The Scandinavian nation of Sweden is home to thousands of coastal islands, big inland lakes, vast forests, and prized glaciated mountains. In addition to an abundance of natural beauty, coastal metropolises like Stockholm and Gothenburg beam with culture and life. The country embraces its Nordic roots with names that offer Scandi flair. If you look at the trending names for girls in Sweden, you’ll see many familiar monikers as the country shares similar tastes in names with the US. Olivia, Isabella, Amelia, and Emma are just a few of the top ten US names that are also extremely popular in Sweden.
We’re going to look beyond the Amelias and Olivias to more unique names in Sweden that offer a Scandanavian sensibility and charm. Often, these names will have origins and in Old Norse, the language of the Vikings, and refer to animals, locations, and even titles. Whether you’re looking to honor your Swedish heritage or just thinking outside the box for your daughter’s name, these 25 Swedish names for girls will definitely inspire and delight.
25. Astrid
Astrid was the 3rd most popular name for girls in Sweden in 2019. The name comes from Old Norse and means “divinely beautiful.” Swedish author of the Pippi Longstocking stories, Astrid Lindgren is a beloved example.
24. Freja
Freja is a girl’s name of Swedish origin meaning “lady” or “noblewoman.” Freja can also be spelled Freya. In Norse mythology, Freja was a beautiful, blonde and blue-eyed, goddess of love, beauty, and fertility. Freja is the 13th most popular name for girls in Sweden.
23. Meja
Meja is a popular name across Scandanavia and comes from Old Norse. It means “power.” Meja ranks at number 52 in popularity for names of girls in Sweden. Meja would be a great alternative to Maya.
22. Ingrid
Ingrid is a girl’s name of Norse origin meaning “fair” or “beautiful.” Ingrid comes from Ing, the name of a Norse god of fertility, peace, and prosperity. It’s thought that he’s the ancestor of Swedish kings.
21. Ronja
Ronja is the preferred Scandanavian form of the Hebrew name Ronia. Ronja is the name of a character from an Astrid Lindgren children’s book. Ronja is pronounced RON-ya. It was the 69th most popular name for girls last year.
20. Moa
Moa is a beautiful name for girls that comes from Old Swedish and means “mother.” Moa was is the 89th most popular name for baby girls. One of Sweden’s most influential writers, Moa Martinson helped make this name fashionable.
19. Lova
Lova is a popular name for girls in Sweden and also the Swedish word for “a promise.” But, the name isn’t only favored in Sweden. It’s enjoyed across Scandanavia where it’s considered a shortened form of the name Lovisa.
18. Stina
While it might have Greek origins, Stina is Christina with a Scandinavian twist. It’s like Tina with an edge! Stina is the 73rd most popular name for girls in Sweden. The name means “a Christian.”
17. Lykke
Lykke is a Scandinavian name derived from the Danish word lykke meaning “happiness, good fortune.” Lykke is a fun name for girls that many will get to enjoy as it’s the 48th most popular name for girls.
16. Hedda
Hedda is a popular Scandanavian name that’s a pet form of the German name, Hedvig. Hedvig means “war” but we think Hedda is charming enough to soften that. Hedda was the 34th most popular name for girls in 2019.
15. Lo
Lo is pronounced like the name Lou. Lo is a girl’s name with Swedish origins that means “lynx.” Lo has grown in popularity over the last few years and recently secured better standing as the 50th most popular name for girls.
14. Tuva
Across Scandinavia broadly, the name Tove is popular. In Sweden and Norway, parents prefer the variation, Tuva. The name has origins in Old Norse and relates to the mythological Thor. Tuva means “beautiful.”
13. Tilde
Tilde is the Swedish answer to Mathilda or Tilda. Tilde is a super cute name and many Swedish parents agree, making it the 83rd most popular name for girls. The name means “battle-ready.”
12. Siri
The voice in your iPhone has a Swedish name. Siri is a Norse diminutive of Sigrid and it means “fair victory.” Siri ranks in the top 100 names for girls in Sweden.
11. Ebba
Ebba has been a top 10 name for girls in Sweden for years. Ebba is a diminutive of the German name, Eberhard. The name means “strength of a boar.” We love how the playfulness of Ebba balances its powerful meaning.
10. Elin
In Scandinavia, this name is pronounced ee-ah-lyn. It’s a Swedish variant of Helena, Hellen, and Ellen. The name means “bright.” Elin was the 62nd most popular name for girls in 2019.
9. Tindra
Tindra is a relatively new name in Sweden and it’s only been in use since the 1980s. At the height of its popularity, it was the 60th most favored name for girls. The Swedish name means “to twinkle.”
8. Rakel
Rakel is the Scandinavian form of Rachel that was first used there in Sweden. Rachel is a Hebrew name that means “ewe.” The name was once extremely popular, but as parents across Europe are choosing more secular baby names, this name has fallen from the top.
7. Brita
Although it might be the brand name of your water pitcher, Brita really is a pretty name. Brita is the Swedish form of the Gaelic name Brighid. It means “strength” or “exalted one.” If Bridget sounds too blunt to you, consider Brita instead.
6. Tyra
You might associate the name with Tyra Banks, who helped make it sound appealing to English speakers, but Tyra is a very old European name. The name is the female form of Týr, an ancient Proto-Indo-European god. It predates Norse mythology, but Old Norse sources mention Týr. Tyra is the 61st most popular name for girls in Sweden.
RELATED: 25 Viking Approved Nordic Baby Names That Bring the Hygge
5. Miah
Miah is the Swedish form of the name Mia. Swedish opera singer, Miah Persson helped popularize this spelling. The Scandi name means “bitter.” This name has fallen from fashion in Sweden and is due for some love from the US.
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4. Linnéa
Linnéa is a gorgeous name that comes from an unlikely source. Linnéa is a name given to Scandinavian babies to honor Karl von Linné, the Swedish botanist who created the Linnaean system of classifying plants and animals. The name also belongs to a flower and it means “twinflower.”
3. Svea
Svea is a Scandi name that’s slowly making its way into English-speaking homes. Svea comes from Old Norse and means “spear.” If you’re looking for a name with Viking vibes, Svea would be it.
2. Juni
Juni is a Scandanavian name with Swedish origins. The name means “June.” Juni has a playful ring to it and has been in the top 50 for girls for a decade.
1. Saga
Saga is the 14th most popular name for girls in Sweden. Saga comes from Old Norse and means “seeing one.” In mythology, it belonged to a goddess of poetry and history. It is the Swedish word for “story.” If you’re mulling the name Sara for your daughter, you could go epic and opt for Saga instead.
We absolutely love these Swedish names for girls and would love to hear many of them used all over the world. With a touch of Viking toughness, these names balance strength and aesthetics.
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