247 Icelandic Baby Names With Old Norse Charm

Radiant names make one want to travel to Iceland's vast greenery lands.

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Last Updated on Nov 12, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Icelandic baby names mirror the country's rich historical and cultural heritage. Iceland is very strict about baby-naming laws. Parents have to meet certain rules of gender, grammar, and meaning to save the child from embarrassment in the future. Also, the name should contain letters that occur in the Icelandic alphabet. A list of 1853 approved names for girls and 1712 approved for boys is also available. So parents have to select names from the list or seek permission from the special committee if their chosen name is not on the list. The authorities will see if the name is compatible with the Icelandic tradition. The Icelandic Naming Committee, also referred to as the Personal Names Committee in English, is responsible for overseeing an official roster of accepted Icelandic given names. This committee plays a pivotal role in regulating the incorporation of new given names into the Icelandic cultural landscape (1). According to the regulations, an individual can possess a maximum of three personal names followed by a family name. Traditionally, Icelandic names are rooted in Norse mythology. However, many Icelandic names also draw inspiration from Old Norse words and prominent historical figures. Due to the country's conversion to Christianity in the early Middle Ages, Christianity also influences Icelandic names. Hence, many Icelandic names are inspired by saints, biblical names, and Christian virtues and concepts. Even the surnames in Iceland follow an interesting tradition. The surnames are not family names but are patronymic or matronymic. The father's first name becomes the child's last name, along with the suffix -son (for boys) or -dottir (for girls). The law also allows using the parent's name as the last name. If the Icelandic naming system intrigues you and you want to explore Icelandic names, explore the following list. It has several Icelandic names and their meaning to assist you in finding a perfect name for your baby girl or boy.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Ariana	Girl	Most holy; Golden life; Noble; Aryan
Iris	Girl	Rainbow; Bringer of Joy; Irish flower; Colored part of the eye
Adriel	Boy	Flock of God
Ariella	Girl	Lioness of God
Juliana	Girl	Downy-bearded; Devoted to Jove; Youthful; Juvenile
Lukas	Boy	Illumination; Light
Julianna	Girl	Downy-bearded; Devoted to Jove; Youthful; Juvenile
Manuel	Boy	God is with us
Ari	Boy	Lion; Eagle; Brave; Most holy; Sun-like; Visible; Generous; Chief; Superior
Helena	Girl	Torch; Shining light

April	Girl	To open
Jonas	Boy	Dove; God is gracious
Hanna	Girl	Favor; Grace; God has favored me
Briana	Girl	High; Power; Hill
Freyja	Girl	Lady
Aron	Boy	Exalted; High mountain; Teaching; Singing
Jon	Boy	God is gracious
Jakob	Boy	Holder of the heel; Supplanter; May God protect
Agnes	Girl	Chaste; Pure
Immanuel	Boy	God is with us

Viktor	Boy	Victor; Conqueror
Luther	Boy	Army of the people
Ariela	Girl	Lioness of God
Anita	Girl	Grace; Favor; Mercy; Unguided
Oskar	Boy	God's spear; Deer's friend
Ester	Girl	Star; Evening star
Julietta	Girl	Youthful; Jove's child; Downy-bearded; Devoted to Jove
Karl	Boy	Freeman; Manly; Army; Warrior
Aris	Boy	Best purpose; Ruin; Man; From Hadria; Best; Rainbow; Straightforward
Klara	Girl	Clear; Bright; Famous

Dua	Girl	Prayer; I want; I love
Viggo	Boy	Warlike; Fighter; One who lies in a cradle
Von	Unisex	Hope; Expectation; Yahweh is gracious; Little
Oona	Girl	Lamb; Universal; Happy
Jonatan	Boy	God's gift
Selma	Girl	God's protection; God's helmet; Safe; Beautiful vew; Peace
Arina	Girl	Peace; From Hadria; Gold; Radiant one
Tru	Unisex	True; Faith
Einar	Boy	One army; One warrior
Arun	Boy	Red; Reddish brown; Dawn; Chariot of the Sun; Eagle secret; Successful secret; Morning sun

Angelia	Girl	Messenger of God; Angel
Arna	Girl	Eagle; Power
Jens	Boy	God is gracious
Milli	Girl	Gentle strength; Brave and strong; A youth employed in religious services; Cornfield; In between; Middle
Inga	Girl	Ancestor; Ing is beautiful
Esra	Girl	Travel at night; Help
Rut	Girl	Friend
Fenris	Boy	Name of a mythical monster; Fenrir-wolf; Marsh; Fen
Edel	Boy	Pale noble woman; Noble; Delicate; Noble fame
Loa	Girl	Golden plover; Famous in battle; Laurel; From Laurentum; Ancestor's descendant

