145+ Scandinavian Boy Names: Ancient Viking To Modern

Overview

Scandinavian lore is synonymous with Norse mythology. It isn’t surprising that Scandinavian boy names also have links with Old Norse, Nordic, Icelandic, Swedish, Danish, and Norwegian names.

Many came from the legendary stories of Vikings in Early Medieval Scandinavia. Others are modern takes on the vintage or classic boy names.

You’ll find plenty of mystical names with magical background stories of gods and their adventures.

While Thor, Loki, and Odin are among the most common god names from Norse and Scandinavian mythology, you can also find other mythical names on our list below.

We’ve also added strong and tough boy names for Vikings or names with meanings like “fire,” “water,” or “strong.”

What’s The Difference Between Scandinavian And Old Norse Baby Names?

The terms “Scandinavian,” “Nordic,” and “Old Norse” are often used interchangeably. While they have differences, they share many historical, cultural, and language similarities. (1)(2)

Scandinavia – The region that includes Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and the Faroe Islands; “Scandinavian” relates to anything from this region
Nordic – The region that includes Scandinavia plus Finland, Iceland, and Aland (an autonomous region of Finland)
Old Norse – Anything that relates to the Nordic region during the Early Middle Ages (476-1000 AD) and Viking Age (793-1066 AD)

Aside from the bigger group (for Scandinavian and Nordic baby names), these regions are also home to different countries. So, we’ve also listed Swedish, Danish (from Denmark), Icelandic, Finnish (from Finland), and Norwegian names below.

Why Choose A Scandinavian Boy Name For Your Baby?

Many Scandinavian names have links to the Vikings, known as tough marauders or seafaring warriors. They raided many lands and created settlements across Europe and other areas, including Greenland, Newfoundland, Iceland, and modern-day Russia. (3)

While the prospect appears scary, Vikings are also known as powerful warriors. So, naming your child a Scandinavian name can also promote a strong and tough personality.

These names also have magical, mythical, and mystical themes. Wouldn’t it be fun to have these mysterious themes for your little one?

Scandinavian Naming Trends

Like everywhere else, trends also vary in the Scandinavian and Nordic regions through the years.

For example, names beginning with “V” and “W” have become more popular in Denmark in recent decades. (4)

Most Scandinavian boy names end in consonants, with many ending in “R” and “S.” However, recent trends have seen names ending in vowels, such as “Wade” (ranks #346) and “Dane” (ranks #875), based on SSA data (US Social Security Administration). (5)

We also use SSA data for the popularity ranks below.

Scandinavian Boy Names For Your Little One By Special Category

What Are The Most Common & Popular Scandinavian Boy Names?

Anders

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “Brave” and “manly”

Pronunciation: “ahn-duhrs”

Popularity/Rank: #856

Namesakes/Description: Swedish doubles tennis player Anders Per Järryd

Variations: Variation of the English boy name “Andrew”

Boden

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “Shelter”

Pronunciation: “bow-den”

Popularity/Rank: #859

Namesakes/Description: Also a last name (such as Swedish javelin thrower Patrik Bodén)

Variants: Bowden

Brandon

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian, Old English, Celtic, Old Welsh, and Irish boy name

Meaning: “Beacon hill,” “chieftain,” and “prince or king”

Pronunciation: “bran-duhn”

Popularity/Rank: #211

Namesakes/Description: American voice actor Brandon McInnis

Variants: Also a variation of the Irish given name “Breandán” or the Old Welsh name “Brân”

Oscar

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian, Gaelic, Irish, and Spanish boy name

Meaning: Mythical boy name that means “the spear of the gods” or “loving friend”

Pronunciation: “aas-kr”

Popularity/Rank: #201

Namesakes/Description: Colombian cyclist Óscar Álvarez

Variants: Osgar (Scottish Gaelic), Oskar, and Ásgeirr (Old Norse)

Osman

Origin/Gender: Turkish, Scandinavian, and Arabic boy name

Meaning: “Tender youth,” “God’s protection,” “most powerful,” or “wise”

Pronunciation: “ohs-man”

Popularity/Rank: #972

Namesakes/Description: Turkish photo-journalist Osman Orsal

Variants: Osmann, Ousman, Ousmane, Ossman, Ousmann, and Usman

Ronald

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian, and Old Norse, and Old English boy name

Meaning: Powerful boy name that means “powerful ruler” or “counsel”

Pronunciation: “row-nald”

Popularity/Rank: #559

Namesakes: English actor Ronald Colman

Also a magical name after the fictional character Ronald Weasley, one of the powerful teenage wizards in the “Harry Potter” series

Variants: Rainald, Ronaldo (Hispanic boy name), and Renaud

Wade

Origin/Gender: Anglo-Saxon English and Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “By the river crossing” or “to go”

Pronunciation: “wayd”

Popularity/Rank: #346

Namesakes/Description: American actor Wade Andrew Williams

Also a last name (such as after American retired professional basketball player Dwyane Tyrone Wade Jr.)

