Choosing a Norwegian name for your baby is a great way to pay homage to your Scandinavian roots. Even if your family doesn’t hail from Norway, one of these names might still be the perfect fit for your little one. Norwegian names tend to connote strength and virtue, like Hilda, which means battle, or Thor, the Old Norse god of strength, thunder, war, and storms.
What are Norwegian Names?
Norway’s unique history brought a variety of names to this country. Many Norwegian names are inspired by Old Norse mythology, such as Oskar and Thor. Others have ancient Scandinavian roots, such as Astrid and Kaia. Still others hail back to Viking times, when explorers forged their way across the sea in search of a better (and probably warmer) place to live.
Popular Norwegian Baby Names for Girls
Here are some of the most popular and unique Norwegian baby names for girls along with their meanings, origins, and other interesting information.
Amalie
Origin: GermanicMeaning: WorkAlternative Spellings & Variations: Amalia, Amala, Amelia, AmaliyaFamous Namesakes: Mathematician Amalie “Emmy” Noether, Princess Amalia of Nassau-Dietz, author and feminist Amalie SkramPeak Popularity: Amalie is a rare name that was not listed in the top 1,000.
Astrid
Origin: Ancient ScandinavianMeaning: Beloved GodAlternative Spellings & Variations: Asta, Astride, SassaFamous Namesakes: Singer Astrid Roelants, actress Astrid Allwyn, photographer and artist Astrid Kirchherr Peak Popularity: Astrid first appeared on the charts in the year 1905, eventually peaking at position 452 in 2020.
Britta
Origin: ScandinavianMeaning: Exalted oneAlternative Spellings & Variations: Brita, Britt, BirgittaFamous Namesakes: Dutch politician Britta Böhler, painter and illustrator Brita Granström, writer, translator, and anarchist Britta GröndahlPeak Popularity: Britta is a rare name that was not listed in the top 1,000.
Carina
Origin: GreekMeaning: PureAlternative Spellings & Variations: Carin, Karin, KarinaFamous Namesakes: Swedish politician Carina Adolfsson Elgestam, volleyball player Carina Aulenbrock, author Carina AxelssonPeak Popularity: Carina declined steadily in popularity after 2000 until 2006 when it began to jump back and forth. In 2010, Carina was at position 948 and has not made the top 1000 list since.
Dorothea
Origin: GreekMeaning: Gift of GodAlternative Spellings & Variations: Dorothee, Dorete, Dorothy, DorthyFamous Namesakes: Social activist Dorothea Dix, first woman doctor in Germany Dorothea Erxleben, novelist Dorothea GerardPeak Popularity: Dorothea is a rare name that was not listed in the top 1,000.
Ella
Origin: Greek Meaning: Torch Alternative Spellings & Variations: Elle, Ellie, Elsa, Elsie Famous Namesakes: Jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald, child actress Ella Anderson, and educator, anthropologist, ethnographer, linguist, and novelist Ella Cara Deloria Peak Popularity: Ella is a very popular name, which hit its peak in 2011 on position 12. It has remained in the top 20 since 2008, and is currently the 15th most popular name.
Ellinore
Origin: Old FrenchMeaning: The other AenorAlternative Spellings & Variations: Eleanor, Eleonor, Eleonora, Famous Namesakes: Novelist Elinor Glyn, poet Eleanor Anne Porden, queen of Portugal Eleanor of Aragon Peak Popularity: Ellinore is a rare name and not listed as a top 1,000 name.
Evy
Origin: LatinMeaning: To breatheAlternative Spellings & Variations: Ava, Eva, Eve, Evie, Famous Namesakes: Cyclist Evy Van DammePeak Popularity: Evy is a rare name and is not listed as a top 1,000 name.
Frida
Origin: Ancient GermanicMeaning: PeaceAlternative Spellings & Variations: Frieda, Freida Famous Namesakes: Painter Frida Kahlo, writer and feminist Frida Stéenhoff, alpine skiier Frida Hansdotter Peak Popularity: Frida appeared on the charts for the first time in 2001. In 2003 it reached its peak at position 648 and it slowly declined until 2016 where it began to grow steadily more popular.
Hanna
Origin: GreekMeaning: Yahweh is graciousAlternative Spellings & Variations: Hanne, Hannie, Janna, Jonna Famous Namesakes: Actress Hanna Alström, runner Hanna Hermansson, soccer player Hanna LjungbergPeak Popularity: Hanna has steadily declined since the year 2000, excepting a minor revival between 2012 and 2013. Hannah landed at 526 in 2020.
