Female names in Norway. Scandinavian female names and their meaning. List of common Norwegian names for boys

30.06.2019

Modern names different countries differ in origin, culture and historical heritage, the influence of various religions. In countries such as Denmark and Norway, Sweden and Iceland, as well as Finland, children are usually called modern names, however larger number These names take their origins from ancient Scandinavia. Some of which go back to legends and myths, some are a reflection of Germanic and biblical names. The rich history is reflected in the variety of female and male Scandinavian names.

Features of Scandinavian group names

Names Scandinavian group, like other peoples, reflected the characteristics of a person’s character and described his remarkable aspects. But an interesting fact is that the name was not given to a person for life, but could change during his life, even more than once. The reason for changing the name could be the commission of an act that left an imprint on the attitude towards its bearer, or the emergence of new qualities as a result of growing up.

History has left its mark on the Scandinavian female names, where the warlike events of the rich past are reflected. It is noteworthy that the interpretation and meaning of female and male names are almost the same. The character traits of the conqueror were passed down from generation to generation, and strength and courage, bravery and courage, revered at all times, were embodied in the names of girls. For example, Vigdis is the “goddess of war”, Gudhild is the “good battle”, Svanhild is the “battle of the swans”, Brynhild is the “warlike woman”.

It is also noteworthy that two-part Scandinavian female names are used, and their meaning is intended to define objects and abstract concepts, to reflect distinctive features appearance and character traits: “peace-loving ruler” - Fredrika, “battle of defenders” - Ragnhild.

How was a name given in a Scandinavian family in ancient times?

The peoples of Scandinavia had their own traditions in naming, which everyone followed without exception.

Only the father gave the name to the girl and boy. This was equated to the baby gaining the right to life, because the head of the family could recognize or reject its new member. When naming a child, tribute was paid to the glorious ancestors, who were supposed to be reborn in a new body when choosing the name of the descendant. Scandinavian female names were given to girls in honor of deceased relatives. These names were intended to strengthen the strength of the clan, which came from all the ancestors who bore this name.

Ancient Scandinavian names and modern ones. What is the difference?

The culture of glorious wars and battles left its mark on the names of girls in Scandinavia. In ancient times there were no particular differences between male and female names. Girls were named in honor of military events and battles, patrons of war and battles, peace and victories. Popular in old times used the names of heroes sung in legends and epic works. It was customary to call girls by the names of goddesses and heroines of legends.

IN modern world the choice is made according to a different principle. They now prefer beautiful Scandinavian female names, which are the embodiment of femininity, tenderness, are distinguished by the beauty of their sound and grace, and glorify best qualities and the virtues of representatives of the fair half of humanity. For example: Ingrid - “beautiful” and Inga - “the only one”, Christina - “follower of Christ” and Letitia - “happy”, Sonja - “wise” and Henrika - “housekeeper”, Aidin - “slender” and Katarina - “pure” .

Mythological roots of Scandinavian names

The mythology of the Angles and Normans, Danes and Saxons, formed before the adoption of Christianity, from the 5th century. BC, is reflected in the names of the Scandinavian countries. German-Scandinavian mythology was basically a worship of the forces of nature, so a number of names corresponded to the names of animals that were especially revered by the Vikings.

Female names in Scandinavian mythology are represented by such options as “Bear” - Ulf or “god of fertility” - Freir. The names of sacred ravens were also popular, which were especially revered by the Vikings and personified military success: “thought, soul” - Huginn and “memory” - Muginn. The forces of nature are reflected in the names: “rock” - Stein, “protected by Thor” - Torborg, “soul” - Hugi.

Simple and complex names among Scandinavians

Scandinavian names are divided into two main groups: one- and two-part. If the first group includes descriptions of character traits or belonging to a certain tribe and clan: “spiritualized” - Aud, “strong” - Gerda, “foreigner” - Barbro, then two-part Scandinavian female names and their meaning have their own characteristics.

Two-syllable and two-part names reflect the components of the names of two parents or the qualities that they want to endow the baby with: “stone, protect” - Steinbjorg, “battle of the elves” - Alfhild, “divine runes” - Gudrun.

