Viking names - Baby names with the origin Viking

What are Viking Names?

Viking names are names used by the Norse people of Scandinavia during the Viking Age (c. 793-1066 AD). The names were usually composed of two elements, the first being a personal name and the second being a patronymic or a farm name. Viking names were often given to children based on their gender, with male names being derived from Old Norse words and female names being derived from Old Norse goddesses and heroines.

How did Vikings Name their Children?

Vikings typically named their children after gods, goddesses, and other figures from Norse mythology. They also used names from their own family line, which were passed down from generation to generation. It was also common for Vikings to name their children after their own father, or to combine elements of their father’s name with elements of their own.

Examples of Viking Names

Some of the most popular Viking names for boys include Ragnar, Bjorn, Leif, Olaf, and Erik. Popular female names include Freyja, Astrid, Ingrid, Sigrid, and Helga. Other popular names include Thor, Freyr, Odin, and Loki.

Conclusion

Viking names are a unique and interesting way to honor the Norse people of the Viking Age. They are derived from Norse mythology and were often given to children based on their gender. Popular Viking names for boys include Ragnar, Bjorn, and Erik, while popular female names include Freyja, Astrid, and Ingrid.

Name Contains

Starts with

Gender

Celebrity Name

Name Meaning

Name	Origins	Gender	Celebrity Name?	Celebrity Baby Name?
Aage	Scandinavian, Old Norse, Viking	Male	Y	N	Shortlist
Chaderick	English, Anglo-Saxon, Viking	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Deric	English, Germanic, Anglo-Saxon, Viking	Unisex	N	N	Shortlist
Derreck	English, Germanic, Viking	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Donald	Scottish, Gaelic, Viking	Male	Y	Y	Shortlist
Dooli	Irish, Gaelic, Viking	Unisex	N	N	Shortlist
Dugal	Scottish, Gaelic, Viking	Unisex	N	N	Shortlist
Dugall	Scottish, Gaelic, Viking	Unisex	N	N	Shortlist
Eadbhard	Gaelic, Irish, Germanic, Viking	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Egil	Scandinavian, Old Norse, Viking, Norwegian, Swedish	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Eigil	Scandinavian, Old Norse, Viking	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Ejnar	Scandinavian, Viking, Old Norse	Male	Y	N	Shortlist
Erwinek	German, Anglo-Saxon, Viking, Slavic	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Fisk	Viking	Unisex	N	N	Shortlist
Foulquie	French, Germanic, Viking	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Hallveig	Scandinavian, Old Norse, Viking	Female	N	N	Shortlist
Halward	English, Anglo-Saxon, Viking	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Haraldas	Lithuanian, Old Norse, Viking, Norwegian, European	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Havelock	English, Old Norse, Viking	Male	Y	N	Shortlist
Ingunna	Scandinavian, Old Norse, Viking	Unisex	N	N	Shortlist
Macdougall	Scottish, Gaelic, Viking	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Nisse	Viking	Unisex	N	N	Shortlist
Norwald	Scandinavian, Viking	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Olvir	Scandinavian, Viking, Old Norse	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Orebjorn	Viking	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Orlyg	Icelandic, Viking	Unisex	N	N	Shortlist
Osborn	English, Viking, Scandinavian, American	Unisex	N	N	Shortlist
Osckar	Scandinavian, English, Viking, Irish, Literature	Unisex	N	N	Shortlist
Ospak	Viking, Mythology	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Oysten	Norwegian, Scandinavian, Viking	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Peirsson	Greek, Viking	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Rafel	Scandinavian, Old Norse, Viking, Icelandic	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Raghnal	Gaelic, Irish, Scottish, Viking, Norman	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Rynie	Scottish, Old Norse, Viking, European	Unisex	N	N	Shortlist
Serihilda	Germanic, Anglo-Saxon, Viking	Female	N	N	Shortlist
Sihtric	Old Norse, Viking, English	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Strifebjorn	Old Norse, Viking	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Theomund	Germanic, Anglo-Saxon, Viking	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Thorbum	Viking	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Thorgils	Scandinavian, Old Norse, Viking	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Thurmund	German, Anglo-Saxon, Viking	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Williamson	Viking	Unisex	N	N	Shortlist
Wolfgar	Germanic, Anglo-Saxon, Viking	Male	N	N	Shortlist
Yngve	Scandinavian, Old Norse, Germanic, Viking	Male	N	N	Shortlist

Viking names FAQs

What is the origin of the name 'Viking'?

