Scandinavian female names and their meaning

Modern names of different countries differ in origin, cultural and historical heritage, the influence of various religions. In countries such as Denmark and Norway, Sweden and Iceland, as well as Finland, it is customary to call children by modern names, but most of these names originate from ancient Scandinavia. Some of which go back to legends and myths, some are a reflection of Germanic and biblical names. The rich history is reflected in the variety of women's and men's Scandinavian names.

Features of Scandinavian group names

The names of the Scandinavian group, like those of 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 the “good battle”, Swanhild is the “battle of the swans”, Brynhild is the “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 the 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 old days used 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, sing the 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 - "slim" 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.

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

Absorbing the culture of neighboring peoples who professed the Lutheran and Catholic faith, they 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 related to 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". The nicknames perfectly reflected the individual characteristics of a person: Raquel - "sheep", Tord Horsehead - a woman of Thor.

The nicknames of 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. There was a special rejection of new names in the families of the military elite, where it was customary to call Christian names only for 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", Anneliese - "gracious, useful, confirmed by God".

Adamina - red, earth.
Adeline, Adeline - noble, noble.
Agnetha - saint, chaste.
Alina is decent.
Anitra, Annie - useful, grace.
Asta, Astrid, Ase - 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 and war.
Victoria - a sensation, a victory.
Wilma, Wilhelm - militant, protected by a helmet.
Vivien, Vivi - mobile, alive.
Gerda, Gerd - powerful, strong.
Gunnel, Gunhild, Gunhild - a military battle.
Gunvor is a vigilant female warrior.
Dagny, 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 - a precious pearl.
Marthe is a housekeeping lady.
Matilda, Matilda, Mektilda - strong in battle.
Ragnhild - the battle of the warrior-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 - the battle of rivals.
Helen, Elin - flame, torch.
Henrika is a 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.

Viking names. Old Norse names

The era of the Normans can be called the middle of the 9th - the beginning of the 11th century, which was characterized by expansion and invasion of various countries for the purpose of easy money. The main type of fishing of the ancient Scandinavians was the incessant raids on a number of European countries and ancient Russian lands. Despite this, they were good shipbuilders, successful traders and experienced sailors. The culture of these peoples had a considerable influence on the further development of a number of countries. modern Europe and Ancient Rus'. Many Old Norse names are just as popular today as they were many centuries ago.

A little about the life history of the ancient Normans

The vast majority of Vikings were free pagan peasants of Norwegian, Danish and Swedish origin. The geographical location of Scandinavia with harsh climatic conditions did not allow agriculture to develop sufficiently. Therefore, the main type of trade of these peoples was hunting and fishing. It was the sea that was the source of food for the Vikings. Already by the beginning of the VIII century, sea voyages for the ancient Scandinavians had become a way of life. Shipbuilding and navigation gradually developed, thanks to which the Vikings made long sea voyages. By that time, trade began to develop actively in Europe. At the same time, merchants from different countries began to import their goods from distant places, including by sea.

The ships, bursting at the seams from various goods and riches, did not go unnoticed by the Vikings, and they very quickly began to rob various merchants at sea. By the beginning of the 9th century, the Varangians began to raid a number of countries in Western Europe. The history of the Vikings as seaborne conquerors dates back to the 790s AD. e., when the first Norman ships approached the English coast. This was one of the first major invasions for the purpose of robbery and robbery. Subsequently, raids for the Vikings became a way of life. Moreover, they settled many islands in the northern seas, which served as bases for recreation and division of the loot. Armed attacks by the Vikings were carried out from sailing boats, which were most Norman fleet. At the same time, several thousand robbers could take part in the attacks.

What were the ancient Scandinavians like?

The history of the Vikings is shrouded in many myths and legends, thanks to which a strong opinion has been formed about them. For example, in the view of contemporaries, all Normans are huge people with long white hair, besides, they are wild and bloodthirsty. In fact, it was rare when a Viking's height exceeded 170 cm, and as for hair, we can say that there were quite a lot of fair-haired Vikings, but among them there were a considerable number of dark-haired people, and even redheads. Few people know, but the Varangians were hospitable people, because they believed that the guest in the house is God in the house.

In addition, many foreigners joined their tribes, so later among them there were many people from various countries.

The Normans were excellent gunsmiths, and for making military weapons used different technologies. It is safe to say that the Viking sword was no worse than a Damascus steel blade in terms of strength and sharpness. The history of many peoples is somehow intertwined with the Scandinavian pagans, since later the Normans began to settle all over the world. Their roots can be found in the territory modern Russia, and North America and even Africa.

The Scandinavian warriors had one feature, which was the complete destruction of everything that was not connected with their religion. They destroyed the churches and temples of "dissidents" to the ground, while not feeling pity for either the holy fathers or the parishioners. This largely explains the reason why the ancient inhabitants experienced animal horror at the sight of the Varangians, whom they called merciless and cruel killers.

Norman culture

As we have already said, the Vikings were excellent shipbuilders and sailors, skilled gunsmiths, warriors and hunters. Development various areas economic activity these peoples kept pace with the times. However, due to their belonging to the pagans, their writing was extremely poorly developed, so everything that happened was passed from mouth to mouth. This is how the famous Scandinavian sagas appeared, from which you can learn a lot about the history of the ancient Normans.

Only by the beginning of the 11th century did the Vikings begin to develop writing and the first historical records, which were recorded using the well-known runic script. Runes were used as written symbols, and were also actively used in applied magic. They were carved on stones and carved on tablets, and they were also used to make protective amulets and divinations. Runic writings are often found in the history of the Romano-Germanic and Slavic peoples. With their help, they subsequently began to record the names of the Vikings, the origin and meaning of which we will consider later.

Origin of Scandinavian names

Scandinavian names have their own origin and rich history. Let's start with the fact that they were given by the father of the family to a newborn child. He also had the right to accept this baby or refuse him altogether. The born children were called names that had a direct connection with the ancestors of the family. It was common for the Normans to mix common nouns with nicknames. For example, the meaning of the name Ingrid is "beautiful", it indicates the presence of the god of fertility in him. Sigrid is a name that confirms that a person has talent and giftedness. People with this name have a non-standard type of thinking and are non-trivial.

The names of the Vikings, received by the father at birth, did not differ in constancy. They could be replaced during the life of another, when a person had already formed a character and a number of distinctive features. The names of the Vikings, the list of which is quite large, can be divided into one-part and two-part.

One-liners may indicate human qualities or his character (Vagni ─ calm, Gyarvi ─ courageous, Magni ─ strong, Sverre ─ heavy, Tryggvi ─ faithful). Other names of the Vikings speak of the external signs of a person (Bruni ─ strong, Raud ─ red, Lodinn ─ covered with hair). There are also many names that denote animals (Bersi ─ bear cub, Bjorn ─ bear, Orm ─ snake, Ulv ─ wolf), inanimate objects or phenomena (Brand ─ sword, Koll ─ coal, Skjeld ─ shield, Frost ─ frost, Una ─ wave ).

Two-part Scandinavian names have a complex structure. They may have the names of gods in their composition, conceal a mythological meaning or characterize a warrior (Audun ─ a rich wave, Asgeir ─ a spear of aces, Grinolf ─ green wolf, Sigurd ─ protected by victory, Steinulv ─ stone wolf, Thorbrand ─ Thor’s sword).

Names of Old Norse Gods

Consider the names of some of the Viking gods, since they are most directly related to the formation of the names of the ancient Scandinavians and their culture. The supreme god of all pagan Vikings was Odin ─ Wotan, the owner of the Asdgard palace of Valhalla and everything that happens on earth and the universe. He patronized artisans and farmers, warriors and sailors, and also revealed the secrets of runic art and knowledge of the world.

Among the highest aces gods, Tiu-Tyr, the god of justice and law, who patronized justice, was also highly revered by the Vikings. God Thor the Thunderer was for the Vikings the all-powerful protector of all people and many gods. Thor-Tunar is the son of Odin and the Earth Goddess Erda. Thor wielded Mjöllnir, a magical hammer that can hit absolutely anything and return after being thrown into its owner's hand. The Vikings worshiped Thor with particular zeal, and his divine presence could often be found in their names.

The wife of the Thunderer Thor was the golden-haired goddess Sif. Their three children, the goddess Labor and her brothers Modi and Magni, were also revered by the Vikings. The goddess Frigg (Fria) patronized the hearth and order in the house. Also among the gods, the ancient Scandinavians revered Freya ─ the goddess of eros, physical well-being and magic; Freyr, who patronized material well-being, peace and prosperity; Njord, the father of Freya and Freyr, who was subject to the elements of the sea and the wind. He also influenced the well-being and prosperity of all people.

Religious roots of the origin of Old Norse names

Often the meaning of the name is belonging to various deities and religious origin. As a rule, these are names consisting of two or more parts, one of which is somehow connected with pagan gods. For example, let's take Yngvar ─ a name that literally means "warrior of the god Yngvi", where Yngvi is one of Freyr's divine names.

Viking Religious Names Women's Following : Asne - God's news; Astrid - God's power; Asveig - God's road; Gudrun ─ divine mystery; Thorgerd - divine protection (protection of the god Thor); Thorhild - divine battle (Torah).

Religious Viking male names are listed below. Aswald's name literally means "divine authority". Names in which the name of the god Thor is the main thing: Thorstein, Thorbjorn, Torvar, Tormod, Thorgisl, Thorbrand, Torfred, Thorarinn mean "stone", "bear", "army", "courage", "hostage", "sword", "world", "hearth" respectively. The names Freygeir and Freyvar are the "spear" and "army" of the goddess Freya.

About some famous Vikings

The Old Norse Viking king Harald Fair-haired (as the monarch was called by the custom of the Varangians) managed to unite the small Norman tribes in single state. In the battle of Stavangereg in 885, he was seriously wounded, but after long years held power over the Varangians.

The famous Vikings, whose names are Olaf and Haakon, were the kings of the Norman lands - the beginning of Christianity in the Norwegian state is associated with them. Haakon the Good is considered the first Norwegian king, during which the Vikings began to forget their pagan roots and became Christians. Although it is believed that it was Olaf I Trygvesson (995-1000 years of reign) and Saint Olaf (1015-1028), in whose honor many churches of the Norwegian state were built, established the Christian faith.

