183 Beautiful Icelandic Names and Meanings

When I think of Iceland, I picture towering waterfalls, volcanic peaks, sunshine stretching for hours in the summer, and the Aurora Borealis dancing across crisp, winter skies. And it might not surprise you to hear that a lot of Icelandic first names draw inspiration from those famed aspects of the country! From legendary meanings to historic traditions, Vikings to modern sagas, let's look at some of the most fascinating Icelandic names for boys and girls alike.

Understanding the Icelandic Alphabet

First of all, it's important to understand the Icelandic letters used in names that are not familiar to English speakers, and that don't show up in the Latin alphabet. Such unique characters give the following Icelandic names distinctive appearances, pronunciations, and meanings.

• Þ/þ (thorn) - Pronounced like "th" in think or throw; found in names like Þóra, Þórsteinn, and Þórfríður
• Ð/ð (eth) - Pronounced like "th" in the or breathe; appears in names like Guðrún, Eðvarður, and Sigríður
• Æ/æ (ash) - Pronounced like "i" in eye or "ai" in aisle; seen in names like Ævar and Rægnir
• Ö/ö - Similar to the "ur" sound in fur (without pronouncing the "r"); found in names like Björk and Höskuldur
• Á/á - Pronounced like "ow" in cow; appears in names like Árni, Ásgeir, and Kristján
• É/é - Pronounced like "ye" in yes; found in names like Pétur and Ólafur
• Í/í - Pronounced like "ee" in see; appears in names like Sigríður and Kristín
• Ó/ó - Pronounced like "oh" in toe; seen in names like Þóra and Jóhann
• Ú/ú - Pronounced like "oo" in moon; found in names like Auður and Rún
• Ý/ý - Also pronounced like "ee" in see; appears in names like Ýr and Styrmir

Most Popular Icelandic Names

These names have stood the test of time and remain beloved choices among Icelandic families today. They strike the perfect balance between tradition and contemporary appeal.

Boy Names

1. Aron - Mountain of strength
2. Björn - Bear
3. Einar - Lone warrior
4. Gunnar - Bold in war
5. Hákon - Noble
6. Jón - God is gracious
7. Magnus - Great
8. Ólafur - Ancestor's relic
9. Ragnar - Divine warrior
10. Þórsteinn - Thor's stone

Girl Names

1. Anna - Grace
2. Elísabet - God is my oath
3. Emma - Universal
4. Eva - Life
5. Guðrún - Divine rune
6. Helga - Holy
7. Ingrid - Beautiful goddess
8. Kristín - Follower of Christ
9. Ragnhild - Battle counselor
10. Sigrid - Beautiful victory

Common Icelandic Names

These names are well-loved across Iceland and carry a timeless charm. If you’re looking for a name that’s widely celebrated yet still has a distinctive, Nordic feel, this list is a great place to start.  

Boy Names

1. Eldar - Flames or fire
2. Fjörður - Fjord
3. Haraldur - Ruler of armies
4. Helgi - Sacred or holy
5. Hrafn - Raven
6. Lárus - Laurel tree
7. Sigmundur - Protection through victory
8. Sindri - Sparkling or glowing
9. Stig - Way or path
10. Þórarinn - Inspired by Thor’s protection
11. Vatnar - Waters

Girl Names

1. Eyja - Island
2. Freydís - Goddess of love and beauty
3. Glóð - Ember or glow
4. Halla - Rock slope
5. Hekla - Hooked or cloak; after a famous Icelandic volcano
6. Hrund - Protective tree
7. Sif - Bride or connection
8. Snædís - Snow goddess
9. Vaka - Awakening
10. Vigdís - War goddess; a name of ancient queens

Traditional Viking Heritage Names

These ancient names carry the power and mystery of Iceland's Viking ancestors, perfect for parents seeking names with deep historical roots and legendary significance.

Boy Names

1. Árni - Eagle
2. Baldur - Brave; also a Norse god
3. Eggert - Edge of sword
4. Flóki - Heroic man
5. Gísli - Hostage
6. Hávar - High guardian
7. Ketill - Cauldron
8. Leifur - Heir
9. Njáll - Champion
10. Óðinn - Inspiration; the chief Norse god
11. Skarpheðinn - Sharp heathen
12. Snorri - Onslaught
13. Þórður - Thor's thunder
14. Þorgils - Thor's hostage
15. Ulf - Wolf

Girl Names

1. Ásta - Divine love
2. Brynja - Armor
3. Eydís - Island goddess
4. Freyja - Noblewoman; Norse goddess of love
5. Guðbjörg - God's protection
6. Hallgerður - Rock guardian; a character in the Njáls Saga
7. Hilda - Warrior woman
8. Íris - Rainbow goddess
9. Katrín - Pure
10. Rannveig - House strong
11. Sólveig - Sun strength
12. Steinvör - Stone careful
13. Þóra - Thor's thunder
14. Þórfríður - Thor's peace
15. Unnur - Wave
16. Valdís - Battlefield goddess

Modern Icelandic Favorites

Contemporary Icelandic parents have embraced these newer additions to their naming traditions, blending international appeal with Nordic charm.

Boy Names

1. Alexander - Defender of mankind
2. Bjarki - Little bear
3. Daníel - God is my judge
4. Elías - The Lord is my God
5. Finnur - Finder or wanderer
6. Haukur - Hawk
7. Kristján - Christian
8. Lúkas - Light-giving
9. Markús - Warlike
10. Mikael - Who is like God
11. Páll - Small or humble
12. Róbert - Bright fame
13. Stefán - Crown or garland
14. Þomas - Twin
15. Viktor - Victor or conqueror

Girl Names

1. Ásdís - Divine goddess
2. Andrea - Brave or manly
3. Birta - Bright light
4. Dóra - God's gift
5. Elín - Torch or bright light
6. Embla - Elm tree; first woman in Norse mythology
7. Hafdís - Sea goddess
8. Helena - Bright light
9. Júlía - Youthful
10. Karolína - Free woman
11. Lilja - Lily
12. María - Bitter or beloved
13. Nína - Little girl
14. Rós - Rose
15. Sandra - Defender of mankind
16. Sara - Princess
17. Vala - Seeress or prophetess
18. Vilborg - Wilful castle

Unique & Rare Icelandic Gems

For parents seeking something truly distinctive, these lesser-known names offer beautiful meanings and unforgettable presence.

Boy Names

1. Ásgeir - God's spear  
2. Bergþór - Mountain Thor  
3. Dagur - Day  
4. Eysteinn - Island stone  
5. Friðrik - Peaceful ruler  
6. Guðmundur - God's protection  
7. Hilmir - Helmet bearer  
8. Ísar - Ice warrior  
9. Jökull - Glacier  
10. Kolbeinn - Coal leg  
11. Ljótur - