Top 1,000 Swedish Names

Swedish names represent a culture known for its awe-inspiring mountain ranges, forward-thinking society, and dynamic arts scene. A Swedish name connects people to the qualities of Sweden and is perfect for those who resonate with Swedish culture. In this guide, you’ll find hand-picked lists of Swedish baby names and common Swedish names and meanings.

Swedish Names and Meanings

Swedish names have linguistic ties to other Nordic names due to shared roots in Old Norse words, but they have distinctly Swedish themes and qualities. A unique quality of Swedish names is how they are limited regarding creativity. Laws in Sweden require parents to gain approval within 3 months of birth from a government agency before they can legally name their child. This was done to prevent potential offense, harm, or discomfort to the child caused by bizarre names.

Swedish is a language from Old Norse and shares many linguistic characteristics with Norwegian and Danish. Many Swedish names retain Norse and Viking influences and later introductions of Christian themes. Popular names include several of these influences. For example, Mikael comes from a Biblical name meaning ‘who is like God?’, and Erik is a Nordic name meaning ‘ever-ruler.’ Old Norse and Christian mythos live on in Swedish names. We have curated lists of Swedish names and their meanings to help introduce this fascinating part of Swedish culture, including common Swedish names and thematic baby name lists.

Top 100 Swedish Names

Here, we present a comprehensive list of common Swedish names and their meanings. Swedish names have historical or cultural significance from Norse mythology or cultural traditions.

