307+ Scandinavian Boy Names [With Meanings]

Scandinavian boy names tend to have several distinct characteristics, including:

Meaning: Scandinavian names are often deeply rooted in history and culture, with many names having significant meanings. For example, the name “Erik” means “eternal ruler” in Swedish and Norwegian.
Short and Simple: Scandinavian names are often short and simple, with two or three syllables. Examples of this include names like “Lars,” “Karl,” and “Nils.”
Unique spelling: Many Scandinavian names have unique spelling variations, often featuring letters not typically seen in English names. For example, the name “Mikael” is a Swedish spelling of the English name “Michael.”
Nature-inspired: Some Scandinavian names are inspired by nature, such as the name “Bjorn,” which means “bear” in Swedish and Norwegian.
Gender-neutral: Some Scandinavian names are gender-neutral, such as “Alex,” “Anders,” and “Arne.”
Historical references: Some Scandinavian names reference historical figures or events, such as the name “Gustav,” which references Gustavus Adolphus, a former king of Sweden.

Overall, Scandinavian boy names are often unique, simple, and meaningful, with deep roots in history and culture.

Scandinavian Boy Names and Meanings

Some popular Scandinavian boy names and their meanings:

Alexander – Defender of the people
Anders – Strong and manly
Bjorn – Bear
Erik – Eternal ruler
Finn – Fair or white
Henrik – Ruler of the home
Lars – Crowned with laurel
Magnus – Great or mighty
Nils – Victorious people
Olaf – Ancestor’s relic
Oskar – Divine spear
Soren – Severe or strict
Thor – Thunder
Viggo – Warrior
Wilhelm – Resolute protector

30 POPULAR SCANDINAVIAN BOY BABY NAMES | VIKING & NORSE NAMES WITH MEANING

Scandinavian Boy Names That Start With… (A-Z)

Here are some examples of Scandinavian boy names that start with each letter of the alphabet:

Anders (means “manly” in Scandinavian)
Axel (means “father of peace” in Scandinavian)

Bjorn (means “bear” in Scandinavian)
Bo (means “to live” in Scandinavian)

Carl (means “man” in Scandinavian)
Casper (means “treasurer” in Scandinavian)

Dag (means “day” in Scandinavian)
Dan (means “God is my judge” in Scandinavian)

Erik (means “eternal ruler” in Scandinavian)
Einar (means “lone warrior” in Scandinavian)

Finn (means “fair” or “blond” in Scandinavian)
Fredrik (means “peaceful ruler” in Scandinavian)

Gustav (means “staff of the gods” in Scandinavian)
Gunnar (means “warrior” in Scandinavian)

Hans (a Scandinavian version of John, meaning “God is gracious”)
Henrik (means “ruler of the home” in Scandinavian)

Ivar (means “bow warrior” in Scandinavian)
Ingmar (means “famous son” in Scandinavian)

Johan (a Scandinavian version of John, meaning “God is gracious”)
Jonas (a Scandinavian version of John, meaning “God is gracious”)

Karl (means “man” in Scandinavian)
Knut (means “knot” or “joint” in Scandinavian)

Lars (means “crowned with laurel” in Scandinavian)
Leif (means “heir” or “descendant” in Scandinavian)

Magnus (means “great” in Scandinavian)
Mikkel (a Scandinavian version of Michael, meaning “who is like God?”)

Nils (a Scandinavian version of Nicholas, meaning “victory of the people”)
Nikolai (a Scandinavian version of Nicholas, meaning “victory of the people”)

Oskar (means “spear of the gods” in Scandinavian)
Otto (means “wealth” or “fortune” in Scandinavian)

Per (means “rock” in Scandinavian)
Peder (a Scandinavian version of Peter, meaning “rock”)

No commonly used Scandinavian boy names start with the letter Q.

Rasmus (means “beloved” in Scandinavian)
Rune (means “secret” in Scandinavian)

Sven (means “young warrior” in Scandinavian)
Sigurd (means “victory guardian” in Scandinavian)

Thor (means “thunder” in Scandinavian mythology)
Tobias (a Scandinavian version of the name Tobiah, meaning “God is good”)

No commonly used Scandinavian boy names start with the letter U.

