They were some of the most fearless and bold people who ever lived. do you want to know what makes them still interesting? Their cool names!
Viking Names were not just random words to call each other. Uh-uh, every name had an important meaning behind it, often describing brave attributes or powerful qualities or a deep affinity with nature which Vikings adored.
When a baby was called “Thorin” it wasn’t just about giving him a name; rather it meant that from the very beginning, he was endowed with a portion of the strength and power of Thor – the mighty Thunder God!
Viking Names
To truly appreciate the richness of Viking names, let’s explore a few examples and their meanings:
- Leif (Descendant)
- Freya (Lady)
- Odin (Fury or Frenzy)
- Thor (Thunder)
- Sven (Young Man)
- Astrid (Beautiful)
- Loki (Knot or Trickster)
- Sigrid (Beautiful Victory)
- Eirik (Eternal Ruler)
- Helga (Holy or Blessed)
Famous Vikings and Their Names
Throughout history, numerous Vikings have left an indelible mark on the annals of time. Here are some of the most renowned Vikings and the meanings behind their names:
| Name | Meaning | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Ragnar Lodbrok | Hairy Breeches | Legendary Viking hero and ruler |
| Erik the Red | Eternal Ruler of Red Hair | Founder of the first Norse settlement in Greenland |
| Leif Erikson | Descendant Son of Erik | Reputed first European to reach North America |
| Ivar the Boneless | Warrior with a Disability | Fearsome Viking commander and leader of the Great Heathen Army |
| Harald Hardrada | Hardrule or Hardruler | King of Norway and formidable military leader |
Male Viking Names
Viking names for males often reflected strength, bravery, and a connection to nature or Norse mythology. Here are some popular examples:
| Name | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Arnor | Eagle Warrior | Old Norse |
| Bodvar | Messenger of Victory | Old Norse |
| Eystein | Prosperous | Old Norse |
| Folke | People’s Warrior | Old Norse |
| Haakon | High Son | Old Norse |
| Ketil | Cauldron | Old Norse |
| Orm | Serpent | Old Norse |
| Ragnvald | Mighty Ruler | Old Norse |
| Svein | Young Man | Old Norse |
| Torgil | Thor’s Hostage | Old Norse |
Female Viking Names
Viking women were highly respected and held important roles in society. Their names often conveyed beauty, strength, and wisdom.
| Name | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Asa | Divine Ancestor | Old Norse |
| Bryndis | Armor of Battle | Old Norse |
| Gudrid | God’s Rider | Old Norse |
| Hildevig | Battle Consecrated | Old Norse |
| Ragnhild | Mighty Battle | Old Norse |
| Signý | Victory Guarantor | Old Norse |
| Svanhild | Battle Swan | Old Norse |
| Thora | Thunder | Old Norse |
| Thorunn | Thor’s Gift | Old Norse |
| Ylva | She-Wolf | Old Norse |
Cool Viking Names
If you’re seeking a name that exudes a fearless and adventurous spirit, consider these cool Viking names:
| Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Thorin | Thunder |
| Fenrir | Wolf |
| Skari | Brave |
| Vali | Chosen One |
| Rolf | Wolf |
| Dag | Day |
| Rune | Secret Lore |
| Haakon | High Son |
| Jorund | Earth Traveler |
| Kol | Coal |
| Asmund | Divine Protection |
| Esben | Divine Bear |
| Frode | Wise |
| Heide | Heath Dweller |
| Hjalmar | Helmet Warrior |
| Olin | Ancestor’s Descendant |
| Rolf | Famous Wolf |
| Skuld | Debt |
| Solveig | Sun’s Power |
| Yngve | Ancestor |
Tough Viking Names
Viking Ship Names
Conclusion
Can you feel the ancient awesome power in these Viking Names we’ve learned about? Even just taking a little look shows how incredibly meaningful they were for representing the core values and lifestyles of the Norse peeps.
From honoring their admired gods and ancestors, to capturing the thrill of battling the crazy fierce elements of nature, Viking Names have a magical way of taking us on a trip back to that time of daring adventures and nature-worship. In one name like “Ragnar” or “Brynhild,” you can vividly imagine the mythical spirit that drove Vikings’ quests for total glory.
But Viking Names aren’t just dusty old history. They give us a chance to put that same primal awesomeness of adventure, toughness, and respect for nature into our modern lives. Whether naming your child something like “Viglund” (Battle Grove) or “Astrid” (Beautiful), or picking one for yourself – each name carries an epic tale that can inspire you to live life boldly.
