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Parents all over the United States are looking for the most unique names for their babies and who could blame them, right?! A name should represent your child’s personality and should mean something important since it will follow your little one his or her entire life.
Baby names Norwegian or otherwise should come with a story and a meaning. Some parents spend months searching for those letters to come to life. Their child represents their most precious gift of all and the name should fit just like a puzzle piece.
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1. Anders
This is the Scandinavian version of the name Andrew.
Meaning of Anders
son of Andrew, courageous
Origin of Anders
Norwegian, Swedish, Greek
Pronunciation of Anders
AHN-ders, AN-duhrz
Variations of Anders
Anderson, Andrew, Andreas, Andre
Anders Trends
Anders was more popular as a boy name in the U.S. between 1967 and 2010. It was more commonly-met in states like New York, Florida, and Wisconsin.
Fun Fact
In Greek, Anders originates from “Andros” which means manly and warrior.
Nickname
Andy, Andie, Drew
Famous People Named Anders
Anders Holm (comedian), Anders Bagge (composer)
2. Felix
Although this name has Scandinavian origins, many Spanish-speaking countries use it as well.
Meaning of Felix
Happiness, prosperous, lucky
Origin of Felix
Latin
Pronunciation of Felix
F-EE-l-ih-k-s
Variations of Felix
Felice, Felizio, Flicks
Felix Trends
This is a very popular name, with over 61,300 newborns named Felix since 1880. In 2018, 1,630 families named their sons Felix.
Fun Fact
Felix the Cat is a popular cartoon character.
Nickname
Fex, Fefe, Fee
Famous People Named Felix
Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy (German composer), Felix Herngren (actor, comedian)
3. Silva
The initial Scandinavian version of this name was Silia or Silja.
Meaning of Silva
forest, woodland maid
Origin of Silva
Norwegian, Latin
Pronunciation of Silva
s-ih-l-v-uh
Variations of Silva
Silvia, Silvana, Sylvie, Sylvia
Silva Trends
This was a more popular name between 1983 and 1996. You could find girls named Silva in California, New York, and Texas.
Fun Fact
Da or De Silva is a surname that’s very common in countries like Brazil and Portugal.
Nickname
Sil, Silvy
Famous People Named Silva
Sylva Koscina (actress), Silva Bendrāte (politician and radio journalist)
4. Oliver
This name has several different roots many meanings but, in Norwegian, it means “the kind one.”
Meaning of Oliver
kind one, peace, olive tree, the ancestor’s descendant
Origin of Oliver
Scandinavian, English, Old Norse, Latin, French
Pronunciation of Oliver
oh-l-ee-v-EH-r
Variations of Oliver
Olivier, Olivero, Noll, Olaf
Oliver Trends
Since 1880, almost 100,000 newborns have been named Oliver. In 2012, nearly 5,900 baby boys were given this name.
Fun Fact
Oliver Twist is the main character of an English musical that bases its story on a novel written by Charles Dickens.
Nickname
Olley, Nolly, Ollie
Famous People Named Oliver
Oliver Platt (actor), Oliver Hardy (comedian)
5. Fredrick
Some of this name’s characteristics are intuition, inspiration, and spirituality.
Meaning of Fredrick
peaceful ruler
Origin of Fredrick
Scandinavian, Czechoslovakian, English
Pronunciation of Fredrick
f-r-EH-d-r-ih-k
Variations of Fredrick
Bedrich, Friedrich, Frederick
Fredrick Trends
Since 1880, over 62,200 baby boys have been given this name. It was a very popular name in the 1950s.
Fun Fact
Frederick the Great was a Prussian ruler who reined from 1740 until 1786.
Nickname
Fred, Freddie
Famous People Named Fredrick
Frederick Douglass (autobiographer), Frederick Catherwood (architect)
6. Emma
Emma is a simple yet beautiful and feminine name.
Meaning of Emma
universal, all-embracing
Origin of Emma
Scandinavian, Germanic, Latin
Pronunciation of Emma
EH-m-uh
Variations of Emma
Emmett, Emily, Emmanuela, Emmalee
Emma Trends
This name was very fashionable in the 1900s. Since 1880, over 550,000 baby girls have been named Emma. In 2003, almost 22,700 newborns were given this name.
Fun Fact
This name started to become popular in the United States in the 1990s.
Nickname
Emmie
Famous People Named Emma
Emma Stone (actress), Emma Thompson (actress)
7. Oskar
Oskar is a great name for your baby boy and it means deer lover or gentle friend.
Meaning of Oskar
Divine spear, deer lover
Origin of Oskar
Old Norse, Irish
Pronunciation of Oskar
os-kar
Variations of Oskar
Oscar, Osgood, Oszkár
Oskar Trends
Since 1880, over 187,200 newborns have been named Oscar. In 2006, more than 3,500 baby boys were named Oscar.
