Nafnasafnið
Icelandic and Heathen names
By Haukur Þorgeirsson
© 1998 Haukur Þorgeirsson
Reading This Collection
This is a list of Icelandic names that were used in heathen times. Many, indeed most, are
still used today. The spelling used is more or less appropriate for the later part of the
saga-writing period. It is possible to make it more archaic but that involves adding
letters not easily available on computer. If anyone is interested in other forms of the
names s/he can mail me.
In parentheses after each name can be found the genitive of that name. This is for forming
patronymics and matronymics. Note that matronymics are not later-day feminism. They were
common in old times. Some examples might be useful: Einarr son of Arnlaug would be Einarr
Arnlaugarson, Freydís daughter of Gaukr would be Freydís Gauksdóttir, Agnarr son of
Finnbogi is Agnarr Finnbogason and Haukr son of Þorgeirr is Haukr Þorgeirsson, that is
myself. After the genitive comes either m[ale] or f[emale] denoting which sex the name
applies to. Below the name itself the 'meaning' appears. Something can be learned about
people from the names they chose for their children. Very frequently the meaning is given
as 'prefix' + 'suffix'. This I do instead of repeating the meaning of every affix every
time it occurs. This saved me much work and I hope it will not make the collection
unreadable.
For questions or comments e-mail me at skaldfool@isholf.is.
A|
B|
D|
E|
F|
G|
H|
I|
J|
K|
L|
M|
N|
O|
R|
S|
T|
U|
V|
Y|
Þ|
Æ|
Ö
Click on the beginning letter of the name.
A and Á
aðal- - A name prefix meaning "noble".
Aðalbjörg (Aðalbjargar) f - Aðal- + Björg
Aðalgeirr (Aðalgeirs) m - Aðal + Geirr
Aðalsteinn (Aðalsteins) m - Aðal + Steinn
Agnarr (Agnars) m - "Disciplined warrior" or "fearsome warrior"
Agni (Agna) m - Terrible, fearsome.
Alf- - A name prefix meaning "Elf".
Alfdís (Alfdísar) f - Alf- + -Dís.
Alfgeirr (Alfgeirs) m - Alf- + Geirr.
Alfgerðr (Alfgerðar) f - Alf- + Gerðr.
Alfhildr (Alfhildar) f - Alf- + Hildr.
Alfr (Alf) m - Elf.
Almarr (Almars) m - Elmspear.
-arr - A male name suffix. The meaning is either "spear" or "warrior, lord". See her-.
Arinbjörn (Arinbjörns) m - Arinn = fireplace + Björn.
Arn- - A name prefix meaning "eagle".
Arnfinnr (Arnfinns) m - Arn- + Finnr.
Arngeirr (Arngeirs) m - Arn- + Geirr
Arngrímr (Arngríms) m - Arn- + Grímr.
Arngunnr (Arngunnar) f - Arn- + Gunnr.
Arnheiðr (Arnheiðar) f - Arn- + Heiðr.
Arni (Arna) m - From Arn-.
Arnkatla (Arnkötlu) f - Arn- + Katla.
Arnlaug (Arnlaugar) f - Arn- + Laug.
Arnleif (Arnleifar) f - Arn- + Leif.
Arnljótr (Arnljóts) m - Arn- + Ljótr.
Arnoddr (Arnodds) m - Arn- + Oddr.
Arnórr (Arnórs) m - Arn- + "órr" = Þórr.
Arnóra (Arnóru) f - Arn- + "óra" = Þóra.
Arnsteinn (Arnsteins) m - Arn- + Steinn.
Arnviðr (Arnviðs) m - Arn- + "viðr" = wood
Arnþórr (Arnþórs) m - Arn- + Þórr.
Arnþrúðr (Arnþrúðar) f - Arn- + Þrúðr.
Askr (Asks) m - Ash (the tree).
Atli (Atla) m - Rough, harsh.
Auð- - A name prefix meaning, "wealth", "good fortune".
Auðbjörg (Auðbjargar) f - Auð- + Björg.
Auðbjörn (Auðbjörns) m - Auð- + Björn.
Auðgísl (Auðgísls) m - Auð- + Gísl.
Auðhildr (Auðhildar) f - Auð- + Hildr.
Auðulfr (Auðulfs) m - Auð- + Ulfr.
Auðr (Auðs) m - From Auð-.
Auðr (Auðar) f - From Auð-.
Áki (Áka) m - Meaning unclear. This is an ancient name.
Ámundi (Ámunda) m - Possibly Á from Ái = "Ancestor" and mundi = -mundr
Ánn (Áns) m - Meaning unclear.
Ás- - A name prefix meaning "of the æsir".
Ása (Ásu) f - From Ás-. A nickname for any woman whose name starts with Ás-
Ásbjörg (Ásbjargar) f - Ás- + Björg.
Ásbjörn (Ásbjörns) m - Ás- + Björn.
Ásdís (Ásdísar) f - Ás- + Dís.
Ásgautr (Ásgauts) m - Ás- + Gautr = " a man from Götland (Gautaland) in Sweden"
Ásgeirr (Ásgeirs) m - Ás- + Geirr.
Ásgerðr (Ásgerðar) f - Ás- + Gerðr.
Ásgrímr (Ásgríms) m - Ás- + Grímr
Áshildr (Áshildar) f - Ás- + Hildr
Ási (Ása) m - From Ás-. A nickname for any man whose name starts with Ás-
Áskell (Áskels) m - Ás- + -kell.
Áslaug (Áslaugar) f - Ás- + -laug.
Ásleikr (Ásleiks) m - Ás- + -leikr.
Ásleif (Ásleifar) f - Ás- + leif.
Ásmundr (Ásmunds) m - Ás- + -mundr.
Ásný (Ásnýjar) - Ás- + ný.
Ásolfr (Ásulfs) - Ás- + ulfr.
Ásrún (Ásrúnar) f - Ás- + -rún.