Variants: Wayd

Uncommon & Rare Scandinavian Boy Names

Ingram

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian and Old English boy name

Meaning: “Raven of peace”

Pronunciation: “ing-gruhm”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: American composer Ingram Marshall

Variants: Ingrram

Knute

Origin/Gender: Old Norse and Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “Knot”

Pronunciation: “kah-noot”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: American football player and coach Knute Rockne

Also a unique middle name for boys, such as after celebrity kid Ace Knute Johnson (son of American actress and singer Jessica Simpson and football player Eric Johnson)

Variants: Knut

Scandinavian Warrior Names

Astor

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian and German boy name

Meaning: Aesthetic boy name that means “hawk” or “thunder god”

Pronunciation: “ahs-tor”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla

Also a last name (such as after American businessman and philanthropist Vincent Astor

Variants: Astorr and Aztor

Gunner

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “Warrior,” “bold warrior,” or “battler”

Pronunciation: “guh-nr”

Popularity/Rank: #387

Namesakes/Description: American football player Gunner Kiel and actor Gunner Wright

Variants: Gunnie, Gunnor, and Gunnar

Iver

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “Archer”

Pronunciation: “eye-vur”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Danish engineer and Arctic explorer Iver P. Iversen

Variants: Ívarr and Iverr

Royal & Elegant Scandinavian Boy Names

Erling

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian, Old Norse, and Old English boy name

Meaning: A royal name that means “descendant of an earl” or “the firstborn son of the earl”

Pronunciation: “er-ling”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: American contemporary composer Erling Wold

Variants: Eerling and Erlling

Hereward

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian and Old English boy name

Meaning: “High guardian”

Pronunciation: “heh-ruh-ward”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Early English King Hereward the Wake

Variants: Herewward and Harward

Jarl

Origin/Gender: Old Norse, Scandinavian, and German boy name

Meaning: “Warrior-king” or “nobleman”

Pronunciation: “jaarl”

Length: 4 letters, 1 syllable

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Swedish actor and director Jarl Kulle

Also a mystical name after Jarl, the Old Norse god and ancestor of the race of warriors

Variants: Jarle and Jarlh

Modern & Trendy Scandinavian Boy Names

Casper

Origin/Gender: Dutch, Persian, Scandinavian, and German name for boys

Meaning: “Bringer of treasure”

Pronunciation: “kahs-pur”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Danish handball player Casper Ulrich Mortensen

Also an adorable ghost name after Casper, the friendly ghost in the movie “Casper”

Variants: Caspar, Kaspar, Kasper, and Gaspar

Dane

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian and Old English boy name

Meaning: “From Denmark,” “dweller in the valley,” or “God is my judge”

Pronunciation: “dayn”

Popularity/Rank: #875

Namesakes/Description: American basketball coach Dane Fischer

Variants: Dene, Dayn, and Dean

Hans

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “God is gracious”

Pronunciation: “hans”

Length: 4 letters, 1 syllable

Popularity/Rank: 1,000

Namesakes/Description: Danish author Hans Christian Andersen

Variants: Also another form of the biblical boy name “John”

Tate

Origin:/Gender Old English, Norse, and Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “Cheerful”

Pronunciation: “tayt”

Popularity/Rank: #234

Namesakes/Description: American stock car racer Tate Fogleman and basketball player Tate Armstrong

Variants: None

Boy Names From Norse Mythology

Aegir

Origin: Old Norse, Scandinavian, and Norwegian name for boys

Meaning: “Sea” or “ocean”

Pronunciation: “ay-gr”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: After Aegir, the Norse god of the sea and ancient ruler of the underwater world

Also an anime boy name after the fictional character Aegir Hardlett in the “Oukoku e Tsuzuku Michi” novel

Variants: Aeggir and Aegirr

Loki

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian, Old Norse, and Norwegian boy name

Meaning: “Airy”

Pronunciation: “low-kee”

Length: 4 letters, 2 syllables

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: After Loki, the Norse god of magic, mischief, and fire

Modern namesakes include Samoan rugby player Loki Crichton

Variants: Lokki

Odin

Origin: Old Norse and Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “Raging” or “frenzied”

Pronunciation: “ow-dn”

Popularity/Rank: #330

Namesakes/Description: After Odin, the Norse god of mystery, wisdom, magic, and death

Variants: Oddin

Thor

Origin: Old Norse and Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: Mystical boy name that means “thunder”

Pronunciation: “thor”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes: After Thor, the Norse god of thunder

Modern namesakes include Icelandic writer Thor Vilhjálmsson

Variants: Thorr

Vintage & Ancient Scandinavian Boy Names

Garth

Origin/Gender: Middle English, Scandinavian, Old Norse, and Anglo-Saxon boy name

Meaning: “Enclosed quadrangle or yard” or “keeper of the garden”

Pronunciation: “gaarth”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: English nature writer Garth Christian

Also a country boy name after American singer and songwriter Garth Brooks

Variants: Garit and Garrth

Ludvig

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “Renowned fighter,” “famous warrior,” or “glorious in the battle”

Pronunciation: “lood-vuhg”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Danish lyric poet Ludvig Bødtcher

Variants: Ludwig (German)

Harold

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian and Old English boy name

Meaning: “Ruler of an army,” “army leader,” or “army commander”

Pronunciation: “her-uhld”

Popularity/Rank: #925

Namesakes/Description: American actor, stunt performer, and comedian Harold Clayton Lloyd, Sr. and poet Harold Norse

Variants: Harald, Haroldo (Spanish boy name), Haraldur (Icelandic), and Hereweald (Old English name)

Ráðúlfr

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “Wolf counsel”

Pronunciation: “rahw-luh-fr”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: East Kingdom Viking Ráðúlfr Grímólfsson

Variations: Raul (Spanish boy name) and Ralph

Viking Names For Your Tough Little One

What Are The Most Popular & Favorite Boy Viking Names?