Heidi
Origin: DutchMeaning: Noble typeAlternative Spellings & Variations: Alida, Heida, HeideFamous Namesakes: Lead character in the classic children’s novel, Heidi, German model Heidi Klum, American missionary in Africa Heidi BakerPeak Popularity: The name Heidi began to be used in the English-speaking world shortly after the 1937 Shirley Temple movie adaptation of the novel Heidi. Over the past twenty years, it has hovered around position 300 to 400.
Hilda
Origin: Ancient GermanicMeaning: BattleAlternative Spellings & Variations: Hylda, HildeFamous Namesakes: Princess Hilda of Nassau; author, artist, and anti-apartheid and women’s rights activist Hilda BersteinPeak Popularity: Hilda is a rare name that is not listed in the top 1,000.
Josefine
Origin: FrenchMeaning: He will addAlternative Spellings & Variations: Josefin, Josefina, JosephineFamous Namesakes: Austrian-American actress Josefine Balluck, jazz vocalist and songwriter Josefine Cronholm, world-champion skier Josefine CronholmPeak Popularity: Josefine is a rare name that was not listed in the top 1,000.
Kaia
Origin: ScandinavianMeaning: PureAlternative Spellings & Variations: Kaja, KaisaFamous Namesakes: Tennis player Kaia Kanepi, daughter of supermodel Cindy Crawford Kaia Jordan GerberPeak Popularity: Kaia has grown in popularity over time, hitting its peak in 2018 at position 313.
Karolina
Origin: Ancient GermanicMeaning: WarriorAlternative Spellings & Variations: Carolina, Caroline, KarolineFamous Namesakes: Polish first lady Karolina Kaczorowska, volleyball player Karolína Bednárová, gymnast Karolina Nowak, model Karolína KurkováPeak Popularity: Karolina is a rare name and not listed as a top 1,000 name.
Katarina
Origin: GreekMeaning: PureAlternative Spellings & Variations: Catharina, Katrina, Katharina,Famous Namesakes: Actress Katarina Ewerlöf, Queen of Bosnia Katarina Kosača, figure skater Katarina WolfkostinPeak Popularity: Katarina peaked in popularity in the year 2000 at position 646 before dropping off the charts in 2006.
Katja
Origin: RussianMeaning: PureAlternative Spellings & Variations: Katia, Katya Famous Namesakes: Supermodel Katja Shchekina; novelist, journalist, columnist, and screenwriter Katja Kallio; actress Katja MedbøePeak Popularity: Katja is a rare name and not listed in the top 1,000.
Linnea
Origin: SwedishMeaning: A flowerAlternative Spellings & Variations: Linn, NeaFamous Namesakes: Figure skater Linnea Ceder, artist Linnea GlattPeak Popularity: Linnea is a rare name not listed in the top 1,000 names.
Mikaela
Origin: ScandinavianMeaning: Who is like God?Alternative Spellings & Variations: Makayla, MichealaFamous Namesakes: Singer and actress Mikaela (mononym), skier Mikaela ShiffrinPeak Popularity: The name Mikaela was most popular in the year 1997 at position 273. After declining in popularity for a few years, it jumped up again between the years 2008 and 2011 before declining again.
Nora
Origin: NorwegianMeaning: HonorAlternative Spellings & Variations: Norah, LenoraFamous Namesakes: Gymnast Norah Flatley, children’s advocate Nora GibbonsPeak Popularity: Nora is a very popular name, having always been in the top 1,000. It broke into the top 100 in 2013 and has grown in popularity since, reaching position 30 in 2020.
Randi
Origin: Old NorseMeaning: Beautiful counselAlternative Spellings & Variations: Randie, RandyFamous Namesakes: Toy inventor Randi Altschul, illustrator Randi Monsen Peak Popularity: Randi ranked at 996 in 2001 and fell off the charts in 2002.
Storm
Origin: ScandinavianMeaning: StormAlternative Spellings & Variations: StormrFamous Namesakes: Actress Storm ReidPeak Popularity: Storm is a rare name and not listed in the top 1,000.
Sylvie
Origin: NorwegianMeaning: Strength of the sunAlternative Spellings & Variations: Silva, Silvia, SilvieFamous Namesakes: Norwegian politician Sylvi Graham, canoer Sylvi SaimoPeak Popularity: Sylvie first appeared on the charts in 2016, and ranked 776 in 2020.
