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Icelandic baby names are unique, deeply rooted in Norse history, and often inspired by nature, mythology, and virtues. Parents choose Icelandic baby names for their distinct sounds, meaningful origins, and cultural heritage. These names offer a mix of traditional and modern appeal, making them ideal for children with strong, memorable identities.
Icelandic Boy Names with Meanings
Icelandic boy names often carry meanings of strength, bravery, and wisdom.
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Ásgeir – God’s spear.
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Bjarki – Little bear.
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Björn – Bear, strong and brave.
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Dagur – Day, light.
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Einar – Lone warrior.
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Elvar – River, flowing water.
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Finnur – Wanderer, traveler.
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Gunnar – Brave warrior.
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Hákon – High son, noble.
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Haraldur – Ruler, leader.
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Helgi – Holy, blessed.
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Ingólfur – Worshiper of Ing, Norse god.
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Jón – God is gracious.
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Kristján – Follower of Christ.
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Leifur – Heir, descendant.
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Magnús – Great, mighty.
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Ólafur – Ancestor’s relic, heirloom.
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Orri – Mountain bird.
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Pétur – Rock, firm foundation.
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Ragnar – Warrior, judgment of the gods.
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Snorri – Wise, prudent.
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Sturla – Whirlwind, energetic.
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Sveinn – Young man, servant.
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Tómas – Twin.
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Tryggvi – Trustworthy, loyal.
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Viggo – Battle, warlike.
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Vilhjálmur – Resolute protector.
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Þórarinn – Thor’s warrior.
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Þorbergur – Thor’s protection.
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Þórir – Thunder, Thor’s gift.
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Álfr – Elf, supernatural being.
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Baldur – Brave, prince.
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Eiríkur – Ever-ruler.
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Finnbjörn – White bear.
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Geir – Spear, weapon.
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Hreiðar – Nest, home.
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Ingvar – Warrior of Ing.
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Jökull – Glacier, icy strength.
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Kolbeinn – Dark warrior.
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Ormar – Serpent, clever.
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Rögnvaldur – Power of the gods.
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Sigurður – Victory, guardian.
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Skúli – Shelter, protection.
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Snæbjörn – Snow bear.
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Stefán – Crowned, garlanded.
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Þorfinnur – Thor’s traveler.
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Valdimar – Famous ruler.
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Vésteinn – Sacred stone.
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Yngvi – Ancestor, Norse god.
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Örn – Eagle, strong and free.
Icelandic Girl Names with Meanings
Icelandic girl names are melodic, meaningful, and often inspired by nature, mythology, and virtues.
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Alda – Wave, flowing water.
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Arna – Eagle, strong bird.
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Bryndís – Armored goddess.
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Dagný – New day, fresh start.
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Edda – Great grandmother, ancestral knowledge.
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Elín – Light, shining.
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Embla – First woman in Norse mythology.
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Freydís – Noble woman, Frey goddess.
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Halla – Rock, slope.
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Hildur – Battle, warrior.
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Inga – Protected by Ing.
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Jóna – Dove, peaceful.
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Katrín – Pure, innocent.
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Lilja – Lily flower, purity.
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Margrét – Pearl, precious.
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Ragnheiður – Advice of the gods.
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Sigríður – Beautiful victory.
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Snæfríður – Beautiful snow.
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Steinunn – Stone, rock.
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Tófa – Beautiful, beloved.
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Unnur – Wave, flowing water.
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Valdís – Goddess of power.
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Vigdís – War goddess, protective.
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Ástríður – Beautiful love.
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Björk – Birch tree, nature.
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Disa – Goddess, supernatural being.
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Eir – Mercy, healing.
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Elva – Elf, magical.
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Freyja – Norse goddess of love and fertility.
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Gróa – Grow, nurture.
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Hekla – Volcano, powerful.
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Hrafnhildur – Battle of ravens.
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Jóna – Dove, peace.
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Kolbrún – Coal, fire.
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Laufey – Leaf island, nature.
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Rósa – Rose, beauty.