Female Names	Male Names
Anna – Grace, Favor	Lars – Laurel
Eva – Life	Mikael – Who is like God?
Maria – Bitter, beloved	Anders – Manly, brave
Karin – Pure	Johan – God is gracious
Sara – Princess, Noblewoman	Erik – Eternal ruler
Christina – Christian, anointed	Per – Rock
Lena – Light, shining	Peter – Rock, stone
Emma – Universal, Whole	Thomas – Twin, twin brother
Kerstin – Christian, anointed	Karl – Man, Free man
Marie – Bitter, beloved	Jan – God is gracious
Malin – High tower or woman of Magdala	Daniel – God is my judge
Jenny – Fair one	Fredrik – Peaceful ruler
Ingrid – Beautiful, fair	Andreas – Manly, brave
Hanna – Grace	Stefan – Crown, Garland
Linda – Soft, Tender	Hans – God is gracious
Annika – Grace	Mats – Gift of God
Susanne – Lily	Marcus – Warlike, Roman god of war
Elin – Torch, Shining light	Mattias – Gift of God
Monica – Advisor	Magnus – Great
Birgitta – The exalted one	Oscar – God’s spear, deer lover
Sofia – Wisdom, knowledge	Jonas – Dove, gift from God
Johanna – God is gracious	Alexander – Defender of the people
Inger – Ing’s warrior (Norse deity)	Niklas – Victory of the people
Carina – Beloved, dear little one	Martin – Warlike
Julia – Youthful, downy	Bengt – Blessed
Elisabeth – God is my oath	Bo – To live
Ulla – Prosperity, fortune	Nils – Champion
Linnéa – After the flower, Linnaea	Viktor – Conqueror
Katarina – Pure	Patrik – Nobleman
Emelie – Rival, eager	Björn – Bear
Ida – Hardworking, laborious	David – Beloved, friend
Helena – Torch, Shining light	Filip – Lover of horses
Camilla – Perfect, Complete	Henrik – Home ruler
Åsa – God	Leif – Descendant, Heir
Anette – Grace	Joakim – Raised by God
Sandra – Defender of man	Emil – Rival, Emulating
Maja – Mother, Nurse	Christer – Christian, anointed
Gunilla – Battle-maid	Ulf – Wolf
Ann – Grace, favor	Simon – Listening, hearing
Anita – Grace	Sven – Young man
Amanda – Worthy of love, to be loved	Christoffer – Christ-bearer
Marianne – Star of the sea and grace	Anton – Priceless, Invaluable
Anneli – Grace	William – Strong-willed warrior
Margareta – Pearl	Christian – Follower of Christ
Therese – Summer, harvester	Robert – Bright fame, fame-bright
Josefin – God will increase	Gustav – Staff of the gods
Cecilia – Blind, unseeing	Lucas – From Lucania (light)
Jessica – God beholds, God’s grace	Tommy – Twin, twin brother
Helen – Bright, shining	Kjell – Kettle, cauldron
Lisa – God’s promise	Rickard – Brave ruler
Alice – Noble, of noble kind	Håkan – High son
Matilda – Mighty in battle, strength in battle	Adam – Man, Earth
Caroline – Free woman, joyful song	Göran – Farmer
Frida – Peaceful, serene	Jacob – Supplanter, holder of the heel
Elsa – God is my oath	Jonathan – Gift of God, God has given
Ulrika – Wealthy, powerful	Elias – Yahweh is God, the Lord is my God
Barbro – Foreign, strange	Sebastian – Venerable, revered
Siv – Bride	Robin – Fame, bright fame
Klara – Clear, Bright	Lennart – Lion strength
Ebba – Strength of an animal	Rolf – Famous wolf
Rebecca – To bind, to tie	Tobias – God is good, Yahweh is good
Madeleine – From Magdala, tower	John – God is gracious, Yahweh is gracious
Sofie – Wisdom	Axel – Father of peace
Isabelle – God is my oath, pledged to God	Oliver – Olive tree, peaceful
Wilma – Resolute protection	Linus – Flax
Agneta – Pure, holy	Stig – Path
Lina – Tender	Hugo – Mind, intellect
Ella – Beautiful, fairy maiden	Kent – High, border
Gun – Battle, war	Isak – He will laugh
Pia – Pious	Roger – Famous spear
Berit – Splendid, glorious	Claes – Victory of the people
Ellen – Torch, shining light	Jesper – God beholds
Olivia – Olive tree, olive branch	Albin – White, fair
Astrid – Divine strength, beautiful	Ludvig – Famous warrior
Louise – Renowned warrior	Rasmus – Beloved
Yvonne – Yew wood	Jörgen – Farmer
Moa – Mother	Ali – Noble, exalted
Agnes – Pure, Holy	Max – Greatest
Alva – Elf	Jimmy – Supplanter
Emilia – Rival, striving	Joel – The Lord is God
Nathalie – Christmas child	Kenneth – Handsome
Alexandra – Defender of man	Josef – God will increase
Mona – Noble, aristocratic	Dennis – Wild, frenzied
Victoria – Victory, conqueror	Liam – Resolute protector
Erika – Ever powerful	Gunnar – Warrior, Fighter
Britt – Strength, exalted one	Olle – Ancestor’s descendant
Felicia – Fortunate, lucky	Leo – Lion
Lovisa – Renowned warrior	Johnny – God is gracious
Pernilla – Rock	Olof – Ancestor’s descendant
Sonja – Wisdom	Pontus – Sea
Charlotte – Free man, petite	Åke – Ancestor
Linn – A waterfall, pool	Kevin – Handsome, kind
Nina – Little girl	Samuel – God has heard, heard by God
Saga – Story, Tale	Gabriel – God is my strength, hero of God
Alma – Nourishing, kind	Arvid – Eagle tree
Karolina – Free man	Edvin – Rich friend
Mikaela – Who is like God?	Felix – Happy, fortunate
Kristina – Christian, anointed	Kurt – Courteous, polite
Viktoria – Victory	Torbjörn – Thor’s bear
Charlotta – Free man	Oskar – God’s spear, Gentle friend

Unique Swedish Names

Sweden has banned bizarre names, but we gathered a list of the most unique Swedish names. Choosing a distinctive name is a way for parents to ensure individuality and a strong connection to Swedish heritage for their children.