Ást- - A name prefix. Perhaps orginially the same as Ás- with a "t" for more convenient
pronounciation. Ást also means "love" and that is the way those names are understood today.
Ásta (Ástu) f - From Ást-. A nickname for any woman whose name starts with Ást-.
Ástdís (Ástdísar) f - Ást- + Dís.
Ástríðr (Ástríðar) f - Ást- + -ríðr.
Ástrún (Ástrúnar) f - Ást- + -rún.
Ásvaldr (Ásvalds) m - Ás- + -valdr.
Ásvör (Ásvarar) f - Ás- + -vör.
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B
Baldr (Baldrs) m - Meaning disputed, "lord" or "bright". Baldr is one of the gods and his
name was not used among men in the old days.
Barði (Barða) m - Bearded.
Barsi (Barsa) m - Bear or boar.
Bassi (Bassa) m - Another form of Barsi.
Baugr (Baugs) m - Ring.
Bárðr (Bárðs) m - Battle + -röður.
Beinir (Beinis) m - Helper.
Benteinn (Benteins) m - Wounding-stick (sword).
Bera (Beru) f - Female bear.
Berg- - A name prefix, "help-" "save-".
Bergdís (Bergdísar) f - Berg- + Dís.
Bergfinnr (Bergfinns) m - Berg- + Finnr.
Bergljót (Bergljótar) f - Berg- + Ljót.
Bergsveinn (Bergsveins) m - Berg- + Sveinn.
Bergr (Bergs) m - From Berg-.
-bergr m - A name suffix meaning "helper, saviour".
Bergolfr (Bergolfs) m - Berg- + Ulfr.
Bergþórr (Bergþórs) m - Berg- + Þórr.
Bergþóra (Bergþóru) f - Berg- + Þóra.
Bessi (Bessa) m - Bear.
Birgir (Birgis) m - Helper.
Birkir (Birkis) m - Birch.
Birna (Birnu) f - Female bear.
Birnir (Birnis) m - Bear.
Birta (Birtu) f - Bright.
Birtingr (Birtings) m - Bright.
Bjarg- - A name prefix meaning "help-" "save-".
Bjarki (Bjarka) m - Little bear.
Bjarnhéðinn (Bjarnhéðins) m - Bear-skin.
Bjarni (Bjarna) m - Bear.
Bjartr (Bjarts) f - Bright.
Björg (Bjargar) f - Helper, saviour. Also a name prefix.
Björgolfr (Björgolfs) m - Björg- + -olf.
Björk (Bjarkar) f - Birch.
Björn (Bjarnar) m - Bear. An alternative genitive for this name and names derived
from it is 'Björns'.
Blængr (Blængs) m - The dark-blue, the dark, raven.
Bogi (Boga) m - Bow.
Bolli (Bolla) m - Bowl.
Borg- - Same as Björg- but more Swedish.
Borgarr (Borgars) m - Borg- + -arr.
Borghildr (Borghildar) f - Borg- + Hildr.
Bót (Bótar) f - Help. Also a name prefix.
Bóthildr (Bóthildar) f - Bót- + Hildr.
Bótolfr (Bótolfs) m - Bót- + -olfr.
Bragi (Braga) m - Poet. Although Bragi is one of the Æsir his name was (and is)
used among men.
Brandr (Brands) m - Sword.
Broddi (Brodda) m - Point.
Bryn-, Brynj- - A name prefix meaning "armour-"
Bryndís (Bryndísar) f - Bryn- + Dís.
Bryngerðr (Bryngerðar) f - Bryn- + Gerðr.
Brynhildr (Brynhildar) f - Bryn- + Hildr.
Brynja (Brynju) f - Armour.
Brynjarr (Brynjars) m - Brynj- + -arr (armoured warrior).
Brynjolfr (Brynjolfs) m - Bryn- + -olfr.
Búi (Búa) m - Farmer.
Böðvarr (Böðvars) m - Warrior.
Börkr (Börks) m - Bark.
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D
Daði (Daða) m - Meaning unclear "daddy?".
Dag- - A name prefix meaning "Day-".
Dagbjartr (Dagbjarts) m - Dag- + Bjartr.
Dagbjört (Dagbjartar) f - Dag- + björt.
Dagfinnr (Dagfinns) m - Dag- + Finnr.
Dagmær (Dagmeyjar) f - Dag- + mær = maiden.
Dagný (Dagnýjar) f - Dag- + ný.
Dagrún (Dagrúnar) f - Dag- + -rún.
Dagr (Dags) m - Day.
Dalla (Döllu) f - Brightness.
Darri (Darra) m - Throwing spear.
Dís (Dísar) f - Noble and/or beautiful woman.
Dísa (Dísu) f - Same as Dís. Also a nickname for a woman whose name ends with "dís".
Drífa (Drífu) f - Snow.
Droplaug (Droplaugar) f - Drop = drop + laug = pool.
Dýrfinna (Dýrfinnu) f - Dýr = dear + Finna.
Dýri (Dýra) m - Dear (loved, valued).
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E
Eiðr (Eiðs) m - Oath.
Eilífr (Eilífs) m - Ei = always + Leifr.
Einarr (Einars) m - Lone warrior
Eindriði (Eindriða) m - He who goes alone. One of Þórr's names.
Eiríkr (Eiríks) m - Very powerful. (Eric)
Eirný (Eirnýjar) f - Eir (the goddess) + ný.
Eldjárn (Eldjárns) m - Fire-iron.
Elliðagrímr (Elliðagríms) m - Elliði = ship + Grímr.
Erlendr (Erlends) m - Unclear, this really means "foreigner". It might be a
deformed version of Erlingr.
Erlingr (Erlings) m - Earl's son.
Erpr (Erps) m - Meaning unclear.
Ey- - A name prefix meaning "luck, happiness, success, good fortune" or "island".
Eydís (Eydísar) f - Ey- + Dís.
Eyja (Eyju) f - From Ey-.
