Icelandic Names

Icelandic names are quite unique and have a long history. They come from the Old Norse language, which was spoken in the Viking Age. Icelanders have a tradition of using patronymic and matronymic last names, which are derived from the father’s or mother’s first name. This tradition is still very much alive in Iceland today.

Icelandic names often have a strong connection to nature, as well as Norse mythology and folklore. Common Icelandic names include Björk, Freyr, Freyja, and Þor. Other popular names include Árni, which means eagle, and Ásgeir, which means divine spear. There are also many names that are derived from Old Norse words, such as Gunnar, which means battle, and Sigríður, which means victory.

Icelandic names often have a poetic quality to them, as they often contain multiple syllables. Some examples of these longer names include Ástríður, which means divine strength, and Dagný, which means new day. There are also some names that are more modern, such as Kári, which means curly-haired, and Sæmundur, which means wise protector.

When it comes to naming children in Iceland, parents often take into consideration the meaning of the name as well as its popularity. Some parents even choose to combine two names to create a unique combination, such as Ásta-Kolbrún, which means divine strength and coal-brown.

Overall, Icelandic names are quite unique and full of meaning. They often have a strong connection to nature and Norse mythology, and many of them have a poetic quality to them. Parents in Iceland take great care when selecting a name for their child, as they want to ensure that it is meaningful and has a good reputation.