How did the Christian faith influence the change of Scandinavian names

After Christianity appeared in a number of Scandinavian countries, the names of the Vikings were still preserved. for a long time. However, thanks to a decree issued by the church clergy, the Scandinavians had to name their children according to the Christian calendar, which included the names of saints. Thus, the descendants of the Varangians began to be called ancient Greek, Jewish and Roman names that were inherent in Christians and eventually acquired harmony, becoming completely “native” to the Scandinavian peoples.

As for surnames, they are derived from names, but with the addition of particles. Therefore, the Scandinavians wear such original surnames, like Larsen, Amudsen, Hansen, Johansen, Nielsen, Christiansen, Carlsen and a number of others.

Male Old Norse Names

We have already said that the ancient names of the Vikings, received at birth, subsequently changed to others that corresponded to the human essence. Since the children did not show themselves at birth, they could be called as follows:

• Beinir or Bergir - names that meant "helper in everything"; Yoddur, Skuli ─ "defender of the clan"; Leif ─ "heir"; Oblaud ─ "dared man"; Ofeig - "long-liver, not doomed to death, living happily"; Thrain ─ "stubborn"; Tryggvi ─ "faithful, devoted."

Of course, the parents could have assumed that the born son would be a brave warrior and protector, but a person could choose a different path, becoming, for example, a merchant or a hunter, then he would receive a different name:

• Frodi ─ "peaceful or kind"; Helgi, which literally meant "holy, sinless"; Kollbjorn ─ "black, coal-colored bear"; Alv ─ "elf"; Vestein ─ "holy stone"; Webrand ─ "holy weapon"; Vardi ─ "friend"; Gest ─ "welcome guest" and others.

Warriors and defenders were given formidable and sonorous names, since the Vikings believed that the warriors, in the event of death on the battlefield, would definitely end up in Asgard and be faithful servants of Odin:

• Brand ─ "sharp sword"; Vegeir ─ "spear of the saints"; Webrand ─ "holy sword"; Gunnar ─ "fighting sword"; Dyarvi ─ "brave"; Rorik ─ "mighty glory"; Sigvald ─ "victorious power"; Hyarti ─ "lord of the sword"; Einar ─ "warrior of happiness."

Female names of the ancient Scandinavians

The names of the Vikings for women at the birth of daughters were also chosen by the father. Girls were supposed to be useful to the family. The feminine principle was honored by the ancient Scandinavians. Newborn girls could be named as follows:

• Erna - "craftswoman, skillful"; Bjerg ─ "guardian, protector"; Una ─ "pleased"; Bot ─ "helper"; Guda ─ "good, kind"; Gerd - "home protector". However, a too militant father could give his daughter the name Hild, which meant "battle."

Of course, none of the parents of Viking girls dreamed that the grown-up beauty would become a warrior and raid for the purpose of robbery. Therefore, female names carried a completely different meaning. They could denote parental hope for a happy life for their child, or they were simply selected beautiful and harmonious:

• Frida - "beautiful, beloved"; Yolver ─ "happy"; Osk ─ "desired"; Eidr ─ "glorious"; Dalla, Birta ─ "bright"; Liot ─ "light".

Often, the female names of the Vikings could be directly related to the animals, which, as they believed, were their patrons:

• Ryupa ─ "mountain partridge"; Bera, Byrna ─ "bear"; Hrefna ─ "crow"; Meva means "seagull".

Quite often, newborn girls were given names that are associated with the god Freyr:

• The name Inga, which has come down to our times, is “winter”, which is popular with many Slavic peoples; Freydis ─ "dis of Freya"; Ingileif meant "heiress"; Ingimudr - literally "the hand of the goddess Freya"; Ingver - "who knows the gods" and others.
• The names of women were also popular: Aud, which meant "rich, wealthy", Gudgerd ─ "well protected", Rannveig ─ "swift, fast, running", Rind ─ "defender of the weak, hearth”, Solveig ─ “sunbeam”, Svanveig ─ “swan road”, Una ─ “ sea ​​wave”, Helga meant “holy”. The name Helga later acquired the form "Olga" from the Slavs.

Correspondence of some male names of the Vikings to modern

• Manahegni, Manaedur ─ Alexander. The name comes from two words: "manna" ─ man and "edur" ─ "protection, protect."
• Skuli, Hegni ─ Alexei, which means "protector".
• Resquie ─ Valery, "cheerful."
• Konunglegur ─ "royal", corresponds to the meaning of the name "Basil".
• Tiedwald consists of the words "own" and "people" ─ Vladimir.
• Siungur, Vakkin ─ Gregory.
• Ragnademul ─ "god" and "judged" ─ Daniel.
• Bondur ─ "farmer" ─ Egor.
• Hakon ─ "of high origin" ─ Sergey.
• Soknheid corresponds to the name Yaroslav.

In conclusion, we note that the Vikings attached great importance to the naming of children, especially for newborn boys. As a rule, each clan had a number of names, which were called children in the same way as their ancestors. The boy received the name of the deceased senior member of the clan or the elder brother who died in battles, as well as his father. The Varangians believed that with the birth of boys, the dead soldiers were reborn in them. If there were several male children in the family, then the eldest of them certainly became the heir, in addition, he received the name of the most famous and brave deceased relative in the male line.

In ancient Viking families, everything was decided by the father. Therefore, an illegitimate child could receive the name of a famous ancestor in the family of his father, even if there were stepbrothers ─ the legitimate children of the head of the family. In the times of the pagan faith, the head of the family had practically no division into legitimate and illegitimate children. But with the advent of Christianity in the Scandinavian countries, only those who were born in an official marriage approved by the church were considered native children.

Scandinavian names

Scandinavian names are used in Denmark, Sweden, Iceland and Norway, as well as in Finland (at the expense of a large number Scandinavian Swedes living in the country). The vast majority of Scandinavian names have a Germanic or biblical origin, as well as other names of the West (including Russians), but there are also quite a few native North European names. Most of the names come from ancient Germanic roots dedicated to animal totems: for example, “olv” (“ulv”) means “wolf”, “bjorn” (“bjorn”) - “bear”, etc.

The ancient Scandinavians, like many peoples in the early stages of development, did not actually feel the difference between a nickname and a full-fledged name. Thus, composing a name for a newborn was a fairly simple procedure. The name could change over the course of life: instead of the old one given at birth, a new one was given, as a rule, corresponding to certain signs and qualities of a person, and in this case the border between a name and a nickname becomes almost indistinguishable.

Until about the beginning of the 20th century, most Scandinavians did not have a surname. Until now, for example, in Iceland, the surname is a rarity. The Scandinavians used patronymics, for example, André Johansson means "André, son of Johan". Women could also add the mother's name - Halla Gudrunsdottir, "Halla, daughter of Gudrun."

Among the representatives of the ruling dynasty, the names of the heirs were chosen especially carefully. Future rulers were never given Christian names, often the children of kings were named after their pagan ancestors. The most popular names for future kings were Magnus, Olaf (Olaf), Harald, Eystein and Sigurd. In the XI-XII centuries. At least 6 kings named Magnus, four Olafs and three Sigurds visited the Norwegian throne.

Scandinavian names and their meanings

Scandinavia is a land of mysteries, magic and sorcery. From the 12th century BC, the territories Northern Europe began to be settled by hunters who, together with some animals, moved here after ice age. Today, the history of Scandinavia is directly connected with the tales of the Vikings - a warlike people and capable of trade. Starting from the 8th century AD, they took a direct part in the development of new lands, where they formed colonies. They believed in the gods, the strength of the warrior and honored the animals. It is generally accepted that the Scandinavian peoples are Danes, Swedes, Norwegians. Some historians also include Finland and Iceland in Scandinavia.

Scandinavian language before certain period stratification and conquest of its territories was one. This, of course, influenced Scandinavian names, their formation and meaning. In turn, there were dialects, but Old Norse was considered the common language. Subsequently, the alphabet, initially numbering 24 runes, was simplified in some territories, reduced to 16. Nevertheless, just like among the Slavs, among the Scandinavians, the name was directly related to the status, characteristics, and family craft of a person.

Basically, Scandinavian male names did not differ from female ones. The basis of any name can be distinguished by the following features:

1. Name - derived from the name of the deity. Most often - this is the god of fertility, military abilities, thunder (Frey, Tyr, Thor). For example, Bergborr or Freybjorn is Thor's helper and Frey's bear. In this case, the Scandinavian female names differed by the postfix dis (say, Geirdis or Gunndis - from the names of the goddess of the spear and the goddess of battles).

2. Name - derived from the name of the animal. They took revered animals, which were considered sacred, as a basis. The most common is the bear (Bjon). This beast was revered as the most powerful and dangerous, symbolizing courage and strength. He was one of the essences of the main Scandinavian god Odin. In the female original version, this name sounded like Bera or Birna. Also popular were the Scandinavian names, which contained the name of the wolf, raven, eagle and wild boar. last name Jöfurr (boar) was given to people of the upper class, investing in it the concept of a ruler or leader. The eagle (derivatives of ari, örn) acted as a protector, good warrior. Raven (hrafn) - Rafnhildr (raven of battle) is the soul, memory and good luck.

3. The name associated with military operations, the protection of the people. Given the variety of military paraphernalia, Scandinavian names associated with military affairs are the most common basis. Here the main concepts were such as battle or battle (gunnr, hildr, leikr), which were connected with certain areas (sea, land, professional); war (víg), was linked mainly with such concepts as desired, great, glorious; military paraphernalia: a helmet, a spear and a sword (gríma, geirr, brandr) were combined with the concepts of valor, courage, and the level of a warrior's abilities.

4. Scandinavian names - ethnonyms (determining belonging to a particular people). These included Finns (Finnr), Danes (Danr), Goths (Gautr) and Flemings (Flaemingr).

The names of the ancient Scandinavians are found in different nations today. And they all contain certain concepts and have meanings confirmed by the rich Scandinavian history.

The most interesting nicknames of antiquity and the names of the Scandinavians

The champions by the strange nicknames of their rulers are, of course, the ancient Scandinavians. Severe Vikings gave each other nicknames that "stuck" for life and served as a kind of label by which they recognized a person. Interestingly, this tradition also applied to the rulers.

