Ever found yourself scrolling through baby name lists and suddenly stopping at names like Freya or Astrid?
There’s something captivating about Nordic names – they sound both powerful and beautiful at the same time.
I’ve always been drawn to them myself, and I’m not alone! Nordic girl names have become increasingly popular worldwide, and for good reason.
Let’s dive into these gorgeous Scandinavian names – where they come from, what they mean, and why so many parents are falling in love with them.
Nordic Names for Girls
- Freya – Derived from Old Norse, meaning “lady” or “noblewoman,” associated with the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility
- Astrid – Old Norse origin meaning “divinely beautiful” or “god’s strength”
- Ingrid – Old Norse name meaning “Ing’s beauty” or “beautiful,” with Ing being an ancient Germanic god
- Sigrid – Classic Old Norse name meaning “victory” and “beautiful” or “wisdom”
- Solveig – Norwegian name meaning “path of the sun” or “strong house”
- Liv – Scandinavian name meaning “life” or “protection”
- Saga – Old Norse name meaning “seeing one” or “seeress,” also the modern word for “story”
- Signe – Danish and Norwegian form of Signy, meaning “new victory”
- Frida – Old Norse origin meaning “beautiful, beloved, peaceful”
- Linnea – Swedish name inspired by the Linnaea flower, named after botanist Carl Linnaeus
- Dagny – Old Norse name meaning “new day”
- Idun/Idunn – From Norse mythology, the goddess who kept the apples of eternal youth
- Elin – Scandinavian form of Helen, meaning “bright, shining light”
- Thora – Feminine form of Thor, meaning “thunder” in Old Norse
- Lykke – Danish and Norwegian name meaning “happiness” or “good fortune”
- Runa – Old Norse name meaning “secret lore” or “secret wisdom”
- Yrsa – Old Norse name of a legendary queen in Norse sagas
- Sif – Norse mythology name of Thor’s wife, known for her golden hair
- Thyra – Old Norse name meaning “Thor’s warrior” or “thunder battle”
- Embla – In Norse mythology, the first woman created from an elm tree
- Kari – Norwegian name meaning “pure” or “clean”
- Alva – Swedish and Norwegian name meaning “elf” or “supernatural being”
- Hilda – Old Norse name meaning “battle” or “warrior woman”
- Tuva – Scandinavian name meaning “tuft of grass” or “beautiful hill”
- Nanna – Norse mythology name of Balder’s wife, associated with joy and peace
Find more beautiful names in our collection of beautiful group names.
Nordic Girl Names
- Alma – Gaining popularity in Sweden and Denmark, meaning “soul” or “nourishing”
- Freja – Danish spelling of Freya, the goddess of love and beauty in Norse mythology
- Ella – Modern favorite across Nordic countries, meaning “all” or “other”
- Sofia/Sophia – Popular throughout the Nordic region, meaning “wisdom”
- Agnes – Greek origin but very popular in Sweden and Denmark, meaning “pure” or “holy”
- Olivia – Latin origin but a top choice in Nordic countries, associated with olive trees and peace
- Maja – Nordic form of May, associated with spring and new growth
- Elsa – Scandinavian shortened form of Elisabeth, meaning “God is my oath”
- Lilja – Nordic name meaning “lily,” symbolizing purity and beauty
- Nora – Shortened form of Eleanor or Honora, meaning “honor” or “light”
- Selma – Old Norse origin possibly meaning “godly helmet” or “divine protection”
- Svea – Swedish name personifying Sweden itself, meaning “Swede”
- Ebba – Old Norse name meaning “strength” or “protector”
- Vera – Though Russian in origin, very popular in Scandinavia, meaning “faith” or “truth”
- Ester – Persian origin meaning “star,” widely used throughout Nordic countries
- Tyra – Feminine form of the god Tyr’s name, meaning “thunder” or “son of Thor”
- Mira – Has various origins but popular in Sweden, meaning “peace” or “wonderful”
- Siri – Scandinavian diminutive of Sigrid, meaning “beautiful victory”
- Tove – Old Norse name meaning “beautiful Thor” or “Thor’s beauty”
- Greta – Short form of Margaret, meaning “pearl,” popular throughout Scandinavia
- Juni – Swedish name referring to the month of June
- Ronja – Modern Swedish name created by author Astrid Lindgren, associated with dawn
- Matilda – Germanic origin meaning “strength in battle,” popular in Nordic countries
- Nova – Latin origin meaning “new,” increasingly popular in Nordic countries
- Lova – Swedish name derived from Louis, meaning “famous warrior”
For more inspiration, check out our collection of strong girl names.
