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Norse mythology or Scandinavian mythology is a myth of the North Germanic people, stemming from Norse paganism into the modern period’s Scandinavian folklore. The stories of gods, heroes, and beings fascinated generations and inspired them to choose Norse mythology names for their babies.
Scandinavian mythology continues to enthrall people, and Norse names remain relevant worldwide. We bring you a list of Norse mythology names that you can pick for your tiny human in this post.
Key Pointers
- Norse mythology is the North Germanic people’s rich and traditional belief system, which constitutes Scandinavian folklore.
- If you want to choose unique girl names inspired by Norse mythology, options like Saga, Groa, Freya, or Laga can be suitable.
- For boys, Alvis, Odin, Sigurd, or Thor could be some fine choices, reflecting the legacy of Norse mythology.
Cultural Significance Of Norse Names
Norse names are deeply ingrained in the ideals and legacy of the Viking era. The Norse people deeply valued strength, bravery, and the natural world, reflections of which can be found in these names. Many, like Thor (thunder) or Bjorn (bear), are inspired by gods, warriors, and natural elements, signifying their intimate relationship to the world around them. Norse names preserve their beliefs, origin, and lifestyle, while also paying homage to their ancestors.
Norse Mythology Names For Girls
1. Hildr
Hildr is the name of a Valkyrie in Norse legend, known for her power to revive the dead on battlefields. It is also the Old Norse cognate of Hilda. If Valkyrie names inspire you, Hildr could be the right choice.
2. Astrilde
The name Astride means love-fire. It was the name of a Norse Goddess of love. The name could also be an equivalent of the name Amor or Cupid.
3. Signy
Signy was the twin sister of Sigmund and the wife of Siggeir in Norse mythology. The name is derived from Norse elements ‘sigr’, which means ‘victory’ and ‘ny’, which means ‘new’.
4. Siv
Norse female names are special. Siv is derived from the Old Norse word Sif. She was the golden-haired goddess associated with earth and the wife of Thor in Norse Mythology. Her name means ‘bride’ or ‘kinswoman’ in Old Norse.
5. Skadi
Skadi, a mountain giantess, is a central figure in the Poetic Edda (1). After her father was slain, she was granted the right to choose a divine husband. She selected Njord (2). Skadi means “harm” or “damage” in Old Norse.
6. Hulda
Huda was the name of a sorcerer in Norse mythology. It is derived from an archaic name ‘huld’, which means ‘sweet and lovable’. The name means ‘hiding or secrecy’.
7. Nanna
The name Nanna is derived from an Old Norse word ‘nanp’, which means ‘daring and brave’. In Norse mythology, she was a goddess who died of grief when her husband was killed. The norse girl names are exotic and unique.
8. Atla
Atla was a minor water goddess in Norse mythology. The name Atla means ‘water’. It could also be the feminine form of Atli, derived from Attila, meaning ‘little father.’
9. Eir
Eir was a Norse goddess of healing and medicine. Her name means ‘protection, help, or mercy.’ Eir is pronounced as ire.
10. Eisa
Eisa was the daughter of the trickster god Loki. The name means ‘glowing embers’ and is pronounced as Ii-sa.
11. Embla
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Embla was a goddess equivalent to Eve in Norse mythology. As per Poetic Eda, she and her partner Ask were created from a tree (1). The name means ‘elm tree’.
12. Freya
Freya was the goddess of love, war, death and beauty in Norse mythology. Her name is also spelled Freya and Freja. The name Freya is very popular in the United States. It means ‘lady’.
13. Idunn
As per Prose Edda, Idunn was the goddess of spring and the guard of the golden apples (3). The apples were capable of giving eternal youth to anyone who ate them. Idunn is pronounced as ih-dunn, and its two elements can be translated into English as ‘again’ and ‘love.’
14. Saga
Saga was a goddess who was often depicted as drinking with Odin. She was the source of the world saga. The name means ‘seeing one’ ‘what is said,’ ‘utterance,’ ‘oral account,’ or ‘notification.’
15. Angrboda
Angrboda means ‘harm-bidder’ or ‘she who brings grief.’ It was the name of the mistress of the trickster Loki. She was a giantess who spawned three monsters- the Midgard Serpent Jormungand, gigantic wolf Fenrir, and Hel.