Viggo (means “war” or “battle” in Scandinavian)
Viktor (a Scandinavian version of Victor, meaning “victorious”)

No commonly used Scandinavian boy names start with the letter W.

No commonly used Scandinavian boy names start with the letter X.

No commonly used Scandinavian boy names start with the letter Y.

No commonly used Scandinavian boy names start with the letter Z.

Norwegian Boy Names

Here are some popular Norwegian boy names:

Alexander – Defender of the people
Andreas – Manly and strong
Emil – Industrious, striving, or eager
Erik – Ever-ruler or eternal ruler
Henrik – Ruler of the home or estate
Ivar – Yew tree, archer or bow warrior
Jonas – Dove
Kristoffer – Christ-bearer
Lars – Crowned with laurel
Magnus – Great or mighty
Markus – Dedicated to Mars, the Roman god of war
Mathias – Gift of God
Nikolai – Victory of the people
Oskar – Divine spear
Sander – Defender of men
Tobias – God is good

Swedish Boy Names

Some Swedish boy names:

Alexander – Defender of the people
Axel – Father of peace
Bjorn – Bear
Erik – Eternal ruler
Felix – Happy, fortunate
Gustav – Staff of the Goths
Henrik – Ruler of the home
Jonas – Dove
Karl – Strong, manly
Lars – Crowned with laurel
Leif – Heir, descendant
Magnus – Great, mighty
Nils – Victorious people
Oscar – Divine spear
Pontus – Sea
Stefan – Crown, wreath
Tobias – God is good
Viktor – Conqueror, winner

Note that many of these names are of Scandinavian origin and are used not only in Sweden, but also in other Nordic countries such as Norway and Denmark.

Danish Boy Names

Here are some popular Danish boy names along with their meanings:

Aksel – Father of peace
Anders – Brave warrior
Christian – Follower of Christ
Emil – Rival, industrious
Frederik – Peaceful ruler
Hans – Gift from God
Jakob – Supplanter
Jens – God is gracious
Kristian – Follower of Christ
Lars – Crowned with laurel
Magnus – Great, mighty
Mads – Gift from God
Nikolaj – Victory of the people
Søren – Stern
Thor – Thunder

Danish names are often influenced by Scandinavian and Germanic languages, and many of these names have variations in other Nordic countries as well.

Finnish Boy Names

Below are some Finnish boy names with their meanings:

Aapo – meaning “father of many nations”
Aarni – meaning “eagle”
Aatos – meaning “thought”
Aki – meaning “autumn”
Aleksi – meaning “defender of mankind”
Antti – a Finnish version of the name Andrew, meaning “manly”
Arto – meaning “bear”
Eemeli – a Finnish version of the name Emil, meaning “rival”
Eero – meaning “eternal ruler”
Einari – meaning “lone warrior”
Elias – meaning “Jehovah is God”
Emil – meaning “rival”
Erik – a Finnish version of the name Eric, meaning “eternal ruler”
Esa – a Finnish version of the name Jesse, meaning “gift”
Hannes – a Finnish version of the name John, meaning “God is gracious”
Ilmari – meaning “air”
Jaakko – a Finnish version of the name Jacob, meaning “supplanter”
Jalmari – meaning “helmet warrior”
Janne – a Finnish version of the name John, meaning “God is gracious”
Jari – meaning “fighter”
Joonas – a Finnish version of the name Jonas, meaning “dove”
Jori – meaning “farmer”
Juho – a Finnish version of the name John, meaning “God is gracious”
Jukka – meaning “God is gracious”
Jussi – a Finnish version of the name Joseph, meaning “God will add”
Kari – meaning “pure”
Kasperi – a Finnish version of the name Jasper, meaning “treasurer”
Keijo – meaning “rejoice”
Kustaa – a Finnish version of the name Gustav, meaning “staff of the gods”
Lauri – a Finnish version of the name Lawrence, meaning “from Laurentum”
Leevi – a Finnish version of the name Levi, meaning “joined”
Lenni – meaning “brave as a lion”
Leo – meaning “lion”
Mauno – meaning “great”
Mikael – a Finnish version of the name Michael, meaning “who is like God?”
Nestori – meaning “homecoming
Niklas – a Finnish version of the name Nicholas, meaning “victory of the people”
Olavi – a Finnish version of the name Olaf, meaning “ancestor’s relic”
Oskari – a Finnish version of the name Oscar, meaning “deer lover”
Paavo – meaning “small”
Perttu – a Finnish version of the name Bartholomew, meaning “son of Talmai”
Petri – a Finnish version of the name Peter, meaning “rock”
Rasmus – meaning “beloved”
Reino – meaning “counselor”
Santeri – a Finnish version of the name Alexander, meaning “defender of mankind”
Taavi – a Finnish version of the name David, meaning “beloved”
Tapio – meaning “forest spirit”
Tarmo – meaning “energy”
Teemu – a Finnish version of the name Timothy, meaning “honoring God”
Tero – meaning “manly”

