119 Icelandic Baby Girl Names That Pack Nordic Charm

Whispers of Northern winds bringing endless choices for your little one.

Written by Nisha Bharatan, B.Tech Specialty: Kids Fun and Developmental ActivitiesExperience: 6 years

Nisha Bharatan is a writer with six years of experience. After completing her engineering from Savitribai Phule Pune University, she did content marketing courses to complement her interest in writing. Nisha discovered her passion for writing in 2016 when she started documenting her journey into motherhood.

Read full bio of Nisha Bharatan

Edited by Rebecca Malachi, BSc Specialty: Pregnancy, Health and WellnessExperience: 12 years

Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

Read full bio of Rebecca Malachi

Fact-checked by Trisha Chakraborty, MA, BEd Specialty: Child development & educationExperience: 5 years

Trisha worked as a schoolteacher for three years before taking up professional writing in 2021. She completed her masters in English from the University of Calcutta and bachelors in Education from the University of Burdwan.

Read full bio of Trisha Chakraborty

Last Updated on Nov 13, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Icelandic baby girl names echo a cultural legacy, mirroring the country’s captivating landscapes and deep-rooted mythology that shape its history. Iceland’s distinct approach to genealogy is characterized by a time-honored practice of tracing ancestral roots and safeguarding ancient records. One feature of Iceland’s genealogy that may intrigue you is its utilization of the patronymic system to give family names to babies. The person’s surname originates from the first name of the father, after which a suffix to denote the gender is given (1). Prior to 1925, the freedom to adopt new surnames was permissible, with notable instances like Nobel laureate Halldór Laxness and author Einar Hjörleifsson, who, along with his siblings, adopted the family name ‘Kvaran.’ However, since 1925, the option to take on a new family name has been restricted to those with legal inheritance rights. For novel first names, Icelanders may first secure approval from the Icelandic Naming Committee or the Personal Names Committee, ensuring seamless integration into the language and adherence to the Icelandic alphabet (2). This process mandates the name’s ability to conform to the grammatical case system, allowing for the creation of a genitive form consistent with Icelandic linguistic principles. The majority of Icelandic surnames derive from the father, yet occasionally the mother’s name is adopted, indicating a break in paternal connections. Some women adopt this for societal impact, while others opt for this as a personal flair. Every name reflects Iceland’s lasting customs and ongoing transformation, from the empowering name Andrea to the nature-inspired choice Ylfa. These names can offer your child an exclusive and significant identity while linking them to the mystical and picturesque country, where conventional and modern naming converges. So, why wait for so long? Explore our thoughtfully compiled, extensive collection of Icelandic baby names, perfect for your cherished little addition.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Ariana	Girl	Most holy; Golden life; Noble; Aryan
Ariella	Girl	Lioness of God
Juliana	Girl	Downy-bearded; Devoted to Jove; Youthful; Juvenile
Julianna	Girl	Downy-bearded; Devoted to Jove; Youthful; Juvenile
Helena	Girl	Torch; Shining light
April	Girl	To open
Hanna	Girl	Favor; Grace; God has favored me
Briana	Girl	High; Power; Hill
Freyja	Girl	Lady
Agnes	Girl	Chaste; Pure

Ariela	Girl	Lioness of God
Anita	Girl	Grace; Favor; Mercy; Unguided
Ester	Girl	Star; Evening star
Julietta	Girl	Youthful; Jove's child; Downy-bearded; Devoted to Jove
Klara	Girl	Clear; Bright; Famous
Dua	Girl	Prayer; I want; I love
Oona	Girl	Lamb; Universal; Happy
Selma	Girl	God's protection; God's helmet; Safe; Beautiful vew; Peace
Arina	Girl	Peace; From Hadria; Gold; Radiant one
Angelia	Girl	Messenger of God; Angel

Arna	Girl	Eagle; Power
Inga	Girl	Ancestor; Ing is beautiful
Rut	Girl	Friend
Loa	Girl	Golden plover; Famous in battle; Laurel; From Laurentum; Ancestor's descendant
Saga	Girl	The seeing one; A tale
Edda	Girl	War; Great-grandmother; Noble
Soley	Girl	An island of sun; Buttercup flower
Juli	Girl	Downy-bearded; Devoted to Jove; Youthful; Juvenile
Eylin	Unisex	Island; Flat land along a coast; Linen
Arelia	Girl	Golden; Gilded