There were tens of thousands of Vikings, yet the most popular names relate to the most fearsome leaders. They led raids on merchant ships and expanded Viking territory on land. (6)

The following are powerful boy names that may not be popular in recent years but are marked in Viking history: (6)(7)(8)

Erik

Origin: Scandinavian, Old Norse, and Russian boy name

Meaning: “Ever or eternal ruler” or “absolute ruler”

Pronunciation: “eh-reek”

Popularity/Rank: #432

Namesakes: After Erik the Red (aka Erik the Great), who built the first Viking settlement in Greenland

Modern namesakes include Chilean basketball player Erik Carrasco and American crossword solver, editor, and constructor Erik Agard

Variants: Eric, Erick, and Errik

Harald

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian, Old Norse, and German boy name

Meaning: Warrior name that means “war chief” or “army ruler”

Pronunciation: “hah-rahld”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: After Harald Gormsson, King of Denmark and Norway, who was also known as “Blåtand”; he had fearsome looks, especially with his blue tooth

Variations: Harrald and Haraldur

Leif

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian and Old Norse boy name
Meaning: “Heir” or “descendant”
Pronunciation: “leef”
Popularity/Rank: #841
Namesakes/Description: After Leif Erikson, a calm leader who created Vinland (believed to be L’Anse aux Meadows in northern Newfoundland)
Modern namesakes include American actor and singer Leif Garrett and Omegle founder Leif K-Brooks
Variations: Leiff

What Are Cool Boy Viking Names?

Birger

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian and Old Norse boy name

Meaning: “To protect,” “to save,” or “to help”

Pronunciation: “beer-juhr”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Norwegian military officer Birger Eriksen

Variations: Birrger and Birgger

Frode

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian and Old Norse boy name

Meaning: “Wise and clever”

Pronunciation: “froh-duh”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Belgian musical artist Frode Vassel

Variations: Can also be a variation of “Frodo,” a mystical name popularized by “The Lord Of The Rings” franchise

Rollo

Origin/Gender: Old Norse and Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “Famed wolf”

Pronunciation: “roll-oh”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: After the Viking first ruler of Normandy

Variations: Also another form of Rolfr and Hrolfr

Strong & Tough Viking Boy Names

Bjorn

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian, Dutch, Icelandic, Swedish, and Old Norse boy name

Meaning: “Bear”

Pronunciation: “bee-yorn”

Popularity/Rank: #776

Namesakes/Description: After Swedish king and legendary Viking ruler Björn Ironside

Variations: Björn (with the accent)

Magnus

Origin/Gender: Latin and Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “The greatest”

Pronunciation: “mahg-nooz”

Popularity/Rank: #780

Namesakes/Description: Norwegian chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen and Swedish hockey player Magnus Pääjärvi-Svensson

Variants: Magnum

Ragnar

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian, Danish, and Old Norse boy name

Meaning: “Judgment” or “warrior”

Pronunciation: “rahg-nahr”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: 9th-Century Viking leader Ragnar Lothbrok and an early Swedish and Danish king

Variations: Raggnar and Ragnarr

Torsten

Origin/Gender: Old Norse and Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: Magical name that means “Thor’s stone”

Pronunciation: “tohrs-uhn”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: German football striker Torsten Gütschow and Swedish athlete and journalist Torsten Tegnér

Variations: Torstein and Thorstein

Traditional Viking Boy Names

Gorm

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian and Danish boy name

Meaning: “Honor God,” “respect,” or “he who worships God”

Pronunciation: “gorm”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: After the Viking leader Gorm the Old, the father of Harald Gormsson (or Harald Bluetooth)

Variations: Gormm

Hastein

Origin/Gender: Norse and Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “Son of Atli”

Pronunciation: “hahs-steen”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: After the fierce and mighty 9th Viking leader Hastein

Variations: Hasteen

Herlaug

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian, Old Norse, and Norwegian gender-neutral name

Meaning: “Army leader”

Pronunciation: “hahr-lugh”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: After King Herlaug of Central Norway’s ancient Namdalen district

Variations: Herrlaug

Viking Word Names

Halfdan

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian and Old Norse boy name

Meaning: “Half-Danish”

Pronunciation: “haf-dahn”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: After the 9th century King of Dublin and Viking leader Halfdan Ragnarsson

Variations: Haffdan

Kirkja

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian and Old Norse boy name

Meaning: “Church”

Pronunciation: “kirk-uh”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Also a place name after some islands in Iceland and the Faroe Islands

Variations: Old Norse version of the aesthetic boy name “Kirk”

Rune

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian and Old Norse nonbinary name

Meaning: “Secret” or “happy”

Pronunciation: “roon”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Also the name of a popular video game series

Variations: Runne

Scandinavian Boy Names With Powerful & Beautiful Meanings

Scandinavian Boy Names That Mean “Fire”

Brandr

Origin/Gender: Ancient Scandinavian and Old Norse boy name

Meaning: “Fire” or “firebrand”

Pronunciation: “bran-dr”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Also a strong name for your baby

Variants: Brander

Eldir

Origin/Gender: Norwegian, Scandinavian, and Old Norse boy name

Meaning: “Fire-starter” or “fire stoker”

Pronunciation: “ehl-dr”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Mystical name after Eldir, Loki’s first verbal opponent in Norse mythology

Variations: Elddir

Eldrid

Origin/Gender: Norwegian, Scandinavian, and Old English unisex name
Meaning: “Beautiful fire” or “old counsel”
Also an Anglo-Saxon name that means “wise advisor”
Pronunciation: “ehl-drd”
Popularity/Rank: 1,000+
Namesakes/Description: After the fictional character Darth Eldrid, a Sith Lord in the third galactic war in the “Star Wars” franchise
Variations: Elddrid

Scandinavian Boy Names That Mean “Water”

Aaberg

Origin/Gender: Norwegian, Danish, and Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “River”