Absorbing the culture of neighboring peoples who professed Lutheran and Catholic faith, they began to give the child two names at baptism, which are designed to protect him throughout his life. In everyday life, only one name is used, and they try to keep the second in the shadows. And in difficult life situations related to health, it is customary to refer to the second name and actively use it instead of the first, believing that protective forces capable of changing fate for the better.

Nicknames that became names

Initially, most ancient Scandinavian names, including women’s ones, were mixed with a wide variety of nicknames, and it was difficult to distinguish between them. Some names contained both a nickname and a proper name. For example, the name Alv incorporates the nickname “elf”. Nicknames perfectly reflected the individual characteristics of a person: Raquel is a “sheep”, Tord Horse Head is a female Thor.

The nicknames of famous witches and sorcerers also reflect Scandinavian female names: Kolfinna - “dark, black Finn”, Kolgrima - “black mask”. Over time, the boundaries between name and nickname blur and become indistinguishable.

Viking Legacy

The brave conquerors of antiquity - the Vikings - passed through the centuries and gradually turned into modern Scandinavians, and their culture is reflected in glorious names. Warring tribes treated the choice of name responsibly. It was believed that a name could shake the universe and influence the entire fate of its bearer. By naming a child, they believed that they were placing him under the protection of the gods and the forces of nature. Some of the names reflecting the rites of priests and sorcerers are gone forever, but those praising the achievements of a warrior or hunter continue to exist to this day. And among these: Valborg - “saving those killed in battle”, Bodil - “battle-vengeance”, Borghilda - “a fighting, useful maiden”.

How did Christianity influence the name?

With the adoption of Christianity, new names began to appear, but their spread was perceived ambiguously among the Scandinavian peoples.

The Christian names given to children at baptism remained secret. They used a second name, which was traditional and understandable for the Scandinavian people. There was a particular rejection of new names in the families of the military elite, where it was customary to call only illegitimate children with Christian names. But gradually new ones joined the Scandinavian women's names. They are actively used modern parents who choose them for their daughters: Christina and Stina - “follower of Christ”, Elizabeth - “confirmed by God”, Evelina - “little Eve”, Anneliese - “gracious, useful, confirmed by God”.

Adamina - red, earth.
Adeline, Adeline - noble, noble.
Agneta is a saint, chaste.
Alina is decent.
Anitra, Anni - helpful, grace.
Asta, Astrid, Ase - divine beauty.
Aud - spiritualized.

Barbro is a stranger, a foreigner.
Birgit, Birgitta, Birte - sublime.
Brita is sublime.
Brünnhilde is a warrior woman dressed in armor.
Wendla is a traveler.
Vigdis is the goddess of battles and war.
Victoria - a sensation, a victory.
Wilma, Wilhelma - militant, protected by a helmet.
Vivien, Vivi - mobile, alive.
Gerda, Gerd - powerful, strong.
Gunnel, Gunhilda, Gunhild - military battle.
Gunvor is a vigilant female warrior.
Dagny, Dagney - the birth of a new day.
Dorta, Dorthe, Dorotea - God's gift.
Ida is diligent and hardworking.
Ylva is a wolf woman.
Inga is unique, one, only.
Ingeborga, Ingegerd - protected by Ing.
Ingrid is beautiful, incomparable.
Jorun, Jorunn - lover of horses.
Catherine, Katarina - innocent, pure.
Carolina is strong and courageous.
Kaya is a mistress, mistress.
Clara is immaculate, pure, dazzling.
Kristin, Christina, Stina - a follower of the teachings of Christ.
Letitia is glowing with happiness.
Lisbeth - confirmed by God.
Liv, Liva - life giver.
Maya is the mother-nurse.
Margareta, Margrit is a pearl of great price.
Marte is a housewife.
Matilda, Matilda, Mektilda - strong in battle.
Ragnhild - the battle of warrior-defenders.
Rune - initiated into secret knowledge.
Sana, Suzanne - lily flower.
Sarah is a noble lady, a charming princess.
Sigrid, Sigrun, Siri - a wonderful victory.
Simone is understanding.
Sonya, Ragna - experienced, wise.
Svanhilda - battle of swans.
Tekla - Divine glorification.
Tora, Tyra - warrior Tora.
Torborg - taken under the protection of Thor.
Thord, Thordis - beloved Thor.
Thorhild - Thor's battle.
Tove is thunderous.
Trine - immaculate, pure.
Thurid is the beauty of God Thor.
Ulla, Ulrika - power and prosperity.
Frida is peace-loving.
Hedwig - battle of rivals.
Helen, Elin - flame, torch.
Henrika is a housekeeper.
Hilda, Hilde - battle.
Hulda – guarding a secret, hidden.
Aideen is graceful and slender.
Elizabeth is confirmed by God.
Erica is the ruler.
Esther is a shining star.
Evelina, Evelyn is the ancestor, little Eva.

