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Viking Names: 19 Popular Norse-Inspired Name Ideas

Home » Viking Blog » Viking Names: 19 Popular Norse-Inspired Name Ideas

Are you searching for a cool Viking name for your little warrior? Look no further. Here is a list of popular choices, from the Viking Age itself and from more recent times.

Welcome, curious explorer, to the Viking Age, where names were not just a means of identification but often symbols of power, destiny, and myth. The names born by warriors, explorers and Kings have traveled across oceans of time.

Baby dressed up as a Viking
Many new parents are seeking a Norse-inspired name for their new arrival.

In this article, we delve into the rich heritage of Viking names, each carrying the weight of stories untold and battles fought. These names are relics of a time when the northmen roamed the seas, their legacies etched into Nordic history.

Whether you seek inspiration for a new life entering the world, a character in your latest creative endeavour, or simply wish to satisfy a thirst for knowledge, this compilation of Norse-inspired names is your vegvesir.

Why choose a Viking name?

We can see from the number of people reading this article since it was first published that more people than ever before are searching for a Norse-inspired name for their new creatures. That includes children, by the way!

Naming your new arrival is a difficult and highly personal choice. No-one should say what's right and what's wrong, although there are some banned names in Norway. While that may seem excessive, it's with good reason.

Scandinavian names are popular and not just in the Nordic region. That goes for modern names but also names that were popular or have been inspired by the Viking Age.

Perhaps it’s because Norway frequently tops the charts as the happiest country in the world, or because current pop-culture has made cool Viking names so in-demand.

Whatever the reason for the sudden international popularity, many Norse-inspired names remain popular Scandinavian names to this day. Most have moved in and out of fashion to varying degrees over the years.

We've pulled together a list, albeit not exhaustive, that won't give your adorable little Viking an axe to grind. Discover names that have stood the test of time, their meanings as profound today as they were a millennium ago. From the halls of Valhalla to the serene Norwegian fjords, join us on a voyage to uncover the enduring allure of Viking names.

Popular female Viking names

In no particular order, here are some of the most popular women's viking names from the era. Many have their roots in the names of Norse goddesses and some even have come back into fashion in recent years as popular baby girl names in Norway.

Young girl dressed as a Viking Age woman.
Young girl dressed as a Viking Age woman.

So if you have a little girl on the way or you're searching for a name for your Norse-inspired artwork, look no further.

Astrid

Not a name that's unique to the Viking era, but Astrid is still a cracker of a name for your favourite little princess. Derived from Old Norse roots, Astrid means ‘godly strength' or ‘divinely beautiful.'

Its origins point to the ancient Viking belief in divine entities, underscoring the name's roots in a culture that admired strength and beauty in equal measure. The name is popular today, helped by the fame of singer, Astrid S. Her success has brought the name back into the limelight, further enhancing its contemporary appeal.

The name continues to be a preferred choice among the royal families in Scandinavia, reflecting a history steeped in tradition.

The use of Astrid among royals not only signifies its aristocratic undertone but also its continued resonance in the modern era. The persistence of Astrid in these circles is a testament to the enduring strength and beauty this name conveys, echoing the Viking values from which it originated.

Freya

Freya, an enchanting moniker drawn from ancient Norse language, means ‘lady' or ‘noble woman.' As a name, it embodies an air of regality and sophistication, making it an appealing choice for those intrigued by the richness of Norse mythology.

For students of Norse mythology, the name Freya would instantly spring to mind when contemplating powerful female figures. Freya was not just any goddess in the Norse Pantheon; she was a principal deity, renowned for her beauty.

Statue of the Norse Goddess Freya in Stockholm, Sweden.
Statue of the Norse Goddess Freya in Stockholm, Sweden.

She was a multifaceted figure, revered and cherished by the Vikings. This reverence adds a layer of profound meaning and respect to the name, making it a choice that is both historically significant and contemporarily compelling.

Freya is a name that resonates globally, and its widespread adoption testifies to its enduring charm. For instance, it has found favour among owners of female Siberian huskies worldwide. It's an apt name for such a strong, beautiful breed, reflective of the goddess's enduring qualities of grace, strength, and allure.

Further cementing its importance, a stunning statue of Freya graces the cityscape of Stockholm, the capital of Sweden. This statue, standing tall and proud on Djurgården Bridge, is not merely an emblem of the city's rich heritage. It is also a visual reminder of the grandeur and influence of Norse mythology, underscoring the reverence for Freya that persists even today.

As such, the name Freya is not just a name; it's an echo of ancient strength and femininity that continues to reverberate in the modern world.

Ingrid

Ingrid, a name resounding with divine connotations, means ‘beautiful goddess' in its ancient Norse roots. This combination imbues the name with a sense of celestial beauty and divinity, making it a striking choice for anyone seeking a name with historical depth and spiritual significance.

The name Ingrid has been cherished in Scandinavia for centuries, and its popularity remains unabated. It's been carried with dignity and grace by individuals from all walks of life, from reigning monarchs and accomplished actors to everyday students.

Renowned individuals from Scandinavia have borne the name Ingrid, further elevating its prestige. Ingrid Bergman, the Swedish actress whose unforgettable performances left an indelible mark on Hollywood's Golden Age, is a notable namesake. Equally talented is Norwegian actress Ingrid Bolsø Berdal, who has made significant contributions to both the stage and screen, lending the name a modern appeal.

Moreover, the name Ingrid features prominently in Scandinavian royal lineages. A prime example is Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway, the eldest child of Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit.

Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway at 18. Photo: Ida Bjørvik / Royal Court.
Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway at 18. Photo: Ida Bjørvik / Royal Court.

She serves as a young ambassador for the name, underscoring its ongoing relevance in contemporary Scandinavian society.

Solveig

One of the most beautiful names in the Scandinavian repertoire (at least in this writer's opinion), the original Norse meaning of Solveig is ‘strong house', but it can also be taken to mean daughter of the sun or the sun's path.