Eyjolfr (Eyjolfs) m - Ey- + -olfr.
Eysteinn (Eysteins) m - Ey- + Steinn.
Eyvindr (Eyvindr) m - Ey- + vindr = hero, warrior, champion.
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F
Finn- - A name prefix, "Finn". The Finns were considered great magicians in the
viking age.
Finna (Finnu) f - From Finn-.
Finnbjörn (Finnbjörns) m - Finn- + Björn.
Finnbogi (Finnbogi) m - Finn- + Bogi.
Finnr (Finns) m - See Finn-.
Flosi (Flosa) m - Unclear, perhaps: "fickle, inconstant, womaniser".
Flóki (Flóka) m - Curly.
Forni (Forna) m - The old.
-freðr - A name suffix, "peace".
-fríðr - A name suffix, 'loveable' or 'she who is loved' or 'beautiful'.
-fröðr - Same as freðr.
Freydís (Freydísar) f - Freyr's dís.
Freysteinn (Freysteins) m - Freyr's stone.
Frið- - A name prefix "peace, (defence?)".
Friðgeirr (Friðgeirs) m - Frið- + Geirr.
Friðgerðr (Friðgerðar) f - Frið- + Gerðr.
Friðleifr (Friðleifs) m - Frið- + Leifr.
Friðmundr (Friðmunds) m - Frið- + -mundr.
Friðþjófr (Friðþjófs) m - Peace-thief or peace-servant.
Fríða (Fríðu) f - Beautiful.
Fríðr (Fríðar) f - Beatiful.
Fróði (Fróða) m - Wise, learned.
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G
Gamli (Gamla) m - The old.
Garðarr (Garðars) m - Garðr = wall, fence, enclosure, house + -arr.
Gaukr (Gauks) m - Cuckoo.
Gauti (Gauta) m - Gotlander, Swede.
Geirr (Geirs) m - Spear. Also a name suffix and prefix.
Geirdís (Geirdísar) f - Geirr- + Dís.
Geirlaug (Geirlaugar) f - Geirr- + -.laug
Geirný (Geirnýjar) f - Geirr- + ný.
Geirríðr (Geirríðar) f - Geirr- + -ríðr.
Gellir (Gellis) m - "The loud" or "sword".
Gerðr (Gerðar) f - From Garð-.
Gestr (Gests) m - Guest.
Gils (Gils) m - Same as Gísli. Those names are a trifle difficult to understand
as "gísl" the word they are derived from really means "hostage". It is possible
that they are related to the word "geisli" = light ray.
Gizurr (Gizurs) m - Unclear, perhaps related to Gísli.
Gísli (Gísla) m - See Gils.
Gjaflaugr (Gjaflaugs) m - Gjaf- = gift + laugr.
Glúmr (Glúms) m - Man with a dark glance.
Gnúpr (Gnúps) m - A steep mountain.
Grani (Grana) m - Man with a moustache.
Greipr (Greips) m - Man with big hands, strong man.
Grettir (Grettis) m - "Hisser" or "Grimacer".
Grím- - A name prefix meaning "mask, disguise, helm, night".
Gríma (Grímu) f - From Grím-.
Grímarr (Grímars) m - Grím- + -arr.
Grímhildr (Grímhildar) f - Grím- + hildr.
Grímkell (Grímkels) m - Grím- + kell.
Grímolfr (Grímolfs) m - Grím- + olfr.
Grímr (Gríms) m - From Grím-. Also a name suffix.
Gróa (Gró) f - "Grower".
Goð- - A name prefix meaning "god-, of the gods".
Goðbjörg (Goðbjargar) f - Goð- + Björg.
Goðbrandr (Goðbrandr) m - Goð- + Brandr.
Goðfinna (Goðfinnu) f - Goð- + Finna.
Goðlaug (Goðlaugar) f - Goð- + laug.
Goðlaugr (Goðlaugs) m - Goð- + laugr.
Goðleif (Goðleifar) f - Goð- + leif.
Goðleifr (Goðleifr) m - Goð- + Leifr.
Goðmundr (Goðmunds) m - Goð- + mundr.
Goðini (Goðina) m - Taken from Old English "Godwin".
Goðný (Goðnýjar) f - Goð- + ný.
Goðríðr (Goðríðar) f - Goð- + ríðr.
Goðrún (Goðrúnar) f - Goð- + rún. This has been the most common Icelandic women's
name for most of this millennium.
Goðvarðr (Goðvarðs) m - Goð- + varðr.
Gunn- - A name prefix meaning "battle".
Gunnarr (Gunnars) m - Gunn- + -arr.
Gunnhildr (Gunnhildar) f - Gunn- + hildr.
Gunnhvatr (Gunnhvats) m - Gunn- + hvatr = eager.
Gunnlaugr (Gunnlaugs) m - Gunn- + laugr.
Gunnolfr (Gunnolfs) m - Gunn- + olfr.
Gunnsteinn (Gunnsteins) m - Gunn- + Steinn.
Gunnvör (Gunnvarar) f - Gunn- + vör.
Gyða (Gyðu) f - From Goð-.
Gylfi (Gylfa) m - Meaning unclear.
Gyrðir (Gyrðis) m - From "gyrða" = to fasten a belt or a sword).
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H
Haf- - A name prefix meaning "sea-".
Hafliði (Hafliða) m - Haf- + liði = man.
Hafsteinn (Hafsteins) m - Haf- + Steinn.
Hafþórr (Hafþórs) m - Haf- + Þórr.
Hafþóra (Hafþóru) f - Haf- + Þóra.
Hagbarðr (Hagbarðs) m - Hagi = pasture + barð = beard.
Hall- - A name prefix meaning "rock".
Halla (Höllu) f - From Hall-.
Hallbera (Hallberu-) f - Hall- + Bera .
Hallbjörg (Hallbjargar) f - Hall- + Björg.