Fun Fact
The famous Oscar, the golden movie award statuette was previously known as the iron man.
Nickname
Ozzy
Famous People Named Oskar
Oscar Wilde (poet), Oscar de la Renta (fashion designer)
8. Frida
Frida or Frieda comes from the word “friede” which translates into peace.
Meaning of Frida
peaceful ruler, peace
Origin of Frida
Scandinavian, German, Spanish
Pronunciation of Frida
FRIY-D-ah
Variations of Frida
Frederica, Fridah, Frideborg
Frida Trends
Since 1880, almost 3,000 baby girls have been given this name. It is a unique and exotic name.
Fun Fact
Frida Kahlo, the famous painter, went through no less than 35 surgeries because of a bus accident she had when she was very young. This is not a “fun” fact but it is very interesting.
Nickname
Frida
Famous People Named Frida
Frida Kahlo (painter), Frida Söderström (online star)
9. Ella
Ella is a short and sweet girl name that has three different origins.
Meaning of Ella
all, young girl
Origin of Ella
Old Norse, Old German, Spanish
Pronunciation of Ella
EH-l-uh
Variations of Ella
Ellaruth, Ellasyn, Ellen, Eleanor
Ella Trends
Since 1880, over 254,300 baby girls have been named Ella. In 2010, almost 9,800 newborns were given this name, in the U.S.
Fun Fact
Ella can also be a nickname for names such as Gabriella or Isabella.
Nickname
Ellie, Elle
Famous People Named Ella
Ella Fitzgerald (singer), Ella Anderson (TV actress)
10. Elias
Elias is a more musical and exotic version of the name Elijah.
Meaning of Elias
God is the Lord
Origin of Elias
Norwegian, English, Hebrew
Pronunciation of Elias
ee-LIE-uhs
Variations of Elias
Ellison, Ellis, Ellsworth
Elias Trends
Since 1880, nearly 54,500 newborns have been given this name. In 2012, almost 3,200 baby boys were named Elias.
Fun Fact
People from several countries consider this a beautiful and loved name: Norway, France, UK, Sweden, Portugal, Germany, Poland, Spain, and Italy.
Nickname
Elly, Elias
Famous People Named Elias
Elias Howe (inventor), Elias Canetti (winner of the Nobel prize)
11. Mathias
This name is an eight in terms of numerology which is associated with power, abundance, and wealth.
Meaning of Mathias
Gift of God
Origin of Mathias
German, Scandinavian, Greek, Hebrew
Pronunciation of Mathias
muh-TEE-us
Variations of Mathias
Mateus, Matthew, Matteo, Mattison
Mathias Trends
Since 1880, almost 3,200 baby boys have been named Mathias. In 2012, around 350 newborns were given this name.
Fun Fact
It was a very popular name in the 1800s. Then, it almost disappeared only to resurface in 2003.
Nickname
Mats, Mat, Massey, Matty
Famous People Named Mathias
Matthias Bieber (hockey player), Matthias Bartke (politician)
12. Hanna
Hanna is the Slavic and Scandinavian version of the English name Hannah.
Meaning of Hanna
graceful, God is merciful
Origin of Hanna
Scandinavian, Hebrew
Pronunciation of Hanna
Han-NUH
Variations of Hanna
Hannah, Hannan, Hannicka, Hania
Hanna Trends
Since 1880, almost 32,000 baby girls have been named Hanna in the United States.
Fun Fact
Hannah is a Biblical name that appears in the Old Testament.
Nickname
Hanne, Hannie
Famous People Named Hanna
Hannah Simone (actress), Hannah Jeter (model)
13. Johannes
This name has old origins but, nowadays, you will find multiple exotic and modern alternatives.
Meaning of Johannes
God is Gracious
Origin of Johannes
Hebrew, Scandinavian
Pronunciation of Johannes
joh-han-eez
Variations of Johannes
John, Johann, Jackson, Jenkins, Jones, Hans, Sean,
Johannes Trends
Since 1880, 644 baby boys have been given this name. In 2010, 221 families decided to name their sons Johannes.
Fun Fact
Johannes Brahms was a well-known pianist and composer who started playing piano at only 7 years old.
Nickname
Joe, Joensy, Jones, Johnsie
Famous People Named Johannes
Jóhannes Ásbjörnsson (TV show host), Johannes Bitter (handball goalkeeper)
14. Mathilde
This is an elegant and classy girl’s name.
