The origins and history of Old Norse names
Think of names like Thor, Freyja, and Ragnar. Old Norse names evoke the strength of warriors, myth, and the untamed North, but what is it precisely that gives them that "Old Norse" feel?
During the Viking and early Scandinavian eras, names were not just names — they were considered badges of honor. They were chosen to celebrate heroic actions, nature, and family heritage, in addition to signifying power or divine favor. While certain names, like "Erik" (forever king), represented the goals of the people who bore them, others, like "Björn" (bear), were associated with animals that represent the fierce nature of the wilderness.
So you want to create Old Norse names?
Naming Old Norse characters — whether for historical fiction, fantasy, or medieval drama — requires more than selecting something that sounds archaic. Old Norse names can hold history and deeper meaning, so carefully choosing the right one can make your story just that little bit more authentic.
Here are a few tips for picking the perfect Old Norse name with our name generator:
- Make use of family names. Many Norse names were often formed from a parent's or father's name, with the suffixes “son” (son of) or “dóttir” (daughter of). For instance, "Eriksson" (Erik's son) or "Astridóttir" (Astrid's daughter).
- Consider nature and the gods. The Norse pantheon is the source of several names, such as "Thor" (thunder) and "Freyr" (god of fertility and peace). Some, like "Snorri" (a short or diminutive guy), are derived from words related to nature.
- Add a touch of heroism. Valour and fate are often reflected in Norse names. Names that reflect the heroic values of Viking culture include "Sigurd" (victory) and "Harald" (ruler of the army).
No matter the character you’re creating, our Old Norse name generator will help you conjure the strength of gods and warriors to create a story as powerful as a battle cry!
10 coolest Old Norse names for inspiration
Want to get ideas straight from the source? You're in luck. Here are the coolest Old Norse names of all time:
|
Old Norse names |
Meaning |
Gender |
|
Ragnar |
Warrior of the gods |
Male |
|
Freyja |
Goddess of love and fertility |
Female |
|
Thor |
God of thunder |
Male |
|
Astrid |
Divine strength |
Female |
|
Björn |
Bear |
Male |
|
Sigrid |
Victorious, beautiful |
Female |
|
Erik |
Eternal ruler |
Male |
|
Ingrid |
Fair, beautiful, beloved |
Female |
|
Leif |
Descendant, heir |
Male |
|
Hilda |
Battle, fight |
Female |
Looking for more Old Norse names?
Feel free to use any of the names that this Old Norse name generator provides. Be sure to tell us the success story at service@reedsy.com! And if the perfect Old Norse name is still escaping you on a Viking ship, the rest of the Internet’s got you covered. Here are some of our other favorite Viking name generators on the web:
Or if you think that generators are fun and all — but that you’d rather create your own Old Norse name? Great 👍 Head to this post, which is all about naming a character.