Josafat	Boy	God has judged
Saga	Girl	The seeing one; A tale
Josua	Boy	God is my salvation
Edda	Girl	War; Great-grandmother; Noble
Asiana	Unisex	East; Most holy; Favor; Grace
Soley	Girl	An island of sun; Buttercup flower
Juli	Girl	Downy-bearded; Devoted to Jove; Youthful; Juvenile
Floki	Boy	Tuft of hair; Outspoken man
Eylin	Unisex	Island; Flat land along a coast; Linen
Mani	Boy	A jewel; Moon; God is with us

Arelia	Girl	Golden; Gilded
Jonina	Girl	Dove
Benedikt	Boy	Happy; Blessed
Signy	Girl	New victory
Armann	Boy	Messenger
Eldar	Boy	Country's possessor; Fiery warrior
Kjell	Boy	Kettle; Cauldron; Helmet
Evgenia	Girl	Well born
Seena	Boy	New victory; Twin
Rebekka	Girl	To tie; To bind; To join

Atli	Boy	Little father
Atla	Unisex	Little mother
Deniel	Boy	God is my judge
Freyr	Boy	Norse God of weather; Lord
Georg	Boy	Farmer; Land worker
Hannes	Boy	God is gracious
Arora	Unisex	More; Dawn
Svana	Girl	One who is like a swan in the battle; One who fights elegantly
Ardis	Girl	Eagle goddess; Blooming meadow
Arni	Girl	Eagle; Serious; Earnest

Haddy	Girl	A lady's hair
Nanna	Girl	Daring; Brave
Rakel	Girl	Ewe
Lusia	Girl	Light; To shine; Illuminate
Nuna	Unisex	Lands bordering the northern oceans; Now
Tinna	Girl	Icelandic form of Tina; River
Erla	Girl	A warrior or noble lady
Evian	Girl	God is gracious
Dagmar	Girl	Day maid; Powerful; Day; Maiden
Osa	Girl	Sand thread; Heathen God; She-bear; Wolf

Kornelia	Girl	Horn
Mey	Girl	Girl; Gorgeous; Pretty; Stunning; Chinese plum; Roman goddess of spring
Aesa	Unisex	God
Saela	Unisex	Happiness; Bliss
Sunna	Girl	The Sun
Are	Boy	Eagle
Asbjorn	Boy	Divine Bear; Divine warrior; Divine man
Alda	Boy	Wave; Noble
Angi	Unisex	Sweet odor; Messenger
Baldur	Boy	One who comes from Iceland

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Exploring the realm of Icelandic baby names is an enthralling voyage that unveils the intricate fabric of a nation's culture. These names, resonating with history, nature, and mythology, encapsulate and celebrate Iceland's essence. From enduring classics that echo the past to innovative choices that embrace modernity, these names reflect a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. So pick a meaningful name from the above list and give your child a beautiful gift that will keep them connected to Iceland's beauty and heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the meaning of the name Ásta?

The name is a diminutive of Ástríðr and means love and beloved God, formed by a combination of Norse elements.

2. What are some popular Icelandic baby names based on Norse mythology?

Atli, from the old Norse term Attila, is a version of the name in the Völsunga saga for the fictional or Norse mythological character of King Atilla the Hun (2). Bragi, meaning first, foremost, or poetry, is another example of a name from Norse mythology. Bragi is believed to be the God of poetry. Furthermore, the name Eir meaning mercy, also comes from mythological relevance, where she is revered as the Goddess of healing and medicine (3).

3. What are some Icelandic baby names that are inspired by nature?

Some Icelandic baby names inspired by nature are Fjall, meaning ‘from the rough hill,’ Vatn, meaning ‘water,’ and Eldur, meaning ‘fire.’ These names reflect the beauty and natural elements of Iceland’s landscape.

4. What are some Icelandic baby names that have a meaning related to strength or courage?

Names such as Nanna, meaning daring or brave; Eirikur and Greipr, denoting a man of great strength; and Gunnar, meaning a brave warrior encompass the essence of courage and strength.

5. How have Icelandic baby names evolved over time?

The evolution in Icelandic baby names may be seen in the changes in their naming system and rules. Now, first names can be chosen without restrictions based on gender. Also, individuals who are officially recognized as non-binary can use the suffix -bur (“child of”) instead of -son or -dóttir in their names.

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

The Saga of the Volsungs;
https://sites.pitt.edu/~dash/volsungsaga.html
Michael J. Smith; 2003; Ways of the Ásatrú-Beliefs of the Modern, Northern Heathens;
https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=b431ec01829fc480c805a3e99636dd52ff798444
What’s In A Name?
https://kenan.ethics.duke.edu/whats-in-a-name/

Infographic: Attractive Icelandic Baby Names With Old Norse Charm

Icelandic Baby Names With Old Norse Charm are significant and exquisite. They carry an inherent sense of charm that's almost impossible to ignore. Our infographic below shares several options that fit diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Explore the list and pick a name that resonates with you. Remember, your baby's name is integral to their identity, so choose a name that best complements their personality.

Icelandic Baby Names With Old Norse Charm(infographic)

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.