Vera
Origin: RussianMeaning: FaithAlternative Spellings & Variations: Vjera, VieraFamous Namesakes: Harpist Vera Ðurašković, writer and activist Vera FrancisPeak Popularity: Vera was in the top 100 from 1900 to 1928, and was position 246 in 2020.
Popular Norwegian Baby Names for Boys
Here are some of the most popular and unique Norwegian baby names for boys along with their meanings, origins, and other interesting information.
Anders
Origin: ScandinavianMeaning: ManlyAlternative Spellings & Variations: AndreasFamous Namesakes: Astronomer, physicist, and mathematician Anders Celsius; tennis player Anders Järryd; politician Anders Fogh RasmussenPeak Popularity: Anders first appeared on the charts in 2006, becoming more and more popular until its peak at 749 in 2014. It has gradually dropped in rank since.
August
Origin: DutchMeaning: Exalted, venerableAlternative Spellings & Variations: Auguste, Augustus, Augustine, GusFamous Namesakes: Photographer August Sander, playwright August StrindbergPeak Popularity: August started to gain popularity in 2008. Since then it has steadily increased in rank, peaking in 2020 at position 155.
Björn
Origin: Old NorseMeaning: BearAlternative Spellings & Variations: BjoernFamous Namesakes: Comedian and actor Björn Gustafsson, guitarist Björn ÅgrenPeak Popularity: The name Björn made it onto the charts six times between 1977 and 2020. The peak year on record is 2020 at position 780.
Casper
Origin: ScandinavianMeaning: TreasurerAlternative Spellings & Variations: Caspar, Jasper, JesperFamous Namesakes: Landscape painter Caspar David Friedrich, entomologist Caspar StollPeak Popularity: Casper is a rare name and not listed as a top 1,000 name.
Erik
Origin: ScandinavianMeaning: Ever rulerAlternative Spellings & Variations: Eirik, Eric, Erich, Erick, ErikkFamous Namesakes: Developmental psychologist Erik Erikson, actor Erik EstradaPeak Popularity: Erik has steadily dropped in popularity since the year 2000, with the most recent data placing it at 419 in 2020.
Espen
Origin: NorwegianMeaning: Bear godAlternative Spellings & Variations: Asbjorn, EsbenFamous Namesakes: Jazz musician Espen Aalberg, chess player Espen Agdestein, movie director Espen SandbergPeak Popularity: Espen is a rare name and not listed as a top 1,000 name.
Finn
Origin: NorwegianMeaning: Person from FinlandAlternative Spellings & Variations: Finnr, FinnurFamous Namesakes: Novelist Finn Alnæs, illustrator Finn Graff, Olympic rower Finn PedersenPeak Popularity: A top 10 name in Germany and the Netherlands, Finn has been gradually becoming more well used in the US. It hit its peak in popularity in 2018 at position 166.
Frans
Origin: LatinMeaning: FrenchmanAlternative Spellings & Variations: Franciscus, Francis, FranzFamous Namesakes: Dutch golden age painter Frans Hals the Elder, primatologist Frans de WaalPeak Popularity: Frans is a rare name and not listed as a top 1,000 name.
Fredrik
Origin: GermanicMeaning: Peaceful rulerAlternative Spellings & Variations: Frederick, FrederikFamous Namesakes: Crown prince of Denmark Frederik André Henrik Christian, social anthropologist Fredrik Barth, musician Fredrik NordstromPeak Popularity: Fredrik is a rare name and not listed as a top 1,000 name.
Hans
Origin: GreekMeaning: Yahweh is graciousAlternative Spellings & Variations: Hanns, Hannes, HawnsFamous Namesakes: Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, Pediatrician Hans Asperger for whom Asperger syndrome is namedPeak Popularity: Hans is a rare name and not listed as a top 1,000 name.
Henrik
Origin: GermanicMeaning: Home rulerAlternative Spellings & Variations: Heinrik, HendrikFamous Namesakes: Playwright Henrik IbsenPeak Popularity: A top 10 name in Norway, Henrik was first seen on the charts in 2014. Since then, it’s stayed roughly around the 800 position.
Ivan
Origin: SlavicMeaning: Yahweh is graciousAlternative Spellings & Variations: Ioann, Ioan, Ivano, Jovan, YoanFamous Namesakes: First czar of Russia “Ivan the Terrible”, tennis player Ivan LendlPeak Popularity: Since 1989, Ivan has been in the top 200, and peaked in the year 2012 at position 113.