Solveig is a central character in the play Peer Gynt by Henrik Ibsen, which could explain the name's popularity in Germany and France, as the play is popular there. To pronounce it correctly, ignore the g and emphases the first syllable, as so: SOHL-veye.

A famous Norwegian with the name is Solveig Kloppen, a journalist, actress and host of the Norwegian edition of Pop Idol. The 48-year-old was born in Trondheim and also previously worked as a stand-up comedian.

Sigrid/Sigfrid

The original translation of Sigrid comes in several different variants due to dialects. Victory, wisdom, and beauty are all on the list of translations from Old Norse.

Now, Sigrid is a common, yet beautiful, name that can be found in plenty of places outside of Scandinavia. With the increasing international popularity of the Norwegian singer Sigrid, we could see the name become even more common outside of Norway.

Frigg

A fun one (though not necessarily recommended) for English speakers; Frigg was the goddess of earth, air, and fertility in the Norse Pantheon. She was also the wife of Odin.

Although the name continued to feature in folklore long after the Christianisation fo Norway, Frigg is rarely used these days, yet it remains a name full of historical value.

Blonde Viking woman with sword

A Finnish band are named after the goddess, and there is an amateur sports club in Oslo that takes the name. A natural gas field in the North Sea between Norway and the United Kingdom also takes the name.

Sif/Siv

The goddess of fertility and agriculture, Siv (or Sif) was the wife of Thor in Norse mythology. Because of this, the name has been taken to mean ‘bride' over the years. and is translated as bride. It was mentioned multiple times in the works of Snorri Sturluson.

The name is a popular one today. Siv Jensen is the current Minister of Finance. and has led the Progress Party since 2006. Siv Stubsveen started her career as a model and saleswoman before turning her hand to hosting on Norwegian TV and radio.

Gunhild

For the shield maiden in your life – Gunhild is derived from the words war and battle. The name has many other spellings that are used across the Nordic countries, including Gunnhild, Gundhild, Gunhilda, and Gunnhildr.

The name also lends itself to the French clothing company Gunhild. The label was named after its founder, the Norwegian designer Gunhild Nygaard, who setup the company after years working with the likes of Givenchy and Christian Dior.

Gunhild Stordalen is a Norwegian physician and environmental advocate. She is the founder and president of EAT Foundation, Co-founder of Stordalen Foundation and CEO of GreeNudge, and often features in debates on climate change, public health, and the global food system.

Saga

Saga, a name that instantly sparks intrigue, is often associated with the terms ‘story', ‘tale', or ‘fairy-tale', underlining its narrative essence. However, this name carries much more depth than a mere storyteller.

Read more: Why Did The Viking Age Start?

In Norse mythology, Saga was the goddess of poetry and history, and in some accounts, she was even identified with Frigg, the queen of the gods. This mythological background infuses the name with a sense of wisdom, creativity, and leadership, ideal for a child destined to leave their mark on the world.

Toy Viking ship

The cultural relevance of the name Saga is concentrated primarily in Scandinavian countries, specifically Iceland, Sweden, and Norway. However, its rarity outside of these nations amplifies its charm, making it an intriguing choice for parents seeking a distinctive name with a rich cultural backdrop. This geographic exclusivity lends an air of originality to the name Saga, ensuring it stands out in a crowd.

Popular male Viking names

Now, it's the turn of the guys. Many of these names are taken directly from Norse gods. Some of these are well-known thanks to the popular culture of today, although very few make the list of most popular baby boy names in Norway.

Whether you prefer a popular name or one less familiar, you'll find something for you on this list. Let's dive right in…

Thor/Tor

Thor or Tor is not just a name, but a badge of courage, strength, and resilience. Its roots in mythology and its relevance in modern pop culture make it a versatile choice for your little hero.

Whether evoking the image of the hammer-wielding god who commands thunder and lightning or the charismatic, tightly-clad hero of American pop culture, the name Thor embodies an undeniable sense of heroism. This makes it an outstanding choice for a little boy who is destined to forge his own path with strength and courage.

Thor, in Norse mythology, is revered as one of the most powerful gods, embodying strength, valor, and perseverance. This gives the name a potent connotation of might and resilience, a heroic legacy that can inspire your little one as he grows.

Its evolution into the realm of American pop culture, through the hugely popular Marvel superhero character, further underscores the name's universality and ongoing appeal.

For those keen on authenticity and cultural fidelity, the Scandinavian version of the name, Tor, is an excellent choice. Pronounced just as it’s spelled, it retains the essence and impact of its more famous variant, while offering a nod to the name's authentic roots in Nordic culture.

Viking reenactment in Trondheim, Norway

Numerous notable personalities from Norway have carried the name Tor with distinction, further cementing its prestige. Tor Erling Staf was a renowned Norwegian barrister known for championing controversial cases.

Tor Endresen, a celebrated Norwegian singer, represented his country at the 1997 Eurovision Song Contest, showing that the name's heroic undertones can be interpreted creatively as well. However, he did finish last with zero points!

Loki

A name with layers of depth and complexity, Loki is more than just a popular moniker for male huskies; it holds deep roots in Norse mythology as the trickster god.

This name has also found fame in modern times, most notably in the Marvel Cinematic Universe where Loki is portrayed as a charismatic antihero, regularly at odds with his adoptive brother Thor.

Historically, Loki's relationship with other gods has been multifaceted, placing him in a ‘moral middle ground.' He is known for his cunning and mischievous nature, and his actions range from beneficial assistance to malevolent pranks. This duplicitous characteristic gives the name Loki an air of mystery and unpredictability.

So, if your little one displays a mix of charm and mischief, showing a range of characteristics that keeps you guessing, Loki could be the perfect fit.

Loki the Trickster God of Norse Mythology (the Marvel version!)
Loki the Trickster God of Norse Mythology (the Marvel version!)

It is a name that embodies an intriguing blend of mischief and complexity, perfect for a child full of surprises!