Female Nordic Names
- Astrid – Old Norse name meaning “divinely beautiful,” popular royal name in Sweden and Norway
- Freya – Named after the Norse goddess of love, beauty, fertility, and gold
- Ingrid – Classic Old Norse name meaning “Ing’s beauty,” with Ing being a fertility god
- Saga – Old Norse name meaning “seeing one” or modern Swedish word for “fairy tale”
- Solvieg – Norwegian name meaning “path of the sun” or “daughter of the house”
- Britta/Britta – Scandinavian form of Bridget, meaning “strength” or “exalted one”
- Gudrun – Old Norse name meaning “god’s secret lore” or “god’s secret wisdom”
- Helga – Old Norse name meaning “holy” or “blessed”
- Karina – Scandinavian form of Katherine, meaning “pure”
- Lena – Shortened form of Helena or Magdalena, popular throughout Scandinavia
- Sigrid – Old Norse name combining “victory” and “beautiful” or “wisdom”
- Elin – Scandinavian form of Helen, meaning “bright, shining light”
- Edda – Old Norse name meaning “great-grandmother” or “poetry”
- Vigdis – Old Norse name meaning “war goddess” or “female warrior”
- Gunhild – Old Norse name meaning “battle maid” or “war fighter”
- Ragnhild – Old Norse name meaning “battle advisor” or “goddess of wise counsel”
- Revna – Old Norse name meaning “raven”
- Liv – Simple Nordic name meaning “life” or “protection”
- Eira – Norse name meaning “mercy” or “help,” also associated with snow
- Frida – Old Norse name meaning “beautiful” and “peace”
- Dagmar – Old Norse name meaning “day maiden” or “glory of the day”
- Birgitta – Scandinavian form of Bridget, meaning “exalted one”
- Inga – Old Norse name derived from Ing, a fertility god
- Svana – Icelandic name meaning “swan”
- Hedvig – Old Germanic name popular in Scandinavia, meaning “battle” and “war”
For names with similar powerful meanings, see our collection of warrior team names.
Nordic Girl Names From Northern Europe
- Astrid – Traditional Old Norse name meaning “divinely beautiful,” popular in Sweden and Norway
- Idun/Idunn – From Norse mythology, the goddess who kept the magical apples of youth
- Freya/Freja – Named after the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility in Norse mythology
- Linnea – Swedish name inspired by the Linnaea flower, named after Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus
- Sigrid – Old Norse name meaning “victory” and “beautiful” or “wisdom”
- Tuva – Norwegian name possibly meaning “tuft of grass” or “beautiful hill”
- Maja – Nordic version of May, popular across Scandinavia
- Saga – Old Norse name meaning “seeress,” also the modern word for “story” in Swedish
- Solveig – Norwegian name meaning “path of the sun” or “strong house”
- Liv – Short Nordic name meaning “life” or “protection”
- Ingrid – Classic Old Norse name meaning “Ing’s beauty,” Ing being a fertility god
- Elsa – Scandinavian form of Elisabeth, meaning “God is my oath”
- Tove – Old Norse name meaning “beautiful Thor”
- Frida – Old Norse name meaning “peace” and “beautiful”
- Alva – Swedish name meaning “elf” or “supernatural being”
- Svea – Swedish name personifying Sweden itself
- Thea – Short form of Dorothea, meaning “gift of God,” popular in Norway
- Ronja – Modern Swedish name created by author Astrid Lindgren
- Sanna – Finnish/Scandinavian short form of Susanna, meaning “lily”
- Eira – Norse name meaning “mercy,” also associated with snow in Finnish
- Aino – Finnish name derived from “ainoa” meaning “the only one”
- Lilja – Nordic version of Lily, popular especially in Iceland
- Embla – In Norse mythology, the first woman created from an elm tree
- Signe – Danish and Norwegian name meaning “new victory”
- Erika – Scandinavian form of Erica, meaning “eternal ruler” or “ever powerful”
For more nature-inspired names, check out our collection of tree names for girls.
Sweet And Strong Nordic Baby Girl Names
- Freya – Named after the goddess of love and beauty, also associated with war and strength
- Astrid – Means “divinely beautiful” or “god’s strength,” combining beauty and power
- Sigrid – Old Norse name meaning “victory” and “beautiful” or “wisdom”
- Ingrid – Classic name meaning “Ing’s beauty,” a name with royal associations
- Solveig – Norwegian name meaning “path of the sun” or “strong house”
- Liv – Short, powerful name meaning “life” or “protection”
- Saga – Evokes both storytelling and the image of a “seeress” with special knowledge
- Thyra – Strong name meaning “Thor’s warrior” or “thunder battle”
- Hilda – Old Norse name meaning “battle” or “warrior woman”
- Brynhild – Powerful name from Norse legend meaning “armor” and “battle”
- Runa – Mystical-sounding name meaning “secret lore” or “hidden wisdom”
- Dagny – Bright, optimistic name meaning “new day”
- Gunhild – Strong traditional name meaning “battle maid”
- Alva – Mystical name meaning “elf” or “supernatural being”
- Eira – Gentle name meaning “mercy,” also associated with snow
- Lykke – Sweet name meaning “happiness” or “good fortune”
- Idun – From the goddess who kept the apples of eternal youth
- Vigdis – Powerful Old Norse name meaning “war goddess”
- Revna – Unique name meaning “raven,” a bird associated with wisdom
- Embla – From Norse mythology, the first woman, created from an elm tree
- Frida – Sweet name meaning “beautiful” and “peaceful”
- Siv/Sif – From Norse mythology, Thor’s wife known for her golden hair
- Ebba – Swedish name meaning “strength” or “protector”
- Yrsa – Name of a legendary queen in Norse sagas
- Tova – Warm name meaning “beautiful Thor” or “good”
For more strong name ideas, explore our collection of powerful team names.
Beautiful Nordic Female Names
- Freya – Named after the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, one of the most beautiful Norse goddesses
- Astrid – Means “divinely beautiful,” a name with royal connections in Sweden
- Ingrid – Classic name meaning “Ing’s beauty,” elegant and timeless
- Linnea – Named after a delicate pink forest flower, the twinflower
- Solveig – Poetic name meaning “path of the sun” or “strong house”
- Frida – Graceful name meaning “beautiful” and “peace”
- Saga – Evocative name meaning “seeing one” or “story”
- Lilja – Nordic version of Lily, representing purity and beauty
- Alva – Ethereal name meaning “elf” or “supernatural being”
- Sigrid – Regal name combining “victory” and “beautiful”
- Signe – Elegant name meaning “new victory”
- Lykke – Cheerful name meaning “happiness” or “good fortune”
- Idun – From the goddess of youth and beauty who kept magical apples
- Elin – Scandinavian form of Helen, meaning “bright, shining light”
- Tove – Charming name meaning “beautiful Thor”
- Maja – Fresh, springlike name popular across Scandinavia
- Svana – Graceful Icelandic name meaning “swan”
- Siv/Sif – From Norse mythology, Thor’s wife known for her golden hair
- Eira – Delicate name meaning “mercy,” also associated with snow
- Embla – Mythological name of the first woman in Norse creation stories
- Thea – Divine-sounding name popular in Norway, meaning “goddess”
- Ronja – Modern Swedish name with a wild, natural feeling
- Nova – Celestial name meaning “new,” increasingly popular in Nordic countries
- Svea – Patriotic Swedish name personifying Sweden itself
- Alma – Soulful name meaning “soul” or “nourishing”
For more beautiful naming ideas, check out our collection of flower names for girls.