Pronunciation: “aah-burg”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Also a last name (including American jazz pianist Philip Aaberg and Swedish ice hockey player Pontus Åberg)

Variants: Åberg

Bo

Origin: Scandinavian and Chinese gender-neutral name

Meaning: “Wave”

Pronunciation: “bow”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Swedish poet Bo Bergman and American football player Bo Bowling

Variants: Also a short form or nickname of longer “Bo-” names like “Bonito” and “Beauregard”

Kallan

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “Flowing water”

Pronunciation: “kah-lahn”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: After the fictional character Kallan in the webtoon “The Ember Knight”

Variants: Callan

Maxwell

Origin: Scandinavian, Old English, and Scottish boy name

Meaning: “Great,” “great stream,” or “Mack’s stream”

Pronunciation: “mak-swel”

Popularity/Rank: #173

Namesakes: American professional wrestler Maxwell Jacob Friedman and R&B and neo-soul singer Maxwell (real name Gerald Maxwell Rivera)

Variants: Maxwel, Mackswell, and Mackwell

What Scandinavian Boy Name Means “Strong”?

Ballard

Origin/Gender: Germanic, Middle English, and Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: Boy name that means “strong,” “brave,” or “bald-headed man”

Pronunciation: “bahl-aard”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Also a last name (such as American songwriter and record producer Glen Ballard and professional bowler Del Ballard Jr.)

Variants: Balard

Njord

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “North,” “vigorous,” “strong,” or “north nurture”

Pronunciation: “nyord”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Also a mythical name after Njord, the Norse god of the sea, sailing, fishing, and fertility

Also a cute boy name after the dolphin Njord in Madeleine L’Engle’s “A Ring of Endless Light” film

Variants: Also a form of the Old Norse name “Njǫrðr”

Scandinavian Boy Names That Mean “Darkness”

Colby

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian, Old Norse, and Irish boy name

Meaning: “Darkness” or “someone who lives in a coal town” (also a black boy name)

Pronunciation: “kohl-bee”

Popularity/Rank:#597

Namesakes/Description: American football player Colby Bockwoldt and Canadian ice hockey player Colby Barlow

Variations: Kolby

Hodur

Origin/Gender: Romanian, Slovak, and Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “Darkness” or “beaver”

Pronunciation: “hoh-dr”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: After Hodur, the blind son of Odin and the Norse god of darkness and the night

Variations: Hoder, Hodr, and Hod

Hymir

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian and Old Norse boy name

Meaning: “Darkening one”

Pronunciation: “hy-mr”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: After Hymir, the Norse god of ale who has a huge cauldron that can brew the drink for all the gods

Variations: Hymirr

Scandinavian Boy Names That Mean “Light”

Dag

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “Daylight”

Pronunciation: “dahg”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Swedish economist and Former Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) Dag Hammarskjöld

Variations: Dagg

Dagur

Origin/Gender: Icelandic and Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “Day” or “daylight”

Pronunciation: “dahg-uhr”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Icelandic retired football defender Steinar Dagur Adolfsson and basketball player Dagur Kár Jónsson

Variations: Daggur and Daggr

Celebrity & Other Famous Scandinavian Boy Names

Elvis

Origin: Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “All-wise”

Pronunciation: “ehl-vuhs”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes: Bosnian-American mixed martial artist Elvis Mutapčić and the late American singer and actor Elvis Presley

Variants: Alviss (Old Norse) and Elviss

Evander

Origin: Old Norse, Scottish, Scandinavian, and Greek boy name

Meaning: “Strong man” or “warrior”

Pronunciation: “eeh-van-dr”

Popularity/Rank: #823

Namesakes: American retired professional boxer Evander Holyfield and Canadian ice hockey player Evander Frank Kane

Variants: Evandder, Evvander, and Evandyr

Scandinavian Boy Names From Literature & Pop Culture

Dustin

Origin/Gender: Old Norse, Scandinavian, and English boy name

Meaning: Best boy name that means “Thor’s stone” or a warrior name that means “brave warrior”

Pronunciation: “dust-ihn”

Popularity/Rank: #632

Namesakes/Description: Tough boy name after the fictional character Dustin Henderson in “Stranger Things”

Other modern namesames include American country music singer and songwriter Dustin Lynch and actor Dustin Hoffman

Variants: Dusten, Dusttinn, Dustyn, and Duston; also a variant of the Old Norse and Norwegian name “Torsten”

Hansel

Origin: Scandinavian, Hebrew, and German boy name
Meaning: “God is gracious”
Pronunciation: “han-sl”
Popularity/Rank: 1,000+
Namesakes: Dominican baseball player Hansel Robles and Colombian footballer Hansel Zapata
Also a cute boy name after the fairytale character Hansel, one of the protagonists in the children’s story “Hansel and Gretel”
Variants: Hanzel

Spock

Origin: Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “Maker of spokes or wheels”

Pronunciation: “spohk”

Length: 5 letters, 1 syllable

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes: After the character “Star Trek” character Spock (real name S’Chn T’Gai Spock in sci-fi series)

Variants: Spok

Scandinavian Boy Names By Origin

Boy Names From Iceland & Finland

Brjánn

Origin/Gender: Icelandic and Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “Someone who is from a high and noble birth”

Pronunciation: “bree-uhn”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Swiss researcher Brjánn Ljótsson and Thunderful Group CEO Brjánn Sigurgeirsson

Variations: Icelandic version of the Old English and Irish boy name “Brian”

Haraldur

Origin/Gender: Icelandic and Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “Ruler of an army,” “army commander,” or “army leader”

