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 |
More Lists:
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.
Leave a Reply