Scandinavian Boy and Girl Names for Babies and Children

Choosing a name for your child is one of the most significant decisions you will make as a parent, as it is a gift that will accompany them throughout their life. A name can carry deep meanings, reflect personal values, and connect your child to their heritage. For those looking to honor ancient traditions and imbue their child with a sense of history, Old Scandinavian names offer a unique blend of strength, beauty, and cultural significance. 

Rooted in the rich tapestry of Norse mythology and Viking history, these names tell stories of legendary heroes, gods, and the natural world. Each name is steeped in tradition, often reflecting virtues such as bravery, wisdom, and resilience. By selecting an Old Scandinavian name, you’re not just giving your child a label; you’re providing them with a connection to a storied past and the values that have shaped generations. 

In a world where names can often feel temporary or trend-driven, Old Scandinavian names stand out for their authenticity and timelessness. They resonate with the promise of a strong identity and an enduring legacy, making them an inspiring choice for any child, regardless of their background. As you embark on this exciting journey of naming your child, consider the rich meanings and historical significance that come with these beautiful names. 

Scandinavian girl names

Here’s a list of Scandinavian girl names, each rich in meaning and history, reflecting beauty, strength, and femininity. Each name carries a story, representing various virtues and qualities that can inspire your child throughout their life. 

1. Aina – Meaning "joy," symbolizing happiness and delight, Aina is a name that brings positivity.
2. Aldis – Meaning "old," representing wisdom and maturity.
3. Alfhild – Meaning "elf battle," symbolizing courage and magic.
4. Alva – Meaning "elf," embodying magic and enchantment, Alva reflects a whimsical quality.
5. Anika – Meaning "grace," symbolizing elegance and charm, Anika has a lovely, lyrical sound that makes it memorable.
6. Anja – Meaning "grace," symbolizing elegance and charm.
7. Asta – Meaning "love" or "devotion," symbolizing warmth and affection.
8. Astrid – Meaning "divine strength," symbolizing beauty and resilience.
9. Bergthora – Meaning "mountain goddess," symbolizing stability and strength.
10. Birgit – Meaning "the exalted one," symbolizing honor and respect.
11. Bodil – Meaning "the one who fights," representing strength and resilience, Bodil is a strong, assertive name.
12. Brunhilde – Meaning "armored for battle," symbolizing protection and strength.
13. Dagny – Meaning "new day," representing hope and renewal, Dagny carries a sense of fresh beginnings.
14. Eira – Meaning "mercy," symbolizing compassion and kindness.
15. Eldrid – Meaning "fire and beloved," symbolizing passion and warmth.
16. Elin – Meaning "light," symbolizing brightness and hope, Elin carries a radiant quality.
17. Elsa – A short form of Elizabeth, meaning "pledged to God," symbolizing faith and devotion, Elsa gained popularity through modern media while retaining its timeless appeal.
18. Embla – Meaning "elm tree," symbolizing strength and resilience.
19. Emilie – Meaning "rival," symbolizing ambition and competitiveness, Emilie reflects a strong-willed character.
20. Estrid – Meaning "beautiful and loved," representing grace and beauty.
21. Eydis – Meaning "island goddess," symbolizing tranquility and grace.
22. Fanny – Meaning "free," symbolizing independence and spirit, Fanny has a joyful and vibrant feel.
23. Freya – Named after the Norse goddess of love and fertility, symbolizing beauty and prosperity, Freya carries a sense of strength and independence.
24. Freydis – Meaning "noble goddess," representing strength and nobility.
25. Freyja – Meaning "lady" or "goddess," symbolizing beauty and femininity.
26. Gerd – Meaning "fenced enclosure," representing protection and safety.
27. Greta – Meaning "pearl," representing beauty and rarity.
28. Gunnhild – Meaning "battle maiden," symbolizing courage and ferocity.
29. Halla – Meaning "the one who is blessed," representing divinity and fortune.
30. Hedda – Meaning "battle maiden," representing courage and determination, Hedda has a strong character.