Pronunciation: “hah-rahl-dr”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Icelandic entrepreneur, philanthropist, businessman, and musician Haraldur Ingi “Halli” Þorleifsson and musician Haraldur Thorleifsson

Variations: Icelandic form of the Old English name “Harold”

Reykur

Origin/Gender: Icelandic and Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “Smoke”

Pronunciation: “ray-kur”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Also a name that means “fire”

Variants: Rekyr (Old Norse and Norwegian name)

Boy Names From Denmark

Hygge

Origin: Danish, Scandinavian, and Norwegian unisex name

Meaning: “Comfort”

Pronunciation: “hyoo-guh”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Also part of book titles, including Marie Tourell Søderberg’s “Hygge: The Danish Art of Happiness”

Variants: Hygg

Malthe

Origin/Gender: Danish and Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “Rule” or “power”

Pronunciation: “mahl-tuh”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes: Danish professional road racing cyclist Malthe Thomsen

Variants: Maltthe and Malte

Mikkel

Origin: German, Norse, Danish, and Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “Who is like God?” or “enormous”

Pronunciation: “may-kel”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes: Award-winning American photographer Mikkel Aaland and Danish professional football midfielder Mikkel Vendelbo

Variants: Also an angel name as a form of the biblical name “Michael”

Soren

Origin: Scandinavian and Danish boy name

Meaning: “Severe,” “strict,” or “stern”

Pronunciation: “saw-rehn”

Popularity/Rank: #530

Namesakes/Description: Swedish ice hockey player Sören Johansson and Danish football player Søren Berg

Variants: Suren and Sorren

Boy Names From Sweden

Afton

Origin/Gender: Swedish, Old English, Scandinavian, and Scottish unisex name

Meaning: “From the Afton river,” “afternoon,” or “evening”

Pronunciation: “af-tuhn”

Length: 5 letters, 2 syllables

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Also a place name after some towns and cities in the US, the United Kingdom, and Canada

Variants: Affton and Aftton

Malin

Origin: Swedish, Sanskrit, Finnish, Old English, and Scandinavian unisex name

Meaning: “Strong little warrior”

Pronunciation: “may-leen”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: None for boys; nicknames can include Mall, Mal, and Mali

Variants: Mallin and Mahlin

Boy Names From Scandinavia

Edvard

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian and Old English boy name

Meaning: “Wealthy guardian”

Pronunciation: “ehd-vahrd”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Norwegian painter Edvard Munch and composer and pianist Edvard Grieg

Variations: Also a form of the Old English and Anglo-Saxon name Edward

Njal

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian and Norwegian boy name

Meaning: “Cloud” or “champion”

Pronunciation: “nyuhl”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Canada-based researcher and assistant professor Njal Rollinson

Variations: Njall and Njjal

Boy Names From Norway

Filip

Origin/Gender: Slavic, Scandinavian, Norwegian, and Greek name for boys

Meaning: “Friend of horses”

Pronunciation: “fee-lip”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Serbian tennis player Filip Krajinović and Slovak tennis player Filip Polášek

Variants: Also a variation of the prince name “Phillip” or “Philip”

Ole

Origin/Gender: Old Norse, Danish, Scandinavian, and Norwegian boy name

Meaning: “Rich and powerful heritage” or “ancestor’s descendant”

Pronunciation: “oh-leh”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Danish film director Ole Bornedal and Norwegian hedge fund manager Ole Andreas Halvorsen

Variants: Olle, Ola, Oluf, Olof, and Olav

Scandinavian Boy Names By Length

Short Scandinavian Boy Names

Britt

Origin/Gender: Swedish, Scandinavian, and Irish Gaelic unisex name
Meaning: “High god/goddess,” “exalted,” “bright,” “glorious,” or “from Brittany or Britain”
Pronunciation: “breet”
Popularity/Rank: 1,000+
Namesakes/Description: Also a last name (e.g., American sportscaster Jim Britt and football player Kenny Britt)
Variants: Brit

Kai

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian, Scottish, Welsh, and Hawaiian gender-neutral name

Meaning: “Fire,” “sea,” or “keeper of the keys and earth”

Pronunciation: “kai”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: American soccer player Kai Greene and English rugby union footballer Kai Horstmann

Variants: Kaii, Kaih, and Cai

Kirk

Origin/Gender: Old Norse, German, and Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: Cute boy name that means “church” or “someone who lives near a church”

Pronunciation: “kurk”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: American musician and Metallica lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and Canadian ice hockey player Kirk Maltby

Variants: Kyrk, Kirke, and Kerk

Long Scandinavian Boy Names

Arnfinn

Origin/Gender: Norwegian and Old Norse boy name

Meaning: “Person from Finland” and “eagle”

Pronunciation: “ahrn-fn”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Norwegian judge Arnfinn Bårdsen and children’s writer Arnfinn Kolerud

Variations: Arnfin, Arnnfin, and Arnnfinn

Eindride

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian and Norwegian boy name

Meaning: “To ride alone”

Pronunciation: “ehl-dryd”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Norwegian actor Eindride Eidsvold

Variations: Einddride

Scandinavian Boy Names From A To Z

Scandinavian Boy Names Starting With A

Andor

Origin/Gender: Norse, Latin, and Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “Brave” or “eagle”

Pronunciation: “ahd-dr”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Description: Also another name given for Thor, the Norse god of war and fertility

Variations: Also a form of Andrew, Arn, and Andrei

Arturek

Origin: Old Norse, Scandinavian, and Polish name for boys

Meaning: “Courageous,” “bear man,” “a follower of Thor,” or “noble,”