Take, for example, at least Ragnar Lothbrok, known to many on the television series "Vikings". "Lothbrok" ​​translates to "hairy pants", which alludes to the piece of clothing that Ragnar always wore before battle "for good luck". These pants were made of coarse wool, so they looked very shaggy. True, there is an opinion that it is more correct to translate “Lothbrok” as “hairy ass”, but it would be unlikely that even among the brave Vikings there would be a madman who would dare to call the ferocious king that way.

Sons of Ragnar bore no less curious nicknames: Sigurd the Serpent-in-the-eye (so named for his piercing "serpentine" look), Bjorn Ironside (received a nickname for his insensitivity to pain and the good chain mail he wore) and Ivar the Boneless (distinguished by incredible flexibility and dexterity ).

Norwegian king Elvir Detolyub got his nickname not for his perverted addictions, as you might think, but for an incredible act of humanism by the standards of the Vikings: he forbade his warriors ... to string children on spears for fun!

Harald I, king of Denmark and Norway, was nicknamed "Bluetooth" by his subjects. He got such a strange nickname because he liked to feast on blueberries. However, the version sounds more plausible that Harald was nicknamed not Blatand (“Blue-toothed”), but Bletand (“Dark-haired”). WITH Harald Sinezuby a very interesting fact is connected: it is in his honor that the Bluetooth technology, created just by the Danish-Norwegian group of developers, is named.

Rollon Pedestrian- Viking Hrolf, who managed to conquer part of France and become the ancestor of the dynasty of the Dukes of Normandy. He received the nickname "Pedestrian" because he was so tall and heavy that not a single horse could withstand him as a rider for a long time. So Rollo had to walk.

King of Norway Eric I Bloodaxe earned such a terrifying prefix to his name for consistently slaughtering his relatives who could become his rivals in the struggle for the throne. Interestingly, Eric still could not get to one of his brothers, Hakon, who overthrew him. Obviously, compared to Eric, even the stern Hakon looked like a real charmer and, by contrast, received the nickname "Kind".

Few people know the following interesting fact: English king Wilhelm I during his lifetime was often called Wilhelm the Bastard(behind the eyes, of course) than the Conqueror (as they say in school textbooks). The fact is that he was the illegitimate son of the Norman Duke Robert. By the way, Wilhelm's dad also had a very eloquent nickname - the Devil. There were rumors about Robert the Devil that even before his birth, his soul was promised to Satan.

Byzantine emperor Constantine V bore a very dissonant nickname "Copronym" ("Dermon-named") for the fact that, as a baby, during his baptism he shat right in the font.

Emperor of Byzantium Vasily II, in 1014 he defeated the Bulgarian army at the battle of Strymon. 15 thousand Bulgarians were taken prisoner, whose eyes were gouged out by order of the Byzantine ruler. For every hundred blinded, a single “lucky” guide was left (only one eye was gouged out). For his sadistic cruelty towards the prisoners, Vasily II received the nickname “Bulgarian Fighter”.

The Grand Duke of Vladimir Vsevolod earned the nickname "Big Nest" for being the father of 12 children: 8 sons and 4 daughters.

King of England John (John) Plantagenet because of his short-sighted policy, he lost all his possessions in France and authority among the English chivalry. For this he was given a mocking nickname - "Landless". Also because of the constant defeats of the king teased "Softsword" – "Soft Sword". It is interesting that in medieval England they called the impotent. However, in the case of John the Landless, such an interpretation of the nickname is groundless - the king had 2 legitimate sons and 9 bastards, as well as 6 daughters - 3 legitimate and 3 illegitimate. Evil tongues used to say that making children is the only thing the monarch does well. The authority of John was so low that not a single English ruler called his heirs by this name anymore.

King of Bohemia and Hungary Ladislav was nicknamed "The Grave" because he was born 4 months after the sudden death of his father from dysentery.

In the XVII-beginning. 18th century ruler of Japan Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, popularly nicknamed the "Dog Shogun". Tsunayoshi forbade killing stray dogs and ordered to feed them at public expense. Interestingly, the diet of the dog under this shogun was much richer than the diet of the peasant. By decree of the ruler, only “noble gentleman” was supposed to address street dogs, violators were beaten with sticks. True, after the death of the shogun, his “dog lobby” ceased to operate.

french king Louis Philippe d'Orleans received the nickname "Pear" for the fact that over the years his figure began to resemble this particular fruit. In addition, the French word “lapoire” (“pear”) has a second meaning - “moron”. In general, it is easy to guess how much the French loved this king of theirs.

What do we know about the names that the Vikings gave their children?

The names of the defenders of the Scandinavians

Often, parents gave a name to a newborn that would personify the qualities that they would like to see when the child grows up and matures. For example, male names for boys who were supposed to become protectors of the family, clan and community:

• Beinir - Beinir (assistant),
• Skúli - Skuli (defender),
• Högni - Högni (defender),
• Birgir - Birgir (assistant),
• Jöðurr - Yodur (defender),
• Uni - Uni (friend, satisfied).
• Eiðr - Eid (oath),
• Leifr - Leif (heir),
• Tryggvi - Tryggvi (loyal, reliable),
• Óblauðr - Oblaud (bold and brave),
• Ófeigr - Ofeyg (not doomed to death, you can say happy),
• Trausti - Trausti (one who is trustworthy, reliable),
• Þráinn - Thrain (stubborn),

Women's names for girls, who also personified the future protectors and helpers of the family and the whole family:

• Bót - Bot (help, help),
• Erna - Erna (skillful),
• Björg - Bjorg (rescue, protection),
• Una - Una (girlfriend, contented).

Of course, the popular names for boys were names that meant physical and spiritual strength, courage, fortitude, endurance, that is, the qualities of a real man, a real warrior. And the owner of such a name must confirm it and have the same quality as his name meant.

Male names:

• Gnúpr - Gnup (steep mountain),
• Halli - Halli (stone, pebble),
• Kleppr - Klepp (mountain, rock),
• Steinn - Stein (stone),
• Múli - Muli (cape),
• Knjúkr - Knjuk (top),
• Tindr - Tind (top),
• Knutr - Whip (knot).

Female name: Hallótta - Hallotta (rocky). After all, girls could also be not only skilled housewives, but also excellent warriors.

When choosing, inventing a name for the baby, parents were guided by various principles and desires of future children. characteristic features his child, his destiny. For example, wishing a child love and good luck, a high position in society, they named their baby or baby accordingly. For example, happy parents could name their daughter like this:

• Ljót - Ljot (bright and light),
• Birta - Birta (bright),
• Dalla - Dalla (brightness),
• Fríðr - Fried (beautiful and beloved),
• Fríða - Frida (beautiful),
• Ósk - Osk (desire, desired),
• Ölvör - Elver (happy),
• Heiðr - Heid (glory).

The boys were named:

• Dagr - Dag (day),
• Teitr - Tate (cheerful),
• Dýri - Dyuri (dear and beloved),
• Ölvir - Elvir (happy),
• Harri - Harry (ruler),
• Sindri - Sindri (spark),
• Bjartr - Bjart (bright).

Such names were not just like that, wishing happiness to their child and giving him an appropriate name, the parents, as it were, directed the child on the path of happiness and good luck, and the happy life of even one member of the family clan could promise good luck to the whole family as a whole.

The time in the Viking Age in the Scandinavian countries was not easy, almost every man became, whether he wanted it or not, a real warrior in order to protect his family, his family, clan, community from encroachers on their native lands of strangers. There were few fertile lands in Norway, and everyone needed it, so conflicts and wars periodically arose between the clans.

Every boy with early years he studied the military craft in order to be able to protect himself and his loved ones, his land, therefore the names of the boys (and the girls too, because some of them could become excellent warriors) were often given names that would characterize him as a glorious warrior.

In addition, by conducting raids, the Vikings enriched themselves, brought slaves and gold from the raid to the family, after several raids, you can become a merchant and significantly improve the state of affairs of the whole family, because money was needed at all times, and silver Arab coins of dirhams were found in Scandinavia quite a bit of. Therefore, the war was not only defensive. In addition, at all times men have been associated with protection, weapons. The man is a warrior! A bellicose character and fighting spirit for a boy, and then for a man, were not negative characteristics at that difficult time.

Names of warriors and warriors of the Vikings

For example, there were such male names on the theme of a strong and courageous, glorious warrior:

• Hróðgeirr - Hrodgeir (spear of glory),
• Hróðketill - Hrodketil (helmet of glory),
• Bogi - Gods (bow),
• Hróðmarr - Hrodmar (fame of glory),
• Hróðný - Hrodnyu (youth of glory),
• Hróðolfr - Hrodolph (wolf of glory, maybe a glorious wolf),
• Hróðgerðr - Hrodgerd (fence of glory),
• Brandr - Brand (sword),
• Hróðvaldr - Hrodwald (power of glory),
• Geirr - Geir (spear),
• Eiríkr - Eirik (very mighty and strong),
• Darri - Darri (javelin),
• Broddi - Broddy (point),
• Egill - Egil (blade),
• Gellir - Gellir (loud or sword),
• Gyrðir - Gürdir (girded with a sword),
• Klœngr - Klöng (claw),
• Naddr - Nadd (point or spear),
• Oddi - Oddi (point) or Oddr - Odd (also point),
• Vigi - Vigi (fighter),
• Óspakr - Ospak (not peaceful, warlike),
• Vigfúss - Vigfus (belligerent, eager to fight and kill),
• Ósvífr - Osvivr (ruthless),
• Styrmir - Styurmir (terrible, even stormy),
• Sörli - Sorli (in armor),
• Þiðrandi - Tidrandi (looking, observing),
• Styrr - Styur (battle),
• Ulf - Ulf or Wulf (wolf)
• Uggi - Uggs (terrible),
• Agnarr - Agnar (diligent or formidable warrior),
• Einarr - Einar (a lone warrior who always fights alone).
• Öndóttr - Andott (terrible).
• Hildr - Hild (female name, means battle). Often Hild was integral part various female names.

Names that symbolize protection:

• Hjalmr - Hjalm (helmet),
• Ketill - Ketil (helmet),
• Hjalti - Hjalti (sword hilt),
• Skapti - Skafti (weapon handle),
• Skjöldr - Skjöld (shield), Ørlygr - Erlug (shield),
• Hlíf - Khliv (female name, meant shield),
• Brynja - Brunya (female name, meant chain mail).