31. Helga – Meaning "holy" or "blessed," representing purity and divinity.
32. Hilda – Meaning "battle maiden," representing resilience and courage.
33. Ida – Meaning "industrious," representing hard work and diligence, Ida is a name associated with determination.
34. Idun – Meaning "to rejuvenate," symbolizing youth and vitality.
35. Ingrid – Meaning "beautiful goddess," representing elegance and divinity.
36. Isolde – Meaning "ice ruler," symbolizing strength and resilience, Isolde is a name with romantic and legendary connections.
37. Jorunn – Meaning "horse lover," representing strength and companionship, Jorunn captures a deep bond with nature and animals.
38. Kaja – Meaning "pure," representing innocence and clarity, Kaja has a bright and uplifting sound.
39. Kari – Meaning "pure," representing innocence and clarity.
40. Karin – A form of Katherine, meaning "pure," representing innocence and virtue, Karin is a classic name that never goes out of style.
41. Linnea – Named after the twinflower, representing beauty and nature, Linnea evokes images of lush landscapes and delicate blooms.
42. Liv – Meaning "life," symbolizing vitality and energy, Liv is a simple yet impactful name.
43. Lykke – Meaning "happiness," symbolizing joy and positivity.
44. Maja – Meaning "great," embodying strength and power, this name has a cheerful and approachable quality.
45. Maren – Meaning "sea," symbolizing depth and tranquility, Maren brings to mind the calming presence of water.
46. Nanna – Meaning "brave," symbolizing courage and strength.
47. Nina – Meaning "dreamer," symbolizing aspiration and imagination, Nina carries a sense of creativity.
48. Nora – A variation of Eleonora, meaning "honor," representing integrity and strength, Nora is a name that evokes respect.
49. Norella – Meaning "from the north," symbolizing heritage and strength.
50. Oda – Meaning "wealth" or "prosperity," symbolizing abundance and success, Oda brings a sense of fortune.
51. Ragnfrid – Meaning "peaceful counsel," symbolizing wisdom and serenity.
52. Ragnhild – Meaning "advice in battle," representing wisdom and bravery.
53. Rakel – A variation of Rachel, meaning "ewe," representing gentleness and nurturing, Rakel has a soft quality.
54. Runa – Meaning "secret lore," symbolizing wisdom and mystery.
55. Sanna – Meaning "truth," symbolizing honesty and integrity, Sanna evokes a sense of trustworthiness.
56. Selma – Meaning "divine protection," symbolizing safety and security, Selma is a comforting and warm name.
57. Sif – Meaning "bride" or "wife," representing love and loyalty.
58. Signe – Meaning "new victory," representing hope and aspiration.
59. Sigrid – Meaning "victory and beautiful," embodying resilience and grace, this name is often linked to victorious women throughout Scandinavian history.
60. Skuld – Meaning "debt" or "future," symbolizing foresight and wisdom.
61. Sofia – Meaning "wisdom," embodying intelligence and understanding, Sofia is a name that inspires respect.
62. Soleil – Meaning "sun," representing warmth and brightness, Soleil evokes a sunny disposition.
63. Solveig – Meaning "sun strength," symbolizing warmth and vitality, Solveig is a name that radiates positivity.
64. Svala – Meaning "swallow," representing freedom and joy.
65. Thora – Meaning "thunder goddess," representing power and intensity.
66. Thyra – Meaning "Thor's warrior," symbolizing strength and valor.
67. Tilda – Meaning "battle maiden," representing bravery and determination, Tilda evokes a sense of empowerment.
68. Tove – Meaning "dove," representing peace and harmony, Tove conveys a sense of tranquility and gentleness.
69. Tyra – Meaning "Thor's warrior," symbolizing strength and bravery, Tyra is a name rooted in mythology.
70. Valdis – Meaning "the power of the slain," representing strength and protection.
71. Valkyrie – Meaning "chooser of the slain," symbolizing bravery and honor.
72. Vår – Meaning "spring," symbolizing renewal and growth, Vår evokes a sense of freshness and vitality.
73. Vera – Meaning "faith," embodying trust and belief, Vera carries a sense of reliability.
74. Vigdis – Meaning "battle goddess," representing empowerment and strength, Vigdis is a name that inspires courage.
75. Ylva – Meaning "she-wolf," representing independence and strength.