Female Names	Male Names
Alba – Dawn, white	Ajax – Eagle
Alicia – Noble, exalted	Alfred – Elf counsel, wise counselor
Ayla – Moonlight, halo	Alvar – Elf warrior
Clara – Clear, Bright	Alve – Elf
Cleo – Glory, fame	Alvin – Friend of elves
Cornelia – Horn	Arne – Eagle
Elina – Torch, shining light	Aron – High mountain, Exalted
Elise – God is my oath, pledged to God	August – Great, noble
Ellinor – Shining light	Bertil – Bright raven
Elsie – Noble, God’s promise	Carl – Man, Free man
Elvira – All true	Casper – Treasurer
Filippa – Lover of horses	Dolf – Noble or majestic wolf
Freja – Lady, noblewoman	Dolph – Noble or majestic wolf
Greta – Pearl	Ebbe – Wild boar
Hailey – Hay meadow, ingenious	Elis – The lord is my God
Hedda – Battle, strife	Elliot – Yahweh is God, the Lord is my God
Hedvig – Fighting a battle	Elton – Ella’s town, noble town
Hilda – Battle, war	Elvin – Elf friend
Hilma – Will, helmet	Folke – People
Idun – Rejuvenating, to love	Frans – Free man
Ilse – God’s promise	Georg – Farmer
Ines – Chaste, pure	Gösta – Saff of the Goths
Inga – Feminine form of the god Ing	Hjalmar – Helmeted warrior
Ingegerd – Ing’s enclosure	Ingemar – Famous son
Iris – Rainbow, messenger	Ingvar – Warrior of Ing, Guarded by Ing
Janica – God has been gracious	Ivar – Bow warrior
Joline – God will add	Jakob – Supplanter
Julie – Youthful, downy	Johannes – God is gracious
Juni – Month of June	Kian – Ancient, archaic
Kristin – Christian	Leon – Lion
Leah – Weary, delicate	Lias – Yahweh is God
Leia – Weary	Loke – Trickster god
Lilly – Lily flower, innocence	Loui – Famous warrior
Livia – Envious	Love – Famous warrior
Lova – Promise	Malte – Helm, council
Lovis – Famous warrior	Matteo – Gift of God
Luna – Moon, lunar	Maximilian – Greatest, greatest rival
Lykke – Happiness, good fortune	Melker – King
Maj – May	Milian – Dear, beloved
Majken – Pearl	Milo – Gracious, merciful
Mariam – Beloved, sea of bitterness	Milton – Mill town, settlement with a mill
Märta – Lady, mistress	Mio – Beautiful, cherry
Maryam – Beloved, sea of bitterness	Neo – New, recent
Meja – Table	Nicolas – Victory of the people
Melina – Honey, honey-colored	Noel – Christmas, born on Christmas
Mila – Gracious, dear	Otis – Wealthy, riches
Millie – Gentle strength, strength in work	Otto – Wealth, prosperity
Mira – Wonderful, admirable	Ove – Edge of a sword
Molly – Bitter, wished for child	Roland – Famous throughout the land
Nellie – Shining light	Rune – Secret
Noomi – Pleasantness	Sigge – Victory
Nora – Light, honor	Sixten – Stone path
Nova – New, new star	Stig – Wanderer
Novalie – New valley	Svante – Swede
Ronja – Joyful song	Tage – Day
Signe – New victory	Theodor – Gift of God
Sigrid – Beautiful victory	Thor – God of thunder in Norse mythology
Stella – Star, star-like	Ture – Thor, god
Stina – Christian, anointed	Vale – Lives in the valley
Svea – Spear, strength	Valter – Ruler of the army
Thea – Goddess, gods	Vidar – Warrior, Forest
Tilda – Strength in battle	Vide – Willow
Tilde – A variation of Tilda	Viggo – War
Tindra – Twinkle	Vilgot – Helmet, protection
Trude – Strength	Ville – Willing to protect
Tuva – Beautiful Thor	Walter – Ruler of the army
Tyra – God of battle, Thor	Wilhelm – Willing to protect
Yrsa – Little she-bear	Wilmer – Famous, desire
Wilda – Wild	Wulf – Wolf

Cute Swedish Names

We searched through records to find the cutest Swedish names. Many of these names have diminutive forms or are derived from terms of affection or nature, emphasizing their charm.

