Nordic female names. Adoption of Christianity and names

02.04.2019

northern peoples by nature itself, they are placed in difficult conditions, therefore, for a long time they have become accustomed to living harmoniously and amicably solving problems. And the tradition of giving children certain names comes from the distant past, which is why so many of them are not only beautiful and sonorous, but also ancient. Let's get acquainted with male and female Scandinavian names, their meaning and origin.

general information

Like many other peoples, the Scandinavians believe that the name, given to man at birth, will largely determine his fate, endow him with certain qualities. Therefore, they are very responsible in their choice. Most of the Scandinavian names are associated with the mythological beliefs of the northerners, many variants come from the names of animal objects and flora, often there are two parts in the composition, each of which brings its own shade of meaning.

For men

Inhabitants of the north, proud Vikings, led dangerous life, complete bloody wars and sumptuous feasts, at which wine flowed like a river. To some, such a world may seem barbaric, to others - filled with romance. In any case, such traditions could not but be reflected in the male Scandinavian names, each of which endowed its owner with certain character traits. Here are some examples:

  • Agmund - protecting from punishment.
  • Alfgeir - spear of an elf.
  • Anders is brave.
  • Ansgar is the spear of Ases, the supreme deities of the Scandinavian pantheon inhabiting Asgard. At their head was the great Odin.
  • Bernt is fearless.
  • Vardy - devoted friend able to help in any situation.
  • Westgeir means western spear. There was also Scandinavian male name Westmar meaning "land of the West".
  • Georg - owner of the land.
  • Goody is good.
  • Dyarvi is a daredevil.
  • Ingemar - who earned his fame in battles.
  • Olaf is the next.
  • Stainmod is a stone that gives courage.
  • Eyvind is the wind that brings happiness.

These are the male northern names, but it should be noted that this is by no means a complete list. The Scandinavians are surprisingly inventive, and therefore the names for boys are unusual, beautiful, noble.

Mighty Animals Theme

Often, representatives of the world of fauna became the primary source of Scandinavian male names, who deserved a respectful attitude in creating fearless northerners. Here are some examples:

  • Arnbjorn - an eagle and a bear, a man named so, endowed with courage, fearlessness, readiness to go into battle with the strongest enemy.
  • Arnulv is an eagle wolf, also the name of a real warrior, hardened in battles and ready to risk his life.
  • Asbjorn is the bear of Ases, the animal was revered in the north as a mighty companion of the gods, sometimes even Odin appeared in his guise.
  • Audulv - a rich wolf, consists of two roots - "aud" - welfare, "ulv" - wolf.
  • Bjorn is just a bear, but Webjern is a name meaning "holy bear".
  • Valgard - protection of the falcon.
  • Greenolf is a green wolf. Gunnulv is a wolf who takes part in battles. Ingovolv is the king's wolf.
  • Jon is a dove.
  • Kjarval is a peaceful whale.
  • Orm is a snake.
  • Svan is a snow-white swan.
  • Ulvbjorn is a wolf-bear.
  • Hawk is a bird hawk.

It was believed that such names endow the boy with valor and courage, which, of course, could help him become a real warrior and take his place in the halls of Valhalla after a heroic death in battle. Now times have changed, so such old Scandinavian names are not held in high esteem, they have given way to more modern European options.

Beautiful options for girls

Of course, women in the north are no less hardy than men, so often the meaning of their names also had the primary source of animals or birds, for which the struggle for existence is a familiar state. Here are examples of female Scandinavian names:

  • Adela is noble.
  • Astrid - divine beauty.
  • Benedict is sacred.
  • Brynhild is a warrior.
  • Vigdis is the god of war.
  • Ingeborg - hurrying to help.
  • Inga is powerful.
  • Kia - believing.
  • Rebecca - alluring, leading into a trap.
  • Svanhild, Svanhild - battle of the swan.
  • Susanna is a noble lily.
  • Freya is the ruler.
  • Hilda - battle, battle.

The names are very diverse, unusual. It should be noted that barbarian pagan traditions turned out to be so strong that even the adoption of Christianity could not change the traditional Scandinavian female names they have retained their relevance. The church, seeing that the northerners categorically refuse to name their children in honor of the saints, went to the trick: some heroes of Scandinavia were canonized, so their names were included in the names. Until now, girls in Norway and Denmark are sometimes called very beautifully and unusually. Some of the options were used even by the Slavic peoples.