Hallbjörn (Hallbjörns) m - Hall- + Björn.
Halldís (Halldísar) f - Hall- + dís.
Halldórr (Halldórs) m - Hall- + dórr = Þórr.
Halldóra (Halldóru) f - Hall- + dóra = Þóra.
Hallfreðr (Hallfreðs) m - Hall- + freðr.
Hallfríðr (Hallfríðar) f - Hall- + Fríðr.
Hallgeirr (Hallgeirs) m - Hall- + Geirr.
Hallgerðr (Hallgerðar) f - Hall- + Gerðr.
Hallgríma (Hallgrímu) f - Hall- + Gríma.
Hallgrímr (Hallgríms) m - Hall- + Grímr.
Hallkatla (Hallkötlu) f - Hall- + Katla.
Hallkell (Hallkels) m - Hall- + kell.
Hallótta (Hallóttu) f - "Rocky."
Hallsteinn (Hallsteins) m - Hall- + Steinn.
Hallr (Halls) m - From Hall-.
Hallvarðr (Hallvarðs) - Hall- + varðr.
Hallveig (Hallveigar) f - Hall- + veig.
Hallvör (Hallvarar) f - Hall- + vör.
Haraldr (Haralds) m - Her- + valdr. (Harold)
-harðr - A name suffix meaning "tough, hard, stout".
Harri (Harra) m - Lord.
Haukr (Hauks) m - Hawk.
Há- - A name prefix meaning "high".
Hákon (Hákons) m - Meaning unclear (of noble birth?).
Halfdan (Halfdans) m - Half-Dane.
Hámundr (Hámunds) m - Há- + mundr.
Hárekr (Háreks) m - Há- + rekr.
Hásteinn (Hásteins) m - Há- + Steinn.
Hávarr (Hávars) m - Há- + -arr.
Hávarðr (Hávarðs) m - Há- + Varðr.
Heið- - A name prefix meaning "honour, brightness".
Heiðarr (Heiðars) m - Heið- + -arr.
Heiðrekr (Heiðreks) m - Heið- + rekr.
Heiðr (Heiðar) f - From Heið-.
Heinrekr (Heinreks) m - Home-lord? (Hinrik, Henry)
Heimir (Heimis) m - He who has a home. An independent farmer?
Heimlaug (Heimlaugar) f - Heim = home + laug.
Helga (Helgu) f - Holy.
Helgi (Helga) m - Holy.
Hemingr (Hemings) m - Meaning unclear.
Her- - A name prefix meaning "army, warrior". As a suffix Her- has the form -arr.
Herbjörn (Herbjörns) m - Her- + Björn.
Herdís (Herdísar) f - Her- + Dís.
Hergerðr (Hergerðar) m - Her- + gerðr.
Hergils (Hergils) m - Her- + Gils.
Herjolfr (Herjolfs) m - Her- + olfr.
Herleifr (Herleifs) m - Her- + Leifr.
Hermundr (Hermunds) m - Her- + mundr.
Herríðr (Herríðar) f - Her- + ríðr.
Hersteinn (Hersteins) m - Her- + Steinn.
Hervör (Hervarar) f - Her- + vör.
Herþrúðr (Herþrúðar) f - Her- + Þrúðr.
Héðinn (Héðins) m - Skin(wearer).
Hildibrandr (Hildibrands) m - Hildr- + Brandr.
Hildigunnr (Hildigunnar) f - Hildr- + Gunnr.
Hildir (Hildis) m - From Hildr-
Hildiríðr (Hildiríðar) f - Hildr- + ríðr.
Hildr (Hildar) f - Battle. A common name suffix and prefix (Hildi-).
Hjalti (Hjalta) m - "Hilt" or "man from Shetland (Hjaltland)"
Hjalm- - A name prefix meaning "helm-".
Hjalmarr (Hjalmars) m - Hjalm- + -arr.
Hjalmgerðr (Hjalmgerðar) f - Hjalm- + Gerðr.
Hjalmr (Hjalms) m - Helm.
Hjör- - A name prefix meaning "sword-".
Hjördís (Hjördísar) f - Hjör- + Dís.
Hjörleifr (Hjörleifs) m - Hjör- + Leifr.
Hjörtr (Hjartar) m - Stag.
Hlaðgerðr (Hlaðgerðar) f - I have no idea.
Hlíf (Hlífar) f - Shield.
Hlöðr (Hlaðar) m - Meaning unclear (killer?).
Hlöðverr (Hlöðvers) m - Famous warrior?
Holti (Holta) f - Forest.
Holm- - A name prefix meaning "small island" or "place for a duel".
Holmdís (Holmdísar) f - Holm- + dís.
Holmfríðr (Holmfríðar) f - Holm- + Fríðr.
Holmkell (Holmkels) m - Holm- + kell.
Holmsteinn (Holmsteins) m - Holm- + Steinn.
Hrafn (Hrafns) m - Raven.
Hrafnhildr (Hrafnhildar) f - Hrafn- + Hildr.
Hrafnkell (Hrafnkels) m - Hrafn- + kell.
Hrappr (Hrapps) m - Quick, eager.
Hrefna (Hrefnu) f - Female raven.
Hreið- - A name suffix. Meaning unclear, theories: "Beautiful, eager, great, famous, noble.,".
Hreiðarr (Hreiðars) m - Hreið- + -arr.
Hreiðmarr (Hreiðmars) m - Hreið- + marr = famous.
Hreiðrekr (Hreiðreks) m - Hreið- + rekr.
Hreiðolfr (Hreiðolfs) m - Hreið- + olfr.
Hreinn (Hreins) m - Reindeer.
Hringr (Hrings) m - Ring.
Hrollaugr (Hrollaugs) m - Hroll- = famous + laugr.
Hrolleifr (Hrolleifs) m - Hroll- = famous + laugr.
Hróð- - A prefix meaning "fame".
Hróbjartr (Hróbjarts) m - Hróð- + Bjartr.