Female Names	Male Names
Aila – From the strong place	Akseli – Father of peace
Aili – Noble, kind	Aleksi – Defender, helper
Aliina – Shining light	Alf – Elf
Alina – Noble, light	Anker – Anchor
Alli – Noble, kind	Arttu – Bear, stone
Amelia – Industrious, striving	Benny – Blessed, lucky
Angelica – Angel, messenger of God	Börje – Mountain
Annie – Gracious, merciful	Bror – Brother
Anniina – Grace	Eddie – Wealthy guardian, wealthy protector
Beatrice – Blessed, bringer of joy	Eelis – Yahweh is my God
Bella – Beautiful, lovely	Eemeli – Rival
Belle – Beautiful	Eero – Eternal ruler
Beth – God is my oath	Eetu – Wealth, fortune
Bianca – White, shining	Einar – One warrior, Lone warrior
Birgit – Strength	Einari – Lone warrior
Bonnie – Beautiful, cheerful	Eino – Alone
Britta – Strength, exalted one	Eirik – Forever strong
Carola – Free man	Eriksson – Son of Erik
Daniela – God is my judge	Evert – Strong as a boar
Edit – Wealth, fortune	Finn – Fair, white
Eira – Snow	Hampus – God is gracious
Elia – The Lord is my God	Harald – Army ruler
Eliina – Shining light	Harry – Ruler of the home, home ruler
Eliisa – God’s promise	Hjalmer – Helmeted warrior
Elisabet – God is my oath	Iisakki – He will laugh
Ellie – Light, bright	Ilari – Cheerful, happy
Ellika – Noble	Jalmari – Helmeted warrior
Elma – Apple	Jerry – Spear ruler
Emmi – Universal, whole	Jesse – Gift, wealthy
Emmy – Universal, entire	Jonatan – God has given
Ester – Star	Joni – God is gracious
Esteri – Star	Joona – Dove
Eveliina – Desired, water, island	Joonas – Dove
Hanne – God is gracious	Juuso – God is gracious
Henny – Home ruler	Kai – Keeper of the keys, earth
Iben – God’s promise	Kaj – Pure
Iida – Industrious, work	Kalle – Free man
Inez – Chaste, pure	Kasper – Bringer of treasure
Ingeborg – Ing’s protection	Kim – Noble, brave as a leader
Irene – Peace, peaceful	Klaus – Victory of the people
Isabella – God is my oath, pledged to God	Kristian – Follower of Christ
Jasmine – Jasmine flower, fragrant flower	Kristoffer – Christ-bearer
Jenna – Fair, white	Lasse – Laurel
Jennie – Fair, smooth	Leevi – Joined, attached
Jette – Home ruler	Leonard – Brave lion
Kajsa – Pure	Louie – Famous warrior, renowned warrior
Kati – Pure	Mårten – Warlike
Laura – Laurel, bay tree	Matias – Gift of God
Leona – Lioness, lion-like	Mika – Who is like God?
Lily – Lily flower, pure	Mikko – Who is like God?
Liv – Life, protection	Morgan – Sea defender, bright sea
Liva – Life	Niilo – Victory of the people
Lo – Lynx	Niko – Victory of the people
Lotta – Free man	Noah – Rest, comfort
Lotte – Free man	Ole – Ancestor’s descendant
Maija – Bitter or beloved	Olli – Ancestor’s descendant
Maren – Sea	Onni – Happiness, luck
Martina – Warlike	Ossi – God’s power
Mathilda – Mighty in battle	Ottar – Fear, Dread
Mathilde – Mighty in battle	Palle – Rock
Mia – Mine, bitter	Pär – Rock
Mille – Graceful	Rayan – Watered, abundant
My – Beautiful	Ronny – Diminutive of Ronald or Ronan
Nanna – Norse goddess of joy and peace	Sami – Elevated, high
Noora – Light	Samuli – God has heard
Penny – Weaver	Simo – Listener
Petra – Rock, stone	Sune – Son
Rebecka – To tie, to bind	Ted – Gift of God
Sabina – Sabine woman	Teodor – Gift of God
Sally – Princess	Theo – God’s gift, divine gift
Selma – Helmet of God, Safe	Timmy – Honouring God
Siiri – Victory, beautiful, fair	Timo – Honoring God
Sylvi – Forest, woods	Tomas – Twin
Taimi – Young tree, sapling	Tomi – Twin
Tove – God’s goodness	Tommi – Twin
Tuula – Wind	Torben – Thunder bear
Vera – True, faithful	Tuomas – Twin
Viola – Violet (flower)	Urban – City dweller
Viveka – Alive	Uuno – Fool
Zoe – Life, alive	Vilho – Helmet, protection
Zoey – Life	Viljami – Helmet, protection

Cool Swedish Names

Cool Swedish names have a modern flair while still retaining a touch of traditional Scandinavian essence. This list of Swedish names is cooler than the winters and snowfalls of Sweden.

