Norwegian name for a boy. How to name a boy: old Viking male names and their meaning. Male Old Norse Names

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In Viking Names

In the Viking Age, the Scandinavians gave meaningful names to their children, which had a certain meaning, which could affect the character and fate of a person, so they approached the choice of a name for a child with all seriousness, because the matter was important and responsible.

Names of warriors and warriors of the Vikings:

Hroðgeirr- Hrodgeir ("spear of glory"),
Eirikr- Eirik ("very mighty and strong"),
Broddie- Broddy ("point"),
Egill- Egil ("blade"),
Styrr- Styur ("battle"),
Ulf- Ulf or Wulf ("wolf"), also was the name Ulvi (also meant "wolf"),
Uggi- Uggs ("scary"),
beinir- Beinir ("assistant"),
Skuli- Skuli ("protector"),
Leifr- Leif ("heir"),
Tryggvi- Tryggvi ("faithful", "reliable"),
Bruni - "Strong" ("armor")
Erna- Erna ("skillful"),
Hlif- Khliv (female name, meant "shield"),
Bjorg- Bjorg ("salvation", "protection"),
Una- Una ("friend", "satisfied").
Einarr- Einar ("a lonely warrior who always fights alone").
Hildr- Hild (female name, means "battle"). Often Hild was an integral part of various female names.
Gunnar - "Battle sword",
Ari- Ari or Orn- Ern ("eagle"),
Birnir And Bjorn- Birnir and Bjorn ("bear"),
Ormr- Orm ("serpent"),
Ulf- Ulf or Wulf ("wolf"),
Valr- Val ("falcon"),
Knutr- Whip ("knot"),
Bera or Birna- Bera or Byrna ("bear"),
hrefna- Horseradish ("crow").

Viking nicknames:

Atli- Atli ("rough"),
Floki- Flocks ("curly", "curly"),
Fróði- Frodi ("wise", "scientist"),
Hodd- Hodd ("a woman with very beautiful hair"),
Hoskuldr- Hoskuld "gray-haired"),
Kara- Kara ("curly-haired2),
Bari- Bardi ("bearded"),
Narfi- Narvi ("thin" and even "skinny"),
Hrappr or Hvati- Hrapp or Grab ("quick", "ardent"),
Rauyr- Raud ("red"),
Erna- Erna ("skillful"),
Gestr- Gest ("guest"),
Glum- Glum ("dark-eyed"),
Sveinn- Swain ("young man", "guy", "boy", "servant").

Viking names in honor of the gods:

Inga- Inga,
Heimdallr- in honor of the god Heimdall
Freydis- Freydis (disa Freyr or Freya),
Ingvor(Yngvor) - Ingver (in charge of Yngwie),
Torova - Torah (female name, in honor of Thor),
Þorleif- Thorleif (heiress of Thor, left by Thor),
Þorunn- Thorunn (Thor's favorite),
Ragn(h)eiðr- Ragneid (female name, meaning: honor of the gods),
Vefrir- Vefrid (female name: sacred protection).
Þorvör- Torver (who knows the (power) of the Torah).
Ingi- Ingi,
Ingimundr- Ingimund (hand of Yngwie),
freysteinn- Freystein (Freyr's stone),
Ingolfr- Yngolf (wolf Yngwie),
Thorov - Thorir (male name, in honor of Thor),
Þorbrandr- Thorbrand (Thor's sword),
Þorbjörn- Thorbjorn (bear of Thor),
Yorkell- Thorkel (Thor's helmet),
Þorleifr- Thorleif (the heir of Thor, left by Thor),
Ragnarr- Ragnar (male name, meaning: army of the gods),
Þorsteinn- Thorstein (Thor's stone).

In ancient times, Viking surnames were in honor of the father with the prefix -son- for the son and -dottir- for the daughter. For example, the surname was formed like this for the girl Una, the daughter of Ragnar: Una Ragnardottir. Thorleif the son of Ragnar received the surname Ragnarson: Thorleif Ragnarson. By the way, this tradition of naming in honor of the father of the child is preserved in Iceland.

The era of the Vikings - brave sailors and conquerors, left its mark not only in world history. After all, it was from there - from the world of the ancient Normans, that many names came into the modern Russian language, which by our time have already become familiar and very common on the territory of Russia.