Jonina	Girl	Dove
Signy	Girl	New victory
Evgenia	Girl	Well born
Rebekka	Girl	To tie; To bind; To join
Atla	Unisex	Little mother
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
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
Bil	Boy	Instant
Birgitta	Girl	The exalted one
Birna	Girl	Bear
Boga	Girl	One who is good with a bow
Gabriela	Unisex	God is my strength
Gabriella	Unisex	God is my strength
Lilja	Girl	Lily flower; Symbol of purity
Ondrea	Unisex	Manly; Courageous; Strong

Malen	Girl	Of Magdala; Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished for child
Solin	Girl	Beautiful garden
Adalbjorg	Girl	Noble protection
Adalheidis	Girl	Noble kind; Of the noble sort
Alfdis	Girl	Goddess; Divine woman
Arnleif	Girl	The eagle inheritor
Arthea	Girl	A variant of Artice; Lofty hill; Follower of Thor
Asdis	Girl	Goddess
Asgerd	Girl	God's fence
Audbjorg	Girl	A combination of luck and one who saves

Birta	Girl	Bright; vibrant
Brynhildur	Girl	Armored warrior woman
Dis	Girl	A beautiful woman
Dogg	Girl	The Icelandic word for dew
Drifa	Girl	The Icelandic word for snow
Falda	Girl	With folded wings
Fjola	Girl	Violet flower
Fridr	Girl	One who is beautiful
Fridrik	Girl	One who governs peacefully
Fridrika	Girl	Peaceful ruler

Gerdur	Girl	Protection; A protective woman
Groa	Girl	To grow
Grou	Girl	To grow; A variant of Groa
Gudlaug	Girl	One who is a good wife
Halldora	Girl	Thunder; Thunder goddess
Harpa	Girl	Icelandic word for harp
Hekla	Girl	Cloak; An Icelandic volcano
Hodd	Girl	A woman whose hair is beautiful
Hrafnhildur	Girl	Raven or battle
Hrafntinna	Girl	Raven or flint

Hrefna	Girl	Raven
Huld	Girl	Secret
Idunn	Girl	To renew nature or active in love
Kolbrun	Girl	Coal or eyebrow
Kristjana	Girl	Icelandic form of Kristina, meaning follower of Christ.
Ljot	Girl	Light; One who fills lives of everyone with light
Margrjet	Girl	Pearl
Matthildur	Girl	Mighty and strong
Osk	Girl	Longing or desiring
Salka	Girl	Princess; Lady; Noblewoman

1 2 »

Amidst Iceland’s stunning landscape, which authors describe as a land of ice and fire, these names possess an air of charisma and strength. Icelandic baby girl names are rooted in Iceland’s heritage, filled with age-old myths and stories of wandering Norsemen in the harsh land. The names’ pure grace and refined simplicity will fascinate you, and their diverse meanings can suit your distinct preferences. As you encounter each name, ponder the heritage it upholds and the aspirations it ignites inside you for your little munchkin.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Anna an Icelandic name?

Anna is an Icelandic name derived from the Hebrew name Channah, meaning 'favor,' 'grace,' and 'beauty.' The name is considered one of the most common first names for women. Anna Borg was a Danish-Icelandic actress who won the Ingenio et arti theater award in 1941.

2. Is Aurora an Icelandic name?

Aurora is an Icelandic name that means ‘dawn.’ It was the name of the Roman goddess of the morning. The Romans associated Aurora borealis, or northern lights, with the goddess of the rising sun.

3. What are the most common Icelandic female names?

Agnes is the Latinized form of the Greek name Hagne, which means 'chaste.' Andrea, meaning 'strong or courageous,' and Margrét, translating to 'pearl,' are some common Icelandic girls' names that exude positive connotations, beauty, and elegance.

Infographic: Appealing Icelandic Names For Your Little Princess

Icelandic girl names gracefully weave history and nature, echoing Old Norse roots with meanings of strength and spirituality. They mirror the nation's breathtaking scenery and deep culture. These names, molded by linguistic changes, hold importance in Icelandic life, blending tradition with contemporary influences. Check out our infographic, which features a selection of exquisite names inspired by Iceland for your precious daughter.

extraordinary icelandic names for your dearest daughter (infographic)

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.

Genealogy in Iceland.
https://inlofna.org/genealogy
Name Law and Gender in Iceland.
https://escholarship.org/content/qt0ds6g1hf/qt0ds6g1hf_noSplash_839c6338fdea3eb0cd67035c010d35b2.pdf

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.