Sound options for real men and true ladies

Among the names Scandinavian origin there are many beautiful, modern ones that can be used to name boys, not even necessarily northerners. Examples are quite numerous, some of them are presented in the table.

These are the variants of the names of men and women who came from the countries of Scandinavia. They sound beautiful, have a worthy value, therefore they are often used not only in the north, but also in Europe, America and even Russia. Many Scandinavian names have a formidable, warlike meaning associated with religion or battle. One can note such a feature of the names - the presence of one or two syllables, three- and more complex variants are extremely rare.

For the strongest women

In the list of beautiful Scandinavian names, there are many that sound very unusual, for example, Auda, which means "prosperity." It is interesting that even the variations for girls among the proud northerners are imbued with the spirit of war, physical strength and weapons. Here are some examples:

  • Arnkatla - the helmet of an eagle.
  • Asgerda - protection of the deity.
  • Bera is a bear.
  • Sigga is the winner.
  • Una is lucky.
  • Frigga is the wife of the supreme god Odin.

These are some of the female names of Scandinavia.

Features of construction and use

Regardless of the sex of the newborn, it was up to the father to name him, but often two components were present in the name of the child at once, from the father and from the mother. Even modern variations have managed to preserve their beauty and originality, since the northerners did not follow the beaten European path, but preferred to salute centuries-old traditions. Therefore, such names as Birgitta - towering, Vigdis - under the auspices of the goddess of war, Ilva - a she-wolf, Henrika - a zealous housewife, housekeeper, Hulda - keeping a secret, have been preserved.

However, Scandinavian names do not always have such a long history and deep meaning. Some residents of Denmark and Sweden call their daughters Anna, Maria, Christina, Elizabeth, Eva - these options are popular all over the world.

Modern tendencies

Interestingly, the naming culture has survived to the greatest extent in Iceland, where there is a naming committee that strictly monitors how babies are named and can prohibit the use of one or another foreign name. In this country, it is highly desirable to use exactly the ancient variations that were mentioned in the folk epic. But the Swedes and Norwegians often turn to borrowings from England and France.

So we have learned that most of Scandinavian names refers to those times when people believed in formidable gods and the magical connection of a person with an animal - a totem. That is why so many boys and girls have a direct relationship with some kind of patron animal, most often endowed with strength, power and courage. Of course, modernity has invaded the traditions of naming children, so beautiful-sounding ancient names are becoming less and less popular, giving way to pan-European ones.

Modern names different countries differ in origin, cultural and historical heritage, influence of various religions. In countries such as Denmark and Norway, Sweden and Iceland, as well as Finland, children are called modern names, however more of these names originates from ancient Scandinavia. Some of which go back to legends and myths, some are a reflection of Germanic and biblical names. Rich story reflected in the variety of female and male Scandinavian names.

Features of Scandinavian group names

Names Scandinavian group, like other peoples, reflected the characteristics of a person's character, described his remarkable sides. But an interesting fact is that the name was not given to a person for life, but could change throughout life, even more than once. The reason for changing the name could be an act that left an imprint on the attitude towards its bearer, or the emergence of new qualities as a result of growing up.

History has left its mark on Scandinavian female names, which reflect the warlike events of a rich past. It is noteworthy that the interpretation and meaning of female and male names are almost the same. The character traits of the conqueror were passed down from generation to generation, and the strength and courage, bravery and courage revered at all times were embodied in the names of the girls. For example, Vigdis is the “goddess of war”, Goodhild is a “good battle”, Swanhild is a “battle of swans”, Brynhild is a “militant woman”.

It is also noteworthy that two-part Scandinavian female names are used, and their meaning is intended to determine objects and abstract concepts, to reflect distinctive features appearance and character traits: “peaceful ruler” - Fredrik, “battle of defenders” - Ragnhild.

How was the name given in the Scandinavian family in antiquity?

In naming, the peoples of Scandinavia had their own traditions, followed by everyone without exception.

Only the father gave the name to the girl and the boy. This was equated to the acquisition by the baby of the right to life, because the head of the family could accept or reject a new member. When naming a child, tribute was paid glorious ancestors, which were to be reborn in a new body when choosing the name of the descendant. Scandinavian female names were given to girls in honor of deceased relatives. These names were intended to strengthen the strength of the clan, which came from all the ancestors who bore this name.

