“Norse” is a term used to describe the ancient northern European people that lived and developed their culture in what is modern-day Scandinavia. These people, while often characterized by Hollywood as brutal invaders, were well-educated traders and explorers who gave women more social agency than many European groups at the time.
If you want to give your child a name that would have helped them fit in with the other Norsemen a thousand or so years ago, you’re in luck. Many of these old names still sound great today and have even come back into fashion. The boys’ name Erik, for example, is still a fairly common name in several countries. It means “absolute ruler” in old Norse.
The name Astrid for girls has also come back in fashion in recent years, especially in English-speaking countries. This charming feminine name means “beautiful and beloved.”
You might want to choose something a little less commonly heard nowadays, more obviously traditional. In that case, you might try Tora for a girl. This name means “of the god Thor.” It relates to worshipping or following the Norse god Thor from their ancient, mythic religion. Another less common name now is Kåre for boys. This name means “with curly hair,” perfect if your little boy is born with natural coils.
Birger is another great option for boys. The name means “one who helps,” a great quality to encourage in your child. For girls, the traditional name Sigrid might also be attractive. This name translates to “victorious horsewoman,” perfect for your little shieldmaiden in training.
Astrid
Meaning: Beautiful and beloved
Origin: Norse
Gender: Girl
Aage
Meaning: Ancestors
Origin: Norse
Gender: Boy
Aegileif
Meaning: Daughter of Hrolf Helgason
Origin: Norse
Gender: Girl
Afi
Meaning: Grandfather
Origin: Norse
Gender: Boy
Alvis
Meaning: Wise
Origin: Norse
Gender: Boy
Amma
Meaning: Grandmother
Origin: Norse
Gender: Girl
Anderson
Meaning: Son of Ander
Origin: Norse
Gender: Boy
Angerboda
Meaning: A giant
Origin: Norse
Gender: Girl
Aren
Meaning: Rule of the eagle
Origin: Norse
Gender: Boy
Arneot
Meaning: Frightens eagles
Origin: Norse
Gender: Boy
Ase
Meaning: Tree
Origin: Norse
Gender: Girl
Auduna
Meaning: Deserted
Origin: Norse
Gender: Girl
Birger
Meaning: One who helps
Origin: Norse
Gender: Boy
Balmung
Meaning: Siegfried’s sword
Origin: Norse
Gender: Boy
Beini
Meaning: Name of a smith
Origin: Norse
Gender: Boy
Bera
Meaning: Spirited
Origin: Norse
Gender: Girl
Bodmod
Meaning: Son of Oleif
Origin: Norse
Gender: Boy
Bor
Meaning: Father of Odin
Origin: Norse
Gender: Boy
Bruni
Meaning: Son of Earl Harek
Origin: Norse
Gender: Boy
Canute
Meaning: Knot
Origin: Norse
Gender: Boy
Cawley
Meaning: Relic
Origin: Norse
Gender: Boy
Dag
Meaning: Day
Origin: Norse
Gender: Boy
Dalla
Meaning: Mother of Kormak
Origin: Norse
Gender: Girl
Davyn
Meaning: Intelligent
Origin: Norse
Gender: Boy
Disa
Meaning: Spirited
Origin: Norse
Gender: Girl
Erik
Meaning: Absolute ruler
Origin: Norse
Gender: Boy
Ema
Meaning: Wife of Jarl
Origin: Norse
Gender: Girl
Fafner
Meaning: A mythical dragon
Origin: Norse
Gender: Boy
Finn
Meaning: Finder
Origin: Norse
Gender: Boy
Freya
Meaning: Noblewoman
Origin: Norse
Gender: Girl
Frode
Meaning: Wise one
Origin: Norse
Gender: Boy
Gala
Meaning: Lovely voice
Origin: Norse
Gender: Girl
Gyda
Meaning: Warlike
Origin: Norse
Gender: Girl
Hal
Meaning: War chief
Origin: Norse
Gender: Boy
Idona
Meaning: Active in love
Origin: Norse
Gender: Girl
Jarnsaxa
Meaning: A giant
Origin: Norse
Gender: Girl
Kåre
Meaning: With curly hair
Origin: Norse
Gender: Boy
Koll
Meaning: Dark
Origin: Norse
Gender: Boy
Lang
Meaning: Tall
Origin: Norse
Gender: Boy
Line
Meaning: Distinguished
Origin: Norse
Gender: Girl
Mani
Meaning: Father of Ketil
Origin: Norse
Gender: Boy
Norbert
Meaning: Hero
Origin: Norse
Gender: Boy
Oda
Meaning: Point
Origin: Norse
Gender: Girl
Ragna
Meaning: Goddess or warrior
Origin: Norse
Gender: Girl
Runa
Meaning: Mighty strength
Origin: Norse
Gender: Girl
Sangrida
Meaning: A Valkyrie
Origin: Norse
Gender: Girl
Sigrid
Meaning: Victorious horsewoman
Origin: Norse
Gender: Boy
Tora
Meaning: Of the god Thor
Origin: Norse
Gender: Girl
Tyr
Meaning: God of war
Origin: Norse
Gender: Boy
Unne
Meaning: Love
Origin: Norse
Gender: Girl