16. Sol
Sol was the sun goddess in Norse mythology. The name Sol means ‘bright as sun’.
17. Verdandi
Verdandi was one of the Norns in Norse mythology. She was the goddess charged with determining destiny. The name means ‘present,’ ‘becoming,’ or ‘ happening.’
18. Skuld
Skuld was the goddess of destiny in Norse mythology. She was one of the trio of Norns described as deciding people’s fates. Skuld means ‘future,’ or ‘that which is to be’ as per the text Prose Edda (3).
19. Svanhild
Svanhild was the daughter of Gudrun and Sigurd in Norse mythology. The name Svanhild combines the Norse terms svaner, meaning ‘swan’, and hildr, meaning ‘battle.’ The name is also the Scandinavian cognate of Swanhild.
20. Gerd
Gerd was the goddess of fertility in Norse mythology. She was a frost giantess and the wife of Freyr. The name Gerd means ‘yard’ or ‘enclosure’.
21. Urd
Urd was one of the three Norns in Norse mythology. She was the goddess of destiny. The name Urd means ‘fate’.
22. Grid
Grid was the frost giantess in Norse mythology. She was the mother of Vioarr. Grid also assisted Thor in his fight against the giant Geirrod. The name Grid means ‘peace’.
23. Borghild
Borghild was the wife of Sigmund in Norse mythology. The name is derived from the old Norse elements, borg, which means ‘fortification’, and hildr, which means ‘battle’.
24. Groa
In Norse mythology, Groa was the name of a Goddess. After his death, she married Atli. The name is derived from the Old Norse word groa, which means ‘to grow’.
25. Heidrun
In the Prose Edda, Heidrun is the name of the nanny goat that would eat tree leaves and produce mead in her udders. The name Heidrun means ‘bright and clear.’
26. Hel
Hel was the name of Loki’s daughter in Norse mythology. She got her name from the underworld called Hel, which means ‘to conceal or to cover.’
27. Gudrun
Gudrun was the wife of Sigurd in Greek mythology. The name Gudrun means ‘god’s secret lore’. Parents looking for Greek mythology baby names might pick this name.
28. Frigg
Frigg was the goddess of the earth, fertility, and air in Norse mythology. She is also Odin’s wife and Baldur’s mother in Norse mythology. Her name means ‘beloved’ in Old Norse.
29. Sigrun
Sigrun was the name of a Valkyrie in Norse mythology. The name comes from Old Norse elements ‘sigr’, which means victory and ‘run’, which means ‘secret’.
30. Vor
Vor was the goddess of wisdom in Norse mythology. Her name means ‘spring’ or ‘ the careful one’.
31. Weth
In Norse legend, Weth was the goddess of anger. The name Weth means ‘destruction;.
32. Nott
Nott was the personification of night in Norse mythology. She was the daughter of the giant Narfi.
33. Lofn
Lofn is the eighth Ásynjur in the Prose Edda (3). She receives permission from Odin and Frigg to unite men and women whose marriages were forbidden. Lofn means ‘the comforter’, ‘mild,’ or ‘loving.’
34. Joro
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Joro, also known as Jord, was the goddess of the earth in Norse mythology. Joro is a beautiful name meaning ‘earth’.
35. Lounn
Lounn was the mother of Thor and the goddess of youth in Norse mythology. The name Iounn symbolizes ‘youth’.
36. Hlin
In Norse legend, Hlin was the goddess of protection and consolation. Her name means ‘to defend’ or ‘protection’.
37. Fulla
Fulla was one of the three handmaids of Frigg’s. She is described wearing a gold snood. The name’s meaning can be taken as ‘bountiful.’
38. Gejfun
Gejfun was one of the Aesir in Norse mythology. She is believed to be the goddess of chastity. The name Gejfun means ‘chaste’.
39. Sjofn
Sjofn was the goddess of love in Norse mythology. She became a major goddess and helped heal the wounded people.
40. Var
Var was the goddess of agreements and promises in Norse mythology. Var means ‘spring,’ ‘pledge,’ or ‘beloved.’
