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 |
More Lists:
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.
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