Sig- and Sigr - meant victory or battle. With this component there were quite a few compound names, both male and female:

• Sigarr - Sigar (warrior of victory or battle, battle),
• Sigbjörn - Sigbjorn (battle bear),
• Sigfúss - Sigfus (ardent bright battle),
• Sigfinnr - Sigfinn (Finn of battle, warlike Finn),
• Sigvaldi - Sigvaldi (ruler or lord of victory),
• Siggeirr - Siggeir (spear of victory),
• Sigsteinn - Sigstein (stone of victory),
• Sigtryggr - Sigtrygg (victory is sure),
• Sighvatr - Sigvat (victory of the brave),
• Sigurðr - Sigurd (guardian of victory, maybe guardian of battle),
• Sigmundr - Sigmund (hand of victory),
• Signý - Signy (female name, meant new victory),
• Sigrfljóð - Sigrflöd (female name, meaning: girl of victory),
• Sigþrúðr - Sigtrud (also a female name, meaning: the power of battle),
• Sigrún - Sigrun (female name, meaning: rune or secret of battle or victory).

Name - amulet

Very often, both in Scandinavia of the Viking Age and in Kievan Rus, children were called amulets in order to protect the child from evil forces. Quite numerous in those difficult times were names denoting certain animals and birds. Some named children after an animal, so that its property would pass from it to the child, for example, speed of reaction, dexterity, grace, and others. In this case, this animal, the bird, even became a talisman and a guardian of the child from evil forces and twists of fate for life. Pagan beliefs spoke of the close connection between man and all living things, wildlife was in harmony with man for a very long time, people drew strength from plants and animals. There was such a symbolic connection between a person and an animal, whose name he bears.

Male names-amulets of animals:

• Ari - Ari or Örn - Ern (eagle),
• Birnir and Björn - Birnir and Bjorn (bear),
• Bjarki - Bjarki (bear cub),
• Ormr - Orm (serpent),
• Gaukr - Gauk (cuckoo),
• Brúsi - Brusi (goat),
• Hjörtr - Hjort (deer),
• Hreinn - Hrein (reindeer),
• Haukr - Hauk (hawk),
• Hrútr - Hrut (ram),
• Mörðr - Murd (marten),
• Hrafn - Hrafn, Hrafn (raven),
• Ígull - Igul (hedgehog),
• Svanr - Svan (swan),
• Ulf - Ulf or Wulf (wolf)
• Refr - Rev (fox),
• Hundi - Hundi (dog),
• Starri - Starry (starling),
• Valr - Val (falcon),
• Uxi - Uxi (bull),
• Ýr - Ir (Turkish).

Female names-amulets of animals:

• Bera or Birna - Bera or Birna (bear),
• Rjúpa - Ryupa (rock partridge),
• Erla - Erla (wagtail),
• Mæva - Meva (sea gull),
• Hrefna - Hrevna (crow),
• Svana - Svana (swan).

A birch tree is also considered a strong amulet name, therefore both men and women were called the name of a birch: Birkir or Björk - Birkir or Björk (birch). And in Russian beliefs, it was also believed that a birch can be not only female, but there was also a male: birch.

Names-amulets were also such:

• Heimir - Heimir (who has a house),
• Ófeigr - Ofeyg (who is not doomed to death).

Viking nicknames

Not always the name given to the child at birth remained with him for life. Very often, the Vikings received more appropriate names and nicknames that were more appropriate for them already in their adulthood. Such nicknames could complement the name, or could completely replace it. Nicknames in adulthood could be given to the Viking in accordance with his character, his occupation, his appearance (by hair or eyes they could give a name at the birth of a child as well), according to his social status and even origin.

Nicknames that could be given by parents at birth or by acquaintances, friends or fellow tribesmen already in adulthood:

• Atli - Atli (rough),
• Kjötvi - Kyotvi (fleshy),
• Flóki - Floki (curly, curly),
• Kolli - Collie (bald),
• Fróði - Frodi (wise, scholar),
• Greipr - Grape (one with big and strong hands),
• Forni - Forni (ancient, old),
• Hödd - Hodd (a woman with a very beautiful hair),
• Grani - Facets (whiskered),
• Höskuldr - Hoskuld (gray-haired),
• Hösvir - Khösvir (gray-haired),
• Kára - Kara (curly),
• Barði - Bardi (bearded),
• Narfi - Narvi (thin and even skinny),
• Krumr - Krum (stooped),
• Skeggi - Skeggi (bearded man),
• Loðinn - Lodin (hairy),
• Hrappr or Hvati - Hrapp or Grab (fast, ardent),
• Rauðr - Raud (red),
• Reistr - Reist (straight and high),
• Lúta - Luta (stooped),
• Skarfr - Scarv (greedy),
• Gestr - Gest (guest),
• Sölvi - Sölvi (pale),
• Glum - Glum (dark-eyed),
• Hörðr - Hörd (a man from Hørdaland in Norway),
• Snerrir - Snerrir (difficult, difficult),
• Sturla - Sturla (impatient, emotional, restless).
• Gauti or Gautr - Gauti or Gaut (Gaut, Swede),
• Hálfdan - Halfdan (half-dan),
• Höðr - Höd (a man from Hadaland in Norway),
• Smiðr - Smid (blacksmith),
• Skíði - Skidi (skier),
• Sveinn - Svein (youth, guy, boy, servant),
• Gríma - Grima (mask, helmet, night, possibly a name for a witch, sorceress or healer),
• Gróa (Gró) - Gro (plant, healer, healer, woman who worked with herbs),
• Huld, Hulda - Huld, Hulda (mystery, veil, or even an elven maiden).

Names for sorcerers, magicians, witches they also gave peculiar ones, based on the type of their occupation.

• Kol - in translation means black and even coal.
• Finna or finnr - translated means Finn or Finn (in ancient times they were considered good magicians, sorcerers, witches and sorcerers).
• Gríma - translated means mask, night.

In ancient times, the Vikings gave names and nicknames to those who practiced witchcraft and magic, which in various ways combined the above parts, for example, female names: Kolfinna and Kolgríma - Kolfinna and Kolgrim or male names: Kolfinnr or Kolgrímr - Kolfinn or Kolgrim.

Viking names after gods

The Vikings adhered to the ancient pagan faith of Asatru (loyalty to the Ases), according to which there was a pantheon of gods who were ordinary people, but became gods for their heroism and stamina, thanks to physical and spiritual strength. The Vikings, the ancient Scandinavians took the gods as an example and wanted to be like them, just as brave, strong, beautiful, therefore the names were often associated with the gods, with the names of the main gods. Children in the Viking Age, in those distant pagan times, were called names that were associated with one or another god, thereby entrusting him with the fate of their child.
The following female names were dedicated to God Yngwie-Freyr:

• Inga - Inga,
• Freydís - Freydis (dis of Frey or Freya),
• Ingunn - Ingunn (pleased, Yngwie's friend),
• Ingileif - Ingileif (heiress of Yngwie),
• Ingigerðr - Ingigerd (protection of Yngwie),
• Ingvör (Yngvör) - Yngvör (in charge of Yngvi),
• Yngvildr - Ingvild (battle of Yngvi).

Male names in honor of the gods:

• Ingi - Ingi,
• Ingimundr - Ingimund (hand of Yngwie),
• Freysteinn - Freystein (Freyr's stone),
• Ingimarr - Ingimar (glorious Yngwie - in instrumental case),
• Ingjaldr - Ingjald (ruler with the help of Yngwie),
• Ingolfr - Ingolf (wolf Yngwie),
• Ingvarr (Yngvarr) - Ingvar (warrior Yngwie).

In Iceland, and in the Scandinavian countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden), most often their children were dedicated to the god Thor.

Male names in honor of the god Thor:

• Thorov - Thorir (male name, in honor of Thor),
• Þóralfr (Þórolfr) - Thoralv or Thorolf (Thor's wolf),
• Þorbrandr - Thorbrand (Thor's sword),
• Þorbergr - Thorberg (rock of the god Thor),
• Þorbjörn - Thorbjorn (bear of Thor),
• Þorkell - Thorkel (Thor's helmet),
• Þorfinnr - Thorfinn (Thor Finn),
• Þórðr - Tord (protected by Thor),
• Þórhaddr - Torhadd (the hair of the god Thor),
• Þorgeirr - Thorgeir (Thor's spear),
• Þórarinn - Thorarin (hearth of the god Thor),
• Þorleifr - Thorleif (heir of Thor),
• Þorsteinn - Thorstein (Thor's stone),
• Þóroddr - Thorodd (thor's point),
• Þormóðr - Tormod (the courage of the god Thor),
• Þorviðr - Torvid (tree of Thor),
• Þórormr - Thororm (serpent of the god Thor),
• Þorvarðr - Torvard (Guardian of the Thors).

Female names in honor of Thor:

• Torova - Torah (female name, in honor of Thor),
• Þorleif - Torleif (heiress of Thor),
• Þordís, Þórdís - Thordis (disa of the god Thor),
• Þórodda - Torodda (Tor's point),
• Þórarna - Torarna (the eagle of the god Thor),
• Þórhildr - Thorhild (Thor's battle),
• Þórný - Tornyu (young, dedicated to Thor),
• Þórey - Torey (luck of the god Thor),
• Þorljót - Torljot (light of Thor),
• Þorvé, Þórvé - Torve (sacred wall of Thor),
• Þórunn - Thorunn (Thor's favorite),
• Þórelfr - Torrelv (river of the god Thor),
• Þorvör - Torver (Knowing (strength) Torah).

Children could also be dedicated to all the gods in general. For example, Ragn in translation meant power, gods. Vé - the meaning in translation was as follows: pagan sanctuary, sacred. Both male and female names were formed from these words:

• Ragnarr - Ragnar (male name, meaning: army of the gods),
• Ragn(h)eiðr - Ragneid (female name, meaning: honor of the gods),
• Végeirr - Vegeir (sacred point),
• Véleifr - Véleif (heir to a sacred place),
• Végestr - Vegest (sacred guest),
• Ragnhildr - Ragnhild (female name, meaning: battle of the gods),
• Vébjörn - Vebjorn (sacred bear or bear sanctuary),
• Reginleif - Reginleif (female name, meaning: heiress of the gods),
• Vésteinn - Vestein (sacred stone),
• Vébrandr - Vebrand (sword shrine),
• Védís - Vedis (female name: sacred disa),
• Véfríðr - Vefrid (female name: sacred protection),
• Véný - Venu (female name: sacred and young).

