Scandinavian Names for Girls

The number one surname in Denmark could make a sophisticated and stylish girl's name.

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

Pretty but slight.

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

Classic Scandinavian form of Bridget. Saint Birgitta of Sweden is the patron saint of Europe.

When the Danish author Karen Blixen chose Isak Dinesen as her male pseudonym, she set a precedent that could well be followed today.

Modernized spelling not enough to revive Karen.

Pronunciation problems overwhelm this name.

A warm and musical name with a lovely meaning. There is a popular song called Dembe by famous Ugandan artist named Bobbi Wine, who also ran for President.

While Americans may be more familiar with the male form of this name, thanks to actor Viggo Mortensen, Vigga is a popular name in contemporary Denmark and prime for wider export. It's a name with a a lot of vigor.

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.

Ulrica has an Old World sound that may not be user-friendly in the modern US.

Karena modernizes middle-aged Karen but also creates pronunciation confusion. Is it ka-REN-a, ka-REEN-a, or just plain Karen with an a at the end? Spelled Karenna as in Gore goes partway toward clarifying things.