Female Names	Male Names
Aino – The only one	Aaro – Exalted, mountain
Airi – Love, affection	Aimo – Generous amount
Anni – Grace	Aksel – Father of peace
Annikki – Grace	André – Manly, brave
Arja – Bringer of productivity	Antti – Invaluable
Brit – Strength	Arto – Stone, rock
Carita – Little and womanly	Artur – Bear or stone
Christel – Follower of Christ	Asger – Spear of God
Ditte – Rich in war	Atlas – Enduring
Dorte – Gift of God	Atle – Little father
Dorthe – Gift of God	Birger – To save, to rescue
Eeva – Living	Bjarne – Bear
Eila – Whirling, bird	Bosse – God’s peace
Eivor – Gift, luck	Conny – Brave, hardy
Eli – Ascending	Edvard – Wealthy guardian
Elli – Light	Esa – God is salvation
Elvi – Elf, supernatural being	Esko – God-bearer
Elviira – Truth	Espen – God bear
Ewa – Living	Flemming – From Flanders
Gitte – Strong	Frode – Wise, learned
Gudrun – God’s secret lore	Hannes – God is gracious
Gunborg – War, protection	Hardy – Bold, brave
Gunhild – Battle, war	Harri – Ruler, home ruler
Gunn – Battle, war	Håvard – High guardian
Gunnel – Battle-maid	Heikki – Home ruler
Gunvor – Cautious in war	Henrikki – Home ruler
Hege – Safe, protected	Jaakko – Supplanter
Helga – Holy, Sacred	Jani – God is gracious
Heli – Sun ray	Jari – Helmeted warrior
Helle – Holy	Jarkko – Ever ruling, alone
Helmi – Pearl	Jarle – Nobleman
Helvi – Safe, hale	Jens – God is gracious
Henna – Home ruler	Jonny – God is gracious
Hilde – Battle, warfare	Jouni – God is gracious
Hilja – Silent, calm	Juha – God is gracious
Ina – Pure, innocent	Jukka – God is gracious
Inge – God Ing’s protection	Kari – Curly or wavy
Jaana – God is gracious	Kjetil – Kettle, helmet
Jenni – Fair, smooth	Klas – Victory of the people
Jytte – Home ruler	Knut – Knot
Kaija – Rejoice	Krister – Christian, anointed
Kaisa – Pure	Mads – Gift of God
Kaja – Pure	Magne – Strong, warrior
Kamilla – Perfect, Complete	Måns – Man
Kari – Pure	Mathias – Gift of God
Karla – Free man	Matts – Gift of God
Karoliina – Free woman	Mauri – Dark-skinned
Karoline – Free man	Mogens – Great, strength
Katri – Pure	Morten – From the god Mars
Kirsi – Frost, or Christian	Nicklas – Victory of the people
Lise – God is my oath	Niclas – Victory of the people
Lone – Ready for battle	Odd – Tip of the blade
Maiken – Pearl	Ola – Ancestor’s descendant
Maire – Bitter, wished-for child	Olav – Ancestor’s descendant
Mari – Bitter, rebellious	Pauli – Little, humble
Marit – Pearl	Ragnar – Judgment, Ruler’s advice
Marita – Bitter or sea of bitterness	Raimo – Protecting hands
Marjo – Berry	Rauno – Counsel
Marte – Lady, mistress	Rikard – Brave ruler
Maya – Illusion, enchantment	Risto – Follower of Christ
Mette – Pearl	Roar – Famous spear
Milla – Industrious	Seppo – Smith, craftsman
Oda – Wealth, fortune	Sigve – Victory, protection
Päivi – Day	Stein – Stone
Pirkko – Strong, firm	Sten – Stone
Raija – Easy, soft	Storm – Storm
Renate – Reborn	Svein – Youth
Riikka – Peaceful ruler	Svend – Boy, Lad
Rikke – Brave ruler	Taisto – Battle
Saara – Princess	Tarmo – Energy, drive
Saimi – Pond beauty	Teemu – Valiant
Sanne – Truth	Tero – Man
Sanni – Lily	Toivo – Hope
Sassa – Diminutive of Astrid, Divine beauty	Tor – Thunder god
Seija – Serene, quiet	Tord – Thor’s god
Silje – Blind	Tore – Thunder
Sisko – Sister	Torsten – Thor’s stone
Sissel – Blind	Trygve – Trustworthy
Solveig – Sun strength, Sun and strength	Ulrik – Wealthy, powerful
Stine – Christian, anointed	Väinö – Stream
Tarja – Kingly, possess well	Vegard – Protection, guard
Tellervo – Daughter of the earth	Veikko – Brother
Tone – New	Veli – Brother
Torill – Thor’s battle	Vesa – Young tree