Ancient Scandinavian names and modern ones. What is the difference?

The culture of glorious wars and battles left its mark on the names of girls in Scandinavia. There were no special differences in antiquity between the male and female names. Girls were named after military events and battles, patrons of war and battles, peace and victories. Popular in the old days were the names of heroes sung in legends and epic works. The names of the goddesses and heroines of the legends were called girls.

IN modern world The choice is made in a different way. They now prefer beautiful Scandinavian female names, which are the embodiment of femininity, tenderness, are distinguished by the beauty of sound and grace, they sing best qualities and virtues of the representatives of the beautiful half of humanity. For example: Ingrid - "beautiful" and Inga - "the only one", Christina - "follower of Christ" and Letizia - "happy", Sonya - "wise" and Henrika - "housekeeper", Eidin - "slender" and Katarina - "clean" .

Mythological roots of Scandinavian names

The mythology of the Angles and Normans, Danes and Saxons, formed before the adoption of Christianity, from the 5th century BC. BC, is reflected in the names of the Scandinavian countries. German-Scandinavian mythology basically represented the worship of the forces of nature, so a number of names corresponded to the names of animals that were especially revered by the Vikings.

The female names of Scandinavian mythology are represented by such options as "Bear" - Ulf or "god of fertility" - Freir. The names of sacred ravens were also popular, which were especially revered by the Vikings and personified military luck: “thought, soul” - Huginn and “memory” - Muginn. The forces of nature are reflected in the names: "rock" - Stein, "protected by Thor" - Torborg, "soul" - Hugi.

Simple and complex names among the Scandinavians

Scandinavian names are divided into two main groups: one- and two-part. If the first group includes descriptions of character traits or belonging to a certain tribe and clan: “spiritualized” - Aud, “strong” - Gerda, “foreigner” - Barbro, then two-part Scandinavian female names and their meaning have their own characteristics.

In two-syllable and two-part names, the components of the names of two parents or the qualities that they want to endow the baby are reflected: “stone, protect” - Steinbjorg, “battle of the elves” - Alfhild, “divine runes” - Gudrun.

Soaking up the culture neighboring nations, professing the Lutheran and Catholic faith, began to give the child two names at baptism, which are designed to protect him throughout his life. In everyday life, only one name is used, and they try to keep the second in the shadows. And in difficult life situations associated with health, it is customary to turn to the second name and actively use it instead of the first, believing that protective forces can change fate for the better.

Nicknames that became names

Initially, for the most part, ancient Scandinavian names, including female ones, were mixed with a wide variety of nicknames, and it was difficult to distinguish between them. Some names contained both a nickname and a proper name. For example, the name Alv incorporates the nickname "elf". Nicknames perfectly displayed individual characteristics human: Raquel - "sheep", Tord Horsehead - female Thor.

Nicknames famous witches and sorcerers also reflect Scandinavian female names: Kolfinna - "dark, black Finn", Kolgrima - "black mask". Over time, the boundaries between the name and the nickname are erased and become indistinguishable.

viking heritage

The brave conquerors of antiquity - the Vikings - passed through the centuries and gradually turned into modern Scandinavians, and their culture is reflected in glorious names. Warring tribes treated the choice of name responsibly. It was believed that the name is capable of shaking the universe and influencing the entire fate of its bearer. Naming the child, they believed that they were giving it under the protection of the gods and the forces of nature. Some of the names reflecting the rituals of priests and sorcerers have gone forever, and those praising the achievements of a warrior or hunter continue to exist to this day. And among these: Valborg - "saving those who die in battle", Bodil - "battle-vengeance", Borgilda - "fighting, useful maiden."

How did Christianity influence the name?

With the adoption of Christianity, new names began to appear, but their distribution was ambiguously perceived by the Scandinavian peoples.

Christian names given to children at baptism remained secret. They used the second name, which was traditional and understandable for the Scandinavian people. A special rejection of new names was in the families of the military elite, where it was accepted Christian names name only illegitimate children. But gradually new ones joined the Scandinavian female names. They are actively used by modern parents who choose them for their daughters: Christina and Stina - "follower of Christ", Elizabeth - "God-confirmed", Evelina - "little Eve", Annelise - "gracious, useful, confirmed by God".

Adamina - red, earth.
Adeline, Adeline - noble, noble.
Agnetha - saint, chaste.
Alina is decent.
Anitra, Annie - useful, grace.
Asta, Astrid, Asya - divine beauty.
Aud - spiritualized.