41. Syn
Syn was the goddess who guarded the door of Frigg’s great hall. She kept out all the unwanted visitors. The name Syn means ‘denial’ or ‘refusal’.
42. Snotra
Snotra is worshiped as a high-ranking goddess in Norse mythology. She was the goddess of wisdom. Her name means ‘clever’ or ‘smart.’
43. Bil
Bil was the child who followed Mani across the sky. Her name means ‘instant’ or ‘inquisitive’.
44. Rindr
Rindr was the daughter of Billing, the King of Ruthenians in Norse legend. She was the mother of Vali and the mate of Odin.
45. Ran
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Ran was the Norse goddess of the sea. She was a cruel and greedy goddess who was responsible for waves and storms.
46. Laga
Laga means ‘to prepare.’ It was the name of the goddess of wells and springs in Norse mythology. She was just like Laha, a Celtic goddess of springs and well.
47. Nerthus
Nerthus was the goddess of fertility in Norse mythology. She was also the goddess of peace as when she visited the island; all the weapons would be locked up.
48. Elli
Elli is the personification of old age in Norse mythology. Elli represents eternity.
49. Yggdrasil
Yggdrasil was the Goddess of life. She was responsible for connecting the nine worlds.
50. Eostre
In Norse legend, Eostre was the goddess of spring. It will make a beautiful name for your child.
51. Sigyn
Sigyn was the wife of Loki in Norse mythology. She was the goddess of fidelity. Her name means ‘victorious’.
Norse Mythology Names For Boys
1. Mani
Mani is the god of the moon in Norse mythology. He was made by recollecting the sparks of the realm of fire.
2. Heimdall
Heimdall was the guardian of Bifrost Bridge. He would guard a rainbow bridge between our world and the realm of the gods. The name is derived from the Old Norse terms heimr, meaning ‘home’, and dallr, meaning ‘shining.’
3. Alf
In Norse mythology, Alf was the name of a king and the suitor of Alfhild. His name means ‘elf’.
4. Alvis
Alvis was a dwarf who courted Thor’s daughter but was eventually tricked out of marriage. His name means ‘all wise’.
5. Ask
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Ask was one of the first humans to be created by the Norse Gods. His name is inspired by the ‘ash tree’.
6. Balder
Balder was the son of Frigg and Odin according to Norse legend. He was associated with love, light, beauty, and happiness. The name means ‘hero,’ ‘lord,’ or ‘prince.’
7. Gandalf
Gandalf was the name of the dwarf in Norse mythology. The name Gandalf means ‘wand elf’.
8. Gunnar
Gunnar was the husband of Brynhild. His name is derived from the Old Norse elements, gunnr, which means ‘war’ and arr, which means ‘warrior’.
9. Jarl
Jarl was the son of God Rig. He was the founder of the race of warriors. His name means ‘nobleman’.
10. Loki
Loki was the trickster Norse God associated with fire and magic. He was eventually chained to a big rock by other gods.
11. Njord
Njor was the God of sailing and fertility in Norse mythology. In the Prose Edda, he is described as someone who dwells in heaven, in the abode called Nóatún (3). He was the father of Freya and Freyr. His name means ‘strong’.
12. Odin
Odin was the highest of the Gods in Norse mythology. He resided in Valhalla, a place where the warriors were sent after they were slain. His name means ‘inspiration,’ ‘rage,’ or ‘frenzy.’ The norse boy names are culturally unique just like norse girls names.
Did you know?13. Orvar
Orvar was a legendary Norse hero who was also the subject of a 13th century Icelandic saga. The name Orvar means ‘arrow’.
14. Sigurd
Sigurd was a prominent God in Norse mythology. His name is derived from the Old Norse elements. ‘sigr’, which means victory, and ‘vardr’, which means ‘guardian.’
15. Sindri
Sindri was the name of the dwarf who made magical items for the gods. His name means ‘sparkle’ or ‘small.’
16. Thor
Thor was the Norse god of war, strength and thunder. He kept a hammer called Mjolnir as his weapon of destruction.
Trivia17. Tyr
Tyr was the Norse god of war and justice. He always carried a spear in his left hand as his right hand was bitten off by a wolf.
