How popular are Scandinavian baby names in other countries?

Popular culture has led to a coming together of many cultures, which is evident in the migration of given names. Scandinavian names have found their way to other countries, whether through films or books. Names like Bodie, Carson, Eric, Finn, Jense, and Sofia have been widely used in other countries.

What is the meaning behind the name "Sven"?

Sven is a masculine name with Old Norse origins. Taken from the byname Sveinn, it means boy and was borne by many rulers of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.

How do Scandinavian baby names reflect the region's culture and history?

Naming patterns in Scandinavian countries tell of the Viking origins and changes that have since taken place (2). The traditional naming patterns follow the patronymic style, where personal names are inherited from the father. For example, the first son would be named after his paternal grandfather, the second son would be named after his maternal grandfather, and the third son would be named after the father. For daughters, the first daughter would be named after her maternal grandmother, the second would be named after her paternal grandmother, and the third daughter would be named after her mother (3).

How are names chosen for newborns in modern-day Scandinavia?

Baby names in Scandinavia, specifically Sweden, are chosen and approved through the Swedish naming law. The law requires the governments approval for naming your child. A name should be submitted three months before birth, and the Swedish Tax Agency will administer the registration of names in Sweden (4).

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13 Scandinavian Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With R

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
Ruth	Girl	Friend; Famous spear
Rayna	Girl	Queen; Happy; Willing; Clean; Pure
Ryden	Boy	Horseman; Woodland clearing; From the rye hill
Rainer	Boy	Advice; Counsel; Army
Rahm	Boy	High Lofty; Exalted; Supreme; Soot; Rack
Rane	Boy	Deciding warrior
Raynor	Boy	Wise warrior; Mighty army; Army counselor
Raife	Unisex	Counsel of the wolf; Wise wolf
Ranier	Boy	Mighty army; Army's counsel
Rona	Girl	Rough island; Song; Joy; To survive; Powerful counselor

Rickard	Boy	Brave ruler
Roselen	Girl	She who holds the beauty of the roses
Ragnarok	Unisex	Doom of the Gods

Infographic: Adorable Scandinavian Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With R

Finding the right name for your child can be tricky. From choosing the starting letter to deciding on the meaning, parents might find the process overwhelming. That’s where our baby name list comes in! You can look at diverse names from different cultures and languages to find one that appeals to you. This infographic covers a few popular Scandinavian Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With R that you can consider. Check it out!

Scandinavian Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With R(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.