Bjørn

Imbued with a sense of strength and raw, natural power, the name Bjørn translates directly to ‘Bear'. What could be more inspiring than naming your child after one of nature's most formidable creatures? The symbol of the bear is closely tied to traits of strength, courage, and resilience, offering a sense of dynamism to this robust name.

Following the popularity of the Vikings TV series, the name Bjørn has seen a resurgence in interest internationally. However, it's important to remember that Bjørn has been a steadfast fixture in Norwegian nomenclature for centuries, standing the test of time with its symbolic connection to Norwegian heritage and nature.

In English-speaking countries, the name is often Anglicized as ‘Bjorn,' though this spelling doesn't quite capture the true essence of the original Norwegian pronunciation. The ‘ø' and ‘o' are distinct letters in the Norwegian alphabet, each producing different sounds.

To truly pronounce Bjørn, it's advised to speak with a native Norwegian speaker. However, as a rough guide, it's closer in sound to ‘bjurn' rather than ‘bjorn'.

Ivar

Add Ivar to the list of names made popular by the Vikings TV series. The name has a rich history among Kings, warriors, and other famous figures of folklore. Its meaning can best be described as ‘bow warrior', or archer.

Ivar is not as common as a name today in Scandinavia as it once was. That said, it is also the source of the Scottish name Ivor, which is more common on the British Isles.

Per Ivar Staberg is a former Norwegian football referee and player, while Ivar Johannes Koteng is a Norwegian businessman and chairman of Rosenborg football club.

Odin

The highest and most complex of all the gods from Norse mythology, Odin reined over art, war, wisdom, and death.

Perhaps because of Odin's role in folklore, the name hasn’t survived well over the centuries. Nevertheless, for the main dude in your life, the name Odin is hard to match.

Wooden status of Norse God Odin

Odin Staveland is a Norwegian musician and composer, while Odin Thiago Holm is a teenage footballer from Trondheim who signed for Oslo side Vålerenga in 2019,

Harold/Harald

Yet another name of kings, including the current monarch in Norway: Kong Harald V. This name remains popular today: though is often shortened to Harry in many countries.

Harald Hårfagre (Harald Fairhair) is portrayed by medieval Icelandic historians as the first King of Norway. Much of what we think we know about this famous Harald is based on sagas that were written long after his death.

Knut

Knut translates to knot and has been a popular name throughout Scandinavia and Europe for some time. A number of royals have lived under this name, including a prince of Denmark who defeated the kind of England in the 11th century to become the king of Norway, Denmark, and England.

The Norwegian writer Knut Hamsun won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1920. Knut Bjørnsen was a speed skater who turned professional sports commentator for national broadcaster NRK.

Ragnar

Ragnar, a name steeped in the robust Viking tradition, enjoys widespread popularity across Scandinavia. Its historical significance coupled with its strong, distinctive sound makes it an appealing choice for those seeking a name with a powerful resonance.

Oseberg Viking Ship

International recognition of the name Ragnar skyrocketed following the success of the acclaimed Vikings TV show, which introduced audiences around the world to the charismatic lead character, Ragnar “Lothbrok” Sigurdsson. This legendary Norse figure, portrayed as a legendary Viking hero and eventual king, imbued the name Ragnar with an aura of courage, leadership, and adventure.

However, the legacy of the name Ragnar extends beyond the realm of popular culture. Numerous notable individuals in history have proudly carried this moniker, further enhancing its prestige.

Ragnar Sigvald Skancke, a prominent wartime politician, lends the name a historical weight and political significance. Another bearer of the name, Ragnar Frisch, was an eminent economist, celebrated as the co-recipient of the first-ever Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences.

Magnus

Magnus, a name exuding strength and grandeur, has long been a preferred choice among Vikings and modern-day Scandinavians alike. Derived from Latin, the name Magnus directly translates to ‘great,' offering a hint as to why it has been a popular choice among royalty.

The name holds an inherent sense of power and majesty, which makes it an excellent choice for parents seeking a moniker that carries an aura of greatness and leadership.

The name's royal associations are historically supported, with many kings christened Magnus over the centuries. It serves as a testament to the timelessness and enduring prestige of this name, offering a regal touch to those who bear it.

The name's prominence extends into the world of modern-day intellect and sports as well. A noteworthy figure is Magnus Carlsen, the Norwegian chess prodigy and world champion who some regard as the ‘king of Chess'. His accomplishments in the intellectual sport bring a contemporary dimension to the name, emphasising that its ‘greatness' can manifest in various fields of life.

Leif

The name Leif, rich with historical significance and global resonance, is primarily associated with the renowned Nordic explorer Leif Erikson.

A statue of Leif Erikson the Norse explorer
A statue of Leif Erikson the Norse explorer.

His daring voyages in the 11th century, which led him to North America, instills the name Leif with a spirit of adventure, exploration, and courage that has transcended time and borders.

Despite its historic roots, the name Leif remains relevant and widely used in contemporary times, especially in the United States, where the memory of Erikson's trailblazing voyages continue to inspire.

Leif Juster was a beloved figure in Norwegian entertainment – a comedian, singer, and actor whose charm and talent endeared him to many. His popularity enhanced the appeal of the name within and beyond Norwegian borders.

Further reinforcing its cultural relevance, the name Leif is also familiar to American audiences thanks to Leif Garrett, a well-known American singer, actor, and television personality. His fame during the late 20th century brought the name into the American pop culture lexicon, further extending its reach.

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166 thoughts on “Viking Names: 19 Popular Norse-Inspired Name Ideas”

    • It’s great you say that. I name my dogs after Vikings. I have Tofi, Ragna & Gunnar. Looking for one more. Considering Odin.

