Swedish boy names are growing in popularity, perhaps because Sweden is one of the happiest places to live. If you want to bring some Norse coolness and Scandinavian style to the little boy you’re expecting, you can dive into this vast (likely cold) ocean of Swedish male names.
But before you get swallowed by a ton of Swedish name variations, check out our easy-to-read guide to names for your possible future hockey player. These beautiful Swedish boys’ names may even make your family as happy as the Swedes!
100 Popular Swedish Names for Boys
Check out these distinct Swedish male names for the Viking boy in your life.
Alarik
Alarik has a sturdy Germanic background and is more popular with a “c” spelling, but Alarik spelled with a “k” has more of an authentic Swedish ring to it. You can’t help but raise a strong boy with a name like this.
- Origin: Germanic
- Meaning: Ruler of all, powerful ruler, noble leader
- Pronunciation: AL-a-rik
- Variations: Alaric, Alarikki, Athalric
- Namesakes: Alarik Frithiof Holmgren, a Swedish physiologist and professor at Upsala University, most noted for his research of color blindness.
- Popularity: In the U.S., only 153 boys were named Alarik in the past 200 years, and was most popular in 2015, when only 20 boys received the name.
Alf
Alf is known more as a nickname for everything from Alfred to Alfonso. Alf is a snappy, informal name that means everything from “noble peace” to an “elf.” Your little elf could take this fun name and run with it.
- Origin: Old Norse, Swedish, English
- Meaning: Noble peace, elf
- Pronunciation: AUL-f
- Variations: Alv, Alfr
- Namesakes: Sir Alfred Ernest Ramsey, an English football player, and manager of the England national team. Alf Kjellin, a Swedish film actor and director, best known for directing two 1974 Columbo episodes.
- Popularity: Alf is a popular boys’ name in Sweden and Norway—every 1 in 500 boys have the name, with more than 40,000 boys named Alf worldwide.
Ame
Ame is a very uncommon name, even in Sweden. Ame stands on its own, so you may want to pick it out as the unique name for your baby boy.
- Origin: Swedish, Germanic
- Meaning: Eagle
- Pronunciation: AA-Meh
- Variations: Ami
Anders
Anders is a Swedish name of Scandinavian origin. Anders has shown wide popularity in Sweden, so could make a successful leap over to your little boy’s life.
- Origin: Scandinavian
- Meaning: Brave, manly
- Pronunciation: AN-derz
- Variations: Anderson, Ander
- Namesakes: Anders Ahlgren, a Swedish Greco-Roman wrestler & world champion in 1913. Anders “Masken” Carlsson, a Swedish retired ice hockey center, who played with the New Jersey Devils in the NHL.
- Popularity: In Sweden, Anders has been a very common name since the 14th-century. Anders ranked #4 in 2002 among the top boys’ names.
Andreas
Despite its ancient Greek origins, Andreas has a history of being used internationally, everywhere from Sweden and Armenia to Germany and Brazil. Andreas has a male elegance, which may best suit the little boy you want to name.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Man
- Pronunciation: An-DRAY-as
- Variations: Andros, Antreos
- Namesakes: Andreas Siljestrom, a Swedish tennis player, who specializes in doubles. Andreas Papandreou, the prime minister of Greece for two terms.
- Popularity: In 2018, Andreas, ranked #1,317 among boys’ names in the U.S. and is less popular worldwide.
Ansgar
Saint Ansgar was a 9th-century missionary who tried to convert the Danes and Norwegians, so the name carries a storied history. The strength of the “divine spear” meaning will give plenty of power to the little boy who receives the name.
- Origin: Old Norse, Germanic
- Meaning: God, spear, divine spear
- Pronunciation: AHNS-gahr
- Variations: Ansigar, Asger
- Namesakes: Ansgar Knauff, a German footballer who played for the Bundesliga club.
- Popularity: Ansgar only ranks #70,391 among boys’ names in the U.S., making it one of the rarest names.
Arvid
Arvid is an uncommon ancient name often used for royalty in the old world. Arvid has a vintage feel to it, and it rolls off the tongue pretty easily as far as Swedish names go. Arvid sounds somewhat brainy, so your little genius might make the perfect Arvid.
- Origin: Scandinavia
- Meaning: Forest of eagles, eaglewood
- Pronunciation: AHR-vid
- Variations: Arved, Arnvid, Arvydas
- Namesakes: Arvid Carlsson, a Swedish neuropharmacologist and Nobel laureate. Arvid Lundberg, a Swedish ice hockey defenceman who plays in the Swedish Hockey League.
- Popularity: Arvid is unknown in the U.S. yet is one of Sweden’s most popular boys’ names.
Axel
Axel refers back to the Hebrew name Absolem, but for Scandinavians, it simply means “father of peace.” Names with the intense letter “x” in them have grown more common worldwide, so Axel is not immune to this spike in popularity.
- Origin: Scandinavian, Hebrew
- Meaning: Father of peace
- Pronunciation: AK-suhl
- Variations: Aksel, Axl, Axell
- Namesakes: Axel Algmark, a Swedish pop singer who made the finals of a famous Swedish pop song contest in 2012. Axel Brauns, a German writer, and filmmaker who produced his first feature film in 2008.
- Popularity: Axel is currently one of the most popular names in Scandinavia, Germany, and France, listed as the 72nd most popular boy’s name in 2020.
Baldur
Baldur has a built-in eccentricity and is a mature-sounding name, so your little boy can take all the time he needs to grow into it.
- Origin: Old Norse, Icelandic
- Meaning: Prince, god of light
- Pronunciation: BAHL-der
- Variations: Baldr, Balder, Baldhere
- Namesakes: Baldur Bragason, an Icelandic former footballer who played for the national football team. Baldur Rosmund Stefansson, a Canadian agricultural scientist and one of the originators of Canola oil.
- Popularity: Baldur is ranked #56,476 in a list of boys’ names in the U.S.
Bengt
Bengt bears a very special connection to the celestial world, as Bengt 1946 was an asteroid discovered in 1960, named after Bengt Strömgren. Bengt is about as common as discovering an asteroid, so it might be the best name for your unique baby boy.
- Origin: Swedish, Latin
- Meaning: Blessed, benedict
- Pronunciation: BE-n-gt
- Variations: Beinkt, Bendt
- Namesakes: Bengt Washburn, an American writer, and actor, known for his role in Guided Missiles. Bengt Börjesson, a Swedish politician and member of the Centre party.
- Popularity: In the U.S., Bengt is in the 96th percentile, so nearly 4% of all other first names are more popular than Bengt.
Bjorn
Bjorn is a Scandinavian classic that simply means bear. The use of Bjorn worldwide grew in popularity after the famous tennis player Bjorn Borg became an international star. Bjorn is in a quieter moment now in popularity but is quintessentially Swedish sounding.
- Origin: Old Norse, Swedish
- Meaning: Bear
- Pronunciation: Bee-YORN
- Variations: Biorn, Bern, Beorn
- Namesakes: Bjorn Borg, a Swedish former world #1 tennis player. Björn Kristian Ulvaeus, a Swedish singer, songwriter, producer, and member of the musical group ABBA.
- Popularity: Bjorn is currently #780 in the U.S. boys’ names chart. Bjorn is common in Norway but less so in recent years.
Blixa
Blixa is a rare gem of a Swedish name with a Germanic background. How special will it be for your little boy to receive such a cool-sounding name from the moment he’s born?
- Origin: Germanic
- Meaning: Generous, approachable, friendly
- Pronunciation: BL-eeks
- Variations: Blix
- Namesakes: Blixa Bargeld (born Christian Emmerich), a German musician and a member of the groups Einstürzende Neubauten, and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.
