353 Old Norse Boy Names For Your Viking

Explore the evergreen world of Iceland with Ake, Ulfr, and Refr kinds of choices.

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Last Updated on Nov 13, 2024

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This post about Old Norse boy names lists beautiful names with their meanings and origins. However, before we get to the names, let's look at the background of the Old Norse and the Vikings. Old Norse, a North Germanic language used by the Vikings and their ancestors, significantly impacted modern Scandinavian languages. At the beginning of the Viking Age, two varieties of Old Norse were used, namely East Old Norse and West Old Norse. While the former was the language of Denmark, Sweden, and the Norse Baltic region, the latter was the native language of Norway and the Atlantic Islands, which included the Hebrides, Orkney, Shetland, the Faroes, Iceland, and Greenland (1). Traditionally, Old Norse given names were composed of a prefix and a suffix. These names typically drew inspiration from Norse gods and goddesses. However, many were derived from natural elements like plants, animals, landscapes, and even weather conditions. Traits and characteristics, virtues, and religious associations are other sources from where Old Norse given names originated. As practiced in many cultures today, Old Norse names were also used through generations to establish a connection with one's lineage. On the other hand, certain names were developed based on the individuals' rank, position, or social status. Arick, for instance, means 'the ruler of an island, Haraldur, translates to 'leader of the army,' and Hinrik, means 'estate ruler.' If you find these names attractive and want to explore more options, scan the list below. These names provide insight into the Old Norse culture, traditions, and beliefs. They are a perfect pick for those looking for names that evoke a sense of connection between the divine and mythical world.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Oliver	Boy	Olive; Olive tree planter; Ancestor's descendant; All cautious
Eric	Boy	Eternal ruler
Oscar	Boy	God's spear; Friend of deer
Erick	Boy	Eternal ruler; Powerful ruler
Odin	Boy	Inspiration; Frenzy; Rage
Erik	Boy	Eternal ruler
Gunnar	Boy	Bold warrior
Ronald	Boy	Ruler's counsel; Ruler's advice
Drake	Boy	Dragon; Serpent
Dustin	Boy	Thor's stone

Gustavo	Boy	Staff of the Gods
Bjorn	Boy	Bear
Gary	Boy	Enclosure; Spearman; Watchful
Truett	Boy	Dry resinous wood; River bend
Branson	Boy	Burning sword; Son of Brandr
Leif	Boy	A descendant; Heir
Ralph	Boy	Wolf counsel
Brent	Boy	Holy one; From a steep hill; Sword; Warrior
Kaycen	Unisex	Enclosure; Yard; Town; Calf
Oskar	Boy	God's spear; Deer's friend

Kacen	Boy	Descendant from the vigilant one; Noble heart; Calf
Fynn	Boy	Fair; Blessed; Person from Finland
Ivar	Boy	Bow warrior; Army; Yew tree
Oden	Boy	Inspiration; Frenzy; Rage
Thor	Boy	Thunder
Ragnar	Boy	Army; Counsel; Judgement
Hoyt	Boy	Someone who lives high or on a hill; Stick
Ronaldo	Boy	Ruler's counsel; Ruler's advice
Broderick	Boy	Son of Rhydderch; Descendant of Bruadar; Brother
Caison	Unisex	Calf

Roscoe	Boy	Forest of the roebuck; Deer forest; Doe wood
Iver	Boy	Bow warrior; Army; Yew tree
Truitt	Boy	Dry resinous wood; River bend; Trust; Loyalty; Boar
Halston	Boy	Rock; Stone
Brandt	Boy	Fire; Torch; Sword
Olivier	Boy	Olive tree; Ancestor's descendant; Planter of olive trees; All cautious
Brayton	Boy	Broad; Farmstead
Brant	Boy	Fire; Torch; Sword
Sven	Boy	Boy; Lad; Young man
Tyr	Boy	God; Deity

Olen	Boy	Ancestor's descendant
Roel	Boy	Famous land; Famous wolf; Famous ruler
Arik	Boy	Lion of God; Eternal ruler; Powerful; Brave
Boe	Boy	To live
Eivin	Unisex	Good fortune and victor
Aric	Boy	Ever ruler
Olliver	Boy	Olive; Olive tree; Ancestor's descendant; All cautious; Elf warrior
Ron	Boy	Song; Joy; Ruler's advice; Ruler's counsel
Espen	Boy	God's bear; Divine bear
Rorik	Boy	Famous ruler