18. Vidar
Vidar was the son of Grid and Odin. His name means ‘warrior’.
19. Yngvi
Yngvi was the alternate name of God Freyr. He was also the ancestor of the Swedish royal family.
20. Bragi
Bragi was the god of poetry and eloquence. He was also the patron of skalds in Norse mythology. His name is likely derived from the Norse term bragr, meaning ‘first.’
21. Foresti
Foresti was the son of the god Balder and goddess Nanna. He was the god of justice and his name means ‘the presiding one.’
22. Ve
Ve was the brother of Odin. He along with his brother Odin and Vili created heaven and earth for the slain body of Ymir.
23. Borr
Borr was the father of the creation gods, Odin, Vili, and Ve. He was the son of Buri.
24. Buri
Buri was the first Norse God. He was the father of other gods. He was married to Harm.
25. Dagr
In Norse mythology, Dagr was the personification of a day. He was the son of Dellinger and Nott.
26. Dellinger
Dellinger is a god in Norse mythology. He was the personification of the dawn.
27. Andhrimnir
Andhrimnir was the cook of all the gods in Norse mythology. He even killed and cooked the mighty boar Saehrimnir. The meaning of this name is ‘the one exposed to soot.’
28. Vali
Vali is the son of the god Odin and Rindr. He was raised for the sole purpose of killing Hoor.
29. Mimir
Mirmir was the old Norse gods. He died in a war between Vnir and Aesir. Mimir is derived from an Old Norse word and means ‘memory.’
30. Modi
Modi was the son of Thor. His name means ‘angry’.
31. Magni
Magni was the son of Thor and the giantess Jarnsaxa. It is derived from the Norse element Magn, meaning ‘power’ or ‘strength.’ Magni can be used as a short form of the name Magnus.
32. Hoenir
Hoenir was a warrior god in Norse mythology. He was an original Aesir god. He was also the god of silence.
33. Hoor
Hoor is a blind god in Norse mythology. He is the god of winter.
34. Ull
Ull was the son of Sif and the stepson of Thor. He was the god of hunting. The name Ull means ‘glory’.
35. Fitch
Fitch was the God of arbitration and ruling in Norse legend. It will make a cool name for your child.
36. Kvasir
Kvasir was the Norse God of inspiration. He was created from the saliva of the Aesir and the Vanir, and it was said that whoever drank his blood would turn into a poet.
37. Tiki
The norse baby boy names are simple and easy to remember too. Tiki was the Norse god of stone. It is a short and simple name to consider for your child.
38. Hermod
Hermod was one of the sons of Odin. He was sent down to the underworld to plead for Baldur’s release.
39. Austri
Austri is derived from the Old Norse word austr, meaning ‘east.’ It was the name of a dwarf in Norse mythology. He was one of the four supporters of the heavens.
40. Andvari
Andvari was the dwarf who guarded the treasures of the god. He could also change himself into a fish at will. Andvari means ‘careful one.’
41. Baugi
Baugi was the giant who held the mead of inspiration.
42. Fjalar
Fjalar was the fire giant in Norse mythology. He was the warner of the giants at Ragnarok.
43. Garm
In Norse mythology, Garm is the name of a hound that guards the underworld. It means ‘old rag.’
44. Geirod
Geirod was the giant who was the enemy of all the Norse gods.
45. Harbor
Harbor was a human in Norse mythology. He was the lover of Signy.
46. Hermodr
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Hermodr was the messenger of all gods. He was also the god of wind and war.
47. Hler
Hler was the ruler of the underworld. It means ‘ocean’ or ‘sea.’
48. Hreidmar
Hreidmar was a magician in Norse mythology. He was the king of the dwarves.
49. Hrungnir
Hrungnir was a Norse giant. He was killed in a fight with Thor.
50. Hugi
Hugi was a giant in the Norse legend. He was the personification of thought.
Discover More Names
When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which days of the week got their names from Norse mythology?
The celestial bodies and Norse gods inspire some days of the week. Tuesday, referred to as Tiw, was inspired by the Norse God of Justice. Wednesday originated from Woden’s day, derived from the most powerful Norse God. Thursday came from Thors’ day, inspired by Norse God, who had a giant hammer. The Norse Goddess of fertility and love, Frigg, is the source of Friday.