- Popularity: There is only one record of Blixa used in Germany in the last 18 years, so Blixa is very rare.
Boje
Boje is a short but full-sounding name meaning “man who comes from the castle.” Though Boje is not the easiest to pronounce, you can introduce your little Boje to everyone and teach them its unique meanings.
- Origin: Swedish, Germanic
- Meaning: A man who comes from the castle, ruler/lord
- Pronunciation: BOW-yeh
- Variations: Boie, Boye
- Namesakes: Boje Postel, a German-British painter of portraits, nature, and scenes.
- Popularity: Boje does not rank in the top 8,000 boys’ names worldwide.
Börje
Börje means “helper” or “one who helps.” When your little boy grows up to become a thoughtful man who helps others, this might have been the perfect, super-unique name for him.
- Origin: Swedish
- Meaning: Helper, helping
- Pronunciation: BOR-ye
- Variations: Borj
- Namesakes: Börje Ahlstedt, a Swedish actor who often worked with Ingmar Bergman. Börje-Bengt Hedblom, a Swedish bobsledder who competed between the 1950s and 1960s.
- Popularity: In Scandinavia, Börje was very common as a given name in 1930–49.
Brandt
Brandt is a straightforward name that carries the strength of a torch or sword with it. Brandt is often a surname in Scandinavia and can also be seen as unisex, so it’s a perfect name if you want your little one to have everything wrapped up in one solid syllable.
- Origin: Old Norse, Old English
- Meaning: Sword, torch
- Pronunciation: Br-ANNT
- Variations: Bernt, Brendt, Brannt
- Namesakes: Brandt Hershman, an American politician and former Republican state senator for Indiana. Brandt Jobe, an American golfer who plays on the PGA Champions tour.
- Popularity: In the U.S., Brandt peaked in the 1970s but is currently a somewhat rare name.
Calder
Calder is as unique and rare a find in boys’ names as locating a diamond beneath the earth. Calder feels familiar but rarely used nowadays, not even as a surname. Are you ready to bring Calder back to life for your little boy to enjoy?
- Origin: Old Norse, Welsh
- Meaning: Calf valley, wild stream
- Pronunciation: KAHL-der
Cort
Cort is a boyish, adventurous name with a formal background from Old Norse and English history, meaning “court attendant” or “royal.” If you want a little boy to have it all wrapped up in four letters, Cort is the name for you.
- Origin: Old Norse, English
- Meaning: Short, courtier, court attendant
- Pronunciation: Kao-RT
- Variations: Cortie, Cortney
- Namesakes: Cort McCown, an American actor who appeared in the 1980s, hit films Teen Wolf and Can’t Buy Me Love.
- Popularity: In the U.S., only 18 boys were named Cort in 2018.
Dag
Dag is almost a nickname in itself whose Old Norse meaning (day) is just as concise as the name. A little boy named Dag will most likely have a nickname that is even longer than his real name.
- Origin: Swedish, Old Norse
- Meaning: Day, daylight
- Pronunciation: DAHG
- Variations: Dage, Dagge, Deag
- Namesakes: Dag Arvas, a Swedish Navy rear admiral and Navy officer. Dag Herbjørnsrun, a Norwegian historian of ideas, author, former editor-in-chief, and founder of the Center for Global and Comparative History of Ideas.
- Popularity: Dag is still used mainly in Scandinavia but is very rare in the U.S.
Edvin
Edvin has an old-world feel, more so than its variation Edwin. Edvin means a “wealthy friend,” but wealth and riches can come from within. You can guarantee a wealth of meaning for a boy when you name him the relatively rare and lovely Edvin.
- Origin: Scandinavian, Old English
- Meaning: Wealthy friend, rich friend
- Pronunciation: ED-vin
- Variations: Edwin, Edvind, Edwine
- Namesakes: Edvin Biuković, a Croatian comics artist. Edvin Karlsson, a Swedish politician and member of the Centre party.
- Popularity: Edvin has experienced more popularity since 1990 worldwide, but overall is still a very rare name, barely ranking in the top 4,000 boys’ names.
Egil
Egil is an awesome name inspired by a notorious 10th-century Viking as told in the Icelandic Egill’s Saga. Egil is as uncommon as those old Viking stories today but can be your little sword-wielding mythmaker should you want him to be.
- Origin: Swedish, Old Norse
- Meaning: Edge of the sword, awe, terror
- Pronunciation: EE-yeh-gil
- Variations: Egill, Eygel, Eigel
- Namesakes: Egil Jacobsen, a Danish chess master. Gil Næss Eide, a Norwegian silent film actor and director who appeared in 18 films between the 1900s and 1930s.
- Popularity: While Egil is most popular in Norway, less than 7,000 boys in Norway were named Egil between 1945 – 2019.
Einar
Einar has a true Norse sensibility with its dual meanings (“bold warrior” in Old Norse vs. “strong through the sword” in Germanic). Einar doesn’t sound as bold as its meaning, so perhaps there’s room in that little Viking of yours for some sensitivity too.
- Origin: Old Norse, Germanic
- Meaning: Bold warrior, strong through the sword
- Pronunciation: IE-nahr
- Variations: Ejnar, Einer, Einir
- Namesakes: Einar Henry Gerhardsen, the former Prime Minister of Norway and member of the Labour party. Einar Aaron Swan, an American big band musician, arranger, and composer.
- Popularity: Einar has stayed popular in Scandinavian countries yet hasn’t ranked in boys’ names in the U.S. since the start of the 20th-century.
Elof
Elof is a very Scandinavian-sounding name, because it has a history in Swedish, Finnish, Norwegian, and Danish countries. The very unique meaning of one’s “only heir” or “descendent” makes Elof an exceptional fellow within your family.
- Origin: Scandinavian
- Meaning: Only heir, sole descendent
- Pronunciation: EYE-lof
- Variations: Elef, Elov, Elo
- Popularity: Elof has hardly been used in the U.S. since 1915. Elof is still used within Scandinavian countries but is still not widely popular.
Emil
Emil is the most simple version of Emile or Emiel, originating from Aemilius, an old Roman family name. Emil may be ideal for a little boy to strive for excellence and peace.
- Origin: Latin, Germanic
- Meaning: Excellent, to strive
- Pronunciation: EH-mil
- Variations: Emile, Emilian, Emiel
- Namesakes: Emil Artin, an Austrian mathematician of Armenian descent. Emil Nolde, a German Expressionist painter, printmaker, and watercolorist.
- Popularity: Emil was ranked #1 from 2010-2012 in Norway and scored in the top 10 for Norway and Denmark in 2015.
Erik
Erik is derived from the Old Norse names Eiríkr or Airikr. Erik continues to be popular in Sweden and other nearby countries. Eric with a “c” has ranked in the top 500 most popular boys’ names in North America. Erik is strong and everlasting while staying informal.
- Origin: Old Norse
- Meaning: Ever, always, ruler
- Pronunciation: EHR-eek
- Variations: Erick, Eric, Eriks, Erico
- Namesakes: Erik Refilsson, a legendary Swedish king of the House of Munso. Erik Durm, a German footballer who made his debut in 2014.
- Popularity: Erik is the most common spelling within Scandinavian countries, but in the U.S., Eric is more popular.
Felix
Felix is a very international name with a Latin root used and spelled in the same German, Dutch, Czech, Slovenian, Romanian, and Scandinavian languages. Felix is not an average name, so make sure to give it to the most unique little boy you love.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Happy, lucky, fortunate
- Pronunciation: FEH-liks
- Variations: Felice, Feliks, Phelix
- Namesakes: Felix Adler, an American screenwriter known for writing The Three Stooges scripts. Felix Ehrlich, a German chemist, and biochemist.