Wayland	Unisex	Battle; Brave; Small wood grove; Craft
Einar	Boy	One army; One warrior
Torben	Boy	Thor's bear; Thunder bear
Erickson	Boy	Son of Erik; Ever ruler
Jomar	Boy	Famous horse; God increases
Rayvon	Boy	Ray of hope
Coulter	Boy	Young horse or colt; Backland
Ole	Boy	Ancestor's descendant
Torsten	Boy	Thor's stone; Enclosure; Settlement
Trigg	Unisex	Trustworthy; Faithful; True; Loyal

Kaysin	Unisex	Calf; Enclosure; Yard; Town
Creek	Unisex	Stream smaller than a river
Esben	Boy	God's bear; Divine bear
Taft	Boy	Homestead; One from
Haakon	Boy	High battle; Combat
Erich	Boy	Eternal ruler
Erling	Boy	Heir; Chieftain; Descendant of the jarl
Igor	Boy	Warrior; Army of the Germanic god Yngvi
Arvid	Boy	Eagle tree
Ericson	Boy	Son of Eric; Ever ruler

Gable	Boy	God is my strength; A triangular-shaped hill; God is bright
Bransen	Boy	Son of Brand; Fiery torch
Keyton	Boy	River town; hedged town; Cheerful town
Eryk	Boy	Ever ruler
Tor	Boy	Thunder; King
Esten	Boy	Stone of good fortune; Stone island; East town
Ronal	Boy	Ruler's counsel
Thurston	Boy	Stone of Thor
Wyland	Unisex	Brave in battle; Battlefield
Garth	Boy	Garden; The keeper of the garden

Hamlet	Boy	From the village; Compassionate
Beorn	Boy	Warrior; Man; Hero
Frey	Boy	Free; Independent; Lord
Ivor	Boy	Bow of the warrior; Yew tree army
Ronell	Boy	Ruler's advice; Ruler's counsel
Thackery	Boy	A nook or corner with thatching
Agrim	Boy	Chief; Principal; Elder; Prosperity; Fortune; Person wearing a face mask
Arne	Boy	Eagle; Eagle ruler
Arrick	Boy	Ever ruler; Always king
Bond	Boy	A peasant, farmer, or landowner

Arvis	Boy	Eagle tree; Jungle of eagles
Gamal	Boy	Beauty; Old
Sten	Boy	To be like a stone
Roe	Boy	Roe; Striped; Spotted; King; Corner; Clearing; Red-haired
Gar	Boy	Spear; Triangle field; From the garden
Ralphie	Boy	Wolf counsel
Sael	Unisex	Happiness; Prosperity
Jerik	Boy	Ever ruler
Oleg	Boy	Holy; Blessed; Sacred
Trygve	Boy	Trustworthy; True

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Old Norse boy names have a rich cultural history and are frequently associated with the Viking age. These names often mirror the traditions, beliefs, and values of Norse people. The list above compiles a vibrant collection of these names with deep meanings and prominent symbolisms. Several of them are inspired by the warriors, monarchs, and brave people who played significant roles in the history of the Nordic culture. Hence, they serve as a great means to honor and celebrate the Nordic spirit.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some Old Norse baby boy names that have a strong historical significance and mythological origins?

Loki is a popular boy name in Norse mythology, meaning ‘lock,’ and is the name of a trickster god of shape-shifting and magic. Thor is another name that makes a strong appearance in Norse mythology and is popular in Vikings. The God of storms, thunder, war, and strength bore the name and means ‘thunder (2).’

2. What Old Norse baby boy names have been popularized in modern times?

Popular names in modern times include Arne meaning ‘eagle,’ Erik, meaning ‘absolute ruler,’ Frode meaning ‘wise, clever, and learned,’ and Ivar meaning ‘archer,’ which have been heavily influenced by the TV series Vikings and the Old Norse mythology.

3. What were the naming conventions for Old Norse baby boys?

Naming conventions like naming after a relative, naming for a God, patronymics, and adding different alliterations and variations to the name are prevalent in Old Norse and Vikings. It's important to note that there are variations and regional differences in Old Norse naming practices, and some names may have evolved. Additionally, the modern understanding and interpretation of Old Norse names may differ from their historical usage.

Infographic: Classic Old Norse Boy Names

The Nordic Region is expansive, consisting of seven European countries and two autonomous regions. Nordic names have a distinctive sound and often refer to Norse mythology and history. In the following infographic, we have compiled a list of names from the Nordic countries to help you choose the right name for your little son. You can even save this infographic for future reference and share it with your friends and family.

timeless old norse names for your baby boy (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.

What is Old Norse?
https://oldnorse.org/what-is-old-norse/
THOR.
https://norse-mythology.org/gods-and-creatures/the-aesir-gods-and-goddesses/thor/

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.