      Reply
    • In my Norwegian family there has been many names but i dont know if all of them has Norwegian origln: Teodor. Bård Severin, Bjarne parelius, nanna. Alise. Karine. Karin petra. Arnholda. Bjørnar. Olaf. Bertheus. Birger noralf. Erika. Bjørg. Magne. Tor. Odin. Henry. Carl. Magnar. Hjalmar. Jon. Solveig. Bertheus. Bernhard. Hans. Agnethe. Henriette. André

      Reply
        • Yup, kind of. I’m Norwegian and my name is Bård, and it’s from old, old times in Norway/Iceland. It is pronounced like “board” (in English), but with a sharp, hard and short ‘r’ and ‘d’. In Iceland one to two thousand years ago, the name was “Barður” or simply “Barðr”. The letter ‘ð’ in Icelandic is pronounced like the letters “th” in the English word “the”, and the ‘r’ is sharp and hard, opposite of english/American ‘r’. Now that’s a proper viking name..!

          Reply
      • I know I’m a viking at heart and by birth. Nowegian father and a Swedish mother and they gave me the name Åsa Möllestål.I now live in the very south of Sweden that once was danish. My name has the meaning of A Godess of the heights and my lastname is Mill Steel. Yeah, pretty sure there’se some viking blood running tru my veins 🐺🍖🌊🛶👑💎🎶💰🪓🏹⚔🩸⚰🏴‍☠️🍻

        Reply
        • Most scholars believe that the viking ethos wouldn’t have allowed for female vikings. Even though they had far more rights than in other societies, that was mostly domestic. There were shield maidens but none considered vikings.

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          • I am compelled to agree with Eileen’s comment. It is wrong to consider female Norse any the less than Vikings, unless you wish to define the Vikings as raiders or at best traders with a very “persuasive edge in bargaining”. As to the name Åsa, it suggests Swedish. In Norwegian it would be Åse. My name is an old Norse male name.

    • My sons names are Odin and Loki. My first dogs name was freya and the one i’ve got now is called hella. Greatings from the Netherlands (holland)

      Reply
    • My family is from Visby, Gotland and Stockholm. One family last name is Broms meaning horsefly! Some first names are Torvo, Ernst, Alf, Gitta, Katja, Hulda, Brit.

      Reply
    • Same with the female name Gunn. It is my name 😉 means she who is prepared for battle, and was one of the valkyries.

      Reply
  1. Norwegian here: Magnus is a Latin name, not Norse. It literally means “Great”. Several Scandinavian kings have indeed been given the name Magnus, but only after their countries were converted to Christianity.

    The first King Magnus in Scandinavia was Magnus I (the Good), son of Norway’s patron saint King Olaf Haraldsson (the Holy) who made Christianity the official region in Norway shortly before being killed at the Battle of Stiklestad in 1030. Technically, the Viking age was still ongoing during Magnus I’s reign (1035-1047), as historians regard Harald Hardråde’s fall in 1066 at the Battle of Stamford Bridge to be the end of the Viking Era. In this sense, Magnus could be considered a Viking name. It is a stretch however, as its origin clearly is Latin.

    Otherwise, great list!

    Reply
  2. Leif is not pronounced leaf in Norwegian (and sounds silly in English) They Canadian ‘Eh’ is better sounding, as in ‘LehF’
    If you don’t speak ‘C’nadian’ – try ey = LeyF

    Reply
      • it depends on the local dialekt, whether it is pronounced leyf or life, but it is never spoken as leaf.
        it is the same as Heidi. there are no heedees, it is either hi dee or hay dee, I know three and they all pronounce their names haydee. mvh

        Reply
    • I know all about that. My husband is Leif, we live in Australia, and people don’t know what to call him, so he is Leaf, until we correct them.

      Reply
      • My brothers name is leif and my name is jan (yohn) my mom said she wanted us to have norsk names but would be good in America too. So my brother gets called leaf and people think I’m a girl if they are only reading g my name and then when I introduce myself they are convinced I’m saying my name is John Over an over I have come to love my name and I’m sure my brother does too but I’m pretty sure she picked worst possible names for American culture. And maybe proper pronouncioution is closer to life but I say leyhf like she said

        Reply
  3. My son name is Odin 😍 he is almost 4months old now, and he is the best. Bjarte is my boyfriends name and my name is Ingeborg.

    Reply
  4. My grandfathers were Thorvald Jeagar and Gunderson Hammer. We used to joke that we had a Thor and a Hammer. Then my mom was Auslaug Kristine. She changed her name to Kris so nobody called her Ass-log.

    Reply
    • Thorvald originated from the Norse god Tor. Meaning Thor’s power / (anger)… vald – dialect form of “vold” meaning violence. Also my grandfathers name. 🙂

      Reply
      • Thorvald is my middle name (between David and Olson) and was also my great grandfather’s name. My 4 brothers and I all go back a generation on my Dad’s side with middle names including Olaf (our grandfather who emigrated from Norway via Sarpsborg to Canada), then Thorvald, then Mathias, then Christian and then Harald. We all have rather generic first names so often call each other by our middle names as our “codenames”.

        Reply
  5. I met a man in L.A. this past Søndag, at a Sjømannskirken service, whose name was GORM. He said his father in Norway had read about an early Viking King named Gorm, and said, Thats my boy! I had never heard this name….

    Reply
    • A boy’s name of Danish origin (norse). Danish king Gorm ? – 958. Meaning: Danish: God-given,

      Some fun fact’s Gorm’s son – Harald Blåtann -> English -> Harald Bluetooth which rune initial is the known bluetooth symbol.

      Reply
      • Gorm is possibly a short form for Guttorm, which means boy-snake. This name was used in Old Norse in the Viking Age, in Norway. It probably has nothing to do with God. It was originally not used by Christians. Old Norse names are often made up of two names that are joined together. Various animals are used.

        Reply
  6. Very nice list. Kjetil and I just named out new Mexican street dog, Odin. He doesn’t know it yet but he is moving to Vestfold for the new year. (both my dog and my husband) Perfect!
    Tusen Takk.

    Reply
  7. My father,s name was INGVAR ,My name is INGVAR, My sister’s name is TORDIS, My brother’s name is HANS ,My uncle’s names were ARTHUR, KARL ,JENTOFT, , Cousin’s name was ASBJORN, SOREN, ANTON, INGE,

    Reply
    • My father wished name me Leif, after his younger brother, who was killed in an accident.
      The catholic priest refused to baptize me as it was not a Christian name, this has been a sore spot for me all my life.