- Popularity: In the U.S., Felix was more popular at the start of the 20th-century, but has become more uncommon. Felix does maintain moderate popularity in the top 100 boys’ names in Sweden and other Scandinavian countries.
Filip
Filip is the vernacular form of the Greek Philippos, which initially meant “horse lover.” Filip is a unique way to spell quite a classical name for your little one.
- Origin: Swedish
- Meaning: Lover of horses
- Pronunciation: FIY-LihP
- Variations: Philip, Phillip, Philippus
- Namesakes: Filip (also Filippus) Hallstensson, the King of Sweden from 1105-1118. Filip Chytil, a Czech professional hockey player for the New York Rangers.
- Popularity: Filip tends to be used in Scandinavian countries, while the more common spelling Phillip ranked in the top 500 boys names in the U.S.
Fisk
Fisk is Scandinavian in nature but better known as a surname than a first name for boys. Fisk is informal and super easy to pronounce, making it sound trendy and modern without becoming popular (until now)?
- Origin: Swedish, English
- Meaning: Fisherman, fish
- Pronunciation: FEEH-sk
- Variations: Fysk, Fyske, Fiske
- Popularity: Fisk isn’t ranked within the top 1,000 boys’ names.
Folke
Folke is quite the Scandinavian name. Folke means chief in Swedish, but people’s guard in German. Folke is a name with a humble depth to it that might suit your little boy whether he goes big or small every day.
- Origin: Swedish, Germanic
- Meaning: Chief, people’s guard
- Pronunciation: FAWL-keh
- Variations: Fawke, Fowke, Fulke
- Namesakes: Folke Helleberg, a Swedish film, T.V, stage, and radio actor. Folke Rydberg, a Swedish singer who also acted in a handful of 1940s movies.
- Popularity: Folke ranks in the top 100 among Swedish boy names.
Franz
Franz is an oddity, as the name means “free” in Swedish and indicates a Frenchman in Old German. Whether your little one reminds you of a free man or a Frenchman, Franz is a vintage, old-world name with an easy one-syllable pronunciation.
- Origin: Swedish, Germanic
- Meaning: Free, Frenchman
- Pronunciation: FRAHN-tz
- Variations: Frans
- Namesakes: Franz Adolf Berwald, a Swedish Romantic composer, who worked as an orthopedist and manager of a sawmill and glass factory in his lifetime. Franz Beckenbauer, a German coach, and footballer.
- Popularity: Franz ranked in the top 500 boys’ names in Sweden but not in the top 3,000 boys’ names worldwide.
Fredrik
Fredrik is a Scandinavian version of the more used spelling of Frederick. Fredrik sounds uniquely formal to its root Fred, and could be considered the black sheep of the Fred/Fredericks worldwide.
- Origin: Swedish, Germanic
- Meaning: Peace, peaceful ruler
- Pronunciation: FRED-rik
- Variations: Frederick, Frederic, Frederik, Frederig
- Namesakes: Fredrik Nordström, a Swedish musician and record producer. Fredrik Reinfeldt, the Prime Minister of Sweden.
- Popularity: Fredrik isn’t ranked in the top 100 boys’ names in the U.S.
Frode
Frode feels like it emanates from Scandinavian folklore back into some land of myth and hobbits. Frode is the name given to a wise man or boy, so get him started young in his wisdom.
- Origin: Old Norse
- Meaning: Clever, learned, wise
- Pronunciation: FRAW-deh
- Variations: Forde, Fyodr
- Namesakes: Frode Jakobsen, a Danish author, and politician. Frode Johnsen, a Norwegian former professional footballer.
Gerhardt
The Germanic origin of Gerhardt leads to a name we all recognize: Gerard. You can keep it cute if your little Gerhardt becomes a Gerry.
- Origin: Germanic
- Meaning: Brave spearman
- Pronunciation: GAIR-hard
- Variations: Gerard, Gerrard, Jerrard
- Popularity: Gerhardt is unranked in the top 1,000 boys’ names in the U.S. but ranks in Germany’s top 10.
Gjord
Gjord is a Germanic-style version of the name Godfrey. Gjord is extremely rare outside of Sweden, but you might not be able to resist having a little boy with a name that encapsulates all that is good and peaceful at the same time.
- Origin: Germanic
- Meaning: Good, peaceful
- Pronunciation: Yao-RD
- Variations: Gjurðr, Gyrðr, Gjurd, Gyrd
- Popularity: Gjord is used mostly in Sweden, but is also scattered worldwide in small numbers.
Gӧsta
Because Gösta is a rarer version of Gustav in Scandinavian countries, Gösta was mostly used as a nickname for Gustav and only began being used as a first name in 1850. Gösta has a masculine meaning, ending in “a,” so you can’t find a more boyish home for your little one.
- Origin: Old Norse, Scandinavian
- Meaning: God’s staff, Goth
- Pronunciation: YUUS-ta
- Variations: Kustaa, Kustas
- Namesakes: Gösta Winbergh, a Swedish tenor. Gösta Sandberg, a Swedish footballer and ice hockey player.
- Popularity: Gösta is an extremely rare name, unused outside of Sweden.
Gottfried
Gottfried is the Germanic version of Godfrey – a name full of hard Germanic syllables, bringing with it all the pomp and vintage flair of yesteryear. While Gottfried is antiquated, the beauty of its meanings can’t be denied.
- Origin: Germanic
- Meaning: God, peace
- Pronunciation: GOT-friyd
- Variations: Göthe, Göthke, Göpfert
- Namesakes: Gottfried von Strassburg, a German author of the Middle High German courtly romance, Tristan. Gottfried von Hagenau, a poet, theologian and medical doctor from Alsace.
- Popularity: Gottfried is a common boy’s name in Switzerland but only used 1,480 times between 1912 and 2019.
Gudmand
Gudmund sounds similar to “good man,” but this rare Swedish and Old Norse name for boys has an even loftier meaning of “one who is under God’s protection.” That alone makes the very antique Gudmund worthy of being brought out to play as a name for your little one.
- Origin: Old Norse, Swedish
- Meaning: God is protecting
- Pronunciation: GOOD-mund
- Variations: Gudman, Gudmand, Gulmund
- Popularity: Gudmand is rarely used worldwide.
Gunnar
Gunnar is mildly popular in the United States, likely due to the “gun” part of the name. If you stick to the traditional Nordic pronunciation of Gunnar (GOO-ner), that association falls away. Before you know it, all his friends will know how to say his Viking-esque name correctly.
- Origin: Old Norse
- Meaning: Fighter, soldier, attacker
- Pronunciation: GOO-ner
- Variations: Gundahar, Gunnarr, Gunder, Günther
- Namesakes: Gunnar Wennerberg, a Swedish poet, composer, and politician. Gunnar Nelson, an American musician, singer, and songwriter (and grandson of the famous U.S. TV characters, Ozzie and Harriet Nelson).
- Popularity: Gunnar has a somewhat popular worldwide ranking in the top 2,000 boys’ names.
Gustav
Gustav has 25 different variants used in English, Swedish, and many other, often Slavic-based languages. Perhaps your little boy will grow into its rich history as he ages.
- Origin: Swedish, Slavic
- Meaning: Staff of the Geats/Goths/Gods, friend/glory
- Pronunciation: GOO-staahv
- Variations: Gustaf, Gustave
- Namesakes: Gustav I, the founder of modern Sweden and the “father of the nation.” Gustav Mahler, an Austro-Bohemian Romantic composer.