Meaning of Mathilde
strong in war, battle maiden, battle maiden, battle might
Origin of Mathilde
French, German, Scandinavian
Pronunciation of Mathilde
muh-til-duh
Variations of Mathilde
Mathilda, Mattye, Matilda, Matelda, Tilda
Mathilde Trends
Until 1916, this name was a very popular one. Since 1880, 645 newborns have been named Mathilde, in the U.S.
Fun Fact
Matilda is the main character of the novel with the same name. There was even a movie made based on the book.
Nickname
Mattie, Tillie, Maddy, Maddie
Famous People Named Mathilde
Matilda Price (model), Matilda Brown (actress)
15. Aurora
Aurora was a character of Roman mythology.
Meaning of Aurora
Gold, dawn, dawn goddess
Origin of Aurora
Latin, Greek, Scandinavian
Pronunciation of Aurora
uh-r-OH-r-aa
Variations of Aurora
Aurelia, Aurore, Aurelie, Aurorah
Aurora Trends
Since 1988, this name’s popularity has constantly increased. In 2012, almost 1,900 baby girls were named Aurora.
Fun Fact
In the Maleficent movie series, there’s a good character called Aurora.
Nickname
Ora, Aurie
Famous People Named Aurora
Aurora Perrineau (actress), Aurora Rose Reynolds (novelist)
16. Benjamin
This name first appeared in the Bible as one of Jacob’s sons (the youngest one).
Meaning of Benjamin
“The Son of My Right Hand”
Origin of Benjamin
Hebrew, Scandinavian
Pronunciation of Benjamin
B-EH-N-j-uh-m-ih-n
Variations of Benjamin
Benyamin, Ben
Benjamin Trends
Since 1880, over 663,400 baby boys have been given this name. In 1989, no less than 15,700 newborns were named Benjamin.
Fun Fact
Benjamin Button is the main character played by Brad Pitt in a fantasy romantic drama movie.
Nickname
Benny, Benji
Famous People Named Benjamin
Ben Affleck (actor), Ben Kingsley (actor)
17. Victoria
This name has been used since the existence of Roman mythology. Victoria was the victory goddess.
Meaning of Victoria
Victory, winner, conqueror
Origin of Victoria
Latin, Scandinavian
Pronunciation of Victoria
VIK-tor-ee-AH
Variations of Victoria
Victoire, Viktoria, Victorienne
Victoria Trends
Since 1880, more than 448,200 baby girls have been given this name. In 1993, almost 13,000 newborns were named Victoria.
Fun Fact
Based on numerology, the name Victoria comes with the following characteristics: wisdom, intuition, eccentricity, and solitude.
Nickname
Vicky, Tori
Famous People Named Victoria
Queen Victoria (of the United Kingdom), Victoria Beckham (singer, fashion designer)
18. Sebastian
This is a much loved name in countries like Norway, England, Austria, Sweden, and Denmark.
Meaning of Sebastian
venerable, revered one
Origin of Sebastian
Latin, Greek, Scandinavian
Pronunciation of Sebastian
seh-BAS-tyehn
Variations of Sebastian
Sebastien, Bastien
Sebastian Trends
After 1988, this name became very popular in the United States. In 2012, almost 6,700 newborns were named Sebastian.
Fun Fact
Numerologists say that boys named Sebastian tend to be more caring and compassionate.
Nickname
Basty, Seby, Sebie
Famous People Named Sebastian
Sebastian Stan (actor), Sebastian Bach (musician)
19. Amanda
Amanda as a girl’s name first appeared in the 1600s and it is another alternative to the name Miranda.
Meaning of Amanda
Love, worthy of love
Origin of Amanda
Latin, Scandinavian
Pronunciation of Amanda
uh-man-duh
Variations of Amanda
Amandah, Amandy
Amanda Trends
Since 1880, nearly 780,000 newborns have been given this name. It was a very popular name choice between 1970 and 2012.
Fun Fact
Those named Amanda are believed to be beautiful girls and fun to be around.
Nickname
Mandy, Mandie
Famous People Named Amanda
Amanda Bynes (actress), Amanda Seyfried (actress)
20. Tobias
Ever since the Middle Ages, this particular name has been linked to “Tobias and the Angel” which is a Biblical tale.
Meaning of Tobias
God is Good
Origin of Tobias
Hebrew, Scandinavian
Pronunciation of Tobias
tuh-bahy-uh s
Variations of Tobias
Tobiah, Tobin, Tova
Tobias Trends
This name was popular around 2007 when almost 560 families chose to name their sons Tobias.
Fun Fact
Tobias Snape is a well-known Harry Potter character.
Nickname
Toby, Tobey
Famous People Named Tobias
Toby Keith (singer), Tobias Harris (basketball player)
21. Annika
Annika is a commonly-met name in Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Germany.