Modern names from different countries differ in origin, cultural and historical heritage, and the influence of various religions. In countries such as Denmark and Norway, Sweden and Iceland, as well as Finland, children are called by modern names, but a larger number of these names have their origins in ancient Scandinavia. Some of which go back to legends and myths, some are a reflection of Germanic and biblical names. The rich history is reflected in the variety of female and male Scandinavian names.

Features of Scandinavian group names

The names of the Scandinavian group, like those of other peoples, reflected the characteristics of a person’s character and described his remarkable aspects. But an interesting fact is that the name was not given to a person for life, but could change during his life, even more than once. The reason for changing the name could be the commission of an act that left an imprint on the attitude towards its bearer, or the emergence of new qualities as a result of growing up.

History has left its mark on Scandinavian women's names, which reflect the warlike events of the rich past. It is noteworthy that the interpretation and meaning of female and male names are almost the same. The character traits of the conqueror were passed down from generation to generation, and strength and courage, bravery and courage, revered at all times, were embodied in the names of girls. For example, Vigdis is the “goddess of war”, Gudhild is the “good battle”, Svanhild is the “battle of the swans”, Brynhild is the “warlike woman”.

It is also noteworthy that two-part Scandinavian female names are used, and their meaning is intended to define objects and abstract concepts, reflect distinctive features of appearance and character traits: “peace-loving ruler” - Fredrika, “battle of defenders” - Ragnhild.

How was a name given in a Scandinavian family in ancient times?

The peoples of Scandinavia had their own traditions in naming, which everyone followed without exception.

Ancient Scandinavian names and modern ones. What is the difference?

The culture of glorious wars and battles left its mark on the names of girls in Scandinavia. In ancient times there were no particular differences between male and female names. Girls were named in honor of military events and battles, patrons of war and battles, peace and victories. In the old days, the names of heroes sung in legends and epic works were popular. It was customary to call girls by the names of goddesses and heroines of legends.

In the modern world, choice is made according to a different principle. Nowadays they prefer beautiful Scandinavian female names, which are the embodiment of femininity, tenderness, are distinguished by the beauty of their sound and grace, and glorify the best qualities and virtues of representatives of the fair half of humanity. For example: Ingrid - “beautiful” and Inga - “the only one”, Christina - “follower of Christ” and Letitia - “happy”, Sonja - “wise” and Henrika - “housekeeper”, Aidin - “slender” and Katarina - “pure” .

Mythological roots of Scandinavian names

Simple and complex names among Scandinavians

Having absorbed the culture of neighboring peoples who professed the Lutheran and Catholic faith, they began to give the child two names at baptism, which are designed to protect him throughout his life. In everyday life, only one name is used, and they try to keep the second in the shadows. And in difficult life situations related to health, it is customary to turn to the second name and actively use it instead of the first, believing that protective forces can change fate for the better.

Nicknames that became names

Viking Legacy

How did Christianity influence the name?

With the adoption of Christianity, new names began to appear, but their spread was perceived ambiguously among the Scandinavian peoples.

The Christian names given to children at baptism remained secret. They used a second name, which was traditional and understandable for the Scandinavian people. There was a particular rejection of new names in the families of the military elite, where it was customary to call only illegitimate children with Christian names. But gradually new ones joined the Scandinavian women's names. They are actively used by modern parents who choose them for their daughters: Christina and Stina - “follower of Christ”, Elizabeth - “confirmed by God”, Evelina - “little Eve”, Anneliese - “gracious, useful, confirmed by God”.