- Popularity: While Gustav is still used in Sweden and Germany, the name is somewhat rare worldwide.
Halfdan
Halfdan is quite simple and specific in its half-Danish meaning. Whether your little boy is half-Danish or not, you could enjoy this easily pronounced name.
- Origin: Old Norse
- Meaning: Half-Danish
- Pronunciation: Hahlf-dahn
- Variations: Half-dans, Halvdan
- Namesakes: Halfdan T. Mahler, a Danish medical doctor, and director-general of the WHO. Halfdan E. Nielsen, a Danish film composer.
Hans
Hans was originally a nickname for Johannes (the Scandinavian version of John). Hans became known worldwide after the Hansel and Gretel fairytale spread in popularity. Hans points to the famous name John and the deeper meaning of the grace of God, so something must still be drawing us to Hans after all these years.
- Origin: Scandinavian, Germanic
- Meaning: God is gracious
- Pronunciation: HUH-ns
- Variations: Han, Hawns, Hanns, Hannes, Hanse
- Namesakes: Hans Christian Andersen, a Danish author of popular fairytales. Hans H. Steinberg, a German film, television, and stage actor.
- Popularity: Hans’ popularity fluctuates but has steadily declined worldwide since the mid-1960s.
Hemming
Hemming not only refers to the idea of a shape, but is almost a shapeshifter. Even if your little boy isn’t quite a Werewolf of Old Norse lore, Hemming is a pretty cool name to dig up from the archives for him.
- Origin: Old Norse
- Meaning: Shape, shapeshifter
- Pronunciation: HEM-ing
- Variations: Hemingr, Heming
- Namesakes: Hemming I, the Danish King from 810. Hemming Gadh, a Swedish Roman Catholic priest and Bishop of the Diocese of Linköping.
- Popularity: Between 1900 and 2019, only 8 boys were named Hemming worldwide.
Henrik
Henrik is a simple yet elegant male choice as a Scandinavian (and Germanic) variation of Henry. You can still enjoy a level of rarity while choosing a solid name that has tons of variations within it.
- Origin: Swedish, German
- Meaning: Ruler of the home, home ruler
- Pronunciation: HEN-rik
- Variations: Henerik, Heinrich, Henry, Henri, Hendrik
- Namesakes: Henrik Ibsen, a Norwegian playwright. Henrik Lundqvist, a Swedish former professional ice hockey goaltender with the New York Rangers.
- Popularity: In the U.S., Henrik first ranked in the top 1,000 boys’ names in 2014. Henrik remains in the top 1,000 boys’ names worldwide and is in the top 10 in Norway.
Herman
Herman is a strong Scandinavian name of Germanic origin. Herman even has variations as wide as Armann, and could become your mini soldier if you care to give him this old-fashioned name.
- Origin: Germanic
- Meaning: Army man, soldier
- Pronunciation: HER-man
- Variations: Hermand, Hermani, Hermane
- Namesakes: Herman Boerhaave, a Dutch botanist. Herman Melville, an American novelist, short story writer, and poet who wrote Moby Dick.
- Popularity: Herman is not currently in the top 1,000 boys’ names in the U.S., but did reach #44 in the late 1800s.
Hugo
Hugo is widely used in Europe, so feels (and has some history) in French, Spanish, and German. Hugo can give your little boy a worldly air and has been thought of as a posh name. His importance will be sealed into his name before he even gets going in life.
- Origin: Germanic
- Meaning: Mind, spirit, intelligence
- Pronunciation: HEW-goh
- Variations: Huugo, Hukko, Hugh, Uko
- Namesakes: Hugo Chávez, a politician and former President of Venezuela. Hugo Nys, a French tennis player.
- Popularity: In the U.S., Hugo does not share the same popularity it finds throughout Europe. Hugo ranks #10 in Spain, Sweden, and France.
Ingolf
Ingolf is a rare name beginning with “I” that has a noble Norse and Germanic meaning of either Ing’s wolf (Ing being a Scandinavian deity) or simply “wolf.” If you like mythological beasts represented by boys’ names, Ingolf may be perfect for you.
- Origin: Germanic, Old Norse
- Meaning: Wolf, Ing’s wolf
- Pronunciation: IN-gawlf
- Variations: Ingulf, Ingölfr, Inge
- Namesakes: Ingolf Dahl, a German-American composer, pianist, conductor, and educator. Ingolf Lück, a German actor, comedian, and television host.
- Popularity: Ingolf barely makes the top 5,000 boys names used in the U.S. It isn’t very popular in Scandinavia, but Norway has a mildly more common use of the name.
Iver
Iver is a far-gone name from another era, but still carries a rare charm all on its own. Iver doesn’t need a nickname and feels unique and modern when used today.
- Origin: Old Norse
- Meaning: Archer, bow warrior
- Pronunciation: EE-ver
- Variations: Ivor, Ivar, Aivar
- Namesakes: Iver Eriksen Rosenkrantz, a Danish statesman and landowner. Iver Kleive, a Norwegian composer and organist.
- Popularity: Iver doesn’t rank in the top 3,000 boys’ names in the U.S., with just 36 boys named Iver in 2020.
Jager
Jager is a very uncommon Germanic name that has been used few and far between as a first name for boys. Jager begins with a “Y” sound and has a universal meaning associated with hunters and the hunt, regardless of its rarity.
- Origin: Germanic
- Meaning: Hunter, to hunt or chase
- Pronunciation: YAH-gehr
- Variations: Jager, Jaeger, Jæge
- Popularity: Jager doesn’t rank in the top 10,000 boy names in the U.S. and finds itself to be extremely rare.
Jan
Jan is used worldwide in the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, England, Poland, The Czech Republic, and Slovakia, among many others. Jan is a great name choice if you’re in the mood for tradition and want to go your own way.
- Origin: Dutch, Hebrew
- Meaning: God is gracious
- Pronunciation: YAH-n
- Variations: Johannes, John
- Namesakes: Jan-Michael Vincent, an American actor. Jan Havickszoon Steen, a Dutch Golden Age painter.
- Popularity: While not super popular, Jan is commonly given as a boy’s name in Scandinavia, Germany, and much of Northern Europe.
Joakim
Joakim has its root in the Bible and is on the rare side since there are so many variations that can be used, like the more popular Spanish version Joaquin. Joakim is both familiar and unique at the same time.
- Origin: Scandinavian, Hebrew
- Meaning: Lifted by Jehovah
- Pronunciation: YOH-ah-kihm
- Variations: Jojacim, Joaquin, Yowakim
- Namesakes: Joakim Alexandersson, a Swedish football player. Joakim Agustín Soria Ramos, a Mexican former professional baseball pitcher in MLB.
- Popularity: Joakim is somewhat uncommon, given to almost 14,000 boys in France between 1900-2019.
Johan
Johan is a lesser given form of John or Johannes worldwide. Johan has a strong Germanic feel, associated with famous composers and writers in history. Johan might be the best name for your little boy to accomplish great things in his life.
- Origin: Hebrew, Swedish
- Meaning: God is gracious, gift from God
- Pronunciation: YOO-an
- Variations: Johannes, John, Yanis
- Namesakes: Johan I of Sweden, the King of Sweden. Johan Norberg, a Swedish author and historian of ideas.
- Popularity: Johan is in the top 1,000 boys names worldwide and reached #579 in the U.S. in 2018.
Justus
Justus is derived from a very ancient Swedish boy name. The meaning is the same as the root word and is wrapped up in the idea of justice or righteousness. This noble sense to Justus makes it very uncommon, yet not without its beauty.
- Origin: Swedish, Latin
- Meaning: Just, upright
- Pronunciation: Yoos-toos
- Variations: Justu, Justuse, Justin
- Namesakes: Justus D. Barnes, an American stage and film actor. Justus Friedrich Karl Hecker, a German physician and medical writer.
- Popularity: Justus is not currently in the top 100 and is unranked in the U.S.
Karl
Karl may have been used as a nickname for Charles. The name literally means a “strong or free man,” so it’s no wonder Karl has been kept alive all these years.
- Origin: Scandinavian, Germanic
- Meaning: Man, free man, strong man
- Pronunciation: KAHRL
- Variations: Kaarel, Karel, Charles, Carlos, Karol
- Namesakes: Karl Lagerfeld, a German fashion designer. Karl Malden, born Mladen George Sekulovich, an American actor who appeared in the 1950s film A Streetcar Named Desire.
- Popularity: Karl is quite popular for boys’ names in Austria, Estonia, Germany, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland, and became more common in the U.S. via the German immigrant population.
Kasper
Kasper is the Scandinavian and Dutch form of Jasper. The root word comes from Persian, so it’s made a long journey to being pretty popular, on and off from Sweden to Norway and Finland. Kasper has a stronger masculine sense about it.
- Origin: Persian, Scandinavian
- Meaning: Treasure, treasure-bearer, holder of the treasury
- Pronunciation: KAHS-pehr
- Variations: Casper, Jasper, Chasper
- Namesakes: Kasper Pedersen, a Danish footballer.
- Popularity: Kasper generally finds itself in the top 1,500 boys’ names worldwide but is often floating in the top 50 in Scandinavian countries.
Kaspian
Kaspian is a Scandinavian spelling of Caspian, which emanates from a storied past in Persia. Kaspian refers to the Caspian Sea in that part of the world and was likely taken from the city of Qazvin in the ancient Persian world. You can always call your little one Kas for short.
- Origin: Scandinavian, English
- Meaning: Caspian Sea
- Pronunciation: KAS-pee-an
- Variations: Caspian, Caspien
- Popularity: Only 35 people have been named Kaspian globally in the last 100 years.
Kirk
Kirk has associations in Old Norse with the church, often used as a surname for pastors and ministers in Northern Europe. The spelling Kirk is the most common of all the variations, so you can be sure it’s the very best one.
- Origin: Old Norse
- Meaning: Church, dwells at the church
- Pronunciation: KURK
- Variations: Kurc, Kerc, Kurk, Kirk, Kyrk
- Namesakes: Kirk Douglas (born Issur Danielovitch), an American actor and filmmaker. Kirk McCarthy, an Australian motorcycle racer.
- Popularity: In the U.S., Kirk didn’t quite make the top 2,000 most popular boys names, with only 66 baby boys named Kirk in 2020.
Klaus
Klaus began its long history as a short form of Nikolaus, itself a German version of the Greek name Nicholas. Klaus has a certain maturity to it, so be ready for your little one to act like a man with this victorious name.
- Origin: Germanic, Scandinavian
- Meaning: Victory of the people
- Pronunciation: k-LAUS
- Variations: Klauss, Clauss, Klauhs, Clausing, Clauser, Klaussen
- Namesakes: Klaus Kinski, a German actor. Klaus Tennstedt, a German conductor.
- Popularity: Klaus is mildly more popular in Scandinavia with just over 9,000 boys named Klaus in Denmark.
Kristian
Kristian (and the more common Christian) is a widely used name for boys, since it points back to the Bible, the origins of Christianity and the followers of Christ. Kristian is the Scandinavian spelling of the name, easily shortened to Kris on casual days.
- Origin: Latin, Scandinavian
- Meaning: Follower of Christ
- Pronunciation: KRIS-t-yun
- Variations: Christian, Kristijan, Kristian
- Namesakes: Kristian Gestrin, a Finnish judge and politician. Kristian Roebuck, an English badminton player.
- Popularity: Kristian is a popular boys name in the U.S, ranked in the top 500 and most recently ranked at #577.
Lars
Lars is pretty popular in Scandinavia and has made inroads in the U.S. and elsewhere. Lars is simple, efficient, masculine, and yet easy on the ears too. Let’s hope your little boy finds himself just the same in life.
- Origin: Latin, Swedish
- Meaning: From Laurentum, crowned with laurel
- Pronunciation: LAHRS
- Variations: Larsen, Larsson, Larson
- Namesakes: Lars Ulrich, a Danish drummer for the heavy metal band Metallica. Lars Vilks, a Swedish graphic artist.
- Popularity: Lars was the most popular boys name given in Sweden in 2020 and is considered mildly popular elsewhere.
Leif
Leif is a very familiar Scandinavian name worldwide, mostly thanks to Icelandic explorer Leif Erikson and American pop star Leif Garrett. Whether an explorer, rock star, or anything in between, your little Leif will surely grow up to do great things.
- Origin: Old Norse
- Meaning: Heir, descendent
- Pronunciation: LAYF
- Variations: Leiv, Leifr, Leifur, Leifsson
- Namesakes: Leif Erikson, a Norse explorer known for discovering North America before Christopher Columbus. Leif Garrett, a Norwegian-American singer and actor.
- Popularity: Leif is less popular in the U.S. outside of Scandinavian-Americans and did not rank in the top 1,000 boys names in the U.S.
Lennart
Lennart is the Germanic version of Leonard, mostly used in Scandinavian countries and Germany. Lennart would be a unique version of a somewhat well-known, common name for a little boy to enjoy all on his own.
- Origin: Swedish, Germanic
- Meaning: Brave lion
- Pronunciation: LEH-nahrt
- Variations: Leonard, Leonhard, Lennar, Lennari
- Namesakes: Lennart Georg Meri, the 2nd President of Estonia. Lennart Bergelin, a Swedish tennis player.
- Popularity: Lennart has been used as a boys name in Belgium since 1995, where it made the top 500 boys’ names.
Linnaeus
Linnaeus is the Latinized version of the Swedish Linden (named after the lime tree). It’s better known as a last name through Swedish botanist and father of modern taxology, Carla Linnaeus. Linneaus is as classical a name as a beautiful species of Linden tree.
- Origin: Swedish
- Meaning: Lime tree, Linden tree
- Pronunciation: Luh-NEE-uhs
- Variations: Lineas, Lyneus, Linne, Linus
- Popularity: Linnaeus is currently not ranked in the top 100 boys names in the U.S.
Ludvig
Ludvig (and the more German spelling Ludwig) is a strong, traditional name that often brings the famous Ludwig Von Beethoven to mind. Ludvig (or Ludwig) isn’t widely used outside of Scandinavia, so it could be a winner if you’re looking for a rare name for your very own little genius or master composer.
- Origin: Germanic, Scandinavian
- Meaning: Famous warrior
- Pronunciation: LUHD-vey-G
- Variations: Ludwig, Ludwik, Ludovico
- Namesakes: Ludvig Engsund, a Swedish ice hockey goaltender. Ludvig Schytte, a Danish composer, pianist, and teacher.
- Popularity: Ludvig is the most popular in Sweden, where over 8,000 boys have been named Ludvig between 1998-2019. Ludvig is less popular outside of Sweden, Norway, and Denmark.
Lukas
Lukas is the Scandinavian spelling of the Latin Lucas, derived from one of the most common Biblical names – Luke. Lukas is the most unique of the Luke spellings, so you could give into this classic name with a lot of history behind it.