Meaning of Annika
merciful, gracious
Origin of Annika
German, Scandinavian
Pronunciation of Annika
AHN-i-kuh
Variations of Annika
Anna, Annie, Hannah, Anne
Annika Trends
In the U.S., this name became popular after 1990. In 2003, 1,087 newborns were named Annika.
Fun Fact
Those named Annika are believed to be adventurous, intellectual, and easygoing.
Nickname
Annie
Famous People Named Annika
Annika Beck (tennis player), Annika Kipp (TV presenter)
22. Henrik
Henrik is the Scandinavian version of the English name Henry.
Meaning of Henrik
Lord’s manor, ruler of the home
Origin of Henrik
Old English, Scandinavian
Pronunciation of Henrik
HEHN-rihk
Variations of Henrik
Hendrick, Hedric, Hendrix, Hendrickson
Henrik Trends
Since 1880, over 628,500 baby boys have been named Henry which is a derivate of Henrik.
Fun Fact
This name can be found in numerous countries, in a diverse range of alternatives: Henri (French), Heinrich (German), etc.
Nickname
Henrik, Nick
Famous People Named Henrik
Henrik Lundqvist (ice hockey goaltender), Henrik Edward Larsson (football manager)
23. Kristoffer
The American form of Kristoffer is Christopher.
Meaning of Kristoffer
Bearing of Christ
Origin of Kristoffer
Greek, Scandinavian
Pronunciation of Kristoffer
k-r-ih-s-t-aw-f-uh-r
Variations of Kristoffer
Kristofer, Kristopher, Christopher
Kristoffer Trends
In the 1970s, Kristoffer was a more popular name than it is today. Nowadays, parents prefer to name their sons Christopher. In 1978, 312 newborns were named Kristoffer.
Since 1880, almost 2 million baby boys have been named Christopher in the U.S. In 1984, over 60,000 newborns were given this name.
Fun Fact
In Sweden, there’s a name day celebration for those who are named Kristoffer and it is on the 15th of March.
Nickname
Kris, Chris
Famous People Named Kristoffer
Kris Humphries (basketball player), Christopher Walken (actor)
24. Nora
This name was initially the short version of Eleanor.
Meaning of Nora
dignified, light, honor, the bright one
Origin of Nora
Irish, Latin, Greek, French, Scandinavian
Pronunciation of Nora
n-AW-r-ah
Variations of Nora
Norah, Noralie, Honor, Noria, Norina, Noreen
Nora Trends
Since 1880, this name was given to 119,310 baby girls. In 2012, almost 2,900 newborns were named Nora.
Fun Fact
This honorable name comes with the following characteristics: creativity, popularity, happiness, and optimism.
Nickname
Norry, Norie
Famous People Named Nora
Nora Dunn (actress), Nora Roberts (novelist)
25. Erik
Erik is a very beautiful yet common name in all the Scandinavian countries.
Meaning of Erik
Ruler of all
Origin of Erik
Scandinavian
Pronunciation of Erik
EH-r-ih-k
Variations of Erik
Eric, Erikson, Erico
Erik Trends
Since 1880, there have been 146,000 baby boys who got the name Erik. It was particularly popular between 1970 and 2012.
Fun Fact
Many Scandinavian Vikings and Kings had this name.
Nickname
Ery
Famous People Named Erik
Eric Clapton (musician), Erik Cassel (entrepreneur)
Best Baby Names Norwegian– FAQ
According to the National Museum of Denmark, in the Viking age, many names were chosen after animals and Gods, like Thor. Here are some of the vest Viking names of those times and their meanings: Orm – serpent; Ulf – wolf; Bjørn – bear; Frode – clever and wise; Sten – stone; Torsten – stone, Thor. Here’s a brief list of popular female names from the Viking period: Astrid – loved, beautiful; Frida – peace; Hilda – fighter; Helga – sacred; Revna – raven; Gertrud – spear.
Female names: Emma; Nora; Olivia; Emilie; Leah; Sara; Sofie. Male names: Lucas; Filip; Oskar; Oliver; Noah; Jakob; Henrik.
Here are some of the coolest Scandinavian baby names: Annika; Juni (Yoo-nee); Danique (the Scandinavian version of Danielle); Malin (MAH-lin); Freya (in Norse mythology, this was the name of the goddess of beauty).
For girls, some of the most common names are Emma, Sophie, and Zoe. For boys, the most common first names are Alexander, Lucas, and Elias. As for the unisex names, here are some of the most popular ones: Danny, Nicky, and Robin.
Bottom Line
It’s normal to take some time before choosing a name for your little bundle of joy. After all, that name will accompany your child his or her entire life so it should be both interesting and meaningful. Any of the baby names listed today are of Scandinavian origins and, most of them, are pretty unique in the United States.
Images sources: Unsplash.com
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