Nordic Female Names
- Freya – Named after the Norse goddess of love, beauty, fertility, war, and gold, known for her necklace Brísingamen
- Astrid – Old Norse origin meaning “divinely beautiful” or “god’s strength,” name of Swedish author Astrid Lindgren
- Ingrid – Traditional Old Norse name meaning “Ing’s beauty,” Ing being a fertility god, popularized by actress Ingrid Bergman
- Sigrid – Classic Norse name meaning “victory” and “beautiful” or “victory rider,” common among medieval royalty
- Solveig – Norwegian name meaning “path of the sun” or “strong house,” featured in Ibsen’s Peer Gynt
- Liv – Concise Scandinavian name meaning “life” or “protection,” popularized by actress Liv Ullmann
- Saga – Old Norse name meaning “seeing one” or “seeress,” also the modern word for “story” in Swedish
- Linnea – Swedish name inspired by the Linnaea borealis flower, named after botanist Carl Linnaeus
- Frida – Old Norse name meaning “beautiful” and “peace,” famously borne by artist Frida Kahlo
- Idun/Idunn – From Norse mythology, the goddess who kept the magical apples that gave the gods eternal youth
- Siv/Sif – From Norse mythology, Thor’s wife known for her beautiful golden hair
- Alva – Swedish and Norwegian name meaning “elf” or “supernatural being”
- Elin – Scandinavian form of Helen, meaning “bright, shining light” or “torch”
- Thyra – Old Norse name meaning “Thor’s warrior” or “thunder battle”
- Gudrun – Old Norse name meaning “god’s secret lore” or “god’s secret wisdom”
- Hilda – Strong Old Norse name meaning “battle” or “warrior woman”
- Runa – Old Norse name meaning “secret lore” or “secret wisdom,” associated with runes
- Yrsa – Old Norse name of a legendary queen in Norse sagas and the Beowulf epic
- Embla – In Norse mythology, the first woman created from an elm tree by the gods
- Dagny – Optimistic Old Norse name meaning “new day”
- Helga – Traditional Old Norse name meaning “holy” or “blessed”
- Eira – Norse name meaning “mercy” or “help,” also associated with snow in Finnish
- Revna – Old Norse name meaning “raven,” a bird associated with Odin and wisdom
- Tova – Scandinavian name meaning “beautiful Thor” or “good”
- Lykke – Danish and Norwegian name meaning “happiness” or “good fortune”
For more unique name ideas, check out our collection of unique usernames.
What Are Nordic Names?
When we talk about Nordic names, we’re referring to names that originate from the Nordic countries – that’s Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, plus the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Åland. This region is often called Scandinavia (though technically, that’s just Norway, Sweden, and Denmark).
These names carry centuries of history, from the Viking Age through to modern Scandinavian culture. Many have roots in Old Norse, the language spoken by Vikings, while others reflect more recent cultural influences.
The Rich Cultural Roots of Nordic Names
Nordic naming traditions go way back – like, way way back to the Viking Age! The Vikings weren’t just fierce warriors; they had a rich mythology and deep connection to nature that influenced their naming practices.
Norse Mythology’s Influence
Many of the coolest Nordic names come directly from Norse gods and goddesses. Think about Freya (the goddess of love), Thor (god of thunder), or Idunn (goddess of youth). These weren’t just stories to the Vikings – their mythology was woven into everyday life, including what they named their children.
Nature, Animals, and Virtues
Vikings lived close to nature, and this shows in their naming traditions. Many Nordic names reference:
- Natural elements like sun (Sol) and moon (Mani)
- Animals such as wolves (Ulf) and ravens (Hrafn)
- Desirable traits like strength, beauty, and wisdom
Types of Nordic Girl Names
Nordic girl names generally fall into a few categories:
Traditional Old Norse Names
These names have been used for centuries and often have direct connections to Viking culture. Names like Sigrid, Astrid, and Ingrid fall into this category. They usually have strong meanings related to battle, beauty, or the gods.