Pronunciation: “ahr-toor-ehk”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: None

Variants: Also a variation of the Celtic boy name “Arthur”

Scandinavian Boy Names Starting With B

Barnes

Origin: Old English, Scandinavian, and Old Norse boy name
Meaning: “Barn” or “one living near the barns”
Pronunciation: “barnz”
Popularity/Rank: 1,000+
Namesakes/Description: Irish Gaelic footballer Barnes Murphy and English scientist, engineer, and inventor Barnes Wallis
Also a superhero name as a last name after Bucky Barnes, the “Winter Soldier” in Marvel Comics
Variants: Barns

Beck

Origin: Old Norse, Scandinavian, and English boy name

Meaning: “Brook” (a name that means “water”) or “living beside a small stream”

Pronunciation: “bek”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: American singer, record producer, songwriter, and musician Beck David Hansen (real name Bek David Campbell) and actor and comedian Beck Bennett

Variants: Bek and Bekk

Buggi

Origin: Old Norse and Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “Powerful man”

Pronunciation: “buh-gee”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Fictional character after Buggi, a playable character in the game “Andaron Saga”

Variants: Buggy

Scandinavian Boy Names Starting With C

Callan

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “Flowing water” or “powerful in battle”

Pronunciation: “kah-lan”

Popularity/Rank: #353

Namesakes/Description: Australian rules footballer Callan Beasy and American Olympic snowboarder Callan Chythlook-Sifsof

Variants: Kallan, Calan, Callen, and Calhan

Colborn

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian and English boy name

Meaning: “Burning coals” or “cool stream”

Pronunciation: “kohl-born”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Museum of Crypto Art founder Colborn Bell

Variations: Collborn and Colburn

Scandinavian Boy Names Starting With D

Daube

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian and Dutch boy name

Meaning: Nature name that means “dove”

Pronunciation: “dow-buh”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Also a food name after a French slow-cooked stew

Variations: Daubbe

Daved

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “Beloved” (can also be a pet name for boys)

Pronunciation: “dah-vd”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: American former professional football player Daved Benefield and drummer Daved Hild

Variations: Also a form of the biblical boy name “David”

Scandinavian Boy Names Starting With E

Einarr

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian and Old Norse boy name

Meaning: “Warrior,” “battle leader,” or “one warrior”

Pronunciation: “ay-nahr”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes: Icelandic writer Einarr Hafliðason (from the 1300s) and poet Einarr Skúlason

Variants: Einar and Einnar

Eyre

Origin/Gender: Latin, English, Norse, and Scandinavian unisex name

Meaning: “Friend of the sea” or “gravel bank river”

Pronunciation: “ehr”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Irish soldier Eyre Coote (from the 1700s) and British author and painter Eyre Crowe

Variants: Eyers, Eyres, Ayre, Ayres, Ier, Ires, and Eir

Scandinavian Boy Names Starting With F

Fisk

Origin/Gender: Old Norse, Scandinavian, and Norwegian name for boys

Meaning: “Fisherman”

Pronunciation: “fisk”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Also a last name (such as British journalist and author Robert Fisk)

Variants: Fissk and Fiskk

Fridtjof

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian and Old Norse boy name

Meaning: “Fighter” or “prince of peace”

Pronunciation: “frit-yof”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Norwegian Nobel Peace Prize laureate and polymath Fridtjof Wedel-Jarlsberg Nansen

Variations: Frittjof

Scandinavian Boy Names Starting With G

Galt

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian, Old English, and Scottish boy name

Meaning: “Steep wooded land”

Pronunciation: “galt”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Also a place name after the city of Galt in California

Variations: Galtt

Guenther

Origin/Gender: Old Norse, Scandinavian, and Germanic boy name

Meaning: “A good leader,” “battler,” or “warrior”

Pronunciation: “goon-thr”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Italian–American motorsport engineer and former Haas Formula One Team manager Guenther Steiner

Variants: Gunther and Gunter

Scandinavian Boy Names Starting With H

Herold

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian and German boy name

Meaning: “Be a warrior” or “to rule”

Pronunciation: “hr-old”

Popularity/Rank: #1,000+

Description: Filipino High Court official Herold G. Ubalde

Variations: Harald

Howard

Origin: Scandinavian and Old English boy name

Meaning: “Chief guardian,” “high guardian,” “army guard,” “high defender,” or “braveheart”

Pronunciation: “how-urd”

Popularity/Rank: #1,000+

Famous Namesakes/Description: British novelist and journalist Howard Jacobson and American fine art photographer Howard Schatz

Variants: Hereward and Howward

Hraun

Origin/Gender: Icelandic, Germanic, Scandinavian, and Old Norse boy name

Meaning: “Lava”

Pronunciation: “h-roon”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Also a place name in Iceland

Variants: Hraunn

Scandinavian Boy Names Starting With I

Igor

Origin: Old Norse, Scandinavian, and Russian name for boys

Meaning: “Ancestral warrior”

Pronunciation: “eeh-gohr”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: French science fiction author Igor Bogdanoff and Russian tennis player Igor Andreev

Variants: Iggor, Igorr, Ihor, Ihar, Yegor, and Ygor

Ivar

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian and Old Norse boy name

Meaning: “Bow warrior” or “archer”; also a nature name that means “yew wood”

Pronunciation: “eeh-vahr”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: After Ivar the Boneless, called so because of his super flexible body and seemingly “lack of bones”

Variations: Ivvar and Ivarr

Scandinavian Boy Names Starting With J

Jakob

Origin/Gender: Old Norse and Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “He who supplants”

