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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23 Scandinavian Baby Names Meaning, Starting With S

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

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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
Sunnie	Girl	She is the Sun's gift
Susannah	Girl	Lily; Lotus; Rose
Svea	Girl	Spear
Sigrid	Girl	Wisdom brought by victory
Sigurd	Boy	Victorious guardian
Sweden	Unisex	Country in Northern Europe
Signy	Girl	One who brings new victories
Synnove	Girl	A girl who was the Sun's gift; To be gifted by the Sun
Silka	Girl	A dim-sighted woman; A short form of Cecilia
Sigered	Boy	He who gives a counsel that brings victory

Sigrun	Girl	To achieve secret victories
Smilla	Girl	One who is always smiling; One with a beautiful smile
Soeren	Boy	One who is a good, stern warrior
Somerild	Girl	One who is a traveler in the summer
Somerled	Boy	One who goes traveling in the summer
Stofn	Boy	To be crowned
Sunnild	Girl	She is like the Sun
Svein	Boy	One who is young in age and spirit
Swaine	Boy	A Boyish person, young in spirit
Synne	Girl	She who is of the Sun

Syver	Boy	One who defeated others; One who is a victor
Sedalia	Unisex	Graceful; Elegant; Serene
Sas	Unisex	Short form of Sasha and Saskia

Infographic: Top Scandinavian Baby Names Meaning, Starting With S

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.

Scandinavian Baby Names Meaning, Starting With S(infographic)

Look Up For Many More Names

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