Name in honor of glorious ancestors

There were also generic names, one might say, the predecessors of surnames. Children often received names in honor of their deceased ancestors, whose spirit was reborn in a new member of their own kind, with this name the child entered the world of his kind, his family, his clan and tribe. The Scandinavians believed in the transmigration of souls, but this could only happen within one clan, among blood relatives and descendants. The name was given only to those relatives who had already died, otherwise you could bring trouble. Naming a child after an existing, living relative was strictly forbidden.

The name in the Scandinavian world in the Viking Age, and not only at that time, was given to the child by the father. The father also decided whether the child would live or not. Naming a child by name gave him the right to life. Names could be given in honor of glorious and powerful relatives (deceased) both on the father's side and on the mother's side of the child. The names could be chosen in honor of the father's friends and sworn brothers.

Scandinavian mythology

Scandinavian symbols

Viking religion

Runes

Viking weapons

viking holidays

Scandinavian games

The champions by the strange nicknames of their rulers are, of course, the ancient Scandinavians. Severe Vikings gave each other nicknames that "stuck" for life and served as a kind of label by which they recognized a person. Interestingly, this tradition also applied to the rulers.

Take, for example, at least Ragnar Lothbrok, known to many on the television series "Vikings". "Lothbrok" ​​translates to "hairy pants", which alludes to the piece of clothing that Ragnar always wore before battle "for good luck". These pants were made of coarse wool, so they looked very shaggy. True, there is an opinion that it is more correct to translate “Lothbrok” as “hairy ass”, but it would be unlikely that even among the brave Vikings there would be a madman who would dare to call the ferocious king that way.

Sons of Ragnar bore no less curious nicknames: Sigurd the Serpent-in-the-eye (so named for his piercing "serpentine" look), Bjorn Ironside (received a nickname for his insensitivity to pain and the good chain mail he wore) and Ivar the Boneless (distinguished by incredible flexibility and dexterity ).

Norwegian king Elvir Detolyub got his nickname not for his perverted addictions, as you might think, but for an incredible act of humanism by the standards of the Vikings: he forbade his warriors ... to string children on spears for fun!

Harald I, king of Denmark and Norway, was nicknamed "Bluetooth" by his subjects. He got such a strange nickname because he liked to feast on blueberries. However, the version sounds more plausible that Harald was nicknamed not Blatand (“Blue-toothed”), but Bletand (“Dark-haired”). WITH Harald Sinezuby a very interesting fact is connected: it is in his honor that the Bluetooth technology, created just by the Danish-Norwegian group of developers, is named.

Rollon Pedestrian- Viking Hrolf, who managed to conquer part of France and become the ancestor of the dynasty of the Dukes of Normandy. He received the nickname "Pedestrian" because he was so tall and heavy that not a single horse could withstand him as a rider for a long time. So Rollo had to walk.

King of Norway Eric I Bloodaxe earned such a terrifying prefix to his name for consistently slaughtering his relatives who could become his rivals in the struggle for the throne. Interestingly, Eric still could not get to one of his brothers, Hakon, who overthrew him. Obviously, compared to Eric, even the stern Hakon looked like a real charmer and, by contrast, received the nickname "Kind".

Few people know the following interesting fact: the English king William I during his lifetime was more often called Wilhelm the Bastard(behind the eyes, of course) than the Conqueror (as they say in school textbooks). The fact is that he was the illegitimate son of the Norman Duke Robert. By the way, Wilhelm's dad also had a very eloquent nickname - the Devil. There were rumors about Robert the Devil that even before his birth, his soul was promised to Satan.

Byzantine emperor Constantine V bore a very dissonant nickname "Copronym" ("Dermon-named") for the fact that, as a baby, during his baptism he shat right in the font.

Emperor of Byzantium Vasily II, in 1014 he defeated the Bulgarian army at the battle of Strymon. 15 thousand Bulgarians were taken prisoner, whose eyes were gouged out by order of the Byzantine ruler. For every hundred blinded, a single “lucky” guide was left (only one eye was gouged out). For his sadistic cruelty towards the prisoners, Vasily II received the nickname “Bulgarian Fighter”.

The Grand Duke of Vladimir Vsevolod earned the nickname "Big Nest" for being the father of 12 children: 8 sons and 4 daughters.

King of England John (John) Plantagenet because of his short-sighted policy, he lost all his possessions in France and authority among the English chivalry. For this he was given a mocking nickname - "Landless". Also because of the constant defeats of the king teased "Softsword" - "Soft Sword". It is interesting that in medieval England they called the impotent. However, in the case of John the Landless, such an interpretation of the nickname is unfounded - the king had 2 legitimate sons and 9 bastards, as well as 6 daughters - 3 legitimate and 3 illegitimate. Evil tongues used to say that making children is the only thing the monarch does well. The authority of John was so low that not a single English ruler called his heirs by this name anymore.

King of Bohemia and Hungary Ladislav was nicknamed "The Grave" because he was born 4 months after the sudden death of his father from dysentery.

In the XVII-beginning. 18th century ruler of Japan Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, popularly nicknamed the "Dog Shogun". Tsunayoshi forbade the killing of stray dogs and ordered that they be fed at public expense. Interestingly, the diet of the dog under this shogun was much richer than the diet of the peasant. By decree of the ruler, only “noble gentleman” was supposed to address street dogs, violators were beaten with sticks. True, after the death of the shogun, his “dog lobby” ceased to operate.

french king Louis Philippe d'Orleans received the nickname "Pear" for the fact that over the years his figure began to resemble this particular fruit. In addition, the French word “lapoire” (“pear”) has a second meaning - “moron”. In general, it is easy to guess how much the French loved this king of theirs.

What do we know about the names that the Vikings gave their children?

The names of the defenders of the Scandinavians

Often, parents gave a name to a newborn that would personify the qualities that they would like to see when the child grows up and matures. For example, male names for boys who were supposed to become protectors of the family, clan and community:

• Beinir - Beinir (assistant),
• Skúli - Skuli (defender),
• Högni - Hogni (defender),
• Birgir - Birgir (assistant),
• Jöðurr - Yodur (defender),
• Uni - Uni (friend, happy).
• Eiðr - Eid (oath),
• Leifr - Leif (heir),
• Tryggvi - Tryggvi (loyal, reliable),
• Óblauðr - Oblaud (bold and brave),
• Ófeigr - Ofeig (not doomed to death, you can say happy),
• Trausti - Trausti (one who is trustworthy, reliable),
• Þráinn - Thrain (stubborn),

Women's names for girls, who also personified the future protectors and helpers of the family and the whole family:

• Bót - Bot (help, help),
• Erna - Erna (skillful),
• Björg - Björg (salvation, protection),
• Una - Una (friend, happy).

Of course, the popular names for boys were names that meant physical and spiritual strength, courage, fortitude, endurance, that is, the qualities of a real man, a real warrior. And the owner of such a name must confirm it and have the same quality as his name meant.

Male names:

• Gnúpr - Gnup (steep mountain),
• Halli - Halli (stone, pebble),
• Kleppr - Klepp (mountain, rock),
• Steinn - Stein (stone),
• Múli - Muli (cape),
• Knjúkr - Knyuk (top),
• Tindr - Tind (top),
• Knutr - Whip (knot).

Female name: Hallótta - Hallotta (rocky). After all, girls could also be not only skilled housewives, but also excellent warriors.

When choosing, inventing a name for the baby, parents were guided by various principles and desires for the future characteristic features of their child, his fate. For example, wishing a child love and good luck, a high position in society, they named their baby or baby accordingly. For example, happy parents could name their daughter like this:

• Ljót - Ljot (bright and light),
• Birta - Birta (bright),
• Dalla - Dalla (brightness),
• Fríðr - Fried (beautiful and beloved),
• Fríða - Frida (beautiful),
• Ósk - Osk (desire, desired),
• Ölvör - Elver (happy),
• Heiðr - Heid (glory).

The boys were named:

• Dagr - Dag (day),
• Teitr - Tate (cheerful),
• Dýri - Dyuri (dear and beloved),
• Ölvir - Elvir (happy),
• Harri - Harry (ruler),
• Sindri - Sindri (spark),
• Bjartr - Bjart (bright).

Such names were not just like that, wishing happiness to their child and giving him an appropriate name, the parents, as it were, directed the child on the path of happiness and good luck, and the happy life of even one member of the family clan could promise good luck to the whole family as a whole.

The time in the Viking Age in the Scandinavian countries was not easy, almost every man became, whether he wanted it or not, a real warrior in order to protect his family, his family, clan, community from encroachers on their native lands of strangers. There were few fertile lands in Norway, and everyone needed it, so conflicts and wars periodically arose between the clans.

Each boy from an early age learned the military craft in order to be able to protect himself and his loved ones, his land, therefore the names of the boys (and the girls too, because some of them could become excellent warriors) were often given names that would characterize him as a glorious warrior.

In addition, by conducting raids, the Vikings enriched themselves, brought slaves and gold from the raid to the family, after several raids, you can become a merchant and significantly improve the state of affairs of the whole family, because money was needed at all times, and silver Arab coins of dirhams were found in Scandinavia quite a bit of. Therefore, the war was not only defensive. In addition, at all times men have been associated with protection, weapons. The man is a warrior! A bellicose character and fighting spirit for a boy, and then for a man, were not negative characteristics at that difficult time.