Adamina - red, earth.
Adeline, Adeline - noble, noble.
Agneta is a saint, chaste.
Alina is decent.
Anitra, Anni - helpful, grace.
Asta, Astrid, Ase - divine beauty.
Aud - spiritualized.

The distant past firmly connects the history of our homeland with Scandinavian female names. Their sonority, severity and special charm refer to the era of the formation of Russian statehood, immersed in gray times, and the images of the first rulers and rulers of the earth are resurrected. Some Scandinavian female names are popular in our country even now.

Regions of Scandinavia on the map

Scandinavia is a region in northern Europe that includes three countries - Sweden, Norway and Denmark. In a broader, historical and cultural sense, Scandinavia also includes Finland, Iceland and the islands North Atlantic. Scandinavian languages(Swedish, Norwegian and Danish) have common origin- Old Scandinavian language, which explains the closeness of many Scandinavian female names and the similarity of their meanings.

Naming traditions among the ancient Scandinavians

The Old Norse language belongs to the Germanic language branch, and for a long time, until the 9th century, this language was spoken by all the peoples of Scandinavia. Most Old Norse literary works was written in Old Icelandic.

IN early middle ages The naming traditions of the ancient Scandinavians differed little from similar traditions among others European peoples: There was practically no difference between a nickname and a personal name. Single-compound names are most often a definition of some quality of a newborn or an adult: “strong”, “small”, “beloved”, “hairy”, etc. There were also abstract names - “battle”, “rock”, “bear” ", "wolf", etc.

Most of the Old Norse naming vocabulary consisted of two-part names. A similar tradition existed not only among the ancient Germanic tribes, but also among the Celts and Slavs. Two-part Scandinavian names are no different in structure from Slavic ones, such as Svyatoslav, Vyacheslav, Vsevolod. The most common Old Norse “building blocks” of names: “deity”, “wolf”, “bear”, “eagle”, “raven”, “heir”, “pledge”, “protection”, “fence”, “glorious”, “friend” "", "world", "beautiful", "strong", "forest", "mystery", "rune", "sword", "helmet", "spear".

Names constructed in this way were sonorous and long, consisting of four or more letters. Their meaning amazes with the strength and menacing meanings. Even female names impress with their energy and severity. You can verify this from the list below.

List of Old Norse female names and their meanings:

Arnfasta - fast eagle;
Arnkatla – eagle + helmet;
Arleg – eagle + fire;
Arnleif – eagle + heir;
Arnora – eagle + Thor;
Audhelga – prosperity + wealth;
Auda – prosperity;
Aldis – elf + maiden;
Alev – ancestor + descendant;
Astrid – deity + beautiful;
Asgerda – deity + protection;
Bera - she-bear;
Bergdis – help+virgin;
Borga – protection;
Bothilda – medicine + battle;
Gerd – protection;
Inga – short form on behalf of the god of fertility;
Ingeborga – name of the god of fertility + help;
Ingrid – name of the god of fertility + beautiful;
Kata – joyful;
Kolla – joyful;
Lyuva - sweetheart;
Rowdy – red;
Rune - secret, rune;
Saldis – sun + goddess;
Sigga - victory;
Svana – swan;
Tura - Thor, the god of thunder;
Tobba – Thor+keep;
Torfrida – Thor+beautiful;
Thorgrima - Thor + helmet;
Thorhilda – Thor+battle;
Labor – Valkyrie, daughter of Thor and Sif;
Una - to be happy;
Fasti – strong;
Folki - people;
Freya - ruler;
Frida – beautiful;
Frigg is the name of Odin's wife;
Halla - rock;
Helga – sacred, holy;
Edda is a great-grandmother.

Acceptance of Christianity and names

The father gave the name to the newborn, thereby making the naming process a recognition of the child's right to life. Two-part names could contain parts of the father's and mother's names.

The Scandinavian name book was very rich, so Christian names did not take root well. The Scandinavians ignored them even after baptism, they either kept them secret or used pagan nicknames. The Christian Church could not come to terms with this and tried to oust pagan names using a variety of methods.

The simplest one turned out to be the most effective: over time, the church canonized several Scandinavian saints, their names were included in the calendar and, accordingly, gradually began to spread widely.

In Iceland, Christianization took place peacefully, so Christian concepts were included in the elements of two-part names.

