If we asked a group of people to draw a Viking from memory, most would draw a stocky, middle-aged man with matching blonde hair and a long beard. He was surrounded by men in longboats, probably wearing metal helmets with horns, all singing fish songs and one beating the beat with a fishing spear. Okay, maybe not. that’s right It does, but it’s probably close.
But unlike what we see in a lot of pop culture, women were also Vikings. Not only that, but they had really great names. (If you’ve seen this episode, golden girls, You’ve probably heard at least some of these in Rose’s story of St. Olaf. ) Before we get into those, let’s talk about the Vikings.
The first thing to remember is that the term “Vikings” refers to seafaring Norse people who lived in the southern part of present-day Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Eventually, the term “Scandinavia” replaced “Nordic”. This will give you a better understanding of which part of the world we are talking about. Given their penchant for sea travel and exploration, the Vikings ended up making all kinds of expeditions in and around Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, the Arctic, and even North America (specifically, the part of Canada they named “Vinland”).
So what do we know about Viking girl names? First of all, Vikings took naming their babies very seriously, but they didn’t have the benefit of online lists for ideas and inspiration. Instead, they often gave names related to the qualities they wanted their children to have (such as strength, resilience, grace, etc.) or to animals or Norse gods who possessed those qualities. As with other cultures, it was not uncommon for certain Viking girl names to become popular within the royal family and be passed down through the generations.
The Viking Age lasted from approximately 793 to 1066 ACE, and by the end of the period Christianity was on the rise. Biblical names began to replace the names of Norse gods and animals. But today’s focus is not on them. Here are dozens of popular Viking girl names, along with their meanings and origins.
rain
This is a beautiful ancient Scandinavian and Greenlandic name, meaning “eagle”. Ideal if you want a name with a strong meaning and soft sound that will be difficult for new people to pronounce throughout your daughter’s life.
astrid
The most famous Astrid in recent history is probably the character: how to train a dragonbut hey, she’s the best in a way. Her name has Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish roots. It means “beautiful goddess” or “sacred power”.
Sigrid
This is a perfectly pronounceable name that just screams “Viking”. Sigrid is a Norwegian name that means “beautiful victory.”
Saga
If you’re wondering about word names, think about Saga. In Norse mythology, Saga is the goddess of history, poetry, and storytelling, and the word itself refers to a long, detailed story, often following a single family or group.
Ilsa
The meaning of this name is “Wild,” “crazy,” or “enraged” may not be what you want your baby or toddler to feel. But honestly, don’t you think this world could use stronger women who harness their feminine anger for change?
See more Viking girl names
- Anneli: “My God is the Oath.”
- hill: “God”
- Astra: “Beautiful like a god”
- living room: “to order”
- Borghild: “Battle Fortress”
- Brünnhilde: In Norse mythology, a maiden is rescued by a man pretending to be her husband.
- Dahlia: “valley”
- Derby: “Deer Park”
- Eir: “mercy”
- Ellie: “A personification of old age”
- emblem: “Uncertain”
- Erica: “Mighty ruler”
- Estrid: “Beautiful and beautiful goddess”
- brake: Things like “love”, “beauty”, “war”, and “death”.
- Freya: The goddess of sensuality, passion, fertility, and beauty that appears in Norse mythology.
- Frida: “peaceful”
- Frigg: Queen of Asgard, wife of Odin, goddess of beauty, fertility, and destiny.
- Gail: “cheerful”, “rowdy”, “bright”, “joyful”, or “cheerful”
- Gertrude: “spear” or “power”
- grid: “Frost Giant”
- Gro: “Gardener”
- Gudrun: “Runes” or “Secret Lore”
- Gunhild: “war” or “battle”
- Holder: “Half fine”
- Heidrun: A goat in Norse mythology who eats the leaves of the tree of life and makes mead from its udders.
- Hell: Norse goddess of the underworld
- Helga: “sacred”
- Hilda: “fight”
- Idun: “Spring” or “immortality”?
- Inga: “Protected by Ing” (Nordic god of fertility and peace)
- land: “Daughter of the Night”
- Kara: One of the famous Valkyries of Norse mythology, whose name means “wild one,” “storm thing,” or “curly one.”
- Kelby: “Farm near the spring”
- Kelda: “Izumi” or “Izumi”
- Kirsten: “Followers of Christ”
- Liv: Origin: Swedish, Norwegian, Danish Meaning: protection
- mist: One of the famous Valkyries of Norse mythology
- Nanna: “Bold” or “brave”
- or: “destiny”
- Lana: “Queen-like”
- Randy: “Shield Wolf”
- poor: “Crow”
- Linda: giant woman of norse mythology
- Roar: “Warrior”
- Rune: “Secret Tradition”
- Schiff: “bride”
- sign: new victory
- Usage: “Bride” or “Kin” (also the name of Thor’s wife)
- Svanhild: In Norse mythology, the daughter of Sigurd and Gudrun
- Thursday: “Beautiful thunder”
- Tira: A derivative of Tyr, the Norse god of war.
- Tiger: “thunder”
- Tove: “Thor’s Beloved”
- Wolffield: “Wolf Battle Maiden”
- Urd: “Past Fate”
- Veranda: “Current Fate”
- Valen: “Strong” “Healthy” “Brave”
Think one of these Viking girl names would be perfect for your little warrior?
This article was first published