Barbro is a stranger, a foreigner.
Birgit, Birgitta, Birte - sublime.
Brita is sublime.
Brunnhilde is a female warrior dressed in armor.
Wendla is a traveler.
Vigdis is the goddess of battles, war.
Victoria - a furore, a victory.
Wilma, Wilhelm - militant, protected by a helmet.
Vivien, Vivi - mobile, alive.
Gerda, Gerd - powerful, strong.
Gunnel, Gunhild, Gunhild - military battle.
Gunvor is a vigilant female warrior.
Dagney, Dagney - the birth of a new day.
Dorta, Dorte, Dorothea - God's gift.
Ida is diligent and hardworking.
Ilva is a wolf woman.
Inga is unique, one, only.
Ingeborg, Ingegerd - protected by Ing.
Ingrid is beautiful, incomparable.
Jorun, Jorunn - lover of horses.
Katrin, Katharina - innocent, pure.
Carolina is strong, courageous.
Kaya is the mistress, mistress.
Clara - immaculate, pure, dazzling.
Kristin, Kristina, Stina - a follower of the teachings of Christ.
Letizia - glowing with happiness.
Lisbeth - God confirmed.
Liv, Liva - giving life.
Maya is a mother-nurse.
Margareta, Margrit - precious pearl.
Marthe is a housekeeping lady.
Matilda, Matilda, Mektilda - strong in battle.
Ragnhilda - the battle of warriors-defenders.
Rune - dedicated to secret knowledge.
Sana, Susanna - lily flower.
Sarah is a noble lady, a charming princess.
Sigrid, Sigrun, Siri - a beautiful victory.
Simone is understanding.
Sonya, Ragna - wise, wise.
Swanhilda - the battle of the swans.
Tekla - Divine glorification.
Thora, Tyra is the warrior of Thor.
Torborg - taken under the protection of Thor.
Tord, Thordis is Thor's beloved.
Thorhild - the battle of Thor.
Tove - thundering.
Trin - immaculate, pure.
Turid is the beauty of God Thor.
Ulla, Ulrika - power and prosperity.
Frida is peaceful.
Hedwig - battle of rivals.
Helen, Elin - flame, torch.
Henrika is the housekeeper.
Hilda, Hilde - battle.
Hulda - guarding a secret, hidden.
Eidin - graceful, slender.
Elizabeth is confirmed by God.
Erica is the ruler.
Esther is a shining star.
Evelina, Evelyn - progenitor, little Eve.

Origin of female Scandinavian names

Scandinavian female names, depending on the origin, can be divided into primordially national, originating from the ancient Germanic language and borrowed names adapted to the languages ​​​​of Scandinavia - mainly European Christian names.

The ancient names of the Scandinavians differed little from nicknames, so often it was the nickname that served as a personal name. The nickname could be given to the child shortly after birth, or throughout life - if it was more suitable for the owner, then it replaced the previous name. In any case, the nickname indicated some feature of the owner: a character trait, outward sign, origin, occupation, etc. (Luta - "stooping", Adamina - "red", Ida - "hardworking"). Another group of old names is amulets. The tradition of using such names goes back to the pagan custom of naming animals, birds, and plants to form a symbolic bond between the owner and the living being. Among the Scandinavians, the role of amulets was performed by the names Björk - “birch”, Byrna - “bear”, Ilva - “she-wolf”, Hrevna - “crow”, etc. Names-wishes of a good fate, a happy and bright life were also often used: Birta - “bright ”, Heidr - “glory”.

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Origin of new names

Over the centuries, the Scandinavian name book has been replenished with new names. various origins: English and French, German and Russian. Scandinavia did not bypass the fashion for short and derivative forms of full names, which were formed from both Scandinavian and borrowed names. For example, the name Kirsten (from the Greek Christina) has several analogues: Karsten, Kirstin, Kirston, variants of Siri, Sir, Ser are formed from the Scandinavian name Singrid, from the Spanish Dolores - Dorthy.

Beautiful and popular female names of the Scandinavians

Beautiful Scandinavian female names are filled with deepest meaning. They emphasize the divine feminine nature, purity, sublimity: Astrid - "the goddess of beauty", Dagmar - "bright maiden", Oletta - "winged, sublime", Quinby - "feminine". Some sonorous names associated with the characters of ancient German mythology: Gerda is a beautiful giantess, the mistress of mountain streams, Irpa is one of the Scandinavian goddesses, Taira is the daughter of Thor. Among the ancient names there are many beautiful options: Innesta - "coming out of the stream", Solveig - "sunbeam", Svanveig - "swan road", Ernestina - "storyteller", Edda - "poetry".