Pretty Swedish Names

Pretty Swedish names have an elegance and melodious quality that captivates those who hear them. These names are inspired by nature, literature, or traditional Swedish elements and evoke picturesque landscapes or romantic tales.

Female Names	Male Names
Alisa – Of the nobility	Aarne – Eagle
Amalia – Industrious, hardworking	Aarre – Treasure
Amalie – Hardworking, industrious	Ahti – Mythological sea god
Amina – Trustworthy, faithful	Aleks – Defender, helper
Ana – Gracious	Aleksander – Defender of man
Andrea – Manly	Aleksanteri – Defender, helper
Anja – Grace	Ariel – Lion of God
Ann-Christin – Grace and follower of Christ	Armas – Dear
Annelie – Grace and God is my oath	Arthur – Bear, noble one
Annica – Grace	Asser – God’s tree
Asta – Love, Affection	Boris – Wolf, snow leopard
Aurora – Dawn	Carsten – Christian, anointed
Betina – God is my oath	Claus – Victory of the people
Bettina – God is my oath	Dag – Day
Brita – Strength, exalted one	Darin – Precious present
Carin – Pure	Devin – Poet, bard
Carolina – Free man, song of happiness	Eemil – Rival
Catarina – Pure	Eerik – Ever ruler
Christine – Christian	Eivind – Gift, blessing
Elena – Bright, shining	Emanuel – God with us
Elisa – God is my oath	Ensio – First
Elizabeth – Pledged to God	Eric – Ever-ruler
Emily – Rival, industrious	Ernst – Serious, resolute
Erica – Ever powerful	Eskil – Divine cauldron
Evelina – Desired	Even – God is gracious
Gabriella – God is my strength, heroine of God	Frederik – Peaceful ruler
Grete – Pearl	Geir – Spear
Harriet – Ruler of the home, estate ruler	Gustaf – Staff of the gods
Heidi – Noble, of noble birth	Håkon – High son
Helene – Torch, Shining light	Herman – Army man
Helinä – Clatter, rattle	Ilias – Yahweh is my God
Henriette – Ruler of the home	Ivan – God is gracious
Ilona – Joyful, light	Jack – God is gracious, supplanter
Irina – Peace	Janne – God is gracious
Isabel – God is my oath, pledged to God	Jeppe – God will add another son
Isabell – Pledged to God	Johny – God is gracious
Jannie – God is gracious	Jozef – God will increase
Jasmin – Jasmine flower	Julian – Youthful, downy
Jeanette – God is gracious	Julius – Youthful, downy-bearded
Johanne – God is gracious	Kåre – Curly, curly-haired
Jonna – God is gracious	Karlo – Free man
Josefina – God will increase	Karsten – Christian, anointed
Josefine – He will add	Kauko – Distant
Kaarina – Pure	Kimmo – Brave
Karina – Pure	Lauri – Laurel
Katariina – Pure	Lukas – Man from Lucania
Kathrine – Pure	Malthe – Council, meeting
Katja – Pure	Marco – Warlike
Katriina – Pure	Marius – From the Roman clan name Marii
Katrine – Pure	Marko – Warlike
Kirsten – Christian	Markus – Warlike
Kirsti – Christian	Maxim – Greatest, most excellent
Kristine – Christian, anointed	Mikal – Who is like God?
Laila – Night	Mikkel – Who is like God?
Laina – Path, route	Moses – Taken out, drawn out
Leila – Night, dark beauty	Nicolai – Victory of the people
Lilja – Lily	Niels – Champion
Lisbet – God is my oath	Nikolai – Victory of the people
Liselotte – God is my oath and Free man	Nikolaj – Victory of the people
Madelene – From Magdala	Olov – Ancestor’s descendant
Magdalena – Woman from Magdala	Oskari – God’s spear
Marika – Bitter, rebellious	Paavo – Small
Marina – From the sea, of the sea	Pavel – Small
Marja – Berry	Peder – Rock
Martha – Lady, Mistress	Petter – Rock
Martine – Warlike, Mars the Roman god of war	Raine – King
Maud – Mighty in battle	Rainer – Wise army
Melissa – Honeybee	Rufus – Red-haired
Natalia – Born on Christmas Day	Sakari – God remembers
Olga – Holy, blessed	Sander – Defender of man
Regina – Queen, ruler	Santeri – Defender, helper
Rosa – Rose	Sigurd – Victory guardian
Ruth – Companion, friend	Simen – Listening intently
Sanna – Truth	Sindre – Sparkling, glowing
Sarah – Princess, noblewoman	Sverre – Wild, spinning
Sari – Princess	Taavi – Beloved
Simone – Hearing, one who listens	Tapani – Crown
Sophia – Wisdom, knowledge	Tapio – God of the forest
Sophie – Wisdom, skill	Tarek – Morning star
Susanna – Lily, graceful lily	Tarik – Morning star
Suvi – Summer	Terje – Thor’s spear
Veronica – True image	Valdemar – Famous ruler
Vivi – Alive, lively	Valtteri – Power, rule
Zahra – Bright, shining	Vilhelm – Willing to protect