      Reply
      • My first name is Dag, baptised Pierre….
        Dag means Day and is the God of the Day in norwegian old mythology.
        Of course the Norse names aren’t in the Papist Pantheon!
        Then my full name is Dag Pierre Renberg!!

        Reply
      • My husband’s grandfather changed the spelling of his last name from Andersen to Anderson to “Americanize” it in the early 1920s in Queens, NY. That has been a sore spot for him all his life, too…that “e” says a lot about his heritage. My husband wanted to change it back to Andersen shortly after we were married, but his father angrily insisted he should not. My husband honored his father by not changing it, but regrets it to this day!

        Reply
  8. For the first sorry my bad eng.

    My name is Bjørn born i Hamburg, but i live for about 32
    years i Denmark.

    My 1 brother is named don`t laugh Orm (Wurm in u know). That happen while my mother was waiting and my father read the book Red Wurm (Den røde orm ) he keept
    the rec. for the funnist name that week.

    2 brother was named Arne

    and 3 Lars Thune
    oh by the way IM the oldest

    Reply
  9. My first name is Thorald, and my middle name is Magnus and I live in Scotland, which was unusual name when I was at school, when I started working my first name got shortened to Thor and I have called myself this for many years now, and is always a topic when meeting women (back in the day) or someone new. I would not change my name for anything and I’m extremely proud of it.

    Reply
    • The Norsemen were in the Orkneys ,and Scotland as well, in Smaland Sweden ,where my people came from, Ive heard them referred to as the “Scots” of Sweden, not sure why, but I know there were many rocks in their farmland, maybe similar to Scotland..?

      Reply
  10. Is there a Norwegian place or history with the name dalton. It’s a family name like mine but we have always wondered where my fafar got it.

    Reply
    • Not Norwegian. After John Dalton 1766-1844, an English Physicist. A Dalton is a unit of mass equal to 1/12 of the atomic mass of the most abundant carbon isotope 12C.

      Reply
  11. My friends name is Ils
    thats “ils”
    sorry the font here made that capital i look like and L so I used small letters. Its a beautiful norse variant of ILSE which may also be a variant of something else.

    Reply
    • Yes my mor mors name is Else (elsa) bestafars is m
      Mange (like mungnah I believe)very cool oldschool norsk names. But now she sounds like like a disney character thanks to the movie frozen I really wish movies especially like marvel’s thor would stop using our culture to make money an butchur norse mythology and norsk culture while doing it. The only thing the movie thor had that was accurate was thor was Odin’s son, the history show the vikings was alright in the beginning but than got kinda outlandish. Can’t let people mistell our cultures stories an heritage it’s why most people think vikings were horns on there head an were savages when in fact they were much more hygienic an much more socially modern as far as men an woman being equal.

      Reply
  12. A kind of funny thing.
    My grandmother had a very special name, that her patents made up. I have given my daughter the same name as a second first name. Mercia… after seeing Vikings i found out that Mercia was the old name for the middel of England in the viking era.
    I Think it is a beautiful name ❤️

    Reply
  13. I’m Eríka, fiancé is Kristján, our son is Lochlan Jággar Ray And our last name is Jónasson 🙂 oh and we are Canadian/Icelandic 🇨🇦🇮🇸

    Reply
  14. My name is Niels which is a pretty common Nordic name these days. “Sadly” it is derived from Nicholas after the nordic crusades were over so its basically a Christian name and not an authentic one.

    Reply
  15. My name is Svein and my wife is Rannveig.
    We are immigrants from Norway 50 years ago.
    To gode Viking navn. Er det noen som veit forskjellen mellom Sven, Svein og Svend.??

    Reply
    • Hei, Svein is the norwegian version, Sven the swedish and Svend is the danish way of spelling. All the same name.

      Reply
  16. My Grandfather’s name was Embret, but he changed it to Edward when he came to America. What is the origin and meaning of Embret? I have seen it in a number of Danish ballads, but nothing to answer for meaning.

    He came from the Eastern side of Norway as a young man and died at 101 in 1973.

    He now has a great, great grandson in Thailand named Poobadin Embret.

    Reply
  17. My oldest son, who is about to turn 13, name is Gunnar. My father and aunt spent a large ammount of their adult life tracing our family tree back to the 1300’s. When my wife and I started dating, my father teased her alot about giving him a grandson and naming him Sven Gunnar and boy did that get a rise out of her. However, she did honor his Norweigian pride by naming our son Gunnar Lee, (My middle name). My father was the proudest Norweigian in all of Minnesota. His 1st namesake with a Scandinavian 1st name.

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  18. My name is not very commoneven in Norway. Vemund is a name of a Viking king when there were several small kingdoms. He was killed in an inn with his men when it was set on fire. There are two of us in Washington state myself and grandson.

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    • Though not the most common, Vemund is a known name in Norway. Typical of the Viking kings was that they settled along the coast, and built up wealth by demanding toll for those passing by. What you write about setting fire to a place was not unusual in order to kill enemies, In Norwegian, it is called “Innebrenning”; (burning inside).
      In the Viking period it was important to have friends. “Eye for eye and tooth for tooth” applied as dictated by Håvamål “;the message from above” as given by Odin the head of the Gods. A kind of bible to the Vikings.

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  19. Before finding oil in Norway the country was very poor as my father had visited there .In those times Norwegians were not regarded as important nation .But now after becoming rich the nation has become very proud specially about their names .Wealth has retirned respect to nation .But thete is a fact in this transformation …By their wealgh Norwegian has not become wiser and smarter but more pride than their humble neighbors .

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    • Eli Rudd

      We were occupied by our “humble” neighbours Denmark and Sweden for centuries.
      So I find this not to be true.
      Norwegians are down to earth, we have Janteloven so bragging or thinking we are better is not in our nature.