Hróðgerðr (Hróðgerðar) f - Hróð- + Gerðr.
Hróðgeirr (Hróðgeirs) - Hróð- + Geirr. (Roger)
Hróðketill (Hróðketils) m - Hróð- + Ketill.
Hróðný (Hróðnýjar) f - Hróð- + ný.
Hróðvaldr (Hróðvalds) m - Hróð- + valdr.
Hróarr (Hróars) m - Hróð- + -arr.
Hróðmarr (Hróðmars) m - Hróð- + marr.
Hróðolfr (Hróðolfs) m - Hróð- + olfr. (Rudolf)
Hrói (Hróa) m - A nickname for a man whose name beginns with Hróð-.
Hrolfr (Hrolfs) m - Same as Hróðolfr. (Ralph)
Hrómundr (Hrómunds) m - Hró- + mundr.
Hrútr (Hrúts) m - Ram
Hrærekr (Hræreks) m - Famous lord. (Ruric)
Huld (Huldar) f - Secret.
Hún- - A prefix meaning "Hun".
Húnfastr (Húnfasts) m - Hún- + fastr.
Húngeirr (Húngeirs) m - Hún- + Geirr.
Húnolfr (Húnolfs) m - Hún- + olfr.
Húnröðr (Húnröðs) m - Hún- + röðr.
Húnsteinn (Húnsteins) m - Hún- + Steinn.
Húnvör (Húnvarar) f - Hún- + vör.
Húnþjófr (Húnþjófs) m - Hún- + þjófr = servant.
Hvati (Hvata) m - Eager, quick.
Hvítingr (Hvítings) m - A white man.
Hvítserkr (Hvítserks) m - White-armoured.
Höðr (Höðs) m - 1. A man from Haðaland in Norway 2. One of the Æsir, "killer".
Höggvandill (Höggvandils) m - Chopper (of men).
Högni (Högna) m - Protector.
Hörðr (Hörðs) m - A man from Hörðaland in Norway.
Höskuldr (Höskulds) m - Grey-hair.
Hösvir (Hösvis) m - Grey man.
Hödd (Haddar) f - A woman with beatiful hair.
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I and Í
Iðbjörg (Iðbjargar) f - Ið- = great + Björg.
Iðmundr (Iðmunds) m - Ið- + mundr.
Iðunn (Iðunnar) f - "Renewer". Although Iðunn is a goddess her name is used among women.
Ing- - A name prefix, Yng is also correct. Freyr is sometimes called Yngvi-Freyr.
Ingibjörg (Ingibjargar) f - Ing- + Björg.
Ingimarr (Ingimars) m - Ing- + marr.
Ingileif (Ingileifar) f - Ing- + leif.
Ingimundr (Ingimunds) m - Ing- + mundr.
Ingjaldr (Ingjalds) m - Ing- + valdr.
Ingolfr (Ingolfs) m - Ing- + olfr.
Ingunn (Ingunnar) f - Ing- + Unnr.
Ingvarr (Ingvars) m - Ing- + -arr.
Ingveldr (Ingvelds) m - Ing- + veldr.
Ingvör (Ingvarar) f - Ing- + vör.
Ígull (Íguls) m - Hedgehog.
Ími (Íma) m - Dark man.
Íri (Íra) m - Irishman.
Ís- - A name prefix, "ice".
Ísbjörg (Ísbjargar) f - Ís- + Björg.
Ísolfr (Ísolfs) m - Ís- + olfr.
Ísríðr (Ísríðar) f - Ís- + ríðr.
Ísröðr (Ísröðar) m - Ís- + röðr.
Ívarr (Ívars) m - Yew-warrior. Bows were made from wood.
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J
Járnskeggi (Járnskeggja) m - Ironbeard.
Játgeirr (Játgeirs) m - From Old-English "Eádgár = lucky-spear".
Jó- - Horse-
Jódís (Jódísar) f - Jó- + dís.
Jófreðr (Jófreðs) m - Jó- + freðr.
Jófríðr (Jófríðar) f - Jó- + Fíðr.
Jómarr (Jómars) m - Jó- + marr.
Jóra (Jóru) f - Related to Jöfurr.
Jórheiðr (Jórheiðar) f - Jóra + Heiðr.
Jórekr (Jóreks) m - Jó- + rekr.
Jósteinn (Jósteins) m - Jó- + Steinn.
Jórunn (Jórunnar) f - Jóra + Unnr.
Jöðurr (Jöðurs) m - Protector.
Jöfurr (Jöfurs) m - "Lord" or "boar".
Jörmunrekr (Jörmunreks) m - Jörmun- = great + rekr.
Jörundr (Jörunds) m - Jara = battle + mundr?
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K
Katla (Kötlu) f - Female form of Ketill.
Kali (Kala) m - Cold.
Kalfr (Kalfs) m - Calf.
Karl (Karls) m - Man.
Kára (Káru) f - Curly.
Kári (Kára) m - Curly.
-kell - Ketill takes this form when names end in it.
Ketill (Ketils) m - Kettle. The reasons for the common occurence of this name
and names derived from it are lost.
Ketilbjörn (Ketilbjörns) m - Ketill + Björn.
Ketilormr (Ketilorms) m - Ketill + Ormr.
Kleppjárn (Kleppjárns) m - Kleppr + járn = iron.
Kleppr (Klepps) m - Rock.
Klœngr (Klœngs) m - Claw.
Knjúkr (Knjúks) m - Peak.
Knútr (Knúts) m - Knot.
Knöttr (Knattar) m - Ball.
Kol- - A name prefix meaning 'black' (the word is related to 'coal')
Kolbeinn (Kolbeins) m - Kol- + beinn = straight.
Kolfinna (Kolfinnu) m - Kol- + Finna.
Kolfinnr (Kolfinns) m - Kol- + Finnr.
Kolgríma (Kolgrímu) f - Kol- + Gríma.