Rare Swedish Names

Rare Swedish names often emerge from ancient texts, obscure regional dialects, or are a fusion of traditional names with a modern twist. Historical and contemporary documents were thoroughly searched to fill our list of rare Swedish names.

Female Names	Male Names
Aase – A tree, ash tree	Alpo – Noble, bright
Alberte – Bright, noble	Antero – Manly, brave
Ane – Grace	Arild – Battle commander
Anu – Grace	Arvi – Eagle tree
Åse – Goddess	Arvo – Value, worth
Aud – Wealth, prosperity	Aulis – Helpful
Aulikki – Rich, powerful	Bent – Blessed
Aune – Holy, sanctified	Bernt – Strong as a bear
Beate – She who brings happiness	Calle – Free man
Bente – Blessed	Danni – God is my judge
Birgitte – Strength	Egil – Edge of a sword
Birte – Strength	Egon – Edge of a sword
Birthe – Bright, famous	Eldar – Fire
Bodil – Battle remedy	Emrik – Universal ruler
Catharina – Pure	Erkki – Ever ruler
Cathrine – Pure	Erlend – Foreigner, stranger
Dagmar – Day and Maiden	Erling – Descendant, heir
Eija – Rest, peace	Esben – Bear god
Elna – Torch, Shining light	Franz – Free man
Else – God is my oath	Gert – Strong spear
Erna – Capable, Serious	Göte – Relating to the Geats, Goths
Evy – Life	Hannu – God is gracious
Gerd – Enclosure, stronghold	Hasse – God’s grace
Gerda – Protected, stronghold	Henning – Home ruler
Grethe – Pearl	Henok – Dedicated, devoted
Gro – To grow	Holger – Spear island
Gry – Dawn	Ilkka – Air
Hannele – God’s grace	Ilmari – Air
Hellevi – Healthy battle	Inge – Ancestor
Hilkka – Battle, war	Janek – God is gracious
Hillevi – Healthy battle maiden	Janis – God is gracious
Ingegärd – Ing’s enclosure (Norse god)	Jarmo – Helmeted warrior
Ingela – Ing’s protection	Jorma – Farmer
Ingunn – Related to the Norse god Ing	Jostein – Horse stone
Ingvild – Ing’s warrior	Jouko – Warrior
Inkeri – Hero’s daughter	Juhani – God is gracious
Irja – Peace	Jyrki – Earth worker
Irma – Universal, whole	Kaarlo – Free man
Janne – God is gracious	Kalervo – Hero
Kjersti – Christian, anointed	Kalevi – Hero
Kristiina – Christian, anointed	Keijo – Rejoice
Kyllikki – Abundance	Kjeld – Kettle, cauldron
Leena – Light	Knud – Knot
Lempi – Love	Kustaa – Staff of the Goths
Lene – Torch	Ludwig – Famous warrior
Liisa – My God is an oath	Markku – Warlike
Lisbeth – God is my oath	Martti – Warlike
Margit – Pearl	Matti – Gift of God
Margrethe – Pearl	Mauno – Protector
Maritta – Pearl	Michal – Who is like God?
Marketta – Warlike	Milas – Gracious, dear
Marthe – Lady, mistress	Mirko – Peace, world
Martta – Lady, mistress	Olavi – Ancestor’s descendant
Merete – Pearl	Osmo – A branch, twig
Merja – Sea	Pål – Little, humble
Mervi – Marjoram, sea of bitterness	Pawel – Small, Humble
Mie – Rebellion	Pekka – Rock
Miia – Beloved	Pentti – Rock
Mina – Love, mine	Pertti – Famous, bright
Minna – Love, will, desire	Petar – Rock