Popular names of Scandinavians for several centuries have been primordially national names with pagan roots, formed on behalf of the god of fertility Yngve: Inga (“powerful”), Ingeborg (“protected by Ing”), Ingrid (“beautiful like Ing”), as well as Freya, Alva, Ursula. Recently, the fashion for short names has become more frequent: Liv, My, Nora. Among European names, the most popular are Elsa, Alice, Karina, Alina, Olivia, Ella.

Modern traditions

Today, Scandinavians are increasingly choosing popular European names of various origins for their daughters, new names are short and derived forms of full names. Old Christian names adapted to the Scandinavian languages ​​are still relevant. Ancient, primordially national names have not gone out of use, but are used less frequently.

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Scandinavian names

Scandinavian female names and their meaning

Scandinavian female names

Name origin

Meaning of the name

Agnetha

Agnes

Alfhild

Annika

Anthony

Aslog

Aslaug

Astrid

Barbro

Bengt

Birgit

Bridget

Birgitta

Briton

Britta

Brunhilde

Viveca

Vibeka

Virginia

Gittan

Greta

Gunilla

Gunhild (Scand.)

ilva

Inga

Ingeborg

Ingegard

Ingegerd

Inger

ingrid

Irene

Karin

Katerina

Kaisa

Kerstin

Kirsten

Lina

Linnaeus

lotta

Louis

Lucia

Magda

Magdalena

Malin

Margate

Marit

Marne

Martha

Martina

Matilda

Meta

Mona

Monica

Nanna

Nora

pernilla

petronilla

Ragna

Rugnhild

Sanna

Suzanne

Sassa

Sarah

Cecilia

sybil

Signy

Sigrid

Sigrun

Siri

Solveig

Solvig

Torah

Torborg

Tilda

Ulla

Ulrika

Ursula

Helga

Helge

Hella

Henrique

Hilda

Hulda

Hjordis

Elin

Elsa

Elizabeth

Swedish

Swedish

Norwegian, Swedish

Swedish, Dutch, Finnish

Swedish

Swedish

Swedish

Swedish

Swedish

Scandinavian

Scandinavian

Scandinavian

Swedish

Swedish

Scandinavian

Swedish

Swedish

Swedish, Danish, English, Italian, Spanish

Swedish

Swedish, German, English

Scandinavian

Scandinavian

Scandinavian

Swedish

Scandinavian, German

Swedish

Scandinavian

Scandinavian

Scandinavian

Scandinavian, English, Italian, German

Swedish

Swedish, Finnish

Swedish

Swedish, German

Scandinavian

Scandinavian

Scandinavian

Swedish

scand., english

Scandinavian, Finnish

Swedish

Scand., German, English, Italian.

Swedish

Scandinavian, German, Czech, Polish

Swedish

Scandinavian

Scandinavian

Swedish

Scandinavian, English, Greek

Scandinavian, English, German, Dutch

Swedish, English

Scand., germ.

Swedish, Danish

Swedish

Scandinavian

Scandinavian

Scandinavian

Swedish

Scandinavian, English, Irish.

Swedish

Swedish

Scandinavian

Scandinavian

Scandinavian, German, English

Scandinavian

Scandinavian

Swedish

Swedish

Scand., English, Italian, Spanish

Swedish, German

Scandinavian

Scandinavian

Scandinavian

Scandinavian

Scandinavian

Scandinavian

Swedish

Scand., germ.

Scandinavian

Swedish, English

Scandinavian

Scandinavian

Scand, German, English

Scand., germ.

Scand., germ.

Scand., germ.

Scand., germ.

Scandinavian, German, Dutch, English

Scand., germ.