This article will discuss where the male names of Scandinavian origin come from, how they changed over time, as well as what the Vikings were guided by when naming their children with these, at times, rather strange-sounding names.

Now the fashion for exotic names is reviving again, so young parents can take inspiration from the culture of the brave Vikings. For boys, there are many interesting and beautiful options.

What were the ancient Scandinavian boys called?

Like most other nations, the first names of the ancient Normans were nicknames and nicknames reflecting certain features of the appearance or character of people. Subsequently, many of these nicknames became independent names, and some of them even survived, albeit probably in a modified form, to this day. Such names include such as Wilfred - "loving the world" or, for example, Sverr - "savage".

Important! Many Scandinavian names have a sacred or mythological meaning. So, for example, the Vikings had widespread names of gods from the Scandinavian pantheon, for example, Thor or Balder.

However, much more often the Normans gave their sons not the names of the gods as such, but the two-basic phrases derived from them, which later became full-fledged names. These include such names as Thorvald - "the sovereign appointed by Thor" or Ingvar - "the warrior of the god Yngve." In addition, the ancient Scandinavians used the names "vegetable", "animal" and those that were the definition of a particular phenomenon in nature or in people's lives.

The Vikings have always been very careful about names, especially when it comes to choosing names for their heirs. Often the Scandinavians named their children after the names of relatives who had already died, but were certainly glorified in battles. This was done because the people of that time were sure that by giving the name of a glorious ancestor to a newly born baby, they thereby return to their world the soul of that long-fallen warrior, which will certainly incarnate in the body of this child.

Usually, each kind of Vikings had their own special, "family" names, which were no longer given anywhere except outside of this or that family. At the same time, the eldest of the children received the name of the most revered ancestor, and the other, younger sons - also famous, but not so famous ancestors.

Considering that the head of the clan was in charge of the Normans in all matters, including naming, in the family, he could name both the legitimate eldest son and the illegitimate by the name of the illustrious ancestor. Indeed, in the old days in Scandinavia, the fathers of families did not divide their children into legitimate and bastards, and therefore both of them could later claim not only the name of the most glorious deeds from among all the ancestors, but also the place of the next head of the clan.

The name that was given to the boy at birth most often had the meaning of some character trait that parents would like to see in him later. And sometimes the name was a hint that helped a person decide which path to follow in life. But most of the time these names had common meanings, like “protecting the family” - Skuli or “living long” - Ofeig.

For those young people who became warriors, later, after their final maturity, other names were invented with a much more formidable meaning. For example, Vegeir - "sacred spear" or Rorik - "glorious power".

And those who chose a peaceful life and participation in long voyages and battles, preferred trade or monasticism, received completely different names, such as Vardi - “friend” or Frodi - “peaceful”.

Many pagan Scandinavian names have analogues in the modern world. For example, the name Hegni corresponds to the name Alexei ("protector"). The name Tiedwald has the same meaning as Vladimir. And the Scandinavian name Hakon, like Sergey, means nothing more than “nobility” or “high origin”.

However, with the advent of Christianity in these lands, much has changed in the traditional way of life of the Normans, including their traditions regarding the choice and change of names. Thus, illegitimate children could no longer claim not only the name of a glorified ancestor, but also leadership in the clan and a share in the inheritance.

In addition, the Scandinavians, along with their traditional names, also have those that originate from Ancient Greece or Ancient Rome. Such names include:

• Benedict.
• Christian.
• Theodore.

Similar names, along with traditional pagan ones, soon gained popularity. among the Normans and became very common.

Reference! Some Christian names were changed by the Scandinavians in order to make their pronunciation easier and more adapted to the lexical and phonetic norms of their language.

The changed Christian names include: Lasse - “from the laurel”, Johan - “God is merciful”, Niklas - “conquering the peoples”, while in the original these names are read as “Laurus”, “John” and “Nicholas”.

As for the surnames, the Vikings did not have them as such: instead of a family name, the child received the name of his father, supplemented with the ending -sen or -son:

• Larsen.
• Ferguson.
• Johanson.

This principle of the formation of surnames is relevant for the Scandinavian countries at the present time.

List in Russian and translation of their meanings

Scandinavian names are one-part and two-part. At the same time, they indicate the personal characteristics of their owner or indicate the names of plants or animals, natural phenomena or inanimate objects - most often weapons. In total, therefore, these names can be divided into four types:

• Names given by the characteristics of the character or occupation of a person.
• Indicating a non-unusual or simply conspicuous appearance.
• "Plant" or "animal" names.
• natural phenomena and inanimate things.