Modern Nordic Names
Just like everywhere else, Nordic naming trends evolve! Modern Scandinavian parents often choose names that blend traditional elements with contemporary style. Names like Ella, Maja, and Emma are super popular now throughout the Nordic countries.
Internationally Influenced Names
Today’s interconnected world means Nordic parents are also influenced by global trends, though they often add their own Scandinavian twist.
The Meanings Behind Nordic Girl Names
One thing I love about Nordic names is how meaningful they are. They’re not just pretty sounds – almost every name tells a story or paints a picture.
Let’s look at some gorgeous examples:
- Astrid – Means “beautiful goddess” or “divinely beautiful” (No wonder it’s popular!)
- Freya – Named after the goddess of love and beauty
- Ingrid – Means “Ing’s beauty” (Ing was a Norse god)
- Solveig – Roughly translates to “path of the sun” or “strong house”
- Alva – Means “elf” or “supernatural being”
Many Nordic names reference elements of nature, especially in a northern climate:
- Linnea – Named after a delicate northern flower
- Sol – Simply means “sun” (precious in those long Nordic winters!)
- Ronja – A modern Nordic name created by author Astrid Lindgren, associated with dawn
- Embla – In Norse mythology, the first woman was created from an elm tree called Embla
Most Popular Nordic Girl Names Today
Nordic names follow trends just like everywhere else. Here are some of the most popular girls’ names across the Nordic countries right now:
Rank | Sweden | Norway | Denmark | Finland | Iceland |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Alice | Emma | Alma | Sofia | Emilía |
2 | Alma | Nora | Agnes | Aino | Klara |
3 | Olivia | Sofie | Ella | Eevi | Lilja |
4 | Elsa | Olivia | Sofia | Olivia | Emma |
5 | Maja | Ella | Freja | Ella | Sara |
It’s interesting to see how some names like Ella and Olivia are popular across multiple countries, while others are more specific to certain areas.
Check out our article on Swedish girl names for more inspiration from this beautiful country.
Unique and Rare Nordic Girl Names
If you’re looking for something more unique than the top 10 lists, there are plenty of beautiful rare Nordic names to consider:
- Dagny – Means “new day”
- Yrsa – A legendary queen in Norse sagas
- Lykke – Means “happiness” or “good fortune”
- Saga – Means “seeing one” or “seeress” (also the word for “story”)
- Siv/Sif – The golden-haired wife of Thor
- Idun/Idunn – The goddess who kept the apples of eternal youth
Norse Mythology and Legendary Names
Norse mythology is filled with powerful female figures who make great namesakes:
Freya was the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, but she was also associated with war and death. Talk about a complex lady! She rode a chariot pulled by cats (which I think is just awesome).
Skadi was a giantess and goddess associated with winter, mountains, and hunting. She was fierce and independent.
Sif was Thor’s wife, known for her beautiful golden hair.
Idun kept the magical apples that prevented the gods from aging.
These goddesses weren’t just passive figures – they were powerful, complex characters with their own agency and abilities.
Looking for more mythology-inspired names? Check out our article on Greek names for comparison.
Pronouncing Nordic Names
If you’re not Nordic, some of these names might look tricky to pronounce. Here are some general tips:
- The letter “j” is usually pronounced like a “y” sound (Maja = “MY-a”)
- The letter combination “fj” is pronounced “fy” (Fjola = “FYOH-la”)
- The letter “å” sounds like “oh” (Åsa = “OH-sa”)
- The letter “ö” or “ø” is pronounced similar to the “u” in “burn” (Björk = “BYURK”)
Some common pronunciations:
- Astrid = AHS-trid
- Freya = FRAY-a
- Sigrid = SEE-grid
- Ingrid = ING-grid
- Solveig = SOUL-vay
Choosing a Nordic Name: Tips for Parents
If you’re considering a Nordic name for your daughter, here are some things to think about:
- Meaning – Do you connect with what the name represents?
- Pronunciation – Will it be easy for people to pronounce in your country?