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    • Norwegians were proud of their ancestors even when they were poor. That has nothing to do with being humble. Wealth has nothing to do with respect or wisdom or being important or humble either. This total confusion of ideas is anything but a fact.

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  20. My second name is Siv, my grandmother was Gunhild and my grandfather was Einar. My ex is called Leif (pronounced Leyf in Sweden) – and that’s just part of it. Love these names, apart from mine which reminds me of old wrinkly ladies of my childhood. I will soon be one of them…

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    • Siv a beautiful name with Norse (norrøn) origin – meaning: kinship, friendship, can also be translated ‘bride’. 🙂

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  21. I saw a photo above of Queen Aase’s ship. Probably spelled with the a with the circle over it. I saw that at the Viking Museum in Oslo many years ago. Although, I get called “Ass” or “Ace” a lot, I still feel proud that my parents named me after a famous Viking queen whose name meant “daughter of the gods.”

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  22. My mother’s cousins in Norway were Bodvar and Rigmor. I love these names. I don’t remember what Bodvar means but Rigmor means king’s mother. Might not be a Viking name but wonderful nonetheless.

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  23. My name is Ingrid and both my grandfathers are Harold/Harald. Not uncommon names, obviously, but nice to see the Norwegian roots of both. 🙂

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  24. My great grandmother from Hammerfest Norway’s name was Emma Gustave but I don’t remember her proper last name and my great grandfather from Sweden was named Jon, unfortunately as happened my Great, great grandparents last name was changed at Ellis Island to Anderson, a true shame to do to people.

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    • Many Scandinavian names were changed. Alot were taken from where they lived or where born. My last name is Lodahl which means low valley. There is an area in northern Norway called Lovdahlen. I’m assuming that’s where my great grandfather Andreas Lars Lodahl came from.

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  25. For some reason, Harald Hårfagre always seems to get translated to Harold Fairhair.. While fager can indeed mean fair or pretty, in this case it does not. Harald swore an oath that he would not cut his hair until he had gathered all the parts of Norway into one kingdom. It took him seven years to do so, and by then his hair was quite long. Thus, Hårfagre, in this instance, means “with the long hair”

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    • Actually, he was called Luva, which in modern language would be Dreadlocks, when he had long hair. He not only did not cut it, he also did not comb it. He was not called Hårfagre until after he had his hair cut, so it does mean “fair or pretty”.

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  26. My name is Carl sometimes spelled Karl. I am English but My family came to England as Vikings. The name origin may be associated with Viking ‘Housecarls’ or ‘Huscarls’ men who were employed as Viking or Anglo Saxon personal body guard or private professional warrior guards.

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  27. My paternal grandfather was Ludwig; my maternal grandfather, Haakon. All four grandparents emigrated from Norway and our family’s proud Norwegian heritage is carried on by my children, Siri and Erik.

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  28. My grandfather was Thorvald, although we thought he said “Torvald” because he couldn’t pronounce the “th” sound. Now I see that he was correct all along. My father wanted to name me “Astrid” after an ancestor but my mother put her foot down, thus I am Catherine. I like that name anyway. I have another grandfather, “Tosten,” and an aunt “Berglot.” That one is very unwieldy and not very pretty. So, we called her “Beggie,” which is not much better. Also, had, an uncle “Johannes.” Way back there were “Mari,” and “Thea.”

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  29. I was born and raised in Norway, my name is Herborg been told it is Icelandic viking name. My daughters middle name is Ragnhild after my mother. ( warrior woman)

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  30. My family were Vikings that settled in the upper Shetlands about 1500 years ago. They immigrated to the US in the 1930’s. My Grandfather was named Magnus, as well is my Uncle. I love that name!

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  31. Yup he was called blue tooth because he ate so many blueberries and he was known for uniting norway during his rule hence bluetooth which connects us

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  32. Also interesting last name fact and my history could be slightly off so feel free to jump in with corrections but I believe the the reason alot of Scandinavian last names have the “son” on the end of them was because originally last name wernt like official you were thor son of Odin for example so when the church came in an wanted everyone’s names for all their documents the church insisted on last names so they would just go ok I’m leif son of Erik so (leif erikson) and also many american norwegian names got changed when coming through immigration because they Americans couldn’t pronounce alot of our names so they simplified alot of them

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    • The last name ending with “-son” or “-sen” reflects on the old surname system. I am son of Per; thus my natural surname would be Persson, but it is not. My surname does not follow the old system. The Icelandics still practice it, and also use the ending “dottir” (daughter) the same way. Above you make it sound as if you being called Johnson was due to lack of another, but it means originally your ancestor was “the son of John”. Names ending with -son or -sen with a first name before that is probably the most common surname in Norrway or Scandinavia in general.

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  33. How Nice! Ny mothers name was Herborg, (means army and castle) I am Ragnhild, and I am norwegian. Bouth are norwegian viking names.

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  34. Although my parents wanted to name me Sigrid, they opted for a name that began with the letter “K” since my four older sisters names began with that letter. So, my middle name became Sigrid.

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  35. My name is Ingrid. Brought up in Scotland but have a Faroese father. I wanted my children to have Scandinavian names and so we have, Anja. Sólja,Gunnar and Jóra, I hope they grow up loving them as much as I do!

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  36. My Norwegian immigrant parents named their three kids Steinar (me), Sonja and Bjarne. My father’s name was Amund before he Anglicized it to Andrew when he came to the U.S. My grandfathers were Olaf and Einar. The name Steinar has been a source of confusion. Many people think initially it is my last name. It was no fun having that name as a kid. This day and age however when people ask me about my name I am proud to explain my Norwegian heritage. I noticed the name Steinar was the name of the lead character in an obscure Viking movie made in 2013.