Scandinavian boy names

Here are Scandinavian boy names, each rich in meaning and history, perfect for parents seeking strength and character in their child's name. These names carry stories of bravery, leadership, and resilience that can inspire your child throughout their life. 

1. Alaric – Meaning "ruler of all," representing leadership and authority.
2. Albin – Meaning "white" or "bright," representing purity and clarity, Albin has a light and uplifting quality.
3. Alf – Meaning "elf," representing magic and beauty.
4. Alfred – Meaning "wise counselor," representing wisdom and guidance, Alfred carries a sense of authority.
5. Algot – Meaning "noble" and "god," representing honor and divinity, Algot is a name with historical significance.
6. Anders – A variation of Andrew, meaning "manly," representing strength and masculinity, Anders is a strong and classic name.
7. Arne – Meaning "eagle," symbolizing freedom and strength, Arne evokes images of soaring heights.
8. Asbjorn – Meaning "divine bear," symbolizing strength and protection.
9. Asger – Meaning "God's spear," representing strength and divine protection, Asger embodies a warrior's spirit.
10. Baldur – Meaning "brave," symbolizing courage and strength, Baldur is a name rooted in mythology.
11. Bard – Meaning "poet" or "storyteller," representing creativity and expression.
12. Bastian – Meaning "venerable" or "revered," symbolizing respect and admiration, Bastian carries a sense of honor.
13. Bjorn – Meaning "bear," symbolizing strength and bravery.
14. Dante – Meaning "steadfast" or "enduring," symbolizing resilience and strength, Dante is a powerful name with depth.
15. Einar – Meaning "one who fights alone," symbolizing independence and courage.
16. Eirik – Meaning "ever-ruler," representing enduring leadership.
17. Emil – Meaning "rival," symbolizing ambition and competitiveness.
18. Felix – Meaning "happy" or "fortunate," representing joy and positivity, Felix is a name that carries an optimistic vibe.
19. Finn – Meaning "Finnish" or "blonde," representing cultural heritage.
20. Frederik – Meaning "peaceful ruler," symbolizing harmony and leadership, Frederik has a stately quality.
21. Frode – Meaning "wise" or "clever," symbolizing intelligence and insight, Frode carries a sense of wisdom.
22. Gisle – Meaning "hostage," symbolizing loyalty and connection, Gisle has a unique and meaningful quality.
23. Gottfried – Meaning "peace of God," symbolizing harmony and tranquility.
24. Gunnar – Meaning "battle warrior," symbolizing bravery and strength.
25. Hakan – Meaning "high son," symbolizing nobility and stature.
26. Halvard – Meaning "guardian of the rocks," representing strength and stability.
27. Harald – Meaning "army ruler," representing leadership and authority, Harald is a name with a rich historical background.
28. Hemming – Meaning "home" or "protection," symbolizing safety and security.
29. Henrik – Meaning "home ruler," symbolizing leadership and authority, Henrik carries a strong and noble presence.
30. Hermann – Meaning "warrior," representing strength and bravery, Hermann evokes a sense of courage.
31. Håkon – Meaning "high son," symbolizing nobility and stature, Håkon carries a sense of regality.
32. Ivar – Meaning "bow warrior," symbolizing agility and strength.
33. Jens – A variation of Johannes, meaning "God is gracious," representing kindness and compassion, Jens has a warm quality.
34. Johan – A form of John, meaning "God is gracious," symbolizing kindness and generosity, Johan has a classic charm.
35. Jorund – Meaning "horse" and "ruler," symbolizing strength and leadership.
36. Kasper – A variation of Jasper, meaning "treasurer," representing wealth and prosperity, Kasper has a cheerful and approachable quality.
