Looking for a Scandi-inspired name for your new baby girl? Here are the most popular baby girl names in Norway right now, updated with the latest official statistics from 2025, along with explanations of what each name means and why it’s popular.
Naming a child is an incredibly personal decision. For some parents, the right name appears instantly. For others, it takes time, research, and reflection. Either way, it’s a choice that lasts a lifetime.
Judging by the number of people exploring our Norwegian baby name guides, many parents are looking for names that feel meaningful, distinctive, and rooted in culture. If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place.
Baby Girl Name Inspiration from Norway
Norway continues to inspire baby names well beyond its borders. From Old Norse heritage and dramatic landscapes to strong female role models in politics, sport, and the arts, Norwegian culture offers a rich naming tradition.
Well-known figures such as former prime minister Erna Solberg, football star Ada Hegerberg, actress Liv Ullmann, and musicians Aurora and Sigrid have helped bring Norwegian names to international attention.
But which names are Norwegian parents actually choosing today? Let’s take a closer look at the latest data from Statistics Norway.
Top 10 Baby Girl Names in Norway (2025)
Every year, Statistics Norway (SSB) publishes official baby name data based on the National Population Register. I always find it a fascinating snapshot of how Norwegian society is evolving.
Here are the top 10 baby girl names in Norway in 2025, along with the number of newborns given each name:
- Emma (386)
- Olivia (376)
- Nora (366)
- Sofie (364)
- Leah (355)
- Ella (348)
- Frida (337)
- Sofia (335)
- Ellinor (319)
- Astrid (308)
After several years near the top, Emma reclaimed first place in 2025 and has now featured in the top 10 every year since 2002.
What’s Trending in 2025?
While the top 10 list looks fairly stable at first glance, there are some notable shifts beneath the surface.
Frida and Astrid were among the biggest climbers of the year, both moving decisively back into the top 10. Astrid’s return is especially striking, marking a comeback after decades outside the rankings.
Leah continued its steady rise, moving into fifth place nationally, while Aurora also climbed strongly, reflecting a growing interest in nature-inspired names.
At the same time, the data shows increasing variety. In 2025, just 13.2% of newborn girls received a top 10 name, confirming that Norwegian parents are becoming more diverse and creative in their choices.
Regional Popularity of Names in Norway
One of the most interesting insights from the SSB data is how much name preferences vary by region.
Although Emma tops the national list, it only ranks first in a handful of counties, including Buskerud, Telemark, Vestland, and Troms.
In Oslo and Akershus, Sofia was the most popular baby girl name, while Nora topped the list in Rogaland and Trøndelag. Aurora led the rankings in Nordland, Leah was most popular in Innlandet, and Selma topped the list in Finnmark.
These regional differences highlight how local culture and demographics continue to shape naming trends across Norway.
Popular Baby Girl Names in Norway
Below is a closer look at some of the most popular and culturally significant baby girl names in Norway today, along with their meanings and why they continue to resonate with Norwegian parents.
Ada
A short, elegant name with Germanic roots meaning “noble,” Ada has seen renewed popularity in Norway in recent years.
Its rise has likely been influenced by football star Ada Hegerberg, whose international success has given the name a modern, confident association. Ada also appeals to parents looking for a simple name that works easily across languages.
Agnes
Derived from the Greek word hagnē, meaning “pure” or “holy,” Agnes has deep historical roots in Norway. The name has been used since medieval times and carries a traditional, almost regal feel. While no longer at its peak, Agnes remains a steady choice for parents drawn to classic names with longevity.
Alma
With Latin roots meaning “nourishing” or “kind,” Alma has a soft yet meaningful sound. In Scandinavia, the name is often associated with warmth and care, while its Spanish meaning, “soul,” adds an extra layer of depth. Alma has enjoyed a quiet resurgence in Norway during the 2020s.
Amalie
A variant of Amelia with Germanic origins linked to work and diligence, Amalie bridges tradition and modernity. The name has long been popular in Norway and feels both familiar and refined. Royal and aristocratic associations across Europe may also help explain its lasting appeal.
Astrid
From the Old Norse Ástríðr, meaning “divinely beautiful,” Astrid is one of Norway’s most historic female names. Long associated with Scandinavian royalty, the name made a notable comeback in 2025 after decades outside the top rankings, reflecting the classic 100-year name cycle seen in Norway.
Aurora
Meaning “dawn,” Aurora combines mythological origins with a powerful Norwegian nature connection through the northern lights. The name has grown steadily in popularity over the past decade and topped the regional rankings in Nordland in 2025.
Its rise reflects a broader trend toward nature-inspired names, as well as the influence of Norwegian singer Aurora Aksnes, who has helped give the name a modern cultural identity.
Ella
A long-time favourite in Norway, Ella blends vintage charm with modern simplicity. Often used as a standalone name rather than a diminutive, it has remained consistently popular thanks to its soft sound and international familiarity.
Ellinor / Elinor
Ellinor is part of a broader revival of refined, early 20th-century names in Norway. A variant of Eleanor, the name has roots in Old French and possibly Old Norse, depending on interpretation.