Modern Scandinavian girl names

It should be noted that Scandinavian culture has always stood out for its pronounced originality. There are even special kind crossword puzzle - a scanword puzzle that differs from a traditional crossword puzzle in a large number of intersections of words vertically and horizontally. Images and photographs can be used instead of letters. One of the favorite questions of scanword readers is the question of the meaning of Scandinavian female names, which most often have a significant number of letters. These are names like:

Agnetha is a saint;
Adeline – noble;
Astrid – beautiful;
Birgitta – sublime;
Borghilda – benefit + maiden;
Brunnhilde is a female warrior in armor;
Vigdis - goddess of war;
Wilhelm - protected by a helmet;
Gerda – protection;
Guda – kind;
Goodhild - good fight;
Ilva is a she-wolf;
Ingrid - protection of the king;
Inga – domineering;
Matilda – strong in battle;
Ranghilda - battle of defenders;
Svanhilda - the smitten swan;
Sigrid is a wonderful victory;
Sigrun - the secret of victory;
Siri is a wonderful victory;
Solveig - a ray of sunshine;
Ulla - prosperity, power;
Ulrika – prosperity, power;
Frida – peaceful;
Helga is a saint;
Henrika – housekeeper;
Hilda - battle;
Hulda – keeping a secret;
Erica is the ruler.

You can see more lists on Wikipedia.

Modern naming traditions in Scandinavia

Meanwhile, in modern Sweden and Denmark, the most common female names are not of Scandinavian origin. Their source is either church calendar, or the cultures of other peoples.

In Sweden, the most popular female names are Elizabeth, Margareta, Eva, Karin, Emma, Sarah. Only one name of Old Norse origin - Ingrid - is among the top ten common names.

In Denmark, the picture is similar: among the most common are Anna, Kristen, Suzanne, Maria, Marianne, Karen, Camilla, Charlotte, Louise, Emma, Maya, Isabella, Clara, Laura. From the Scandinavian ones - Inga, Inger, Freya.

In Norway and Iceland the situation is somewhat different; in these countries, traditional Scandinavian names are still popular. Thus, in Norway, out of 10 common female names, they were of “domestic” origin - Inga, Liv, Ingrid, Solveig, Astrid, Björg.

In Iceland, names mentioned in ancient sagas are still in use, and the choice of name is regulated by the Icelandic Naming Committee. There is an official list of allowed names and that's it foreign names undergo strict selection for compatibility with the Icelandic language.

Common Icelandic female names of Scandinavian origin include:

Gyudrun – god + mystery;
Sigrun – victory + mystery;
Helga - battle;
Ingibjorg – the name of the god of fertility + help;
Sigríður is a wonderful victory.

A correctly chosen name has a strong positive impact on a person’s character, aura and destiny. Actively helps to develop, forms positive qualities of character and condition, strengthens health, removes various negative programs of the unconscious. But how to choose the perfect name?

Despite the fact that in culture there are poetic interpretations of what women's names mean, in reality the influence of the name on each girl is individual.

Sometimes parents try to choose a name before birth, preventing the child from developing. Attempts to use astrology are no longer applicable; astrology and numerology for choosing a name have squandered all serious knowledge about the influence of a name on fate over the centuries.

Christmastide calendars, holy people, without consulting a seeing, insightful specialist, do not provide any real help in assessing the influence of names on the fate of a child.

Popular lists, happy, beautiful, melodious female names are essentially generalizations, and completely turn a blind eye to the individuality, energy, and soul of the child.

Beautiful and modern Norwegian names should primarily suit the child, and not relative external criteria of beauty and fashion. Who don't care about your child's life.

Various characteristics according to statistics - positive features name, negative traits name, choice of profession by name, influence of a name on business, influence of a name on health, psychology of a name can only be considered in the context of a deep analysis of the character, energy structure, task for life and gender of a particular child.

Name Compatibility Topic(and not the characters of people) is an absurdity that turns the interaction inside out different people internal mechanisms of influence of a name on the state of its bearer. And it cancels the entire psyche, unconscious, energy and behavior of people. Reduces the entire multidimensionality of human interaction to one false characteristic.