Pronunciation: “jay-kob”

Popularity/Rank: #988

Namesakes/Description: Swedish ice hockey player Jakob Silfverberg and American singer and songwriter Jakob Dylan

Variations: Form of the biblical boy name “Jacob”

Jens

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “God is gracious”

Pronunciation: “jens”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: American mixed martial artist Jens Pulver

Variations: Another form of the best boy name “John”

Scandinavian Boy Names Starting With K

Kye

Origin/Gender: American, Welsh, Scandinavian, Gaelic, and Greek boy name

Meaning: 1 syllable boy name that means “keeper of the keys,” “narrow,” “straight,” “Earth” (earthy name), or “ocean”

Pronunciation: “kai”

Popularity/Rank: #866

Namesakes/Description: American singer and songwriter Kye Fleming and Canadian football player Kye Stewart

Variants: Kai and Kie

Kristopher

Origin/Gender: Greek and Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: Bearing Christ

Pronunciation: “kai”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: American R&B singer Kristopher James

Variations: Christopher, Cristopher, and Kristoffer; also comes from the Greek name “Khristophoros”

Scandinavian Boy Names Starting With L

Lark

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian, American, and German unisex name

Meaning: Nature name that means “playful, lighthearted songbird”

Pronunciation: “lark”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Also a last name (such as after American comics artist Michael Lark and biologist K. Gordon Lark)

Variants: Larkk

Lamonte

Origin/Gender: African American, Old Norse, Gaelic, and Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “Man of law”

Pronunciation: “lah-mohnt”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: American baseball outfielder LaMonte Wade Jr. and vocalist and composer Lamonte McLemore

Variations: Lamant and Lamont

Scandinavian Boy Names Starting With M

Magni

Origin/Gender: Old Norse and Scandinavian unisex name

Meaning: “Mighty and strong” or “wrath”

Pronunciation: “mahg-nee”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Icelandic musician, “Rock Star: Supernova” (a CBS show) contestant, and singer Magni Ásgeirsson

Also after the fictional character Magni in Marvel Comics

Variants: Maggni and Magnee

Mimir

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian and Old Norse boy name

Meaning: Unique name that means “he who remembers”

Pronunciation: “mee-mr”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: After Mimir, the Norse god of wisdom and knowledge

Variations: Mimmir and Mimr

Scandinavian Boy Names Starting with N

Nanne

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: Name that means “grace” or “passionate”

Pronunciation: “nahn”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Dutch architect Nanne de Ru

Variations: Nann

Nels

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian baby boy name

Meaning: “Victory of the people”

Pronunciation: “nels”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: American archaeologist Nels C. Nelson

Variations: Also a form of “Neil” or “Niel”

Scandinavian Boy Names Starting With O

Oliver

Origin/Gender: Old Norse, Latin, Scandinavian, and French boy name

Meaning: 3 syllable boy name that means “olive tree” or “one who plants olive trees”

Pronunciation: “ol-eeh-ver”

Length: 6 letters, 3 syllables

Popularity/Rank: #3

Namesakes/Description: Twin boy name after English actor Oliver Martyn John Phelps (with James Phelps); they portrayed the “Harry Potter” twins George and Fred Weasley in the movies

Variants: Olivier, Oliviero, and Olívio

Olaf

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian, Old Norse, and Norwegian name for boys
Meaning: “Ancestor’s relic”
Pronunciation: “oh-laf”
Popularity/Rank: 1,000+
Namesakes/Description: English actor Olaf Pooley and Polish actor Olaf Lubaszenko
Also a Disney name after the adorable snowman Olaf in “Frozen”
Variations: Olav and Olaff

Scandinavian Boy Names Starting With P

Peer

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “Rock”

Pronunciation: “peer”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Swedish composer and lyricist Peer Åström

Variations: Also a form of the biblical name “Peter”

Pelle

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “Small”

Pronunciation: “pehl”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: None

Variations: Also a form of the biblical name “Paul”

Scandinavian Boy Name Starting With Q

Quimby

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian unisex name

Meaning: “Queen’s settlement”

Pronunciation: “kwim-bee”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Also a place name after the city of Quimby in Iowa

Variations: Quimbbee and Quimbby

Scandinavian Boy Names Starting With R

Rainier

Origin/Gender: Old Norse, Scandinavian, and French name for boys

Meaning: “Army,” “advice,” or “judgment warrior”

Pronunciation: “ray-nee-uhr”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Powerful boy name after the fictional action hero star Rainier Wolfcastle in “The Simpsons” series

Variants: Raynier, Renier, Rainer, and Raynor

Randy

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian and Old Norse boy name

Meaning: “Wolf” or “shield”

Pronunciation: “ran-dee”

Popularity/Rank: #913

Namesakes/Description: American retired professional football player Randy Gene Moss

Also a nickname for “Randall” (such as American guitarist Randall William Rhoads and musician Randall Darius “Randy” Jackson) and similar names

Variants: Randi, Ranndy, and Randdy

Roscoe

Origin/Gender: Old Norse, Scandinavian, and Old German boy name

Meaning: “Deer wood” or “small woods or forest”

Pronunciation: “rohs-koh”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: American rapper Roscoe Dash

Variations/Synonyms: Roskoe, Roskoh, and Roscoh

Scandinavian Boy Names Starting With S

Salomon

Origin: Norwegian, Hebrew, Finnish, Danish, Scandinavian, and French boy name

Meaning: “Peace”

Pronunciation: “sah-low-mohn”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Also an Australian shoe brand

Variants: Also a variation of the biblical boy name “Solomon”