The name 'Viking' is believed to have originated from the Old Norse word 'víkingr', which means a pirate or raider. This term was used to describe the seafaring Norse people who explored, raided, and traded across wide areas of Europe from the late 8th to early 11th centuries. The exact etymology is still debated, but it is commonly associated with the Norse seafarers' activities.

Does 'Viking' have a meaning in the Old Norse language?

In Old Norse, 'víkingr' signifies a seafarer or one who takes part in an expedition, particularly for raiding. The term is closely related to the Old Norse concept of going on voyages, whether for trading, exploring, or raiding. It was not used to describe a specific ethnicity but rather an activity or occupation.

Is 'Viking' a term used by the Norse themselves?

The Norse people did use the term 'víkingr' to describe individuals who went on raids or expeditions. However, it was not used as an ethnic or national identity; instead, it referred to the action of going on a 'viking' which means a raiding journey. The term has since been adopted in modern times to collectively describe the Norse explorers, traders, and warriors of the Viking Age.

What is the connection between 'Viking' and 'Viking Age'?

The 'Viking Age' refers to the period from approximately 793 to 1066 AD, which is marked by the extensive raiding and settlement of Norsemen known as Vikings. The term 'Viking' is used to describe the people from Scandinavia who were active during this period. The Viking Age is a significant part of European history, characterized by the Vikings' influence through trade, colonization, and warfare.

Are there different theories about the origin of the word 'Viking'?

Yes, there are several theories about the origin of the word 'Viking'. One theory suggests it comes from the Old Norse 'vík', meaning a bay or creek, implying that Vikings were originally pirates who operated out of inlets. Another theory posits that it derives from the place name 'Víkin', the area around the Oslo Fjord, where many Vikings originated.

How did the term 'Viking' become popular in modern times?

The term 'Viking' became popular in modern times due to the romanticism of the Viking Age in the 18th and 19th centuries. Scholars and writers during this period began to use the term to describe the Norse raiders and traders of the early medieval period. This romanticized view was further popularized by literature, art, and later by television and film.

What is the linguistic root of the word 'Viking'?

The linguistic root of 'Viking' lies in the Old Norse language, specifically from the word 'víkingr'. This term is derived from the verb 'víkja', meaning to turn away or to depart, which is indicative of the Vikings' seafaring and raiding activities. The Old Norse language is the ancestor of modern Scandinavian languages and provides the basis for many terms related to the Viking Age.

Did the term 'Viking' have a negative connotation in the past?

Originally, the term 'Viking' did have a negative connotation, as it was associated with raiding, plundering, and piracy. The Vikings were often feared and viewed as ruthless invaders by the communities they raided. Over time, the perception has evolved, and while the violent aspects are still acknowledged, the term also encompasses the Vikings' roles as explorers, traders, and settlers.

Is there a geographical origin for the Vikings?

The geographical origin of the Vikings is Scandinavia, which includes the modern-day countries of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. The harsh northern climate and maritime culture of this region played a significant role in the development of the Viking way of life. Vikings used their advanced seafaring skills to navigate and explore distant lands, leading to their widespread influence.

How did the Vikings influence the English language?

The Vikings had a significant influence on the English language, particularly during the Viking Age when they settled in parts of England. Many Old Norse words were incorporated into Old English, including terms related to law, society, and everyday life. This linguistic exchange is evident in modern English, with words like 'sky', 'egg', 'knife', and 'window' having Old Norse origins.