2. How do Norse mythology last names work?
Norse Genealogy carries down family names. Patronyms that include a person’s father’s name are common in surnames. Patronymic names add a suffix to the end of the father’s given name to denote a relationship. However, Scandinavian women are less likely to take their husbands’ last names.
3. What is the meaning behind Eirik, a popular Norse mythology-inspired baby name for boys?
Eirik is a Norse origin name that connects to Norse mythology and Viking culture. It is a spelling variation of the name Eric or Erik, derived from the Old Norse name Eirkr, and means an ‘ever ruler’ or ‘eternal ruler.’
4. What is the meaning behind Astrid, a popular Norse mythology-inspired baby name for girls?
Astrid is the modern Scandinavian variant of the name Ástríðr. The name Ástríðr comes from the Norse elements áss (god) and fríðr (beautiful/beloved) and means ‘beautiful’ or ‘loved’ (5).
5. What is the meaning behind the name Sven, a popular Norse mythology-inspired baby name for boys?
Sven is a popular Old Norse title derived from the Old Norse byname Sveinn, which means ‘a boy.’ Many Scandinavian kings bore the name in the past.
6. What is the meaning behind Helga, a popular Norse mythology-inspired baby name for girls?
Helga is the feminine form of the Old Norse name Helgi derived from Heilagr, meaning ‘holy,’ ‘blessed,’ or ‘sacred’ (5).
7. What is the name of the giant wolf in Norse mythology that swallows the sun during Ragnarok?
Fenrir’s son Sköll is the giant wolf foretold to swallow the Sun during Ragnarok. In Norse mythology, Ragnarok is a foretold series of cataclysmic events where Fenrir is believed to break free from his bonds and engage in a fierce battle against the divine powers.
8. What are some modern adaptations of Norse names?
Modern adaptations of Norse names have become quite popular in today’s culture, especially through media and entertainment. For example, Freya, originally the Norse goddess of love and beauty, is now a trendy name for girls, often symbolizing strength and femininity. Similarly, Thor, the god of thunder, has gained global fame thanks to superhero movies, bringing ancient mythology into mainstream pop culture. These names have kept their roots while becoming more accessible and familiar in modern times.
9. How have Norse mythology names influenced modern culture?
Norse mythology names have influenced modern literature, TV shows, movies, and video games. For instance, many of the dwarf names in J.R.R. Tolkien’s works are inspired by figures from Norse mythology. Similarly, the characters of Thor and Loki in Marvel comics and films are based on the deities from this saga. Video games such as God of War, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, and Assassin’s Creed also feature figures such as Odin and Freya from Norse mythology.
Norse mythical stories about Gods, Goddesses, and heroes have enthralled and inspired generations of humanity. People desire to name their children after mighty heroes and Gods; hence Norse mythology names gained popularity. You may choose Norse names that have deep meanings and sound beautiful for your baby. You may also try modernized versions of Norse mythological names for your baby.
Infographic: Awesome Norse Names For Boys And Girls
It can be a wonderful idea to name your baby after one of the Norse or Scandinavian mythological legends if you enjoy mythology and the Viking era. You can select from the list of popular names in the infographic below that were influenced by Norse Gods, Goddesses, and heroes. Scroll down! Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Illustration: Most Popular Norse Mythology Names With Meanings
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
Welcome back! In this part, we’ll delve into the art of pronouncing the names of Norse Mythology characters. Let’s embark on this fascinating journey!
References
- Ten Norse Mythology Facts You Need to Know ;World History Foundation
References
- The Poetic Edda
https://books.openbookpublishers.com/10.11647/obp.0308.pdf - Skadi – the giantess who married the sea god
https://historiska.se/norse-mythology/skadi-en/ - The Prose Edda
http://dcwww.camd.dtu.dk/~askhl/files/The_Prose_Edda.pdf - Ten Norse Mythology Facts You Need to Know
https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1836/ten-norse-mythology-facts-you-need-to-know/ - Viking names
https://en.natmus.dk/historical-knowledge/denmark/prehistoric-period-until-1050-ad/the-viking-age/the-people/names/
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