- Origin: Greek, Germanic, Swedish
- Meaning: Man from Lucanus, brings light
- Pronunciation: LUW-kaas
- Variations: Lucas, Luke, Luqas, Luka, Luca, Luc
- Namesakes: Lukas Daniel Haas, an American actor, and musician. Lukas Schmitz, a German professional footballer.
- Popularity: Lukas is a very popular name in Norway and Germany, and ranks in the top 300 boys’ names in the U.S.
Magnar
An entirely Scandinavian name, Magnar became popular in Norway in the 19th-century. In Norse mythology, Magnar refers to the violent but good-intentioned half-dragon/half-man. Hopefully, that wins out over a mythological dragon in the guise of an extraordinary little boy.
- Origin: Old Norse
- Meaning: Strength
- Pronunciation: MAHG-nahr
- Variations: Magner, Magnarr, Magne, Magnor, Magnorr.
- Namesakes: Magnar Lundemo, a Norwegian cross-country skier and track and field athlete. Magnar Hellebust, a Norwegian politician for the Liberal Party.
- Popularity: Though Magnar is used in Norway, it’s unranked in the U.S., where currently 19 boys are named Magnar.
Matheo
The consistent popularity of this Scandinavian name, inspired by the Hebrew favorite, Matthew, might surprise you. Matheo has quite a varied international feel and is widely used all over Europe and the rest of the world.
- Origin: Hebrew, Swedish
- Meaning: Gift of Yahweh, gift of God
- Pronunciation: Maht-TE-o
- Variations: Matteo, Mattheo
- Namesakes: Matteo Bandello, an Italian novelist, soldier, monk, and later, a Bishop mostly known for his novellas. Mateo Kovačić, a Croatian professional footballer for the Croatia national team.
- Popularity: Matheo is in the top 50 boys’ names in various countries from Northern Europe and Scandinavia to Australia, Canada, the U.S., and more.
Matthias
Matthias is a pleasing formal variation of Matthew and finds its history in the ancient Biblical world. Matthias is easy to pronounce if you want a more traditional version of a classic name and will give some flair to your little boy.
- Origin: Swedish, Hebrew
- Meaning: Gift of God
- Pronunciation: Mat-TEY-as
- Variations: Matiaas, Matias, Mattias, Matjas
- Namesakes: Matthias Grünewald, a German Renaissance painter of religious works. Matthias Schoenaerts, a Belgian actor, film producer, and graffiti artist.
- Popularity: Matthias ranks in the top 500 boys’ names worldwide and has gone up 118% in popularity in the U.S. since 2016.
Melvin
Melvin is a variation of Melville inspired by the French surname de Maleuin (later Melwin). Melvin has an intellectual sense about it, as if there is a quiet genius hiding in the man or boy named Melvin.
- Origin: Germanic, English
- Meaning: Friend of justice, mill friend
- Pronunciation: MEH-lv-ihn
- Variations: Melvyn, Melwin, Melfyn
- Namesakes: Melvin Howard Tormé, an American musician, singer, composer, arranger, drummer, actor, and author. Melvin Burgess, a British writer of children’s fiction.
- Popularity: Melvin ranks among the top 300 Swedish boy names (and the top 50 in 2018), but is rarely used worldwide.
Mika
Mika originated in Finland and is quite popular in Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. Mika is typically used in the U.S. as a girl’s name, so you can be sure your little boy will get something entirely original here (whether using Mikael or Mika).
- Origin: Scandinavian, Hebrew
- Meaning: God-like, gift from God
- Pronunciation: MIY-Kaa
- Variations: Mikeas, Mikka, Micah
- Namesakes: Mika Waltari, a Finnish author whose historical novels were international best-sellers. Mika Zibanejad, a Swedish ice hockey player for the New York Rangers.
- Popularity: In the U.S., Mika is more commonly a girl’s name, with 83.43% of Mikas being girls and 16.57% being boys.
Niklas
Niklas is a Scandinavian version of Nikolaus or Nicholas. The victorious meaning of the name can’t help but bring good luck to the life of the little boy you’re expecting.
- Origin: Swedish, Greek
- Meaning: Victory of the people
- Pronunciation: NIK-las
- Variations: Niclas, Nicklas
- Namesakes: Niklas, a Danish singer-songwriter. Niklas Klingberg, a Swedish motorcycle speedway rider who was a member of the Swedish team in the Speedway World Cups.
- Popularity: Niklas is ranked in the top 500 boys names worldwide and appears in the top 50 in Austria, Australia, Germany, and Finland.
Nils
Nils is an informal Swedish and Norwegian form of Nicholas or Nikolaus. Nils offers a coolness about it, so make sure the little one you’re having is ready to be the coolest guy in town with this brief, all-in-one name.
- Origin: Old Norse
- Meaning: People of victory
- Pronunciation: Niy-LZ
- Variations: Niels, Niles
- Namesakes: Nils Björk, a Swedish Army lieutenant general. Nils Lofgren, an American musician.
- Popularity: Nils is ranked in the top 1,000 boys names worldwide and in the top 50 in Sweden, Norway, Germany, and Switzerland.
Noah
Noah is currently the 2nd most popular boy’s name in the U.S., and goes all the way back to ancient Hebrew, inspired by Noah in the Bible. The many Noahs in the world have likely paved the way for your little Noah to flourish.
- Origin: Swedish, Hebrew
- Meaning: Rest, comfort, wanderer, peaceful
- Pronunciation: No-AH
- Variations: Noa, Noak, Noe, Nuh
- Namesakes: Noah Durham Comstock, an American farmer, and Republican politician. Noah Mozes, an Israeli newspaper publisher.
- Popularity: From 2013 until 2015, Noah ranked as the most popular boy’s name in the U.S. In 2013, Noah was ranked #3 in Australia.
Odin
Odin packs a punch name-wise, referring to the oldest and wisest gods in Norse mythology, known for presiding over Valhalla. Odin has a Viking sense to it and, despite its uniqueness, is pretty easy to say no matter where you and the little one are from.
- Origin: Old Norse
- Meaning: God of wisdom, healing, death, royalty
- Pronunciation: Oh-din
- Variations: Oden, Odinn
- Namesakes: Odin Elsford Stanley Langen, an American politician from Minnesota who served six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1959 to 1971.
- Popularity: Odin is not typically used as a boy’s name in Sweden but is ranked in the top 100 boys’ names in Norway and is mildly popular in the U.S., Canada, and Australia.
Olov
Olov is a particularly Swedish spelling of Olaf or Olav. The Norse succinctness of the name stays with you and carries a meaningful load for any young man who is a descendent of your family’s ancestors.
- Origin: Old Norse
- Meaning: Ancestor’s descendent
- Pronunciation: OO-lawv
- Variations: Olaf, Olav, Olev
- Namesakes: Olov Lambatunga, the Archbishop of Uppsala, Sweden, from 1198–1206. Olov Englund, a Swedish band player.
- Popularity: Olov is pretty common among Swedish names for boys, with 111 uses between 1998 and 2019, but is uncommon worldwide.
Ollen
Ollen is a pretty rare find in Swedish names, so you may not even locate a famous Ollen in your research. Ollen can easily become Ollie for those special nickname moments as well.
- Origin: Swedish
- Meaning: The inheritance of a title
- Pronunciation: OH-len
- Variations: Olie, Olle, Olley
- Popularity: Other than having a Swedish history, Ollen is rarely used worldwide.
Oskar
Oskar, whether spelled with a Scandinavian “k” or the more familiar Oscar, crosses boundaries across Europe and worldwide. Oskar sounds far less imposing than its meaning of “God’s spear” in Old Norse and “leaping warrior” in Swedish. Oskar may merge the old and the new well when your little boy comes along.