Top Scandinavian Boy Names

Some popular Scandinavian boy names along with their meanings:

Alexander – Defender of the people
Axel – Father of peace
Emil – Rival, industrious
Erik – Eternal ruler
Felix – Happy, fortunate
Henrik – Ruler of the home
Isak – Laughter
Jonas – Dove
Karl – Strong, manly
Leif – Heir, descendant
Magnus – Great, mighty
Nils – Victorious people
Oskar – Divine spear
Sander – Defender of men
Sebastian – Revered

Note that some of these names may have different meanings in different Scandinavian countries or may be spelled slightly differently depending on the country.

However, they are generally well-known and used throughout the region.

Popular Scandinavian Boy Names

Here are some popular Scandinavian boy names along with their meanings:

Erik – “eternal ruler”
Thor – the name of the god of thunder in Norse mythology
Lars – “crowned with laurel”
Bjorn – “bear”
Leif – “descendant” or “heir”
Sven – “young warrior”
Olaf – “ancestor’s relic”
Gunnar – “brave warrior”
Anders – “manly” or “brave”
Nils – “victorious people”

Traditional Scandinavian Boy Names

Here are some traditional Scandinavian boy names:

Gustav – meaning “staff of the Goths”
Henrik – meaning “ruler of the household”
Oskar – meaning “spear of God”
Vilhelm – meaning “resolute protector”
Magnus – meaning “great” or “mighty”
Sigmund – meaning “victorious protector”
Knut – meaning “knot” or “knot of wood”
Aksel – meaning “father of peace”
Harald – meaning “ruler” or “leader of an army”
Frej – meaning “lord” or “ruler”

These names have a long history in Scandinavia and continue to be popular choices for parents today.

Modern Scandinavian Boy Names

Below are some modern Scandinavian boy names with their meanings:

Axel – meaning “father of peace”
Erik – meaning “eternal ruler”
Finn – meaning “fair”
Henrik – meaning “ruler of the home”
Isak – meaning “laughter”
Johan – meaning “God is gracious”
Kai – meaning “keeper of the keys”
Lars – meaning “crowned with laurel”
Magnus – meaning “great”
Nils – meaning “victorious people”
Oskar – meaning “divine spear”
Per – meaning “rock”
Ragnar – meaning “warrior”
Soren – meaning “stern”
Viggo – meaning “war”
Wilhelm – meaning “resolute protector”
Xavier – although not traditionally Scandinavian, it has become a popular name in the region in recent years. It means “bright” or “new house”.

Unique Scandinavian Boy Names

Here are some unique Scandinavian boy names that you may be interested in:

Alvar – meaning “elf warrior”
Einar – meaning “one warrior” or “lone warrior”
Haldor – meaning “rock or cliff of Thor”
Iver – meaning “yew bow warrior”
Kai – meaning “rejoice” or “victory”
Mads – a shortened version of the name “Matthias,” meaning “gift of God”
Njord – the name of the Norse god of the sea and winds
Ragnar – meaning “judgment warrior” or “ruler’s adviser”
Stellan – meaning “calm” or “peaceful”
Tage – meaning “day” or “daytime”

These names have a unique and interesting sound, and they may be perfect if you’re looking for something a little different.