Scandinavian

Scandinavian

Swedish, German, English

Swedish, German, English

Scand., German, French, English.

elves battle

priceless, priceless

extraordinary beauty and strength

foreigner

blessed

spectacular

exalted

exalted

beautiful

militant, trap

militant, trap

virgin

exalted

pearl

dedicated to the god of abundance

fortress

the attachment

the attachment

beautiful

blameless, chaste

blameless, chaste

blameless, chaste

follower of Christ

inspired

flower name

God's oath, vow to God

courageous, bold

glorious warrior

from Magdala

from Magdala

pearl

pearl

mistress of the house

dedicated god of war mars

mighty in battle

pearl

mighty in battle

little noblewoman

advising

adviser in battle

princess

princess

soothsayer

fair victory

the secret of victory

fair victory

power at home

name of the Norse god Thor

strengthening

mighty in battle

prosperity and power

bear

home ruler

battle

pleasant, attractive

sword goddess

bright, chosen

God's oath, vow to God

Swedish, German, English

utility, elegance

On the territory of Russia, some Scandinavian names have adapted: Inga, Olga, Lina, Marta, Naina, Nora.

People with Scandinavian names in Russia- proud, purposeful, tough, very closed people. They know how to achieve their goals. They are little known to those around them. Difficulty fitting into society. Capable of asceticism, self-restraint.

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Scandinavian names. Scandinavian female names and their meaning

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The most energetic names, unusual for Slavic hearing, were and remain Scandinavian. The Scandinavians named their children based on their culture, beliefs and difficult living conditions. Today, female Scandinavian names in Russian sound more like nicknames. But some of them fit perfectly into our reality. A girl named with a Scandinavian name will definitely not go unnoticed.

The history of the origin of Scandinavian female names

Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden - these countries are located on the site of ancient Scandinavia - northern lands, cold, with harsh living conditions. The tribes of the ancient Germans inhabited these lands during the period early medieval- V - VII centuries AD. Accordingly, almost all the names here are of Germanic origin. The Germans developed their own culture, language, way of life, and all this left an imprint on the names that they gave to their children.

In the names of girls you can often find:

  • mentions of totem animals that lived on the land of the Scandinavians - a wolf, a bear, a raven;
  • names pagan gods- Thor, As;
  • significant events and phenomena - battle, protection, struggle, torch, mystery, god, strength;
  • the characteristics of a newborn are beautiful, peaceful, strong, small.

Composing names from such “bricks” is the influence of paganism. According to him, the name given at birth will determine the fate and character of a person. For the first nine days after birth, the girl remained nameless. On the ninth night, her father took her in his arms, sprinkled her with water and called her name, determining future character and purpose of the daughter.

Most of the girls' names can be translated literally. On mother tongue they sounded typical, although today it seems to us that these are rather nicknames and nicknames.

The root “-hild” is often found in the names, it is translated as “battle”. "Gerd" - "protection", "helg" - "holiness", "ing" - "power", "trid" - "strength", "run" - "secret". That's how they were made Norwegian names one or two words. As a result, such sonorous names were obtained as Rungerda (protected by a secret), Inga (powerful), Gudrun (God's secret).

Danes, Swedes, Norwegians still use some of the names inherited from their ancestors today. Some of them have changed a little over time, as both the way of life and the language have changed. This is a natural process. But we can say for sure: the names have not lost their meanings and bright sound.

Scandinavian names are still vibrant and vibrant.

List of beautiful names for a girl

One of the foundations of paganism is the worship of ancestors, so the father looked for a name for a newborn daughter from the names of relatives. At the same time, he could change something and add a new property, which, according to legend, could protect the girl, give her special skills or define her character.

As a result, we got such names, beautiful, sonorous and energetic:

  • Agnia - "edge of the sword";
  • Adeline - "noble";
  • Alina - "beautiful";
  • Astrid - "Ace's strength";
  • Victoria - "victory";
  • Gerda - "protector";
  • Dorothea - "gift of God";
  • Inga - "powerful";
  • Ingrid - "protection of the king";
  • Katrin - "immaculate";
  • Christina - "under the protection of Christ";
  • Margareta, Margrit - "pearl";
  • Matilda - "strength in battle";
  • Helga - "holy";
  • Sigrun - "the secret of victory";
  • Frida - "peaceful";
  • Helen - "torch";
  • Hilda - "battle";
  • Evelina - "hazelnut";
  • Esther is a star.

Yes, battles, battles and the struggle for territory stretched like a red thread through the life of the Scandinavians, but there were romantics among these harsh peoples. There was a place among the wars and other, peaceful aspects of life.

Rare female names of Scandinavian origin

Ancient Scandinavian names can be found in chronicles and literary works of that era.