- Origin: Old Norse, Swedish
- Meaning: God’s spear, leaping warrior
- Pronunciation: AWS-kar
- Variations: Oscar, Osgar, Oskari
- Namesakes: Oskar Schindler, a German businessman, credited for saving over 1,000 Polish Jews during World War II.
- Popularity: Oskar is somewhat popular internationally, with the majority in Poland (56,225 between 2000-2019).
Ove
Ove is derived from the Old Danish name Aghi (meaning “edge or fear”), which first appeared in 1413. Ove is ancient and, despite its strong meaning of “terror” or “the edge of a sword,” Ove feels like an easygoing nickname for a little boy destined for bigger things.
- Origin: Swedish, Danish
- Meaning: Edge of a sword, terror
- Pronunciation: OO-veh
- Variations: Uwe
- Namesakes: Sir Ove Nyquist Arup, an English engineer who founded Arup Group Limited and is considered among the foremost architectural structural engineers of his time. Bengt Ove Kindvall, a Swedish former professional footballer who played as a striker.
- Popularity: Ove does not rank in the top 5,000 boys’ names worldwide, so it is scarce to find.
Per
Per is a variation of the famous Biblical name Peter, a common masculine name of the same origin. Though Per isn’t used very much in North America, Per is a very popular name in Sweden. Depending on your location, you can enjoy the popularity or the rarity of Per.
- Origin: Scandinavian, Greek
- Meaning: Stone, rock
- Pronunciation: PEAR
- Variations: Pehr, Peer, Pär
- Namesakes: Per Ankersjö, a Swedish politician and member of the Centre party. Per Welinder, a Swedish professional skateboarder.
- Popularity: As of December 2020, Per ranks as the 6th most popular boys name in Sweden.
Poul
Poul is the Danish version of Paul, sometimes used throughout Denmark and the rest of Scandinavia. Poul may be mistaken for the name Paul with a spelling error, but Poul still carries the same old world meaning, in the style of a Dane.
- Origin: Danish, Swedish
- Meaning: Small, petite
- Pronunciation: P-OO-l
- Variations: Pouel, Pouil, Paul
- Namesakes: Poul William Anderson, an American science fiction author. Poul Oluf Nyrup Rasmussen, the former Prime Minister of Denmark.
Povel
Whether you’re in Sweden or not, Povel is a real uncut gem when it comes to Swedish male names. Small and humble, Povel could be a powerful-sounding moniker for your little one to wear.
- Origin: Swedish
- Meaning: Small, humble
- Pronunciation: PAH-vel
- Variations: Pauel, Paul, Povell, Powel
- Namesakes: Povel Ramel, a Swedish entertainer. Povel Juel, a Norwegian civil servant, and writer.
- Popularity: Povel is extremely rare, only given to 19 boys in Sweden between 1998-2019.
Roffe
Roffe is a diminutive of Rolf, so it has more of a cute factor for little boys. Roffe/Rolf have been used as shorter variations of Rudolf. This cool-sounding version of the more uptight Rudolf may work wonders for the modern guy you’re expecting.
- Origin: Germanic, Swedish
- Meaning: Legendary wolf
- Pronunciation: RAWF-feh
- Variations: Rolf, Ralph, Ralphie, Rudolph, Rudolf
- Namesakes: Roffe Ruff, a Swedish hip hop, ragga artist, and music producer from Gothenburg, whose identity remains a secret.
Runar
Runar brings to mind the Old Norse tradition of telling fortunes with runes (ancient letters), yet the name is not nearly as popular as that ritual. You can draw upon Runar for your beloved boy, should you want an ancient name with a modern feel.
- Origin: Old Norse, Swedish
- Meaning: Magic/secret man, beloved man
- Pronunciation: ROO-nar
- Variations: Ryynari
- Namesakes: Runar Berg, a retired Norwegian football midfielder. Runar Tafjord, a Norwegian French horn player.
- Popularity: Runar is extremely rare, with only 3 Runar’s born in Sweden and Germany between 1998-2019.
Rutger
Rutger was a common boy’s name in The Netherlands and is a variation of Roger. The name has a strong Scandinavian meaning of a man famous for his spear work, so it may be perfect for the strong boy you will raise with this name.
- Origin: Dutch, Swedish
- Meaning: Renowned spear, famous spearman
- Pronunciation: RAHTG-er
- Variations: Hrodger, Hrotger, Roger, Rodger, Roger
- Namesakes: Rutger Oelsen Hauer, a Dutch actor. Rutger Backe, a Swedish former football player, and coach.
- Popularity: Rutger is mostly used in Scandinavia and Germanic countries while not making the top 10,000 boys names in the U.S.
Sigge
Sigge is the Swedish diminutive of Sigmund (as in Freud). Sigge is mildly popular in Sweden and Denmark and isn’t widely used in the U.S. Sigge can make a comeback if the right boy has it as his namesake.
- Origin: Germanic, Scandinavian
- Meaning: Victor, victory bear
- Pronunciation: SIG-geh
- Variations: Sigmund, Sigur
- Namesakes: Sigvard Viggo “Sigge” Eklund, a Swedish novelist, TV producer, and screenwriter. Sigge Bergman, a Swedish sports executive, and journalist.
- Popularity: Sigge is in the top 3,000 boys’ names given in Sweden and is even rarer worldwide.
Sigvard
Sigvard is an offshoot of the most recognizable Sigmund. Members of Swedish royalty have employed this formal name during their rule. You might decide your little future king deserves to stand out with this cool-sounding name.
- Origin: Old Norse, Germanic
- Meaning: Victory guard
- Pronunciation: SAYNG-vaard
- Variations: Sigur, Sigurd, Sigvard, Siward
- Namesakes: Sigvard Oscar Fredrik, the Prince Sigvard of Sweden. Sigvard I. Sivertsen, a Norwegian gymnast who competed in the 1908 and 1912 Summer Olympics.
- Popularity: Sigvard has been used by just over 900 people worldwide, mainly in Scandinavian countries.
Stellan
Likely originating from Germany, Stellan arose out of the Old Norse word “stillingr,” meaning “one at rest” or “one who is calm.” Other than being seen here and there, Stellan is still relatively rare. Will your little boy be the cool, calm, and collected one with this name?
- Origin: Swedish, Germanic
- Meaning: Peaceful one, calm
- Pronunciation: STELL-ahn
- Variations: Stelian, Stelio, Stelios
- Namesakes: Stellan Skarsgård, a Swedish actor. Stellan Mörner, an early 20th-century Swedish surrealist painter.
- Popularity: While Stellan is used in Sweden, it is not in the top 10,000 boys names used in the U.S.
Sven
Sven is likely a stereotypical Scandinavian variation of Stephen or Steven. Sven is often thought of as Swedish as you can get, but its short, informal syllable won’t be forgotten if you bring up a Sven in your life.
- Origin: Scandinavian, German
- Meaning: Young man, young warrior
- Pronunciation: SVEHN
- Variations: Svein, Svend, Sveinn
- Namesakes: Sven Epiney, a Swiss television, radio host, and editor. Sven Meinhardt, a German field hockey player.
- Popularity: Sven is a somewhat uncommon name, except when it ranked 23rd for boys’ names in Switzerland in 2005.
Tait
Tait is a simple name with a pleasant, happy meaning! Tait is easy to pronounce and would add some cheeriness to your little boy’s life.
- Origin: Old Norse
- Meaning: Glad, cheerful
- Pronunciation: TAY-t
- Variations: Tate, Tayt, Taye
- Namesakes: Tait Fletcher, an American actor known for his work in John Wick.
