Scandinavian names: our top 100 coming from the north

Scandinavian children’s names are popular with many parents. Especially melodic, timeless names make it onto the shortlist of young families. Whether you are looking for the perfect Scandinavian baby name or are simply interested in Nordic culture – below you will find our favourites, divided into several categories, so there’s something for every taste.

Which languages do Scandinavian names come from?

The list mainly contains first names from Swedish, Norwegian and Danish-speaking countries. However, Finnish names can also be found here and there. These usually differ in their sound, as Finnish belongs to the Finno-Ugric and not the Old Norse language family.

If you are currently preparing for the arrival of your baby, you may also be interested in our articles on furnishing the perfect Scandinavian nursery or matching Nordic-style baby clothes.

Popular Scandinavian names

Typical Scandinavian names as well as names with Nordic origins that are popular in Scandinavia fall into this category. Often names whose Northern European origins have been forgotten by many, such as Emma or Erik, are included.

It is clear that Scandinavia has become more international when it comes to naming. In addition, the linguistic affinity and cultural links within Europe, including through religion, are becoming clear. One example of this is the name Maria, the most common female first name in Sweden, which can also be found in a similar variant in almost all other European countries.

Scandinavian names for girls

Here you will find a colourful mix of Scandinavian names for girls. Older and younger first names from different geographical origins are grouped together in one category:

Scandinavian names for boys

Here you will find a colourful mix of Scandinavian names for boys. Here, too, older and younger first names from different geographical origins are grouped together in one category:

Scandinavian unisex names

In this category you will find names that are used for all genders. However, which gender is associated with them depends on the country in question. Names that appear more frequently in the masculine form in Sweden may have a feminine connotation in Norway.

Furthermore, as with most other names, their use is often not limited to Scandinavia. First names from the Scandinavian languages sometimes also appear in Dutch or German, for example.

• Janne – gracious/kind
• Jarven
• Mare – sea
• Marte – ruling
• Helge – holy
• Finn – finnish/blonde

Old Scandinavian names

Medieval Scandinavian names are particularly popular with fantasy fans. They often originate from so-called Old Norse sagas (Icelandic for story or tale), which were used to pass on ancestry and history to subsequent generations. Accordingly, the names of some well-known Vikings can also be found in this section.

However, these stories, which mainly originate from 13th century Iceland, quickly became mixed with mythological elements. As a result, this section contains first names with mythological or religious meanings as well as names that are rarely used today.

Unusual Scandinavian names

Rare Scandinavian names often originate from Old Norse, especially from the Middle Ages. They are rarely used today and are therefore usually categorised as both unusual and old Scandinavian names.

Scandinavian names with mythical meaning

Most older names have a meaning due to their origin in mythology or religion. We have therefore summarised some concise Scandinavian female and male names in this category.

• Gitte – from the Celtic “briganti” (sublime, divine)
• Saga – goddess of stories in Norse mythology
• Eir – goddess of healing
• Kaisa – pure/blissful
• Päivi – day (from Finno-Ugric)

• Odin – supreme god of Norse/Germanic mythology
• Flos/Flosi – chieftain
• Kjartan – (sea) warrior
• Jukka – God is merciful
• Eldur – fire (from Old Norse)

Overall, the Scandinavian linguistic and cultural area offers a wide range of name options. From common to unusual, lovers of Nordic languages will find a diverse selection of different options here. Whether it should be as unusual as Alfhild or Ulfrik or sound a little more familiar is of course up to you.

Baby equipment in Scandi style: checklist

Everything in view for your baby?

Is your little one on the way and you still need the right equipment? We’ve put together a short checklist with everything you need (in Scandinavian style, of course):

1. Co-sleeper or cot
2. Baby mattress
3. Fitted sheet
4. Baby blanket
5. Changing unit
6. Baby bathtub
7. Pram
8. Bodysuits
9. Rompers
10. Socks
11. Bonnet
12. Sleeping bag
13. Burp cloths