- Uniqueness – How common is it where you live?
- Family heritage – Do you have Nordic ancestry you want to honor?
It’s also worth considering how the name might grow with your daughter. Some names that sound cute for a baby might not have the same feel for an adult.
For more naming advice, see our guide on choosing meaningful names.
FAQs About Nordic Girl Names
Are Nordic names gender-neutral?
Some are! While many Nordic names are specifically masculine or feminine, there’s a growing trend toward gender-neutral names. Names like Alva, Saga, and Liv can work beautifully for any gender.
Can non-Nordic families use these names?
Absolutely! While it’s always good to understand the cultural significance of names you choose, Nordic names have become widely accepted globally. Many parents choose them simply because they love the sound and meaning.
How popular are Nordic names outside Scandinavia?
Names like Freya, Astrid, and Ingrid have gained significant popularity in English-speaking countries in recent years. Freya, for instance, ranks in the top 20 in the UK.
Extensive List of Nordic Girl Names
Here’s a comprehensive list of beautiful Nordic girl names grouped by theme:
Nature-Inspired Names
- Linnea – Named after a small pink forest flower
- Sol/Sola – Sun
- Embla – Elm tree
- Lilja – Lily
- Ronja – Dawn
- Svala – Swallow (the bird)
Mythological Names
- Freya/Freja – Goddess of love and beauty
- Idun/Idunn – Goddess of youth
- Sif – Thor’s wife
- Frida – Beautiful and beloved
- Saga – Goddess of poetry and history
- Skadi – Goddess of winter and mountains
Virtue and Character Names
- Astrid – Divinely beautiful
- Sigrid – Victory and beauty
- Ingrid – Beautiful
- Solveig – Strong house
- Lykke – Happiness
- Liv – Life or protection
Traditional Viking Names
- Thyra – Thor’s warrior
- Gudrun – God’s secret lore
- Helga – Holy or blessed
- Ragna – Advice or judgment
- Yrsa – Wild woman
- Gunhild – Battle maid
- Vigdis – War goddess
- Revna – Raven
- Eira – Mercy
- Dagmar – Day maiden
Modern Popular Nordic Names
- Ella – Popular across many Nordic countries
- Emma – Universal favorite
- Alma – Soul
- Maja – May
- Olivia – Olive
- Sofia – Wisdom
- Nora – Honor
- Elsa – God is my oath
- Ebba – Strength
- Agnes – Pure
Find more nature-inspired names in our forest names collection.
Fun Facts About Nordic Names
- In Norse mythology, Embla was the first woman, created from an elm tree by the gods Odin, Vili, and Vé.
- Many Nordic countries celebrate name days – specific days of the year associated with different names. It’s like having a mini-birthday!
- Compound names are common in Nordic traditions, combining two elements to create a name with a specific meaning. For example, Solveig combines “sol” (sun) and “veig” (strength).
- The Swedish author Astrid Lindgren, who created Pippi Longstocking, has helped popularize Nordic names through her characters.
- Freya has become one of the fastest-rising baby names in the US and UK in recent years.
Wrapping Up
Nordic girl names offer something really special – they combine history, mythology, natural beauty, and strength in ways that feel both ancient and modern. Whether you’re drawn to the mythological power of Freya, the natural beauty of Linnea, or the modern simplicity of Maja, there’s a Nordic name out there that might be perfect for your little one.
What I love most about these names is how they carry stories within them – stories of goddesses and heroines, of nature and northern lights, of Vikings and modern Scandinavians alike. When you choose a Nordic name, you’re connecting to thousands of years of rich cultural heritage.
Do you have a favorite Nordic girl name? Is there one I missed that you love? I’d love to hear about it!
Looking for boy names? Check out our collection of Nordic boy names to complete your naming journey.
Greetings, I’m Alex – an expert in the art of naming teams, groups or brands, and businesses. With years of experience as a consultant for some of the most recognized companies out there, I want to pass on my knowledge and share tips that will help you craft an unforgettable name for your project through TeamGroupNames.Com!