Uncommon Scandinavian Boy Names

Some uncommon Scandinavian boy names:

Albin – meaning “white, bright”
Birger – meaning “helpful, saving”
Casper – meaning “treasurer”
Eilif – meaning “everlasting heritage”
Folke – meaning “people, tribe”
Gunnar – meaning “warrior, fighter”
Halvar – meaning “defender of the rock”
Inge – meaning “protected by Ing”, which is the Norse god of fertility and peace.
Joar – meaning “spearman”
Kasper – a variant of Casper, meaning “treasurer”
Leif – meaning “descendant, heir”
Mads – meaning “gift from God”
Niels – meaning “victorious people”
Orvar – meaning “arrow”
Peder – meaning “rock”
Sander – meaning “defender of men”
Torgny – meaning “Thor’s noise”, as in the sound of thunder
Ulrik – meaning “power of the wolf”
Vilhelm – meaning “resolute protector”
Yngve – meaning “ancestor”.

Badass Scandinavian Boy Names

If you’re looking for some badass Scandinavian boy names, here are some options:

Bjorn – meaning “bear”
Eirik – meaning “ever-ruler”
Gunnar – meaning “brave warrior”
Harald – meaning “leader of an army”
Ivar – meaning “bow warrior”
Kjell – meaning “kettle” or “cauldron”
Leif – meaning “descendant” or “heir”
Magnus – meaning “great” or “mighty”
Ragnar – meaning “judgment warrior” or “ruler’s adviser”
Thor – the name of the god of thunder in Norse mythology

These names are strong and bold, and they may inspire feelings of confidence and power.

Strong Norse Boy Names

Some strong Norse boy names:

Asger – meaning “god’s spear”
Bjorn – meaning “bear”
Eirik – meaning “eternal ruler”
Frey – meaning “lord”
Geir – meaning “spear”
Haldor – meaning “rock of Thor”
Harald – meaning “ruler of the army”
Ivar – meaning “bow warrior”
Kjetil – meaning “kettle, helmet”
Leif – meaning “heir, descendant”
Magnus – meaning “great”
Njord – meaning “lord of the sea”
Odin – meaning “fury, inspiration”
Ragnar – meaning “warrior, judgment”
Sigurd – meaning “victory guardian”
Thor – meaning “thunder”
Torsten – meaning “stone of Thor”
Ulf – meaning “wolf”
Vidar – meaning “warrior of the forest”
Yngvar – meaning “warrior of the people”

Cool Scandinavian Boy Names

Below are some cool Scandinavian boy names that you might like:

Axel – meaning “father of peace”
Casper – meaning “treasurer”
Emil – meaning “rival”
Felix – meaning “happy” or “fortunate”
Kasper – meaning “treasurer”
Loke – the name of a trickster god in Norse mythology
Nils – meaning “victorious people”
Odin – the name of the king of the gods in Norse mythology
Rasmus – meaning “beloved”
Viggo – meaning “war” or “battle”

These names have a modern and stylish feel, and they may be a great choice if you’re looking for something cool and trendy.

Beautiful Scandinavian Boy Names

Here are some beautiful Scandinavian boy names that you might like:

Arvid – meaning “eagle tree”
Dag – meaning “day”
Emil – meaning “rival”
Fabian – meaning “bean grower”
Felix – meaning “happy, lucky”
Gunnar – meaning “warrior, fighter”
Henrik – meaning “ruler of the home”
Jesper – meaning “treasurer”
Knut – meaning “knot”
Linus – meaning “flax”
Matias – meaning “gift of God”
Nikolai – meaning “victorious people”
Oskar – meaning “divine spear”
Peder – meaning “rock”
Sander – meaning “defender of men”
Tage – meaning “day”
Vilhelm – meaning “resolute protector”
Wilhelm – meaning “resolute protector”
Xavier – means “bright” or “new house”.
Yngve – meaning “ancestor”

