Sunniva

SOON-ee-va
Scandinavian
"sun gift"

Sunniva Origin and Meaning

The name Sunniva is a girl's name of Norwegian origin meaning "sun gift".

Sunniva was an Irish-born saint who fled to Norway, where she hid in an island cave with her followers and eventually died. After miracles were reported on the island, the cave was excavated and Sunniva's intact body was found. Sunniva is the patron saint of Western Norway. Her name would make a fascinating and unusual choice for a modern baby girl, and if her story is a bit grim, you can take refuge in the upbeat nickname Sunny or Sunni.

# 573 on Nameberry

Sunniva Rank in Nameberry Top 1000

Sunniva Popularity

Famous People Named Sunniva

  • Sunniva Næs Andersen
    Norwegian handballer
  • Sunniva Ørstavik
    Norwegian sociologist and public servant
  • Sunniva Hakestad Møller
    Norwegian politician

Sunniva in Pop Culture

  • Sunniva
    character in the novel "The Dark Light" by Mette Newth