- Popularity: Tait has been used in the U.S. since 1967, yet only around 1,195 boys were named Tait in the past 200 years.
Thor
How can you refuse the awesomeness that is the name Thor in all its Viking strength and glory? Thor is only popular in smaller geographical pockets, but you can bring the mighty Thor to your son and let the world know he’s arrived.
- Origin: Scandinavian, Old Norse
- Meaning: God of Thunder
- Variations: Thordis, Thorbert
- Popularity: Thor ranked in the top 3,000 boys’ names worldwide, appearing in the top 50 boys’ names in Sweden, Ireland, and Australia.
Titus
Titus has ancient Roman connections to all things good, honorable, and strong. Titus is gaining some popularity, so get in on the Titus frenzy before it truly starts.
- Origin: Latin, Swedish
- Meaning: Honorable, strong, of the giants
- Pronunciation: TAY-tahs
- Variations: Tito, Tytus, Titas
- Namesakes: Titus Oates, an English priest who fabricated the alleged conspiracy to kill King Charles II. Sir Titus Salt, 1st Baronet, an English manufacturer, politician, and philanthropist.
- Popularity: Titus generally appears within the top 500 boys’ names worldwide, and its use is increasing in the 21st-century.
Tobias
Tobias is an ancient name that brings a sense of formality and the old world. Tobias is unique yet somewhat popular worldwide and is waiting to add some literary class to your little boy’s first writings.
- Origin: Hebrew, Greek
- Meaning: Jehovah is good
- Pronunciation: Toh-BEE-ess
- Variations: Tobbe, Tobiah, Tobyas
- Namesakes: Tobias George Smollett, a Scottish poet, and author. Tobias Jonathan Ansell Wolff, an American short story writer, memoirist, novelist, and teacher of creative writing.
- Popularity: Tobias is in the top 500 boys’ names worldwide and in the top 300 boys’ names in the U.S.
Torbjörn
Torbjörn is a very creative Scandinavian name that brings to mind Norse mythology. The Thor’s “bear” meaning will infuse any boy who receives the name with an aura of strength and Viking history.
- Origin: Old Norse
- Meaning: Thunder, bear
- Pronunciation: TAWR-by-awrn
- Variations: Thorbjörn, Thorburn, Thorbern, Thorebern, Thorber, and Thurber.
- Namesakes: Torbjörn Axelman, a Swedish TV producer, director and writer. Torbjörn Flygt, a Swedish novelist.
- Popularity: Torbjörn is a rare boy’s name only used in Sweden 24 times between 1998 and 2019.
Tordis
Tordis is used as a modern variant of the ancient Norse name for the god of thunder. If the popularity of Thor keeps increasing, you may have a thunderous little boy called Tordis very soon.
- Origin: Old Norse
- Meaning: Spirit of Thor, Thor’s struggle
- Pronunciation: TAORD-iyz
- Variations: Thordis (female)
- Popularity: Tordis is a very rare boy’s name ranked just over 5,700th worldwide.
Tyr
In Old Norse mythology, Tyr was called Tiwaz, an equivalent of Zeus and also known as the god of war. Tyr has a Nordic sensibility which might add something special to your little boy’s name.
- Origin: Old Norse
- Meaning: God, god of war
- Pronunciation: TIH-iyr
- Variations: Tyre, Thyr, Thyre, Tyrur
- Popularity: Since 2002, Tyr ranked in the top 4,000 boys’ names in the U.S.
Ulf
Ulf has a long history in Sweden, where the oldest written record of the name appeared on a runestone from the 11th-century. The organic strength of the name brings together Scandinavian history and the power of a spirit animal, the wolf.
- Origin: Old Norse
- Meaning: Wolf
- Pronunciation: ah-LF
- Variations: Wolf, Wolfe, Ulfr
- Namesakes: Ulf Andersson, a Swedish chess player. Ulf Kirsten, a German former professional footballer and manager.
- Popularity: The highest number of Ulf boy names is found in Norway, with 2,228 boys named Ulf between 1945 and 2019.
Ulrik
Ulrik is one of those classic, vintage names that sounds more like a family name than a first name. Ulrik is a Scandinavian form of the German Ulrich and possesses more of a sharp edge due to this spelling. Ulrik is a rare yet very cool name.
- Origin: Scandinavian, German
- Meaning: Rich, noble heritage, power of the wolf
- Pronunciation: AHL-rihk
- Variations: Ulrich, Ulric
- Namesakes: Ulrik Imtiaz Rolfsen, a Pakistani-Norwegian movie director. Ulrik Rosenløv Laursen, a Danish former professional footballer who played as a defender.
- Popularity: Ulrik is an extremely rare boy’s name that doesn’t rank in the top 10,000 boys’ names worldwide.
Vali
Vali is an fascinating traditional Scandinavian name because it sounds quite unisex or even feminine. Your Vali would likely be the only Vali around for miles and miles. Get started with this unique name and enjoy its powerful sense.
- Origin: Old Norse
- Meaning: Son of Odin, great and powerful
- Pronunciation: VAAL-iy
- Variations: Wale, Vale
- Namesakes: Vali Chandrasekaran, an American television producer, and writer, best known for his work on the TV series Modern Family.
Verner
Verner is not used very often worldwide, besides its slight popularity in Finland. Verner arose out of the first name and surname Werner, so its rarity finds an even more unique place to choose from.
- Origin: Swedish, Germanic
- Meaning: Friend protector, defending warrior
- Pronunciation: VERN-er
- Variations: Werner, Wernher, Vern, Vernik
- Namesakes: Verner Panton, an influential Danish furniture and interior designer. Johan Verner Weckman, a Finnish wrestler, and the first Finnish Olympic gold medalist.
- Popularity: Verner only ranks within the top 8,000 boys’ names worldwide, with a higher rank in Finland’s top 50 boys’ names in 2019.
Viggo
Viggo came from a Latin version of the Old Norse and German name Vigge, found in common German names like Ludvig. Today, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway boast the most Viggo-named boys, but you too can enjoy this international-sounding name.
- Origin: Old Norse, Germanic
- Meaning: Battle, fight
- Pronunciation: Viy-GOW
- Variations: Wiggo, Vigge
- Namesakes: Viggo Peter Mortensen Jr., an American actor, author, musician, photographer, poet, and painter. Olfert Viggo Fischer Kampmann, the Prime Minister of Denmark.
- Popularity: Much of North America doesn’t use Viggo, while it’s ranked #32 among the top Swedish boy names.
Viktor
Viktor is a Swedish spelling from the Latin Victor, first used in Sweden in 1640. Your little boy could wear this international moniker very well.
- Origin: Latin, Swedish
- Meaning: Victor, conqueror
- Pronunciation: VIHK-tor
- Variations: Victor, Wiktor, Victar, Vittore
- Namesakes: Viktor Fedorovych Yanukovych, a Ukrainian politician who served as the 4th President of Ukraine. Viktor Emil Frankl, an Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist, philosopher, author, and Holocaust survivor.
- Popularity: Viktor is in the top 200 boy names in the U.S, while it enjoys higher popularity in Denmark, Belgium, Spain, and many Slavic countries.
Ville
Ville is the Scandinavian short version of the common name William. Ville has a stylish, almost modern feel to it, so it may have a new life with your little one.
- Origin: Finnish, Swedish
- Meaning: Resolute protector
- Pronunciation: VIY-Leh
- Variations: Villi, Vilho
- Namesakes: Ville Haapasalo, a Finnish actor. Ville Wallén, a Finnish professional footballer.
- Popularity: In Finland, Ville peaked in popularity for boys’ names in the last two decades of the 20th-century.