Kolgrímr (Kolgríms) m - Kol- + Grímr.
Kolli (Kolla) m - Bald.
Kollsveinn (Kollsveins) m - Kolli + Sveinn.
Kollr (Kolls) m - Bald.
Kolskeggr (Kolskeggs) m - Kol- + skeggr = beard (Blackbeard).
Kolr (Kols) m - From Kol-.
Krumr (Krums) m - Stooping.
Kvistr (Kvists) m - Branch.
Kvígr (Kvígs) m - Young bull.
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L
Lambi (Lamba) m - Lamb
Lambkárr (Lambkárs) m - Lamb + kárr = curly.
-laug - A name suffix of somewhat obscure meaning. Perhaps 'pure' or 'bright' or 'fire' or 'bath' or 'close to'.
-laugr - Same as -laug but for men.
Leiðolfr (Leiðolfs) m - Leading wolf.
Leifi (Leifa) m - Same as Leifr.
Leifr (Leifs) m - He who inherits. Common as a name suffix.
-leif - Same as Leifr but for women.
-leikr - A name suffix of obscure meaning. The word is related to a word meaning 'game, play' and might originally have meant a participant in some ceremony or other. Another theory is that it is related to 'like' and means 'similar to'.
Ljót (Ljótar) f - Light, bright.
Ljótunnr (Ljótunnar) f - Ljót + Unnr.
Ljótolfr (Ljótolfs) m - Lljót + ulfr
Ljótr (Ljóts) m - Light, bright.
Loðinn (Loðins) m - Hairy.
Lofnheiðr (Lofnheiðar) f - Lofn = love + Heiðr.
Loftr (Lofts) m - He who can fly?
Lúta (Lútu) f - Stooping.
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M
Máni (Mána) m - Moon.
Már (Más) m - Seagull.
Móðolfr (Móðolfs) m - Brave wolf.
Móeiðr (Móeiðar) f - Brave Heiðr.
-mundr - A name suffix, 'protector' or 'the protected'.
Múli (Múla) m - Cape, promontory.
Mæva (Mævu) f - Seagull.
Mörðr (Marðar) m - Marten.
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N
Naddr (Nadds) m - Point, spear.
Narfi (Narfa) m - Skinny.
Nereiðr (Nereiðar) f - High spirited Heiðr.
-ný - A name suffix, 'new' or 'young'.
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O
Oddbjörg (Oddbjargar) f - Odd- + Björg.
Oddbjörn (Oddbjarnar) m - Odd- + Björn.
Oddfríðr (Oddfríðar) f - Odd- + fríðr.
Oddgeirr (Oddgeirs) m - Odd- + Geirr.
Oddi (Odda) m - Point.
Oddkatla (Oddkötlu) f - Odd- + Katla.
Oddkell (Oddkels) m - Odd- + -kell.
Oddlaug (Oddlaugar) m - Odd- + -laug.
Oddleifr (Oddleifs) m - Odd- + Leifr.
Oddmarr (Oddmars) m - Odd- + marr = famous.
Oddný (Oddnýjar) f - Odd- + ný.
Oddr (Odds) m - Point (on a spear). Odd- is a name prefix.
Ormarr (Ormars) m - Ormr + -arr.
Ormhildr (Ormhildar) f - Ormr + Hildr.
Ormr (Orms ) m - Worm.
Óblauðr (Óblauðs) m - Uncowardly.
Ófeigr (Ófeigs) m - Not going to die (soon).
Ólöf (Ólafar) f - Á = ancestor + leif. Older forms are Óleif and Áleif.
Ólafr (Ólafs) m - Á = ancestor + Leifr. Older forms are Óleifr and Áleifr.
Ósk (Óskar) f - Wish.
Óspakr (Óskaps) m - The un-peaceful.
Ósvífr (Ósvífs) m - Ruthless.
Óttarr (Óttars) m - Fearsome warrior.
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R
Ragnheiðr (Ragnheiðar) f - Heiðr of the gods.
Ragnhildr (Ragnhildar) f - Hildr of the gods.
Rannveig (Rannveigar) f - Veig of the house.
Rauðolfr (Rauðolfs) m - Red wolf.
Rauðr (Rauðs) m - Red (haired).
Ráðormr (Ráðorms) m - Ráð = council or power + Ormr.
Refkell (Refkels) m - Refr + -kell.
Reginleif (Reginleifar) f - Leif of the gods.
Refr (Refs) m - Fox.
Reistr (Reists) m - Straight and tall.
-rekr/ríkr - A name suffix, 'powerful'.
-ríðr - A name suffix, same as -fríðr, 'loveable' or 'she who is loved' or 'beautiful'.
Rjúpa (Rjúpu) f - Rock ptarmigan.
Rúnolfr (Rúnolfs) m - Rún + Ulfr.
Rögnvaldr (Rögnvalds) m - Power of the gods.
Rönguðr (Rönguðs) m - Opposer? Enemy? Opponent?
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S
Salbjörg (Salbjargar) f - Björg of the house.
Saldís (Saldísar) f - Dís of the house.
Salgerðr (Salgerðar) f - Gerðr of the house.
Sámr (Sáms) m - Dark man.
Sig- - A name prefix meaning 'battle' or 'victory'.
Sigbjörn (Sigbjarnar) m - Sig- + Björn.
Sigfúss (Sigfúss) m - Sig- + fúss = eager.
Sighvatr (Sighvats) m - Sig- + hvatr = eager.
Sigmundr (Sigmundar) m - Sig- + Mundr.
Sigr- - A name prefix meaning 'victory'.
Sigrfljóð (Sigrfljóðs) f - Sigr- + fljóð = girl.
Sigríðr (Sigríðar) f - Sigr- + fríðr.
Sigurðr (Sigurðs) m - Sig-+ varðr = guard.
Sjárekr (Sjáreks) m - Sjá = sea + -ríkr.
Skafti (Skafta) m - Handle (on a weapon).