Names of warriors and warriors of the Vikings

For example, there were such male names on the theme of a strong and courageous, glorious warrior:

• Hróðgeirr - Hrodgeir (spear of glory),
• Hróðketill - Hrodketil (helmet of glory),
• Bogi - Gods (bow),
• Hróðmarr - Hrodmar (fame of glory),
• Hróðný - Hrodnyu (youth of glory),
• Hróðolfr - Hrodolph (wolf of glory, maybe a glorious wolf),
• Hróðgerðr - Hrodgerd (fence of glory),
• Brandr - Brand (sword),
• Hróðvaldr - Hrodwald (power of glory),
• Geirr - Geir (spear),
• Eiríkr - Eirik (very mighty and strong),
• Darri - Darri (throwing spear),
• Broddi - Broddy (point),
• Egill - Egil (blade),
• Gellir - Gellir (loud or sword),
• Gyrðir - Gyurdir (belted with a sword),
• Klœngr - Kleong (claw),
• Naddr - Nadd (point or spear),
• Oddi - Oddi (point) or Oddr - Odd (also point),
• Vígi - Vigi (fighter),
• Óspakr - Ospak (not peaceful, warlike),
• Vigfúss - Vigfus (belligerent, eager to fight and kill),
• Ósvífr - Osvivr (ruthless),
• Styrmir - Styurmir (terrible, even stormy),
• Sörli - Sorli (in armor),
• Þiðrandi - Tidrandi (looking, observing),
• Styrr - Styur (battle),
• Ulf - Ulf or Wulf (wolf)
• Uggi - Uggs (terrible),
• Agnarr - Agnar (diligent or formidable warrior),
• Einarr - Einar (a lone warrior who always fights alone).
• Öndóttr - Andott (terrible).
• Hildr - Hild (female name, means battle). Often Hild was an integral part of various female names.

Names that symbolize protection:

• Hjalmr - Hjalm (helmet),
• Ketill - Ketil (helmet),
• Hjalti - Hjalti (sword hilt),
• Skapti - Skafti (weapon handle),
• Skjöldr - Skjold (shield), Ørlygr - Erlyug (shield),
• Hlíf - Khliv (female name, meant shield),
• Brynja - Brunya (female name, meant chain mail).

Sig - and Sigr - meant victory or battle. With this component there were quite a few compound names, both male and female:

• Sigarr - Sigar (warrior of victory or battle, battle),
• Sigbjörn - Sigbjorn (bear of battle),
• Sigfúss - Sigfus (ardent bright battle),
• Sigfinnr - Sigfinn (Finn of battle, warlike Finn),
• Sigvaldi - Sigvaldi (ruler or ruler of victory),
• Siggeirr - Siggeir (spear of victory),
• Sigsteinn - Sigstein (stone of victory),
• Sigtryggr - Sigtrygg (victory is sure),
• Sighvatr - Sigvat (victory of the brave),
• Sigurðr - Sigurd (guardian of victory, maybe guardian of battle),
• Sigmundr - Sigmund (hand of victory),
• Signý - Signy (female name, meant a new victory),
• Sigrfljóð - Sigrflöd (female name, meaning: girl of victory),
• Sigþrúðr - Sigtrud (also a female name, meaning: the power of battle),
• Sigrún - Sigrun (female name, meaning: rune or secret of battle or victory).

Name - amulet

Very often, both in Scandinavia of the Viking Age and in Kievan Rus, children were called amulets in order to protect the child from evil forces. Quite numerous in those difficult times were names denoting certain animals and birds. Some named children after an animal, so that its property would pass from it to the child, for example, speed of reaction, dexterity, grace, and others. In this case, this animal, the bird, even became a talisman and a guardian of the child from evil forces and twists of fate for life. Pagan beliefs spoke of the close connection between man and all living things, wildlife was in harmony with man for a very long time, people drew strength from plants and animals. There was such a symbolic connection between a person and an animal, whose name he bears.

Male names-amulets of animals:

• Ari - Ari or Örn - Ern (eagle),
• Birnir and Björn - Birnir and Bjorn (bear),
• Bjarki - Bjarki (bear cub),
• Ormr - Orm (serpent),
• Gaukr - Gauk (cuckoo),
• Brúsi - Brusi (goat),
• Hjörtr - Hjort (deer),
• Hreinn - Hrein (reindeer),
• Haukr - Hauk (hawk),
• Hrútr - Hrut (ram),
• Mörðr - Murd (marten),
• Hrafn - Hrafn, Hravn (raven),
• Ígull - Igul (hedgehog),
• Svanr - Svan (swan),
• Ulf - Ulf or Wulf (wolf)
• Refr - Rev (fox),
• Hundi - Hundi (dog),
• Starri - Starry (starling),
• Valr - Val (falcon),
• Uxi - Uxi (bull),
• Ýr - Ir (Turkish).

Female names-amulets of animals:

• Bera or Birna - Bera or Birna (bear),
• Rjúpa - Ryupa (rocky partridge),
• Erla - Erla (wagtail),
• Mæva - Meva (sea gull),
• Hrefna - Hrevna (crow),
• Svana - Svana (swan).

A birch tree is also considered a strong name-amulet, therefore both men and women were called the name of a birch: Birkir or Björk - Birkir or Björk (birch). And in Russian beliefs, it was also believed that a birch can be not only female, but there was also a male: birch.

Names-amulets were also such:

• Heimir - Heimir (who has a house),
• Ófeigr - Ofeig (who is not doomed to death).

Viking nicknames

Not always the name given to the child at birth remained with him for life. Very often, the Vikings received more appropriate names and nicknames that were more appropriate for them already in their adulthood. Such nicknames could complement the name, or could completely replace it. Nicknames in adulthood could be given to the Viking in accordance with his character, his occupation, his appearance (by hair or eyes they could give a name at the birth of a child as well), according to his social status and even origin.

Nicknames that could be given by parents at birth or by acquaintances, friends or fellow tribesmen already in adulthood:

• Atli - Atli (rough),
• Kjötvi - Kyotvi (fleshy),
• Flóki - Floki (curly, curly),
• Kolli - Collie (bald),
• Fróði - Frodi (wise, scholar),
• Greipr - Grape (one with big and strong hands),
• Forni - Forni (ancient, old),
• Hödd - Hodd (a woman with very beautiful hair),
• Grani - Edges (whiskered),
• Höskuldr - Hoskuld (gray-haired),
• Hösvir - Hyosvir (gray-haired),
• Kára - Kara (curly),
• Barði - Bardi (bearded),
• Narfi - Narvi (thin and even skinny),
• Krumr - Krum (stooped),
• Skeggi - Skeggi (bearded man),
• Loðinn - Lodin (hairy),
• Hrappr or Hvati - Hrapp or Grab (fast, ardent),
• Rauðr - Raud (red),
• Reistr - Reist (straight and high),
• Lúta - Luta (stooped),
• Skarfr - Scarv (greedy),
• Gestr - Gest (guest),
• Sölvi - Sölvi (pale),
• Glum - Glum (dark-eyed),
• Hörðr - Hurd (a man from Hördaland in Norway),
• Snerrir - Snerrir (difficult, difficult),
• Sturla - Sturla (impatient, emotional, restless).
• Gauti or Gautr - Gauti or Gaut (Gaut, Swede),
• Hálfdan - Halfdan (half-dan),
• Höðr - Hod (a man from Hadaland in Norway),
• Smiðr - Smid (blacksmith),
• Skíði - Skidi (skier),
• Sveinn - Svein (boy, guy, boy, servant),
• Gríma - Grima (mask, helmet, night, possibly a name for a witch, sorceress or healer),
• Gróa (Gró) - Gro (plant, healer, healer, woman who worked with herbs),
• Huld, Hulda - Huld, Hulda (mystery, veil, or even an elven maiden).

Names for sorcerers, magicians, witches they also gave peculiar ones, based on the type of their occupation.

• Kol - in translation means black and even coal.
• Finna or finnr - translated means Finn or Finn (in ancient times they were considered good magicians, sorcerers, witches and sorcerers).
• Gríma - translated means mask, night.

In ancient times, the Vikings gave names and nicknames to those who practiced witchcraft and magic, which in various ways combined the above parts, for example, female names: Kolfinna and Kolgríma - Kolfinna and Kolgrim or male names: Kolfinnr or Kolgrímr - Kolfinn or Kolgrim.

Viking names after gods

The Vikings adhered to the ancient pagan faith of Asatru (loyalty to the Ases), according to which there was a pantheon of gods who were ordinary people, but became gods for their heroism and stamina, thanks to physical and spiritual strength. The Vikings, the ancient Scandinavians took the gods as an example and wanted to be like them, just as brave, strong, beautiful, therefore the names were often associated with the gods, with the names of the main gods. Children in the Viking Age, in those distant pagan times, were called names that were associated with one or another god, thereby entrusting him with the fate of their child.

The following female names were dedicated to God Yngwie - Freyr:

• Inga - Inga,
• Freydís - Freydis (dis of Freyr or Freya),
• Ingunn - Ingunn (pleased, Yngwie's friend),
• Ingileif - Ingileif (heiress of Yngwie),
• Ingigerðr - Ingigerd (protection of Yngwie),
• Ingvör (Yngvör) - Yngvör (in charge of Yngvi),
• Yngvildr - Ingvild (battle of Yngvi).

Male names in honor of the gods:

• Ingi - Ingi,
• Ingimundr - Ingimund (hand of Yngwie),
• Freysteinn - Freystein (Freyr's stone),
• Ingimarr - Ingimar (glorious Yngwie - in the instrumental case),
• Ingjaldr - Ingjald (ruler with the help of Yngwie),
• Ingolfr - Ingolf (wolf Yngwie),
• Ingvarr (Yngvarr) - Yngvar (Yngwie's warrior).

In Iceland, and in the Scandinavian countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden), most often their children were dedicated to the god Thor.

Male names in honor of the god Thor:

• Thorov - Thorir (male name, in honor of Thor),
• Þóralfr (Þórolfr) - Thoralv or Thorolf (Thor's wolf),
• Þorbrandr - Thorbrand (Thor's sword),
• Þorbergr - Thorberg (rock of the god Thor),
• Þorbjörn - Thorbjorn (bear of Thor),
• Þorkell - Thorkel (Thor's helmet),
• Þorfinnr - Thorfinn (Thor Finn),
• Þórðr - Tord (protected by Thor),
• Þórhaddr - Torhadd (the hair of the god Thor),
• Þorgeirr - Thorgeir (Thor's spear),
• Þórarinn - Thorarin (the hearth of the god Thor),
• Þorleifr - Thorleif (heir of Thor),
• Þorsteinn - Thorstein (Thor's stone),
• Þóroddr - Thorodd (thor's point),
• Þormóðr - Tormod (the courage of the god Thor),
• Þorviðr - Torvid (Thor's tree),
• Þórormr - Thororm (serpent of the god Thor),
• Þorvarðr - Torvard (Guardian of the Thors).