When reading the "Elder Edda" and other texts of the Viking Age, the eye stumbles endlessly over unusual combinations of letters:

  • Brunhild - "battle of armor";
  • Borghild - "assault on the fortress";
  • Ragnfrid - "the power of peace";
  • Solveig - "beam of the sun";
  • Thorgerd - "protector of Thor";
  • Hertrud (Gertrud) - "the power of the sword."

You may find these names familiar:

  • Asta - "the beauty of Asa, prosperity";
  • Birgitta - "sublime";
  • Wilhelm - "under the protection of a helmet";
  • Gudrun - "the secret of God";
  • Gunhild - " military battle»;
  • Ingeborg - "under the protection of Ing";
  • Ingrid - "protection of the king";
  • Sigrun - "the secret of victory";
  • Thordis - "Woman of Thor".

All of these Scandinavian female names were once very popular among Germanic speakers. Some have been transformed into Russian sound, and at first it is even difficult to assume that they have Scandinavian roots.

Modern and popular names and their meaning

  • One of the names that is still used today is Inga. Short, sonorous and energetic, it translates as "powerful". Indeed, a girl with that name achieves certain heights both in her career and in her family. A softer version of the name - Inna, also has Scandinavian roots, and today it is gaining popularity again.
  • Another name that has come down to us almost in its original form is Margarita. The Scandinavian version is Margrit. The meaning of the name is "pearl". It is common both here and in modern Denmark and Sweden. Margaritas feel the influence of Scandinavian ancestors: they are distinguished by their firmness of character, stubbornness and some closeness.
  • The name Victoria is "victory", not just popular Scandinavian name for girl. It literally holds the first lines in the ranking of the most popular names for several years. By answering the question of her name, Victoria will not cause surprised looks from the older generation. But through the whole life will carry the fortitude, purposefulness and desire for hearth. In abbreviated form, this name in the homeland sounds like Vicky, and in Russia - Vika, Tory.
  • Another popular name for a girl is Alina (“beautiful”), it is actively used both in Slavic families as well as in Muslim. It is universal in pronunciation.
  • We fell in love with the name Evelina (“hazelnut”) for its unusually gentle sound for Scandinavian names. Eva or Lina - a girl with difficult character, which, perhaps, will prevent her from building family relationships, but will give real success in business. Evelina enjoys her natural charm, which gives her a Scandinavian name.
  • Increasingly, you can meet girls with the name Dorothea - "given by God." It is thanks to such a sacred meaning and gentle sound that this Scandinavian name becomes popular. The names of girls with such a translation are found in almost all cultures, including the culture of the ancient Germans.
  • The name Ingrid, "protection of the king", gives its owner the will and perseverance in achieving goals. In everyday life, Ingrid is often shortened to Inna, Innusi, softening the call of the Scandinavian ancestors and giving Ingrid softness and calmness.
  • Karina is possibly a derived name from the Old Germanic Kara ("curly").
  • Erika means "strong". Beautiful name for a girl - Erna, means "skillful." Modern parents can safely choose these names when deciding what to name their daughter.

Despite the fact that the Scandinavian tribes eventually mixed with other nationalities and adopted a lot from the culture of Christians and Muslims, you can still meet women named according to ancient rules in their homeland.

Suffice it to recall, for example, modern Swedish actresses and models Ingrid Bergman, Greta Garbo, Britt Ekland, Elsa Host, Suzanne Anden, Sigrid Agren and others. IN last century they attracted the attention of millions with their luxury and beauty.

Ancient and forgotten names

The Scandinavian tribes left us a legacy of not so many names that can easily be called a daughter. Still, the language of the ancient Germans seems too energetic to the Slavic ear. The names Ragnfrid, Thordis, Brunhild, Gudgerd, and the like, are rarely used even at home.

Perhaps only in Iceland you can meet beauties with the names of Branja, Berglind, Edda, Unnur, Asdis and others. The fact is that in this country they especially honor their culture, which grew out of the heritage of the Vikings. Icelanders are not afraid of complex pronunciations and a confusing procedure for choosing a name for a newborn.

There is a list of names approved by the state committee, and children can only be named in accordance with this list.

There are practically no assumptions in the form of Christian and Muslim names in it, only the real heritage of the ancestors.

It remains for us not to forget that the names Olga, Elena and Ekaterina are the Scandinavian Helga, Helen and Katrin. We adopted many familiar and familiar names from these strong and harsh tribes.



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