Meaning of the name does not give full impact, it is only a small part of the impact. For example, As (goddess) this does not mean that the girl will be happy in family life, and bearers of other names are unhappy. The name can weaken her health, block her heart center and she will not be able to give and receive love. On the contrary, another girl will be helped to solve problems related to love or family, it will make life and achieving goals much easier. The third girl may not have any effect at all, whether there is a name or not. Etc. Moreover, all these children can be born on the same day. And have the same astrological, numerological and other characteristics. And the same name. But fates are different.

The most popular Norwegian names for girls are also misleading. 95% of girls are called names that do not make their fate easier. You can only focus on the child’s innate character, spiritual vision and the wisdom of a specialist. And experience, experience and once again the experience of understanding what is happening.

The secret of a woman's name, as a program of the unconscious, a sound wave, vibration is revealed in a special bouquet primarily in a person, and not in semantic meaning and characteristics of the name. And if this name destroys a child, then no matter how beautiful, melodious with the patronymic, astrologically accurate, blissful it is, it will still be harmful, destroy character, complicate life and burden fate.

Below is a list of Norwegian names. Try to choose several that you think are most suitable for your child. Then, if you are interested in the effectiveness of the name’s influence on fate, .

List of female Norwegian names in alphabetical order:

Agot - good
Alva - elf
Alfhild - elf battle
Alfhildr - elf battle
Alfsigr - victory of the elf
Anniken - benefit, grace
Annikin - benefit, grace
Arnbjorg - eagle defense
Arnbjorg - eagle defense
As - goddess
Aslog - the betrothed woman of God
Astridr - god and beautiful
Astritr - God is beautiful

Basildr - compensation
Bergdis - protection of the spirit
Benedict - blessed one
Bergliot - useful light
Berglejot - healthy light
Bergthora - the spirit of Thor
Borghild - battle fort
Brynhild - armored woman - warrior
Brynhildr - armored woman - warrior

Verdandi - need
Vertendi - need
Vibek - war
Vigdis - war goddess
Volkiri - the one who chooses the slain

Gunnvor - vigilant warrior
Gunnhild - military battle
Gard - nested, citadel
Grid - world
Gray - dawn
Greze - pearls
Gutlog - god-wife
Gutrun - the secret knowledge of God

Jerd - nested, citadel
Jorann is a mare to love
Jorun is a stallion to love
Dagny - new day
Degrun - day, secret knowledge

Ertr - fate

Idannr - to love
Izunnr - to love again
Ingvild - power of the meadow
Ingridr - beautiful meadows
Injeborg - help, protection
Injibjorg - help, protection
Injijerdr - nested
Indjigertr - nested

Kelda - fountain, spring or good
Ketilridr - boiler, kettle
Kjellfried - cauldron, teapot, beautiful
Kjersti - follower of Christ
Kjerstin - follower of Christ
Kirsten is a follower of Christ
Christine - follower of Christ
Kaya - chicken, hen
Carey is pure
Carita - darling
Caroline is human

Lize - God is my oath
Loviz - famous warrior

Margrese - pearls
Magnhild - mighty battle
Merit - pearl

Nanna - courage

Rebecca - the trapper
Ragnbjorg - wise protector
Ragnfridr - wise and beautiful
Ragnheider - bright light
Ragnhildr - Battle Advisor

Saga - seer
Siv - bride
Sign - new victory
Signy - new victory
Sigridr - a beautiful victory
Sigritr - a beautiful victory
Sigrun - the secret of victory
Sif - bride
Silge - blind
Skald - future
Solveig - strong house

Tyra is a god
Torah - thunder
Torbjorg - Thor's defense
Torberta - the shine of Thor
Torfridr - Thor's world
Torfritr - Thor's world
Thorhild - slain by Thor
Tofa - Thor's world

Urd - fate

Frea - lady, mistress
Freidja - lady, mistress
Freya - lady, mistress
Frigga - to love
Frita - peace

Khjordis - goddess of the sword
Heidrun - wasteland

Eidis - goddess of the island
Eir - help, merciful

Destiny is character. Character is adjusted, including through thoughts. The most the main idea This name. The name introduces changes in character. Then the character changes fate and future. Since all people are different, any generalizations that ignore a person’s individuality are incorrect.