Jonathan
Origin: HebrewMeaning: Yahweh has givenAlternative Spellings & Variations: Johnathan, Johnathon, JonathonFamous Namesakes: Rapper Jonathan “Lil Jon” Smith, political satirist Jonathan SwiftPeak Popularity: Jonathan was a top 50 name from 2000 to 2015, hitting the top 20 and peaking in 2005 at position 19. It has steadily and slightly declined since.
Kai
Origin: DutchMeaning: SpearAlternative Spellings & Variations: Cai, Caj, Cay, Kaj, KayFamous Namesakes: Trombonist and jazz composer Kai Winding, software designer Kai KrausePeak Popularity: Kai has been steadily growing in popularity over the past 20 years. It broke into the top 100 in 2019 when it sat at position 100, and ranked 93 in 2020.
Leif
Origin: NorwegianMeaning: Descendant, heirAlternative Spellings & Variations: LeivFamous Namesakes: Norse explorer Leif Erikson, mycologist Leif RyvardenPeak Popularity: Leif made it to the charts in 2016 and 2017 before falling off again. With cottagecore names on the rise, it is possible that we will see Leif back on the charts soon.
Leo
Origin: LatinMeaning: LionAlternative Spellings & Variations: LeonFamous Namesakes: Author Leo Tolstoy, Pope Leo VIIIPeak Popularity: Leo has been rising in popularity since the year 2000. It broke into the top 100 in 2014 and peaked at 36 in 2020.
Markus
Origin: Ancient RomanMeaning: God of warAlternative Spellings & Variations: Marco, Marcus, MarkFamous Namesakes: Vocalist Markus Feehily, DJ and musician Markus LöffelPeak Popularity: Markus has had mixed popularity over the years. As of 2019, Markus is no longer a top 1,000 name.
Matheo
Origin: GreekMeaning: Gift of YahwehAlternative Spellings & Variations: Matteus, MatteoFamous Namesakes: Racing driver Mathéo Tuscher Peak Popularity: Matteo is a rare name and is not listed in the top 1,000.
Max
Origin: Ancient RomanMeaning: GreatestAlternative Spellings & Variations: Maximilian, MaximusFamous Namesakes: Sociologist and political economist Max Weber, theoretical physicist who discovered energy quanta Max PlanckPeak Popularity: A top 10 name in New Zealand, Max broke into the top 100 in 2010 before falling out again in 2012. Currently, Max is slowly losing popularity.
Oskar
Origin: Old NorseMeaning: Deer friendAlternative Spellings & Variations: OscarFamous Namesakes: Poet and playwright Oscar Wilde, Prince Oskar of Prussia Peak Popularity: Oskar is a top 10 name in both Estonia and Slovenia, but it is a rare name in the US, and not listed as a top 1,000 name.
Otto
Origin: GermanicMeaning: Wealth, fortuneAlternative Spellings & Variations: Audo, Odilo, OdoFamous Namesakes: First Holy Roman emperor Otto the Great, German chancellor Otto von BismarckPeak Popularity: Otto has been in the top 1000 since 1900. In 2020 it was at position 386.
Rasmus
Origin: GreekMeaning: BelovedAlternative Spellings & Variations: ErasmusFamous Namesakes: Linguist and philologist Rasmus Rask, racing cyclist Rasmus QuaadePeak Popularity: Rasmus is a rare name and not listed as a top 1,000 name.
Sander
Origin: GreekMeaning: To defendAlternative Spellings & Variations: Xander, ZanderFamous Namesakes: Electrohouse DJ Sander van Doorn, American politician Sander Martin LevinPeak Popularity: Sander is a rare name and not listed as a top 1,000 name.
Thor
Origin: Old NorseMeaning: ThunderAlternative Spellings & Variations: TorFamous Namesakes: Adventurer and ethnographer Thor Heyerdahl, bicycle racer Thor Hushovd Peak Popularity: Thor is a rare name and not listed as a top 1,000 name.
Tobias
Origin: HebrewMeaning: Yahweh is goodAlternative Spellings & Variations: Toby, TobiahFamous Namesakes: Actor and film producer Tobias “Toby” McGuire, Scottish poet and author Tobias George SmollettPeak Popularity: A top 10 name in Austria, Tobias grew in popularity from 2003 to 2007 in the US before experiencing a setback lasting until 2012 when it began to increase again. As of 2020, Tobias is at position 268.