Scandinavian Names

Olaf, though sainted and regal in Norway, is slightly oafish here. It is one of those names that has become completely familiar in the U.S. without ever becoming assimilated. Now that he's a comical character in Disney's Frozen, he might get some more attention.

A favorite in Near Eastern cultures, with a charming meaning.

More familiar and melodic to the American ear than either Hans or Hansen, and some might attach it to the three-brother pop-rock band called Hanson.

Related to the Russian name Nikolai, this is a fresh and worldly form of a popular favorite.

This common Scandinavian name, also spelled Osmund, is only occasionally heard in this country.

Siri is a charming and lively Scandinavian name that is no longer on the table given the ubiquity of Apple's digital Siri. Too bad, because Siri -- along with variations Syrie and Cyrie -- is unique, enchanting, and adorable. But now taken.

If you want a pan-Scandinavian name with energy and style that could have been a winner, if not for the sound-alike water filtration company Brita.

A name that took on a pronounced country twang via Nashville megastar Garth (born Troyal) Brooks.

So airy, it's almost not there.

This poor lad will spend his life saying, "No, it's Aric, not Eric. Aaric, Arick, Arik Arric, Arrick.

Pippi Longstocking author Astrid Lindgren invented the name Ronja for her book Ronja, the Robber's Daughter. She was inspired by the lake Juronjaure, located in Norrbotten, Sweden.

Shades of Thurston Howell, the effete millionaire castaway on Gilligan's Island.

This is a Scandinavian variant of Margaret, and is pronounced MEH-teh or MET, rhyming with jet.

Mythological goddess of fertility whose name seems, ironically, among the least attractive.

Fewer letters does not always mean easier—the traditional spelling is the one most people will recognize.

The name of Sarah Palin's youngest son might also be good for the child of a mathematician. Trig Palin's middle name is Paxson, after a popular snowmobiling area in Alaska.