Common Viking Names and Their Meanings
Viking names often carried deep meanings, reflecting strength, ancestry, and Norse mythology. Many were inspired by gods, animals, weapons, or heroic traits.
Male Viking Names:
Ragnar – “Army counsel” (Famous Viking warrior, father of the legendary sons)
Bjorn – “Bear” (Bjorn Ironside, son of Ragnar)
Ivar – “Bow warrior” (Ivar the Boneless, leader of the Great Heathen Army)
Harald – “Army ruler” (Harald Bluetooth, King of Denmark)
Halfdan – “Half Dane” (Common among Norse kings and warriors)
Sigurd – “Guardian of victory” (Sigurd Snake-in-the-Eye, legendary Viking)
Leif – “Heir, descendant” (Leif Erikson, Viking explorer of North America)
Hrolf – “Famous wolf” (Hrolf Ganger, founder of Normandy)
Ulf – “Wolf” (Common warrior name, linked to Norse myths)
Thorstein – “Thor’s stone” (Many Vikings bore names related to Thor)
Female Viking Names:
Freydis – “Noble woman of Freyja” (Freydis Eiríksdóttir, explorer and warrior)
Gunnhild – “Battle maiden” (Gunnhild, powerful Viking queen)
Astrid – “Divine beauty” (A common noblewoman’s name)
Sigrid – “Beautiful victory” (Sigrid the Haughty, legendary queen)
Thyra – “Thor’s warrior” (Queen Thyra, wife of Gorm the Old)
Ragnhild – “Battle counsel” (A name of several Viking queens)
Helga – “Holy, blessed” (Linked to Norse mythology)
Ingrid – “Beautiful goddess” (Common Scandinavian name)
Liv – “Protection, shelter” (A short but strong Viking name)