Skarfr (Skarfs) m - Cormorant.
Skarphéðinn (Skarphéðins) m - Sharp Héðinn.
Skeggr (Skeggs) m - Bearded.
Skíði (Skíða) m - Skier.
Skjaldbjörn (Skjaldbjarnar) m - Shield bear.
Skjálgr (Skjálgs) m - Cross-eyed.
Skjöldolfr (Skjöldolfs) m - Shield wolf.
Skjöldr (Skjaldar) m - Shield.
Skorri (Skorra) m - Meaning unclear. Loud man?
Skúfr (Skúfs) m - Tassle, tuft.
Skúli (Skúla) m - Protector.
Smiðr (Smiðs) m - Smith.
Snerrir (Snerris) m - The difficult.
Snorri (Snorra) m - Difficult (as in 'a difficult child')
Snæbjörn (Snæbjarnar) m - Snow bear (polar bear?).
Snörtur (Snartar) m - Energetic.
Sokki (Sokka) m - Heavy treader.
Starkaðr (Starkaðs) m - The strong.
Starri (Starra) m - Starling.
Steinarr (Steinars) m - Stein- + -arr.
Steinbjörn (Steinbjarnar) m - Stein- + Björn
Steinn (Steins) m - Stone. The prefix has one n.
Steinunn (Steinunnar) f - Stein- + Unnr.
Steinvör (Steinvarar) f - Stein- + vör.
Steinþórr (Steinþórs) m - Stein- + Þórr
Sturla (Sturla) m - Impatient, unpeaceful.
Styrr (Styrs) m - Battle.
Styrbjörn (Styrbjarnar) m - Battle bear.
Styrkárr (Styrkárs) m - Curly warrior.
Styrmir (Styrmis) m - Charger, (or literally) Stormer.
Sumarliði (Sumarliða) m - Summer-man. A viking who fights during summer.
Surtr (Surts) m - Black (haired).
Svana (Svönu) f - Swan.
Svanlaug (Svanlaugar) f - Swan-laug.
Svanr (Svans) m - Swan.
Svarthöfði (Svarthöfða) m - Black head.
Svartr (Svarts) m - Black.
Sveinbjörn (Sveinbjarnar) m - Svein- + Björn.
Sveinn (Sveins) m - Young man, boy, servant.
Sæbjörn (Sæbjarnar) m - Sea bear.
Sæmundr (Sæmundar) m - Sæ = sea + mundr.
Sæunn (Sæunnar) f - Unnr of the sea.
Sölmundr (Sölmundar) m - Mundr of the house.
Sölveig (Sölveigar) f - Veig of the house.
Sölvi (Sölva) m - The pale.
Sölvör (Sölvarar) f - Vör of the house.
Sörli (Sörla) m - Armoured.
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T
Tanni (Tanna) m - Tooth.
Teitr (Teits) m - Happy, jolly.
Tindr (Tinds) m - Peak.
Torfa (Torfu) f - Turf.
Torfi (Torfa) m - Turf.
Trausti (Trausta) m - Trustworthy.
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U and Ú
Uggi (Ugga) m - Fear(some).
Una (Unu) f - Friend, content.
Uni (Una) m - Friend, content.
Unnr (Unnar) f - Wave.
Uxi (Uxa) m - Ox.
Ulfarr (Ulfars) m - Ulf- + -arr.
Ulfarinn (Ulfarins) m - Ulf- + arinn = fireplace.
Ulfheiðr (Ulfheiðar) f - Ulf- + Heiðr.
Ulfhéðinn (Ulfhéðins) m - Wolfskin..
Ulfhildr (Ulfhildar) f - Ulf- + Hildr.
Ulfkell (Ulfkels) m - Ulf- + -kell.
Ulfljótr (Ulfljóts) m - Ulf- + Ljótr.
Ulfr (Ulfs) m - Wolf.
Ulfrún (Ulfrúnar) f - Ulf- + -rún.
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V
Vaði (Vaða) m - Wader.
Valdís (Valdísar) f - Either 'Dís of the slain' or 'Great Dís'.
-valdr - A name suffix meaning 'powerful' or 'he who causes'.
Valgerðr (Valgerðar) f - Great Gerðr.
Valr (Vals) m - Gyrfalcon.
Vermundr (Vermunds) m - Ver = man + -mundr.
Vest- - West-
Vestarr (Vestars) m - Vest- + -arr.
Vestgeirr (Vestgeirs) m - Vest- + Geirr.
Vestliði (Vestliða) m - Vest- + liði = man.
Vestmaðr (Vestmanns) m - Vest- + maðr = man.
Vestmarr (Vestmars) m - Vest- + marr = famous.
Vetrliði (Vetrliða) m - Winterman. A viking who fights during winter.
Vé- - Heathen holy place. Names starting with Vé- lost their popularity after
the conversion. Some have been brought back to life in the last couple of centuries.
Vébjörn (Vébjarnar) m - Vé- + Björn.
Vébrandr (Vébrands) m - Vé- + Brandr
Védís (Védísar) f - Vé- + Dís.
Véfríðr (Véfríðar) f - Vé- + Fríðr.
Végeirr (Végeirs) m - Vé- + Geirr.
Végestr (Végests) m - Vé- + Gestr.
Vékell (Vékels) m - Vé- + -kell.
Vélaug (Vélaug) f - Vé- + -laug.
Véleifr (Véleifs) m - Vé- + Leifr.
Vémundr (Vémunds) m - Vé- + -mundr.
Véný (Vénýjar) f - Vé- + -ný.
Vésteinn (Vésteins) m - Vé- + Steinn.
Véþormr (Véþorms) m - Vé- + þormr = spared or sparer.
Vigdís (Vigdísar) f - Dís of battle.
Vígfúss (Vígfúss) m - Eager to fight/kill.
Vífill (Vífils) m - Meaning unclear.
Vígi (Víga) m - Fighter.
Vígolfr (Vígolfs) m - Fighting wolf.