Mirja – Bitter or sea of bitterness	Poul – Small, humble
Orvokki – Violet	Preben – First battle
Pernille – Rock	Reidar – Warrior at home
Pirjo – Glittering, sparkling	Reijo – Watchful, vigilant
Ragnhild – Strong army	Reino – Counsel ruler
Raili – Easy, soft	René – Reborn
Rauha – Peace	Sondre – The south
Reidun – Nest, home	Sören – Strict, stern
Riitta – Exalted one	Staffan – Crown
Ritva – Branch, twig	Steen – Stone
Rut – Friend, companion	Steffen – Crown, garland
Satu – Fairytale	Steinar – Stone warrior
Silja – Blind	Stian – Wanderer
Sinikka – Blue	Teuvo – Gift from God
Sirkka – Cricket	Tuomo – Twin
Sirpa – Fragment, piece	Unto – Wave
Tine – Follower of Christ	Uolevi – Ancestor’s descendant
Toini – Priceless	Urho – Hero
Tuija – Cedar	Veijo – Brother
Vilhelmiina – Will-helmet, protection	Verner – Defending army
Vilma – Will, desire; helmet, protection	Viljo – Will, desire
Ylva – She-wolf	Yngve – Ingenious, forefather

Names of Famous Swedish Men and Women

Ingrid Bergman is considered one of history’s most iconic and talented actresses. Born in Sweden in 1915, she became iconic for her significant roles in European and American films. Over her career, she earned awards, including four Golden Globes. Ingrid comes from an Old Norse word for ‘beautiful.’

Björn Borg is a retired tennis player. He was a world number 1 tennis player and won major competitions, including four French Open and Grand Slam Single titles at Wimbledon. Björn is a Swedish name that means ‘bear.’

Astrid Lindgren was an author who wrote fictional novels and screenplays. She was born in Sweden in 1907 and worked as a journalist before transitioning into writing fiction. One of her most popular creations is the character Pippi Longstocking. Astrid is of Old Norse origin and means ‘beautiful.’

Greta Thunberg has significantly impacted her world by advocating for environmental conservation and protection. She works to engage youths around the world in protecting the earth. Greta is a Swedish name of Germanic origin that means ‘pearl.’

Hans Lundgren, known best by his stage name, Dolph Lundgren, is a martial artist and actor. He was born in Sweden in 1957. He studied chemical engineering before transitioning into acting and is best known for his role in Rocky IV. Hans is a shortened form of the Swedish name Johannes and means ‘God has been gracious.’

References

Information from Statistics Sweden, the Central Bureau of Statistics, a government agency that produces official statistics and collects, analyses, and publishes information on Swedish baby names was used in the collection of this data. If you are interested in learning more about Swedish names, information regarding illegal Swedish baby names can be found on Medium, and Swedish given names on Wikipedia.