37. Kjell – Meaning "kettle" or "cauldron," symbolizing warmth and community, Kjell has a friendly and inviting quality.
38. Kolbjorn – Meaning "coal bear," symbolizing strength and resilience.
39. Lars – A form of Laurence, meaning "crowned with laurel," representing honor and victory, Lars has a regal quality.
40. Leif – Meaning "heir" or "descendant," representing lineage and heritage.
41. Luka – A variation of Lucas, meaning "light," representing brightness and hope, Luka has an uplifting quality.
42. Magnar – Meaning "strength," representing power and courage.
43. Magnus – Meaning "great," representing strength and grandeur.
44. Milo – Meaning "merciful," symbolizing kindness and compassion, Milo has a gentle and friendly feel.
45. Morten – Meaning "warrior of Mars," symbolizing strength and bravery, Morten embodies a fighting spirit.
46. Nicolai – A variation of Nicholas, meaning "victory of the people," representing community and triumph, Nicolai has a modern feel.
47. Nils – A form of Nicholas, meaning "victory of the people," representing community and triumph, Nils has a friendly and approachable feel.
48. Njal – Meaning "champion," representing bravery and honor.
49. Odd – Meaning "point of a sword," representing sharpness and precision.
50. Osvald – Meaning "God's power," symbolizing divine strength and protection, Osvald carries a powerful presence.
51. Otto – Meaning "wealth" and "prosperity," representing abundance and success, Otto is a timeless name with a rich history.
52. Ragnar – Meaning "counsel" or "warrior," symbolizing strength and wisdom.
53. Rolf – Meaning "famous wolf," representing strength and cunning.
54. Rune – Meaning "secret" or "mystery," representing depth and wisdom, Rune is a name that suggests hidden knowledge.
55. Sigmund – Meaning "protection through victory," symbolizing safety and success.
56. Sigurd – Meaning "victorious guardian," representing protection and strength.
57. Sigvard – Meaning "guardian of victory," symbolizing protection and success.
58. Skuld – Meaning "debt" or "future," symbolizing foresight and wisdom.
59. Soren – Meaning "severe," representing intensity and determination, Soren evokes a sense of purpose.
60. Sten – Meaning "stone," representing strength and stability, Sten is a solid and dependable name.
61. Stig – Meaning "path" or "way," representing direction and purpose, Stig carries a sense of guidance.
62. Sven – Meaning "young man," symbolizing vitality and youth.
63. Sverre – Meaning "wild," symbolizing freedom and independence.
64. Tage – Meaning "day," representing new beginnings and brightness, Tage carries a sense of optimism.
65. Thor – Meaning "thunder," representing power and protection.
66. Thorvald – Meaning "Thor's ruler," representing power and leadership.
67. Tobias – Meaning "God is good," symbolizing faith and hope, Tobias conveys a sense of spirituality.
68. Tore – Meaning "thunder," symbolizing power and strength.
69. Torgny – Meaning "Thor's warrior," representing bravery and valor.
70. Torsten – Meaning "Thor's stone," symbolizing strength and stability, Torsten embodies resilience.
71. Ulrich – Meaning "prosperity and power," symbolizing success and strength.
72. Valdemar – Meaning "famous ruler," representing nobility and strength.
73. Vidar – Meaning "warrior," symbolizing strength and bravery.
74. Vigdis – Meaning "battle goddess," symbolizing strength and courage.
75. Viggo – Meaning "war," symbolizing bravery and resilience, Viggo is a strong name with a modern appeal.

Gender-neutral names

Scandinavian culture also boasts many gender-neutral names that resonate with various qualities and characteristics.