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Y and Ý
Yngvarr (Yngvars) m - Yngvi's warrior. Yngvi (Ingvi, Ingi) is an ancient god.
Yngvildr (Yngvildar) f - Yngvi's Hildr.
Yngvör (Yngvarar) f - Yngi's vör.
Ýr (Ýrar) f - Aurochs cow.
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Þ
Þiðrandi (Þiðranda) m - He who stares.
Þjóð- - A name prefix , 'great'.
Þjóðarr (Þjóðars) m - Þjóð- + -arr.
Þjóðgeirr (Þjóðgeirs) m - Þjóð- + Geirr.
Þjóðgerðr (Þjóðgerðar) f - Þjóð- + Gerðr
Þjóðhildr (Þjóðhildar) f - Þjóð- + Hildr.
Þjóðolfr (Þjóðolfs) m - Þjóð- + Ulfr.
Þjóðrekr (Þjóðreks) m - Þjóð- + -rekr.
Þjóstarr (Þjóstars) m - Stubborn soldier.
Þjóstolfr (Þjóstolfs) m - Stubborn wolf.
Þór-/Þor- - A name prefix derived from the name of the thunder god. Those names
have been very common in Iceland ever since the settlement.
Þóra (Þóru) f - From Þór-
Þóralfr (Þóralfs) m - Þór- + Alfr.
Þórarinn (Þórarins) m - Þór- + arinn = fireplace.
Þórarna (Þórörnu) f - Þór- + Arna.
Þorbergr (Þorbergs) m - Þor- + Berg.
Þorbjörg (Þorbjargar) f - Þor- + Björg.
Þorbjörn (Þorbjarnar) m - Þor- + Björn.
Þorbrandr (Þorbrands) m - Þor- + Brandr.
Þordís (Þordísar) f - Þor- + Dís.
Þórðr (Þórðar) m - Protected by Þórr.
Þórelfr (Þórelfar) f - Þórr's elf.
Þórey (Þóreyjar) f - Þór- + ey = happiness, good fortune.
Þorfinna (Þorfinnu) f - Þor- + Finna.
Þorfinnr (Þorfinns) m - Þor- + Finnr.
Þorgautr (Þorgauts) m - Þor- + Gautr.
Þorgeirr (Þorgeirs) m - Þor- + Geirr.
Þorgerðr (Þorgerðar) f - Þor- + Gerðr.
Þorgestr (Þorgests) m - Þor- + Gestr.
Þorgils (Þorgils) m - Þor- + Gils.
Þorgrímr (Þorgríms) m - Þor- + Grímr.
Þorgunnr (Þorgunnar) f - Þor- + Gunnr.
Þórhaddr (Þórhadds) m - Þór- + haddr = hair?
Þórhalla (Þórhöllu) f - Þór- + Halla.
Þórhalli (Þórhalla) m - Þór- + Halli.
Þórhallr (Þórhalls) m - Þór- + Hallr.
Þórhildr (Þórhildar) f - Þór- + Hildr.
Þórir (Þóris) m - From Þór-
Þorkatla (Þorkötlu) f - Þor- + Katla.
Þorkell (Þorkels) m - Þor- + Kell.
Þorlaug (Þorlaugar) f - Þor- + -laug.
Þorlaugr (Þorlaugs) m - Þor- + -laugr.
Þorleif (Þorleifar) f - Þor- + -leif.
Þorleikr (Þorleiks) m - Þor- + leikr.
Þorleifr (Þorleifs) m - Þor- + Leifr.
Þorljót (Þorljótar) f - Þor- + Ljót.
Þorljótr (Þorljóts) m - Þor- + Ljótr.
Þormóðr (Þormóðs) m - Þor- + móðr = bravery.
Þórodda (Þóroddu) f - Þór- + Odd(a).
Þóroddr (Þórodds) m - Þór- + Oddr.
Þórormr (Þórorms) m - Þór- + Ormr.
Þórolfr (Þórolfs) m - Þór- + olfr.
Þorsteinn (Þorsteins) m - Þor- + Steinn.
Þórunn (Þórunnar) f - Þór- + Unnr.
Þorvaldr (Þorvalds) m - Þor- + -valdr.
Þorvarðr (Þorvarðar) m - Þor- + -varðr.
Þorveig (Þorveigar) f - Þor- + -veig.
Þorvé (Þorvéar) f - Þor- + vé-.
Þorviðr (Þorviðar) m - Þor- + viðr = wood.
Þorvör (Þorvarar) f - Þor- + -vör.
Þraslaug (Þraslaugar) f - Þras = stubborn + -laug.
Þráinn (Þráins) m - Stubborn.
Þrándr (Þrándar) m - A man from Þrændalög in Norway.
Þróttolfr (Þróttolfs) m - Þróttr = strength, endurance + -olfr
Þröstr (Þrastar) m - Thrush.
Þuríðr (Þuríðar) f - Þor- + fríðr.
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Æ
Æsa (Æsu) f - Of the Æsir.
Ævarr (Ævars) m - Meaning unclear. Lucky warrior?
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Ö
Ögmundr (Ögmundar) m - Ög = battle? + -mundr.
Ölmóðr (Ölmóðs) m - Öl = good fortune + móðr = bravery.
Ölvaldr (Ölvalds) m - Öl = good fortune + -valdr.
Ölvir (Ölvis) m - Good fortuned.
Ölvör (Ölvarar) f - Good fortuned- + -vör.
Öndolfr (Öndolfs) m - Opponent wolf?
Öndóttr (Öndótts) m - The terrible.
Öngull (Önguls) m - Hook.
Önundr (Önundar) m - Meaning unclear.
Örlygr (Örlygs) m - Shield.
Örn (Arnar) m - Eagle.
Örnolfr (Örnolfs) m - Eagle-wolf.
Össurr (Össurar) m - Meaning unclear
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© 1998 Haukur Þorgeirsson