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  37. I have spent unproductive hours trying to convince my daughter and son to name their girls after my grandmother who was born in Tromso, Gjertine. No luck. She was born with the last name of Ingebritsdatter, which changed to Johnson upon immigration at age 5. The kids have given us a Sophia, Eleanor, Madeline, and the closest to Scandinavian we got is Annalise (Scandinavian / Germanic contraction of Anna Elizabeth). In our family we speak the full name when referring to or talking to a family member. So while Annalise could have many nicknames or shortened names from her friends, she is our lovely Annalise. (Germans pronounce the e at the end.)
    PS – when in high school, My Dad and I owned a female black Lab. We bred her, and I got to keep a male pup, and regard him as all mine. I named him Thor. Now I see these other Norwegian names, and think, if I ever get a dog (after my wife passes so I can have a dog), I’ll look at these namers afresh.

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  38. Ok, Americans, here’s the deal – no one names their child Loki or Odin. That’s the equivalent of naming your child Lucifer or Jehova. You’re also missing the top viking names like Gunnar, Sven, Gunvald, Leif, Hjalmar, Ragnar, Styrbjörn. Also Tor is usually not used stand alone but combined with other names line Torbjörn and Torvald.

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    • Hei Oskar! Both Loke and Odin are more common lateley in Norway, especially Odin has been used more though. And we spell it Loke. Tor is also quite common as a stand alone name, but even more used like this; Tor-Arne, Tor-Gunnar, Tor-Erling etc. For statistics about norwegian names you can check out http://www.ssb.no/navn

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  39. I would disagree with naming your child Odin, i know plenty that’s named Odin (so it’s not a unpopular name to namer your child at all, least not where i’m from), though naming your child Tor is more common, though the name usually come in a combination, it’s not always the case.

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  40. how is Ole pronounced. I knew a Norwegian whose name was Ole pronounced OO-lah. I have been told that it should be pronounced All-lee. Who is right?

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  41. My great grandfather Christian Amland emigrated from Norway in the late 1800’s. His children are Harold, Ella, and Rolf, all born after 1900. My father, born in 1936 was named Rolf, after his father. I am very proud of my Amland family name, and heritage. And I would like to know more about my family history in Norway going back to the early centuries. Help from you historians? My name is Jeffrey Amland.

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  42. My name is Björn Gunnar. I was baptized in the church in Gamla Uppsala which was built on the ruins of the ancient pagan temple. My family has lived in the area at least 500 years. The viking culture is all around. Rune stones are all over the landscape. I’ve always liked the other version of my name: Torbjörn, Styrbjörn and Ambjörn

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  43. My mother is half Swedish and half Norwegian. Even though I was raised in the US, I grew up surrounded by a lot of the cultural practices, foods and customs of both of these Scandinavian people. My name is Erika with “k:” because my Grandmother said that was the proper Swedish way to spell it. My brother’s name is Anders, which I am surprised no one has mentioned. My grandmother (from Norway) had an American first name (Myrtle) but Johanna was her middle name. My MorFar from Sweden was named Olaf but his first name was Fabian. Back in the old country we had photos of relatives all lined up in front of their barn with all the children in a row by height. I remember some of their names: Eina, Inga, Alma, Anna, Ragnhild, Manfred, Hillman and I forget the rest. My brother is very invested in keepin the culture alive in his children. He has three very tall, strapping boys, now all in their 20s. They are named Lars, Thor and Erik (after me, also with a “k”)., One thing I also wanted to mention about names in Scandinavia (at least in Sweden) is that your “Name Day” is considered more important than your birthday. 🙂 I believe mine is January 24th (even though I was born in October). Skol!

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  44. Love reading about all these Norske names. I have a funny story, that is true. My maternal grandmother’s maiden name was Aas, pronounced Ahhs. Her youngest brother changed it to Owens, legally. He said too many people misspelled it and mispronounced it and kidded him about being an a–hole. He was just sick of it! I am 3rd generation half Norwegian and 5th generation half German, and very proud of it. My maiden name was Klinefelter. Also spelled Kleinfelter or Kleinfeldter, means small meadow, so I was told. My mother’s maiden name was Kaupanger, pronounced Kah-punger, hard “G”. Another true story. When my norse aunt, Edna Kaupanger was to marry Henry Sand. Henry’s mother put the engagement announcement in their local newspaper in Dixon, IL. She really didn’t know the last name, so the announcement, read,” Miss Edna Cowpuncher is engaged to Mr. Henry Sand.” I have a copy of that announcement! We all got a good laugh out of that one!

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  45. I was surprised Einar was not on the list. It was my Great, Great Grandfather’s name meaning warrior and is from the Viking era. My family settled in North East Iowa to this day there is alway Lese on the table for holidays in remembrance of my Norse ancestry.

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  46. this is interesting i was asked to write a norse movie i call Orbit of the Sun. you can be sure Solveig will be one of the names uses which means path of the sun. there are nordics living at alki area of seattle we have business together, they are still considerd a race, not norweigan nor danish, i am nordic origins but my national origins are british my birth is united states but also a citizen of canada from ontario. included in the movie will be mentiond icelandic spar, whic by the water service marshals who requested it at kohls department store in fedeh norsemen used to navigate by the sun, even after the sun had set. a common mistake of their adversaries that they were safe when the sun had set. the spar was also used to draw scot plaid as it was a light diffuser and split bands of light into a possible pattern. dont forget the great clansmen just a short distance from the north sea. i had been convince by certain nordics that they owned the third planet from the sun and actualy i believed them for quite a while. they are very convincining. they are a race and i wouldnt argue that fact. Ajax. this was settled long before races began. ask odin. hope the movie does well and is purchased soon.

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  47. i made a slightmistake on my lst comment about where i mentioned icelandic spar. they also made compasses with chemicals they got from china. they were everywhere. they thought they were oceanliners. there are many nordics living here, namesakes of the great like ethelred and ethelfled and their parents and many more they moved fron alki to bellevue area drinking is on of their talents and a lot of it. also harold godwids namesake, he is head of my octagon business. but also is the namesake of harald bluetooth and harald fairhair. there were other haralds, like the one who united sweden. different harald. this harald lived near the mockbeggars near rochester uk in later years. waiting for another day, i guess. ethics have it he won against wm of normandy as he was done when his horse died. those were the rules. harold is now young. his recent benefactor lived in bellvue and worked at the fire department in an asset position.

