Scandinavian Names

Karin was a fairly popular spelling variation of Karen in the US but fell off the Top 1000 in the late 80s, as Karen's popularity wained. Today, the Karen meme interferes with the otherwise appealing sound of this name.

Dan with a little something extra.

Christine was one of the first megapopular C-to-K baby names, from Scandinavian variations such as Kristine and Kirsten to Kris, Kristy, and Kristy. While Kristine retains its krisply lovely sound, it's lost much of its kool.

Nickname name that retains an Old Country feel.

A common Scandinavian name, but hard to imagine being used elsewhere.

Well used in northern Europe, almost unknown here.

Found as a first name primarily in baseball books giving the stats on the late New York Yankee Thurman Munson.

With its upbeat Slavic/Scandinavian air, it has the most potential of all the Jan names.

Difficult name familiar here mainly via D. H. Lawrence's Women in Love.

Older form of Helge, and a masculine form of Helga.

Pelle is one of several possible Peter-related Scandinavian choices. In Swedish or Norwegian, the name Pelle rhymes roughly with Ella.

Variation of Christian.

So simple, yet so unique: a prime candidate for export. Pronunciation is like the English pair or pear.

An unknown, strong Scandinavian name related to Tor/Thor, the Norse god of thunder, that would fit in perfectly here.

Unusual name associated with gorgeous Swedish-Norwegian single-named model.

Nanna is a name from Norse mythology that is among the Top 30 names in contemporary Denmark. Popular in Norway in the 19th century, Nanna may also be considered a short form of a range of names, from Anna to Johanna to Marianne. As widespread as it is in Scandinavia, though, it's hard to imagine Nanna making a mark as a girl's name in modern day America, given its use as a name for grandmothers.

Vill always sound as if you're pronouncing Walter with an affected accent.

Russian Uncle Vanya becomes niece Vanja in Sweden: an intriguing switch.

It may surprise Americans to hear that Ulrik is a fashionable choice elsewhere in the world, as U is the least-used letter for given names in the US. In recent years, Ulrik has been one of the fastest-rising names in Norway.