Female names in honor of Thor:

• Torova - Torah (female name, in honor of Thor),
• Þorleif - Thorleif (heiress of Thor),
• Þordís, Þórdís - Thordis (disa of the god Thor),
• Þórodda - Torodda (Tor's point),
• Þórarna - Torarna (the eagle of the god Thor),
• Þórhildr - Thorhild (Thor's battle),
• Þórný - Tornyu (young, dedicated to Thor),
• Þórey - Torey (luck of the god Thor),
• Þorljót - Torljot (light of Thor),
• Þorvé, Þórvé - Torve (the sacred fence of Thor),
• Þórunn - Thorunn (Thor's favorite),
• Þórelfr - Torrelv (river of the god Thor),
• Þorvör - Torver (who knows the (power) of the Torah).

Children could also be dedicated to all the gods in general. For example, Ragn in translation meant power, gods. Vé - the meaning in translation was as follows: pagan sanctuary, sacred. Both male and female names were formed from these words:

• Ragnarr - Ragnar (male name, meaning: army of the gods),
• Ragn (h) eiðr - Ragneid (female name, meaning: honor of the gods),
• Végeirr - Vegeir (sacred point),
• Véleifr - Veleif (heir to a sacred place),
• Végestr - Vegest (sacred guest),
• Ragnhildr - Ragnhild (female name, meaning: battle of the gods),
• Vébjörn - Vebjorn (sacred bear or bear sanctuary),
• Reginleif - Reginleif (female name, meaning: heiress of the gods),
• Vesteinn - Vestein (sacred stone),
• Vébrandr - Vebrand (sword sanctuary),
• Védís - Vedis (female name: sacred disa),
• Véfríðr - Vefrid (female name: sacred protection),
• Véný - Venu (female name: sacred and young).

Name in honor of glorious ancestors

There were also generic names, one might say, the predecessors of surnames. Children often received names in honor of their deceased ancestors, whose spirit was reborn in a new member of their own kind, with this name the child entered the world of his kind, his family, his clan and tribe. The Scandinavians believed in the transmigration of souls, but this could only happen within one clan, among blood relatives and descendants. The name was given only to those relatives who had already died, otherwise you could bring trouble. Naming a child after an existing, living relative was strictly forbidden.

The era of the Normans can be called the middle of the 9th - the beginning of the 11th century, which was characterized by expansion and invasion of various countries for the purpose of easy money. The main type of fishing of the ancient Scandinavians was the incessant raids on a number of European countries and ancient Russian lands. Despite this, they were good shipbuilders, successful traders and experienced sailors. The culture of these peoples had a considerable influence on the further development of a number of countries in modern Europe and Ancient Rus'. Many Old Norse names are just as popular today as they were many centuries ago.

A little about the life history of the ancient Normans

The vast majority of Vikings were free pagan peasants of Norwegian, Danish and Swedish origin. The geographical location of Scandinavia with harsh climatic conditions did not allow agriculture to develop sufficiently. Therefore, the main type of trade of these peoples was hunting and fishing. It was the sea that was the source of food for the Vikings. Already by the beginning of the VIII century, sea voyages for the ancient Scandinavians had become a way of life. Shipbuilding and navigation gradually developed, thanks to which the Vikings made long sea voyages. By that time, trade began to develop actively in Europe. At the same time, merchants from different countries began to import their goods from distant places, including by sea.

The ships, bursting at the seams from various goods and riches, did not go unnoticed by the Vikings, and they very quickly began to rob various merchants at sea. By the beginning of the 9th century, the Varangians began to raid a number of countries in Western Europe. The history of the Vikings as seaborne conquerors dates back to the 790s AD. e., when the first Norman ships approached the English coast. This was one of the first major invasions for the purpose of robbery and robbery. Subsequently, raids for the Vikings became a way of life. Moreover, they settled many islands in the northern seas, which served as bases for recreation and division of the loot. Armed attacks by the Vikings were carried out from sailing boats, which made up the bulk of the Norman fleet. At the same time, several thousand robbers could take part in the attacks.

What were the ancient Scandinavians like?

The history of the Vikings is shrouded in many myths and legends, thanks to which a strong opinion has been formed about them. For example, in the view of contemporaries, all Normans are huge people with long white hair, besides, they are wild and bloodthirsty. In fact, it was rare when a Viking's height exceeded 170 cm, and as for hair, we can say that there were quite a lot of fair-haired Vikings, but among them there were a considerable number of dark-haired people, and even redheads. Few people know, but the Varangians were hospitable people, because they believed that the guest in the house is God in the house.

In addition, many foreigners joined their tribes, so later among them there were many people from various countries.

The Normans were excellent gunsmiths, and they used various technologies to make military weapons. It is safe to say that the Viking sword was no worse than a Damascus steel blade in terms of strength and sharpness. The history of many peoples is somehow intertwined with the Scandinavian pagans, since later the Normans began to settle all over the world. Their roots can be found in the territory of modern Russia, and North America and even Africa.

The Scandinavian warriors had one feature, which was the complete destruction of everything that was not connected with their religion. They destroyed the churches and temples of "dissidents" to the ground, while not feeling pity for either the holy fathers or the parishioners. This largely explains the reason why the ancient inhabitants experienced animal horror at the sight of the Varangians, whom they called merciless and cruel killers.

Norman culture

As we have already said, the Vikings were excellent shipbuilders and sailors, skilled gunsmiths, warriors and hunters. The development of various spheres of economic activity among these peoples kept pace with the times. However, due to their belonging to the pagans, their writing was extremely poorly developed, so everything that happened was passed from mouth to mouth. This is how the famous Scandinavian sagas appeared, from which you can learn a lot about the history of the ancient Normans.

Only by the beginning of the 11th century did the Vikings begin to develop writing and the first historical records, which were recorded using the well-known runic script. Runes were used as written symbols, and were also actively used in applied magic. They were carved on stones and carved on tablets, and they were also used to make protective amulets and divinations. Runic writings are often found in the history of the Romano-Germanic and Slavic peoples. With their help, they subsequently began to record the names of the Vikings, the origin and meaning of which we will consider later.

Origin of Scandinavian names

Scandinavian names have their own origin and rich history. Let's start with the fact that they were given by the father of the family to a newborn child. He also had the right to accept this baby or refuse him altogether. The born children were called names that had a direct connection with the ancestors of the family. It was common for the Normans to mix common nouns with nicknames. For example, the meaning of the name Ingrid is "beautiful", it indicates the presence of the god of fertility in him. Sigrid is a name that confirms that a person has talent and giftedness. People with this name have a non-standard type of thinking and are non-trivial.

The names of the Vikings, received by the father at birth, did not differ in constancy. They could be replaced during the life of another, when a person had already formed a character and a number of distinctive features. The names of the Vikings, the list of which is quite large, can be divided into one-part and two-part.

One-piece can indicate human qualities or his character (Vagni ─ calm, Gyarvi ─ bold, Magni ─ strong, Sverre ─ heavy, Tryggvi ─ faithful). Other names of the Vikings speak of the external signs of a person (Bruni ─ strong, Raud ─ red, Lodinn ─ covered with hair). There are also many names that denote animals (Bersi ─ bear cub, Bjorn ─ bear, Orm ─ snake, Ulv ─ wolf), inanimate objects or phenomena (Brand ─ sword, Koll ─ coal, Skjeld ─ shield, Frost ─ frost, Una ─ wave ).

Two-part Scandinavian names have a complex structure. They may have the names of gods in their composition, conceal a mythological meaning or characterize a warrior (Audun ─ a rich wave, Asgeir ─ a spear of aces, Grinolf ─ green wolf, Sigurd ─ protected by victory, Steinulv ─ stone wolf, Thorbrand ─ Thor’s sword).

Names of Old Norse Gods

Consider the names of some of the Viking gods, since they are most directly related to the formation of the names of the ancient Scandinavians and their culture. The supreme god of all pagan Vikings was Odin ─ Wotan, the owner of the Asdgard palace of Valhalla and everything that happens on earth and the universe. He patronized artisans and farmers, warriors and sailors, and also revealed the secrets of runic art and knowledge of the world.

Among the highest aces gods, Tiu-Tyr, the god of justice and law, who patronized justice, was also highly revered by the Vikings. God Thor the Thunderer was for the Vikings the all-powerful protector of all people and many gods. Thor-Tunar is the son of Odin and the Earth Goddess Erda. Thor wielded Mjöllnir, a magical hammer that can hit absolutely anything and return after being thrown into its owner's hand. The Vikings worshiped Thor with particular zeal, and his divine presence could often be found in their names.

The wife of the Thunderer Thor was the golden-haired goddess Sif. Their three children, the goddess Labor and her brothers Modi and Magni, were also revered by the Vikings. The goddess Frigg (Fria) patronized the hearth and order in the house. Also among the gods, the ancient Scandinavians revered Freya ─ the goddess of eros, physical well-being and magic; Freyr, who patronized material well-being, peace and prosperity; Njord, the father of Freya and Freyr, who was subject to the elements of the sea and the wind. He also influenced the well-being and prosperity of all people.

Religious roots of the origin of Old Norse names

Often the meaning of the name is belonging to various deities and religious origin. As a rule, these are names consisting of two or more parts, one of which is somehow connected with pagan gods. For example, let's take Yngvar ─ a name that literally means "warrior of the god Yngvi", where Yngvi is one of Freyr's divine names.

Viking Religious Names Women's Following : Asne - God's news; Astrid - God's power; Asveig - God's road; Gudrun - divine secret; Thorgerd - divine protection (protection of the god Thor); Thorhild - divine battle (Torah).

Religious Viking male names are listed below. Aswald's name literally means "divine authority". Names in which the name of the god Thor is the main thing: Thorstein, Thorbjorn, Torvar, Tormod, Thorgisl, Thorbrand, Torfred, Thorarinn mean "stone", "bear", "army", "courage", "hostage", "sword", "world", "hearth" respectively. The names Freygeir and Freyvar are the "spear" and "army" of the goddess Freya.