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  48. My parents were Sverre (an old king’s name) and Hjordis. I almost never see either one come up in all the Norske pages I’m on!!!

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  49. I married a Norwegian named Arthur Hansen who was born in America. His parents names were Almer Hansen (father) and Elna Hansen mother), They both had the same last name before marrying in the US. Always found this very interesting.

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  50. My name is Åge Reidar. I live in Norway, born and raised here. In Sweden, the name Åge is spelt Aake. On Iceland Aki or Oki. In Denmark, it is Aage. The name is old norse and means “forefather”. I was named after my mother, who is Åse; and my father, who was Reidar. The name ÅSE is directly from the old norse religion ÅSATRO; the religion of the Vikings. Their gods (the admired ones) had the group name of ÆSER. My fathers name is from the old norse HARIAR, which means “warrior”. My oldest son is KNUT GAUTE. Knut means “knot”. Gaute is originally “GOTER”, which means “a male coming from Sweden, that is the Gotaland. The name Sweden didn’t exist at the time. My youngest son is TRYGVE OLAV. Trygve is from the old norse TRYGGR, which means “Steady/Secure”. Olav is well known and widely used from before Viking time, meaning stem father. My oldest daughter is ANE MARTE. Ane is the feminine version of ARNE, coming fra ARN or ØRN, meaning “Eagle”. Marte is hebrew, meaning “Housewife”. My youngest daughter is DINA. It’s widely used all over the world; probably because of its’ use in the Bible. It means “Judge” or “Wise”.

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  51. I am of predominant Norwegian blood on my mother’s side. She was born in Bismarck, North Dakota, USA and only spoke Norwegian until the age of four. All of my Norwegian relatives are deceased. So, I am starting my genealogy dig into the family history. I would love to visit Norway and all of Scandinavia but am at a loss where to start. Thought of living in Norway for several months to get acquainted with the culture, language and customs.
    I live in a small town west of Phoenix, Arizona. My dermatologist said my skin is such that I should live in Scandinavia, not the hot Arizona desert.lol I would welcome any suggestions or establish contacts in Norway, Sweden or the UK.

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  52. On my Norwegian side, Christine was the popular choice. My mother, her Aunt, her Great aunt and her great grandmother. Her Father (and half brother) were Otto, after his Swedish father. His brothers were Tonnes (Thomas and Carl). His sisters were Rachel and elizabeth.
    My great-grand mother, for whom I was named, was Karen. My mother’s grandfather and their infant son were Johannes. He changed it to John and Larsen to Lawson upon Naturalization. Is there a translation for Gjertine? It’s Karen’s middle name and my Aunt Chris’s 2nd middle name.

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  53. My father was born in Norway as Peder Pedersen. When he arrived at Ellis Island, his name was changed to Peter Folden. (His birthplace was an island called Foloy or Foldoy). In looking into my family tree, it was confusing as many people took their surname from birth names, locales or even took the surname of their spouse (male or female). Ex: One female cousin married a man from Poland. No one could pronounce his name so he soon answered to his WIFE’S surname.) My mother’s family used 3 different surnames. My father-in-law’s father was born Torkelsen which became Thompson at immigration to U.S. So what was my REAL last name? … before marriage?? …. after marriage?? Never could get an answer from either parent – both now deceased

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  54. John has been a popular male name in my family from Norway) for many generations. The family last names are Lund and Swanson(originally Swendsen when my great grandparents came to the US) The Lund family homesteaded not far from where I now live in B.C. Canada. My son also has Swedish heritage as well.

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  55. Thanks, I loved the list and the comments… I remember feeling perfectly at home in beautiful Norge when I had my baby boy there..I had selected Reinar, thorval, Magnus for a boy and Ragnhild Astrid for a baby girl. However, he was named after his 2 French grandfathers much to my dismay..
    Oyevinn was rather common in Stavanger at that time – what’s the equivalent in English ?. I was told my last name HELLEY originated from that of a lake far North of Norway called Helle lake but how could I have proof of this… as anyone among you heard of it ? Is Helley known in Scandinavia and the Usa ?.if my last name is truly, genuinely Norwegian, I would be very very happy… And, may I say it rather proud !

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  56. Reading all the way through this extensive and very interesting list, I did not see the surname of Leum, my MorFar’s name. He came to America from Orkanger in the 1890s (best guess) as a merchant marine and who knows how it was spelled in Norwegian, Lium perhaps? Edward Johann were his first and second names. He left behind a half-brother (Martin?) whose mother or father was Swedish. The half-brother’s daughter’s name was Marie, her 2 daughters were Brit-Solvi (not the correct “o”, sorry) and Eva. Eva’s 2 sons were Bjorn-Erik and Geir-Helge. Eva should be in her mid-70’s now and sons close to 50-ish. Only family I know of in Norway, sadly. I hope someday to meet them. Really enjoyed everyone’s stories.

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  57. My dogs, central asian shepherds are Freya and Loki. I also have two more dogs, dogue de Bordeaux.I had one dogue de Bordeaux, unfortunately died 6 yrs ago with name Lulea which is the name of city in Sweden

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  58. Grew up in Trondheim with 2 brothers: Ragnar and Erik( Erik not on your list of viking names!) My parents were Kari and Egil who don’t seem to be included, either.
    Resident in Ireland for decades but still returning to Trondheim now and then. Maybe I will call in for a chat soon?
    Regards
    Knut Harald Moe

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  59. Lots of “Gunnar” likes out there. It truly is an old Viking Warrior name.
    Trond is less popular, even though it heralds from Trondheim, capital of Norway prior to Oslo. Trond means “to grow and prosper”. My parents are Birger and Brith.
    Seland is a hamlet in southern Norway.

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