What restrictions exist on the names that can be given to babies in Norway?

The Norwegian Names Act of 2022 regulates the names given to children. Any person can change their family name to a common family name. Norways strict naming laws are aimed at protecting children from strange-looking names. You can even end up in jail if you give a name banned in Norway, such as swear names or names of medicines and diseases. Some examples of acceptable names are Raabi, Gesher, Glisur, and Dits (2).

How do Norwegian baby names reflect the country's culture and history?

Norwegian names reflect the Old Norse Mythology. Some examples of such names are Oskar, meaning spear of Gods, and Thor or the God of strength. Astrid and Kaia are Scandinavian roots. The former means divinely beautiful, while the latter means pure or the sea. Ellinor means the other Aenor. One of the first females named Eleanor was the 12th-century queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. Hanna, meaning Yahweh is gracious, is another Norwegian name with Greek roots that reflect the countrys culture.

What does the Norwegian baby name Maren, Olav, and Astrid mean?

Maren is a Latin feminine name that means star of the sea. Olav is a Dutch, Polish, Scandinavian, and German name. It means ancestors relic or heirloom. Astrid is a modern form of Ástríðr and means divinely beautiful.

Which Norwegian baby names are also popular in other countries?

Many Norwegian baby names have become popular across Europe today. Many of them are inspired by Norse mythology, and some are Viking warrior names. Some examples include Anders, meaning brave, Ingrid, meaning beautiful, Karl, meaning free man, Ella, meaning fairy maiden, and Karolina, meaning warrior.

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10 Norwegian Baby Names with Meanings Bright

Written by Shikha Thakur, MBA Specialty: Relationships and Baby NamesExperience: 7 years

Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood.

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Edited by Siddharth Kesiraju, MA, Certification in Relationship Coaching Specialty: Love, Marriage and RelationshipsExperience: 7 years

Siddharth holds a certification in Relationship Coaching and a masters degree in communication and journalism from the University of Hyderabad. He has around seven years of experience in various fields of writing and editing.

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Fact-checked by Praggya Joshi, MA, BEd Specialty: Child education & activitiesExperience: 2 years

Praggya Joshi holds a bachelor's degree in Education and a master's in Ancient Indian History from University of Delhi. She has a robust knowledge of literature, society, and ethics. Praggya has been a content writer since 2021, researching and writing on education, health and wellness, and travel.

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Last Updated on Oct 3, 2023

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Name	Gender	Meaning
Nora	Girl	Light; Bright; Honor; Dignity; Victorious
Lena	Girl	Torch; Bright shining light; Of Magdala; Tower
Elin	Girl	Bright; Shining; Sunbeam
Klara	Girl	Clear; Bright; Famous
Elenore	Girl	One who is filled with light and bright
Lene	Girl	Torch; Bright shining light; Of Magdala; Tower
Abeline	Girl	Breath; Noble; Bright; Meadow
Beorhtel	Boy	He who shines with a bright light
Joga	Boy	Shallow pond; Fruitfulness; Bright with sunshine; Prosperity
Vibeke	Girl	Bright battle

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