Its steady rise into the top 10 reflects Norwegian parents’ renewed interest in longer, elegant names that still shorten easily in everyday use.
Emilie
A Scandinavian form of Emily, Emilie has Latin origins meaning “eager” or “rival.” The name feels both classic and contemporary and has remained popular across generations. Well-known Norwegian media figures have also helped keep the name in the public eye.
Emma
A classic European name of Germanic origin, Emma has been one of Norway’s most popular baby names for more than two decades. Its simplicity, strong vowel sounds, and ease of pronunciation across languages have helped cement its place at the very top of the rankings.
Frida
Meaning “peace,” Frida has risen sharply in popularity and was one of the biggest climbers in 2025. Although often associated with deep historical roots, the name only entered Scandinavian use in the 19th century. Its modern appeal is reinforced by musicians and artists who carry the name today.
Hennie
Short, friendly, and increasingly fashionable, Hennie was one of the biggest climbers of 2025. It's one that may be new to many outside of Scandinavia.
Often used as a standalone name rather than a nickname, Hennie has a distinctly modern feel while still fitting comfortably within Scandinavian naming traditions. Its rapid rise suggests a growing preference for informal, approachable names with personality.
Ingrid
Derived from the Old Norse Ingiríðr, Ingrid is a traditional Nordic name with royal associations. Figures such as Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway and actress Ingrid Bolsø Berdal have helped keep the name relevant for new generations of parents.
Leah
With Hebrew origins meaning “weary” or “delicate,” Leah has become one of Norway’s fastest-rising girls’ names. Its soft sound, biblical roots, and international popularity have all contributed to its strong performance in the 2025 rankings.
Linnea
Inspired by the twinflower named by botanist Carl Linnaeus, Linnea is closely associated with Scandinavian nature. Especially popular in the 1990s, the name still appeals to parents drawn to floral and nature-based names, even as overall usage has declined slightly.
Maja
A Scandinavian form of Maria, Maja has enjoyed strong popularity in Norway over the past decade. The name feels playful yet traditional and benefits from widespread recognition across Europe under various spellings.
Mathilde
A classic European name with royal roots, Mathilde has quietly climbed back into favour in Norway. In 2025, it was one of the year’s strongest movers, rising sharply up the rankings.
The name has Germanic origins meaning “strength in battle,” and has long been associated with European nobility. In Norway, Mathilde appeals to parents drawn to traditional names that feel elegant rather than old-fashioned.
Nora
Popularised internationally by Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, Nora has been a fixture in Norway’s top 10 for more than 20 years. Short, strong, and easy to pronounce, the name perfectly matches modern Norwegian naming preferences.
Olivia
Derived from the Latin oliva, meaning olive tree, Olivia combines elegance with global appeal. Its popularity in English-speaking countries since the 1990s has influenced its rise in Scandinavia, where it continues to rank highly.
Selma
A revived vintage name with folkloric associations, Selma has a quiet strength that appeals to many Norwegian parents. The name is particularly popular in northern Norway and fits well with the broader revival of early 20th-century names.
Sigrid
From the Old Norse Sigríðr, meaning “victory” and “beautiful,” Sigrid has deep historical roots across Scandinavia. The international success of Norwegian singer-songwriter Sigrid has given the name renewed modern visibility.
Siri
Rooted in Old Norse tradition and related to the name Sigrid, Siri combines historical charm with modern recognition. Its association with Apple’s virtual assistant has made the name globally familiar while remaining distinctly Scandinavian.
Sofia / Sofie
Both variants of a name meaning “wisdom,” Sofia and Sofie have been used in Norway for centuries. Their enduring popularity reflects a balance of tradition, elegance, and adaptability across cultures.
Solveig
Meaning “daughter of the sun” or “strong house,” Solveig is a deeply traditional Nordic name. Its cultural significance is reinforced by its appearance in Henrik Ibsen’s Peer Gynt and continued use across Scandinavia.
Tiril
A modern Norwegian favourite with uncertain Old Norse origins, Tiril has climbed the rankings in recent years. The name’s rise has been helped by the visibility of Norwegian athletes in winter sports and handball.
Final Thoughts
Looking at popular baby girl names tells only part of the story. Many names remain widely used among adults but are no longer fashionable for newborns, while others cycle back into favour after decades of absence.
If you’re searching for a meaningful and beautiful name for your baby girl, Norway offers a remarkable range of options. Whether you prefer a timeless classic like Emma, a nature-inspired name like Aurora, or a revived historical favourite like Astrid, there’s no shortage of inspiration.
This list isn’t intended to be exhaustive, but we hope it helps spark ideas. For more inspiration, you can also explore our guide to popular Norwegian baby boy names.
What’s your favourite Norwegian baby girl name? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
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I’m curious which version is more common in Norway, Elsa or Ilsa? I’m of Norwegian ancestry but born in the US in the 1960’s and was given Elsa, but I’ve encountered more Norwegian women with Ilsa.
The choice of name for our first daughter was Sonja. My wife’s name was Solveig, carrying through a tradition of using names with same initial letter. My wife’s mother’s name was Synnøve.
I see that Frida is relatively new and Freya is not included. Is Freya a traditional name still circulating?