About some famous Vikings

The Old Norse Viking king Harald the Beautiful-Haired (as the monarch was called by the custom of the Varangians) managed to unite the small Norman tribes into a single state. In the battle of Stavangereg in 885, he was seriously wounded, but after his recovery he held power over the Varangians for many years.

The famous Vikings, whose names are Olaf and Haakon, were the kings of the Norman lands - the beginning of Christianity in the Norwegian state is associated with them. Haakon the Good is considered the first Norwegian king, during which the Vikings began to forget their pagan roots and became Christians. Although it is believed that it was Olaf I Trygvesson (995-1000 years of reign) and Saint Olaf (1015-1028), in whose honor many churches of the Norwegian state were built, established the Christian faith.

How did the Christian faith influence the change of Scandinavian names

After Christianity appeared in a number of Scandinavian countries, the names of the Vikings remained for a long time. However, thanks to a decree issued by the church clergy, the Scandinavians had to name their children according to the Christian calendar, which included the names of saints. Thus, the descendants of the Varangians began to be called ancient Greek, Jewish and Roman names that were inherent in Christians and eventually acquired harmony, becoming completely “native” to the Scandinavian peoples.

As for surnames, they are derived from names, but with the addition of particles. Therefore, the Scandinavians have such original surnames as Larsen, Amudsen, Hansen, Johansen, Nielsen, Christiansen, Carlsen and a number of others.

Male Old Norse Names

We have already said that the ancient names of the Vikings, received at birth, subsequently changed to others that corresponded to the human essence. Since the children did not show themselves at birth, they could be called as follows:

• Beinir or Bergir - names that meant "helper in everything"; Yoddur, Skuli ─ "defender of the clan"; Leif ─ "heir"; Oblaud ─ "dared man"; Ofeig - "long-liver, not doomed to death, living happily"; Thrain ─ "stubborn"; Tryggvi ─ "faithful, devoted."

Of course, the parents could have assumed that the born son would be a brave warrior and protector, but a person could choose a different path, becoming, for example, a merchant or a hunter, then he would receive a different name:

• Frodi ─ "peaceful or kind"; Helgi, which literally meant "holy, sinless"; Kollbjorn ─ "black, coal-colored bear"; Alv ─ "elf"; Vestein ─ "holy stone"; Webrand ─ "holy weapon"; Vardi ─ "friend"; Gest ─ "welcome guest" and others.

Warriors and defenders were given formidable and sonorous names, since the Vikings believed that the warriors, in the event of death on the battlefield, would definitely end up in Asgard and be faithful servants of Odin:

• Brand ─ "sharp sword"; Vegeir ─ "spear of the saints"; Webrand ─ "holy sword"; Gunnar ─ "fighting sword"; Dyarvi ─ "brave"; Rorik ─ "mighty glory"; Sigvald ─ "victorious power"; Hyarti ─ "lord of the sword"; Einar ─ "warrior of happiness."

Female names of the ancient Scandinavians

The names of the Vikings for women at the birth of daughters were also chosen by the father. Girls were supposed to be useful to the family. The feminine principle was honored by the ancient Scandinavians. Newborn girls could be named as follows:

• Erna - "craftswoman, skillful"; Bjerg ─ "guardian, protector"; Una ─ "pleased"; Bot ─ "helper"; Guda ─ "good, kind"; Gerd - "home protector". However, a too militant father could give his daughter the name Hild, which meant "battle."

Of course, none of the parents of Viking girls dreamed that the grown-up beauty would become a warrior and raid for the purpose of robbery. Therefore, female names carried a completely different meaning. They could denote parental hope for a happy life for their child, or they were simply selected beautiful and harmonious:

• Frida - "beautiful, beloved"; Yolver ─ "happy"; Osk ─ "desired"; Eidr ─ "glorious"; Dalla, Birta ─ "bright"; Liot ─ "light".

Often, the female names of the Vikings could be directly related to the animals, which, as they believed, were their patrons:

• Ryupa ─ "mountain partridge"; Bera, Byrna ─ "bear"; Hrefna ─ "crow"; Meva means "seagull".

Quite often, newborn girls were given names that are associated with the god Freyr:

• The name Inga, which has come down to our times, is “winter”, which is popular with many Slavic peoples; Freydis ─ "dis of Freya"; Ingileif meant "heiress"; Ingimudr - literally "the hand of the goddess Freya"; Ingver - "who knows the gods" and others.
• The names of women were also popular: Aud, which meant “rich, wealthy”, Gudgerd ─ “well-protected”, Rannveig ─ “swift, fast, running”, Rind ─ “protector of the weak, hearth”, Solveig ─ “sunbeam”, Svanveig ─ "swan road", Una ─ "sea wave", Helga meant "holy". The name Helga later acquired the form "Olga" from the Slavs.

Correspondence of some male names of the Vikings to modern

• Manahegni, Manaedur ─ Alexander. The name comes from two words: "manna" ─ man and "edur" ─ "protection, protect."
• Skuli, Hegni ─ Alexei, which means "protector".
• Resquie ─ Valery, "cheerful."
• Konunglegur ─ "royal", corresponds to the meaning of the name "Basil".
• Tiedwald consists of the words "own" and "people" ─ Vladimir.
• Siungur, Vakkin ─ Gregory.
• Ragnademul ─ "god" and "judged" ─ Daniel.
• Bondur ─ "farmer" ─ Egor.
• Hakon ─ "of high origin" ─ Sergey.
• Soknheid corresponds to the name Yaroslav.

In conclusion, we note that the Vikings attached great importance to the naming of children, especially for newborn boys. As a rule, each clan had a number of names, which were called children in the same way as their ancestors. The boy received the name of the deceased senior member of the clan or the elder brother who died in battles, as well as his father. The Varangians believed that with the birth of boys, the dead soldiers were reborn in them. If there were several male children in the family, then the eldest of them certainly became the heir, in addition, he received the name of the most famous and brave deceased relative in the male line.

In ancient Viking families, everything was decided by the father. Therefore, an illegitimate child could receive the name of a famous ancestor in the family of his father, even if there were stepbrothers ─ the legitimate children of the head of the family. In the times of the pagan faith, the head of the family had practically no division into legitimate and illegitimate children. But with the advent of Christianity in the Scandinavian countries, only those who were born in an official marriage approved by the church were considered native children.

Oleg and Valentina Svetovid are mystics, experts in esotericism and occultism, authors of 14 books.

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Scandinavian names

Scandinavian female names and their meaning

Scandinavian female names

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 way children were called in Scandinavia has a deep history. Only the head, the father, had the right to name a newborn in the family. He also had the right to refuse the child or to accept it. At birth, children were given names that had a connection with the ancestors of the family.

The Normans liked to combine names from the names of deities and additional words. For example, Ingeborg is under the protection of Ing, the god of fertility. It was believed that a girl named like that would be under the protection of a deity.

The Vikings, throughout life path The name may have changed more than once. Usually, the name was changed to a more suitable one when the child grew up, showed character and distinctive features. There are a lot of Viking names, but they are of two types - one-part or two-part.

One-component: Guda - good, Osk - desired, could characterize any qualities or character traits. Or to speak and external qualities, to designate animals. Two-part more complex in construction. They often consist of the names of gods, mythological characters, or simply characterize a warrior. For example, Ingimurd is the hand of the goddess Freya, and Thordis is Thor's beloved.

The names of the Viking gods were used by their worshipers in the compilation of new names. Such names consisted of two or more parts, where one part was the name of one of the Gods. For example, the main god of the Vikings was Odin. Many names came from the name of God Thor - the Thunderer, like Torborg - protected by Thor. Sif - that was the name of the wife of the Thunderer, and their children: the boys - Modi, Magni and the girl Trud - the Valkyrie. Freya was the divine embodiment of eroticism and everything magical.

Religious names were popular among girls, including the word As - God, for example, Astrid - divine power, Asveig - the path of God.

It is unusual that both male and female names were treated almost identically. It was popular to convey in the name such qualities as courage, strength, courage, which was also applicable to girls. For example, Brynhild is a female warrior, Goodhild is a glorious battle. The girls were given the names of the heroines of the Scandinavian epic.

Change History

The mythical culture that took place before the adoption of Christianity in the fifth century BC was strongly reflected in how they called their children in the Scandinavian countries.

The inscriptions preserved on ancient runes testify to how these or those names were geographically distributed. Many names were found throughout Scandinavia, but some were distributed by region.

Germanic myths spoke of the worship of nature, which is why many names had "animal" designations. For girls, for example, Hrefna is a crow. Other natural aspects, such as elements of the elements, also found use in chastising girls, for example, Una - a wave.

Thanks to the ability to change the name (and more than once), throughout life, it was possible to point out the special features of a person or his character. This became possible during the period of growing up or as a result of some unusual act.

If the father accepted the child, he had to give the name. Quite often, born girls were given the names of already deceased female ancestors. This was done in order to strengthen the power of the clan, since it was believed that the whole energy of the ancestors who had the same name would be embedded in the child.

It was fashionable for the ancient Scandinavians to take nicknames for themselves, which were subsequently mixed with their real name. For example, a famous witch had the nickname Kolgrima, which stands for black mask. The name Victoria - denoting victory, perfectly reflected the individuality of its owner.

Religion has left its mark on the formation of ancient Scandinavian names. With the advent of Christianity, new trends appeared in choosing a name for children. Names with Christian motives were perceived indefinitely by the people. The name of the child at baptism was kept secret. In everyday life, they used a second name, which has more understandable meaning in Scandinavian society.

Most of all, the need to name the child in a Christian way, people from military families, where such names were given if the child was illegally born, did not suit. Over time, female names were replenished with new variations. Many of them are popular to this day:

1. Christina is a follower of Christ.
2. Evelyn is the first woman.
3. Elizabeth - indicated by the Lord.

The difference between ancient and modern names is as follows. Due to the huge number of battles, the names of girls for a long time wore a "military" imprint. It used to be popular to give girls the names of characters from legends and fairy tales. IN modern realities when choosing a name, they are guided by other criteria. Now it's in fashion to choose feminine, euphonious names, the meanings of which speak of the best feminine qualities and differences. For example, some popular in our homeland.