Unusual Scandinavian Boy Names

If you’re looking for some unusual Scandinavian boy names, here are some options:

Ansgar – meaning “god-spear”
Dag – meaning “day”
Eilert – meaning “ruler of all”
Fritjof – meaning “peace of the gods”
Hjalmar – meaning “helmeted warrior”
Jokum – meaning “established by God”
Keld – meaning “spring” or “fountain”
Odmar – meaning “famous son”
Sigurd – meaning “victory” and “guardian”
Torgny – meaning “Thor’s noise” or “thunder”

These names are unique and may make a statement, while still honoring Scandinavian heritage and tradition.

Rare Scandinavian Boy Names

Here are some rare Scandinavian boy names along with their meanings:

Alvar – “elf warrior”
Birk – “birch tree”
Einar – “one warrior”
Esben – “God bear”
Folke – “people, tribe”
Halvar – “defender of the rock”
Keld – “spring, fountain”
Leif – “heir, descendant”
Niels – “victorious people”
Odd – “point of a sword”
Ragnar – “warrior, judgment, advice”
Sigurd – “victorious guardian”
Soren – “stern, severe”
Thoren – “thunder”
Torben – “thunder bear”
Vidar – “forest warrior”

Keep in mind that some of these names may be more common in certain parts of Scandinavia than others, and may have different spellings or variations.

Norse Mythology Boy Names

Here are some Norse mythology-inspired boy names:

Baldur – the name of the god of light, joy, purity, and the summer sun
Freyr – the name of the god of fertility, peace, and prosperity
Loki – the name of the god of mischief and trickery
Odin – the name of the chief of the gods, associated with wisdom, war, and death
Thor – the name of the god of thunder and strength
Tyr – the name of the god of law and heroic glory
Vidar – the name of the god of silence, revenge, and the wilderness
Fenrir – the name of the giant wolf who was destined to kill Odin during Ragnarok
Heimdall – the name of the god who guarded the rainbow bridge that connected Asgard and Midgard
Surt – the name of the fire giant who was destined to destroy the world during Ragnarok

These names have a strong connection to Norse mythology and may be a great choice if you want to pay tribute to the rich history and culture of Scandinavia.

FAQs – Scandinavian Boy Names

What are some Scandinavian boy names?

Some popular Scandinavian boy names include:

Olav
Sven
Torsten
Knut
Erik
Hans
Kai
Magnus
Oskar
Kalle

What is a cool Norwegian name?

Some cool Norwegian boy names include:

Jakob
Axel
Kjell
Steinar
Leif
Stian
Ludvig
Sverre
Henrik
Øyvind

Conclusion – Scandinavian Boy Names

One of the most distinctive characteristics of Scandinavian boy names is their strong and deep connection to Nordic mythology.

Names like Thor, Odin, and Freyr honor ancient gods and heroes, while Ragnar and Bjorn recall legendary Viking explorers.

Additionally, other common Nordic names are inspired by the natural world, such as Runar, which references the ancient practice of rune magic.

Many of these traditional names remain popular today – though they’ve also been modernized over time to reflect changing sensibilities.

Another unique element of Scandinavian boy names is their long history in the region.

While Norse mythology has existed for thousands years, many of the most popular modern name choices have much more recent roots.

For instance, Emil was coined in Sweden in the 1800s; similarly ‘Johan’ was first popularized around this same time period in Norway.

Even more recently, names like Albert and Oscar were given a new Nordic spin through their adoption in Sweden during the 20th century.

Finally, what truly sets Scandinavian boy names apart from other cultures are the meanings behind their choices.

In much of Scandinavia, parents tend to opt for meaningful names that represent important qualities; thus ‘Ludwig’ may be chosen for its reference to “renowned warrior” or ‘Axel’ may be selected for its connotations of divine peace.

Alternatively, some parents may opt for classic name combinations with a mix of old and new elements – such as combining an ancient word like ‘Edvin’ with a newer moniker like ‘Noah’ to create a unique hybrid name with special resonance to their family’s cultural identity.