was born in Norway in 1937 and spent part of his childhood in exile due to the Nazi occupation. He studied at the University of Oslo and Oxford and had a career in sailing before his reign as King of Norway. Harald is of Old English origin, meaning ‘army’ and ‘ruler.’

Casper Ruud was born in Norway in 1998 and is the highest-ranked Norwegian tennis player in history. He was the first Norwegian to make it to several major finals, including at the French and US Open. Casper is a Norwegian name of Aramaic origin that means ‘treasurer.’

Astrid Smeplass is a singer and songwriter who gained prominence after she earned fifth place in a Norwegian talent show. She was born in Norway in 1996 and sings music in electropop and alternative pop styles. Astrid is of Old Norse origin, and means ‘a god’ and ‘beautiful.’

Morten Harket, born in Norway in 1959, is an internationally renowned singer and songwriter who sings with the band A-ha. His most well-known song is “Take On Me,” and he was given the honorary title of Knight First Class for his artistry. Morten is the Norwegian form of a Latin name meaning ‘son of Mars.’

References

Information from Statistics Norway which collects, analyses, and publishes information on Norwegian name statistics, was used in the collection of this data.