By nature and occupation

Indicating a noticeable or unusual appearance

• Bruni is powerful, with a strong physique.
• Lodinn - covered with hair.
• Raud is red-haired.

Meaning plants or animals

• Arne is an eagle.
• Bjorn is a bear.
• Ingolf is Yngve's wolf.
• Lars - laurel, from laurel.
• Ralph is a wise wolf.
• Ulf is a wolf.

Natural phenomena and inanimate objects

Maybe not all, but many of these names subsequently became popular not only among the Vikings, but also among other European tribes, and, later, peoples.

Attention! And such names as, for example, Walter, Magnus, Oscar or Edmund, besides, they have also reached modern times in their original form, having practically not undergone any changes.

Old Norse names, most of which, in fact, are nothing more than nicknames, have undergone significant changes during their long and glorious history. Initially, being nothing more than one-part nicknames, over time, they became more complex, two-part, and their meaning became more complicated.

The Christianization of Scandinavia marked the beginning of the tradition of the Vikings to give their children, along with pagan, also Christian names taken from church calendars. At present, both ancient, Old Norse names and more modern, Christian ones are equally popular in these countries. At the same time, some of them were also changed in accordance with the phonetic norms of local languages.

Interest in the culture and life of the inhabitants of the Scandinavian countries of the early Middle Ages is constantly growing. This is due to the passion for antiquities, paganism, sagas), as well as the stable release of films and computer games about the Vikings. No less interesting are the names of the Vikings. They are harmonious, not devoid of meaning and are great for pseudonyms and nicknames within a certain circle of people.

Who are the Vikings, where do they come from?

Vikings are usually called Scandinavian sailors (VIII - XI centuries). They became famous for their sea voyages, which stretched all the way to North Africa. The Vikings were ordinary inhabitants of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, who sought to leave their native shores and go in search of a new better life. Swedish settlers in ancient Russian chronicles are referred to as Varangians, and Danish and Norwegian Vikings were nicknamed Normans, based on Latin sources. The most complete description of these sailors, however, is given by the Scandinavian sagas, from which, for the most part, we learned the names of the Vikings, features from life and manners. In addition, the researchers learned much about the names from the inscriptions on the runic stones.

Noble stone, famous wolf, bear: the names of the Vikings

The male nicknames of the inhabitants of Scandinavia have long been known to researchers. They are found in chronicles, annals, vaults. So, "The Tale of Bygone Years" introduces us to the first Varangian in Rus' - Rurik, who became the founder can be translated as "glorious king." Other male Viking names found in the annals are no less pretentious. Recall at least the rulers of Dir ("beast") and Askold ("golden voice").

However, as mentioned above, the bulk of the names were drawn by researchers from inscriptions on runic stones, as well as Scandinavian sagas and legends. Here is a list of some common nicknames at the time:

• Ragnar - warrior of the Gods;
• Athelstan is a noble stone;
• Bjorn is a bear;
• Arne - an eagle;
• Thorstein - Thor's stone;
• Leif is the heir.

Names containing an integral part of the name of the god Thor were widely distributed: Torkil, Thorstein. It was also considered a good sign to name a person after an animal. This is how the nicknames Bjorn, Arne, Ulf (“wolf”), Ulfbjorn, Vebjorn (“holy bear”) arose.

Beautiful, sowing confusion: female names of the Vikings

The Viking Age also gave rise to special female nicknames, which often exist to this day in the Scandinavian countries. Among these are the following:

• Sigrid is a beautiful victory;
• Ingrid - beautiful;
• Ragnhild - adviser in battle;
• Gunnhild - battle of battles;
• Tuve - thunder;
• Helga - blessed;
• Siggy is the shield of victory.

If many male names of the Vikings were associated with the name of the god Thor, then the female names gravitated towards the nicknames of the Valkyries - mythological warrior maidens who accompanied the souls of dead warriors to Valhalla. The most famous of the names of the Valkyries are as follows:

• Randgrid - breaking shields;
• Hild is a warrior;
• Gel - calling;
• Mist - foggy;
• Company - sowing confusion.

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-called 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 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 clan, clan, community from encroachers on the 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 - 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 (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 a 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 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.