Sibbi

Origin/Gender: Danish and Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “Victorious hero” or “the warrior who won”

Pronunciation: “see-bee”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Icelandic professor and violin performer Sibbi Bernhardsson

Variants: Siby and Sibi

Scandinavian Boy Names Starting With T

Tore

Origin: Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “Thor’s warrior” or “the thunder warrior”

Pronunciation: “tor”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Swedish track and field athlete and Olympian Tore Blom and Norwegian skeet shooter Tore Brovold

Variants: Torr

Turstin

Origin/Gender: Old Norse, Scandinavian, and Norwegian boy name

Meaning: “Thor’s stone”

Pronunciation: “turs-tn”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: After historical figures such as Norman conqueror Turstin FitzRolf and Turstin, the Count of Avranchin

Variants: Thorsten, Torsten, Thurston, and Turston

Scandinavian Boy Names Starting With U

Ulf

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian, Old Norse, and German boy name

Meaning: “Wolf”

Pronunciation: “oolf”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Swedish chess player Ulf Andersson and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson

Variations: Ulff

Ulrik

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian and German boy name

Meaning: “Rich and powerful”

Pronunciation: “ool-rk”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Norwegian actor Ulrik William Græsli

Variations: Ulrich

Scandinavian Boy Names Starting With V

Vidar

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “Warrior of the woods,” “the quiet god,” or “forest warrior”

Pronunciation: “vee-dar”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Norwegian former professional footballer Vidar Riseth and politician Vidar Sveinung Kleppe

Variants: Vidarr and Viddar

Vigita

Origin: Lithuanian, Old Norse, and Scandinavian unisex name

Meaning: “War” or “battle”

Pronunciation: “vee-gee-tah”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: None

Variants: Vegeta

Viggo

Origin: Old Norse and Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “War” or “battle”

Pronunciation: “vee-gow”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Danish–American actor Viggo Mortensen (in “The Lord of the Rings”) and Danish painter Viggo Johansen

Variants: Vöggur (Icelandic boy name) and Wiggo

Nicknames: None

Villads

Origin: Danish, Old English, Anglo-Saxon, and Scandinavian unisex name

Meaning: “Desiring battle”

Pronunciation: “vee-lads”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Danish actor Villads Boye and award-winning creative director and executive producer Villads Spangsberg

Variants: Villas and Vyllads

Viljami

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “With gilded helmet”

Pronunciation: “veel-yah-mee”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Finnish soccer player Viljami Sinisalo

Variations: Also a form of “William”

Scandinavian Boy Names Starting With W

Warner

Origin/Gender: German, Scandinavian, Old Norse, Norman French, and English boy name

Meaning: “Army,” “protector of the people,” or “defending warrior”

Pronunciation: “war-nur”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: American actor Warner Leroy Baxter and sportscaster Warner William Wolf

Variants: Werner (German boy name) and Warrner

Woldemar

Origin/Gender: Old High German and Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “Renowned ruler”

Pronunciation: “wold-uh-mahr”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: German composer and conductor Woldemar Bargiel

Variations: Also a form of “Valdimar”

Scandinavian Boy Name Starting With X

Xaver

Origin/Gender: Basque and Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “New house”

Pronunciation: “xay-vr”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: German pianist and composer Xaver Scharwenka

Variations: Also a form of “Xavier”

Scandinavian Boy Names Starting With Y

Yngvar

Origin/Gender: Old Norse, Germanic, and Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “Army” and “warrior”

Pronunciation: “eeng-vr”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Norwegian singer and actor Yngvar Numme

Variations: Yngvr

Yorick

Origin/Gender: Scandinavian boy name

Meaning: “Farmer”

Pronunciation: “yoh-reek”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Character in Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet”

Variations: Yorrick

Scandinavian Boy Name Starting With Z

Zealand

Origin/Gender: Dutch and Scandinavian unisex name

Meaning: “From the sealand”

Pronunciation: “zee-land”

Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

Namesakes/Description: Also a place name after an island in Denmark

Variations: Zeeland

Gender-Neutral & Nonbinary Scandinavian Names

Bodie
Lars

Favorite Scandinavian Middle Names For Boys

Axel
Hannes
Sigurd
Sven
Syver
Von

Scandinavian Pet Names For Boys

Balder
Max
Viking
Zorro

Bonus: Scandinavian Names For Girls

Axelle
Brunhilde
Frida
Thora

FAQs: Choosing A Scandinavian Name For Your Baby

Can Anyone Use Scandinavian Names?

Are There Common Suffixes Used In Scandinavian Baby Names?

For boys: -sen (Norwegian) or -sson (Swedish)
For girls: -datter (Norwegian) or -dotter (Swedish)

How Are Names Picked In Scandinavia?

Honoring parents or grandparents
Modern trends

How To Use Exotic Names From Scandinavian Culture?

Check their spellings and meanings
Check pronunciations
Use by itself or as a middle name

You can also find ideas from the top 15 baby name generators.

Baby Name Lists By Letter

Other Resources For Pregnant Moms

Other Baby Name Meanings

Pet Names To Try

References

(1) https://www.scandinaviastandard.com/where-is-scandinavia-a-guide-to-the-scandinavian-countries/

(2) https://www.norden.org/en/information/facts-about-nordic-countries

(3) https://www.history.com/topics/exploration/vikings-history

(4) https://www.nordicsocioonomastics.org/naming-trends-in-denmark/

(5) https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/

(6) https://www.ancient-origins.net/history-famous-people/famous-vikings-0011901

(7) https://www.history.com/news/6-viking-leaders-you-should-know

(8) https://historycooperative.org/famous-vikings/