Scandinavia: The land that brought us some of the most inspiring and endearing names from all of Europe. The beauty of the region’s green rolling hills, storied cities, and crystal blue canals is reflected in the common names of its people.
Maybe folks saw a movie like Frozen, or took a trip to Stockholm (for the shopping and history, of course), and can’t get those gorgeous-sounding names out of their heads. Whether it’s a boy or a girl, there are plenty of sweet Scandinavian names to choose from for baby.
Sure, a few of the names in this list may be trite by this point, but you could also consider them storied, tried, and true. We’ve also found some names that are truly unheard of in the US, giving that next child a rare name.
While of course there are known gems like Nora and Otto, this list is full of obscure and sweet names like Signe and Bodie. Each one has strong Scandinavian roots and likely has an interesting story behind it. All of them would make for perfect monkiners for little ones entering the world this year.
So, here are 30 excellent and sweet-sounding baby names for both boys and girls that originate from the Scandinavian countries of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Iceland.
ELSA
We may as well get the most obvious out of the way, right? With the release of Frozen 2 in 2019, this truly beautiful name will only grow more popular. The most popular name in Sweden as of 2014, Elsa is a pet form of Elizabeth meaning “consecrated to God” in Teutonic German.
OTTO
A popular name in Sweden, derived from the Old High German names Otho and Odo, Otto has both royal and welcoming intonations to it, we think. This name also can go with lots of different last names, as it’s universally disarming and sincere.
INGRID
Ingrid may at first either look or sound harsh, but know that it’s actually an Old Norse name related to the fertility god, Frey. As such, it’s an extremely popular name in Sweden, and intonates someone who is both practical and reliable.
CASPER
Here’s the thing: we get exactly who and what is associated with the name Casper, but we think it’s time to take it back. It’s been forever associated with, well, friendliness — and as such should inspire a child with that same excellent attitude.
NORA
Nora may seem like an old fashioned name, and maybe we’re just old souls, but the name is also associated with honor. With that, Nora both sounds elegant and should drive trust from others, given its origins and timeless sound.
OLAV
Originating in Norway, Olav means “ancestor’s descendant” in Old Norse, and has a soft sound to it for generally a boys' name. The name is associated with both strong and wise individuals of the past, and also simply sounds warm and inviting.
LINNEA
Linnea is another popular Swedish name, given to a type of flower in the region by the Swedish botanist who developed the system of botanical naming we use today. And, honestly, it just sounds beautiful, comforting and confident — people should feel at ease around someone with such a name.
ONNI
This Finnish name represents “happiness” or “luck” in the country. So, just name a kid Onni, and he’ll be set, right? Of course not, but it has a lovelier sound to an English-speaker's ear than other boys' names from Finland.
ALMA
Sweden is killing it on this list of names, producing yet another gorgeous-sounding name that means “dear” in Latin. It’s just another of those names that sounds diffusing, fun-loving, and honorable.
ÓLAFUR
Coming from Iceland mostly, but popular for centuries throughout Scandinavia, Ólafur may sound a little — dare we say — oafish, but in the most lovable way. It’s easy to picture a gentle giant with this name, someone who will both protect people and be both cuddly and approachable.
GRETA
Thanks to the incredible environmental activist Greta Thunberg, we can only hope to see this Swedish name gain more prominence in the coming years. It’s quite obviously a strong-sounding name, but also one that that is stunning, just like the pearl, from which its name is synonymous with in German.
EINAR
Einar was an incredibly popular Icelandic name in 2007, and is connected to the mythical einherjar, or the spirits of warriors who died in battle brought back to Valhalla by the valkyries. Strong sounding, yes, but we also think some might find it honorable and caring.
ASTRID
Astrid is a Norwegian name that is based on an adaptation of a rough translation from Old Norse to mean “beautiful god.” So, while a little harsh sounding at first, the name begins to grow on us, and we begin to associate it with pride and conviction, not to mention caring.
JOHANNES
Johannes is a much softer take on the more common Johan, and there sounds much more approachable and relatable. This is obviously a Swedish take on the name John or Jonathan, but is nevertheless distinctive.
MARI
A Norwegian take on the name Marie, but pronounced “MAHR-ee,” this name is just attractive in both appearance on a page and sound. This name inspires feelings of love and calm, and dare we say sounds way cuter than the traditional “Marie.”
SIGURD
Another Norwegian name, Sigurd derives from the Old Norse for “victory” and is also the same name of the mythic Norse story of the dragon slayer that defeats the dragon Fafnir. So, it’s no doubt a name of strength, but it also sounds heroic and protective.
SÓLEY
This Icelandic name literally means “sun island” or more colloquially “buttercup” — it doesn’t get much sweeter than that. We love its pronunciation of “SOH-lay,” and it’s so unusual.
EMIL
Originating from an old Roman family, Emil, a Western European name, is incredibly popular in Denmark and other parts of Europe. This is probably one of the most welcoming-sounding names for boys from the region.
VILDE
Here’s a Norse name that is shorthand for "Elf Battle,” which is unmatched in how absolutely cool that is. We also find Vilde, an Icelandic name, to have a sound at the end of its pronunciation that’s just lovely.
VALEDMAR
A name fit for a king- truly. Valdemar Birgersson served as the king of Sweden from 1250-75 alongside his father, and it is a name rising in popularity amongst Scandinavian people. We love how strong it sounds.
SVEN
Dating back to norse mythology, Sven' refers to a "young boy or squire". It also means "youth," which is kind of perfect for parents who know that their son s always going to be their baby boy.
VIGGO
For parents who are raising a fighter, like a sweet preemie, the name Viggo is a perfect moniker. Not only is it a strong sounding name, it embodies strength. It's of Nordic descent and means "battle, fight, war-like."
LEIF
Sometimes our bouncing baby boys are born unto us as old souls. For little guys who embody the stoicism of a wise, older gentleman, the Norse name Leif is perfect. Derived from "Leifr," this name means "what is remaining, relic."
QUENBY
Looking for a cute and quirky name for a baby girl? Quenby might be the most perfect candidate. Though the name is cutesy sounding, it's meaning is rather regal — "queenly" or "queens settlement" type of regal in fact.
HALDEN
For families who love nature and everything about it, Halden would be an excellent addition to the family. Derived from a town n Norway, the name itself means "rise or slope," which isn't just a nod to the landscape, but could also be interpreted for as a more ethereal meaning as well. Though the name is technically for a boy, we think it is more unisex and a girl would sound fierce with this name!
TYRELL
The name Tyrell has been a popularized boy's name in many parts of the world for some time. Though the English and Irish both lay claim to it, it is actually derivative of the Scandinavian god of battle "Tyr."
KARI
Whether a little boy or a little girl is entering the family, Kari is an excellent name to give them. It's short, sweet, and to the point and has a whimsy about it only "I" names can really have.
SIGNE
In Norse legend, Signe was the twin sister of Sigmund and the wife of Siggeir. Her name meant "victory" or "new" so it is kind of perfect for any little fierce lady making an entry into the family. We love how it's a name that will stand out but still has a lot of history.
FREYA
A name for a true beauty. Freya's Norse roots telly the story of the goddess of fertility, and was hailed as the most beautiful of the goddesses. It's a short, gorgeous name for any woman to have.
BODIE
This sweet name is actually an offshoot of the name Boden. It's an old male Scandinavian name that means "shelter; one who brings news." It's a perfectly quirky and adorable name that is rising in popularity.
