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.

Home • Baby Names

35 Norwegian Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With I

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.

Read full bio of Shikha Thakur

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.

Read full bio of Siddharth Kesiraju

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.

Read full bio of Praggya Joshi

Last Updated on Oct 3, 2023

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Name	Gender	Meaning
Isabella	Girl	God is my oath
Iris	Girl	Rainbow; Bringer of Joy; Irish flower; Colored part of the eye
Irene	Girl	Peace
Iliana	Girl	From Ilium or Troy; God is Yahweh
Ingrid	Girl	Beautiful goddess of fertility; Godlike beauty
Ida	Girl	Hardworking; Industrious person; Battle
Isai	Boy	Gift; God is salvation
Ivar	Boy	Bow warrior; Army; Yew tree
Iver	Boy	Bow warrior; Army; Yew tree
Isak	Boy	He will laugh; He will rejoice

Inga	Girl	Ancestor; Ing is beautiful
Ilda	Girl	A heroine in the battle
Inge	Girl	Ancestor; German God Ing
Ingris	Unisex	Ing is beautiful
Iselin	Unisex	Jesus; Salvation; Iron; Dream; Vision
Idunn	Girl	To renew nature or active in love
Iben	Boy	Ebony
Idona	Girl	Norse goddess of apples of eternal youth
Idun	Girl	One who is active
Iduna	Girl	She who is active in love

Illugi	Boy	Aslak's son
Ingaberg	Girl	Daughter of a hero
Ingeborg	Girl	Of the goddess Frøy
Ingemur	Boy	A famous son
Ingharr	Boy	Son's army
Inghram	Boy	Ing's raven
Ingigerd	Girl	Name of Dagstygg's sister
Ingjerd	Girl	Of the goddess Frøy
Ingolf	Boy	God's wolf; Ancestor
Ingunn	Girl	Of the goddess Frøy

Ingvild	Girl	Ing's power
Isleif	Boy	Name of Isrod's brother
Isolf	Boy	Son of Hrani
Isrod	Boy	Name of Isleif's brother
Ingvar	Boy	Warrior

Infographic: Top Norwegian Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With I

Our infographic below features options from timeless classics to contemporary favorites that complement your child's personality. Scroll through the list to find the perfect name that reflects your preferences and your family's shared values.

Norwegian Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With I(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.