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Sólveig – Strength of the sun.
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Þóra – Thunder goddess.
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Vaka – Watchful, vigilant.
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Ylfa – Wolf, strong.
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Álfheiður – Elf beauty.
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Brynja – Armor, protection.
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Dagbjört – Bright day.
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Eydís – Island goddess.
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Fjóla – Violet flower.
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Halla – Rock, stable.
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Íris – Rainbow, vibrant.
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Sif – Wife of Thor, golden hair.
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Þórdís – Thor’s goddess.
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Örnólfsdóttir – Daughter of Örnolf.
Most Common Icelandic Surnames or Last Names
Icelandic surnames are mostly patronymic or matronymic, showing lineage rather than family name.
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Jónsson – Son of Jón.
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Jónsdóttir – Daughter of Jón.
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Sigurðsson – Son of Sigurður.
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Sigurðardóttir – Daughter of Sigurður.
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Guðmundsson – Son of Guðmundur.
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Guðmundsdóttir – Daughter of Guðmundur.
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Einarsson – Son of Einar.
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Einarsdóttir – Daughter of Einar.
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Ólafsson – Son of Ólafur.
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Ólafsdóttir – Daughter of Ólafur.
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Magnússon – Son of Magnús.
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Magnúsdóttir – Daughter of Magnús.
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Kristjánsson – Son of Kristján.
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Kristjánsdóttir – Daughter of Kristján.
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Björnsson – Son of Björn.
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Björnsdóttir – Daughter of Björn.
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Pétursson – Son of Pétur.
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Pétursdóttir – Daughter of Pétur.
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Hákonarson – Son of Hákon.
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Hákonsdóttir – Daughter of Hákon.
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Arnarson – Son of Örn.
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Arnardóttir – Daughter of Örn.
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Tómasarson – Son of Tómas.
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Tómasardóttir – Daughter of Tómas.
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Ragnarsson – Son of Ragnar.
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Ragnarsdóttir – Daughter of Ragnar.
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Þórsson – Son of Þór.
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Þórsdóttir – Daughter of Þór.
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Stefánsson – Son of Stefán.
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Stefánsdóttir – Daughter of Stefán.
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Gunnarsson – Son of Gunnar.
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Gunnarsdóttir – Daughter of Gunnar.
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Haraldsson – Son of Haraldur.
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Haraldsdóttir – Daughter of Haraldur.
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Eðvarðsson – Son of Eðvarð.
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Eðvarðsdóttir – Daughter of Eðvarð.
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Snorrason – Son of Snorri.
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Snorradóttir – Daughter of Snorri.
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Leifsson – Son of Leifur.
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Leifsdóttir – Daughter of Leifur.
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Þorfinnsson – Son of Þorfinnur.
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Þorfinnsdóttir – Daughter of Þorfinnur.
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Vigfússon – Son of Vigfús.
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Vigfúsdóttir – Daughter of Vigfús.
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Ásgeirsson – Son of Ásgeir.
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Ásgeirsdóttir – Daughter of Ásgeir.
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Óskarsson – Son of Óskar.
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Óskarsdóttir – Daughter of Óskar.
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Þorvaldsson – Son of Þorvaldur.
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Þorvaldsdóttir – Daughter of Þorvaldur.
FAQs on Icelandic Baby Names
What is unique about Icelandic baby names?
They follow Norse traditions and are often derived from nature, mythology, and ancestral lineage.
Are Icelandic surnames family-based?
Mostly no; they are patronymic or matronymic, showing parentage.
Can Icelandic names be used internationally?
Yes, many Icelandic names are distinctive and appreciated worldwide.
Do Icelandic names have gender distinctions?
Yes, most first names are gender-specific, while surnames adapt based on parentage.
Are Icelandic baby names influenced by mythology?
Absolutely, many names come from Norse gods, heroes, and ancient legends.
Icelandic baby names offer a unique blend of history, culture, and nature-inspired charm. From strong boy names to melodic girl names and meaningful patronymic surnames, these names preserve Norse heritage while giving children distinct, memorable identities.