Norwegian Names

Well used in northern Europe, almost unknown here.

One of those simple Norse names, like Lars, that is definitely worth thinking about.

If you're looking for a Euro-chic alternative to Max, Mats is a strong possibility. It's a fading classic in Norway, but is popular in the Netherlands and Belgium, where short names are the height of style.

This common name for both boys and girls in Scandinavia would definitely work better as a feminine name in the U.S.

The Old Norse and modern Norwegian word name Fjord, which refers to a passage in the sea, could work for children of both genders.

Sarah Palin spelled it Trig, as in the nickname for trigonometry, but Trygg is a genuine Norwegian word name for boys.

An unusual yet accessible Scandinavian choice, though it might be confused with Harvard.

Birgit is pronounced with a hard 'g' and is one of the many international versions of the Irish Bridget. Birgit Nilsson was a celebrated Swedish operatic soprano.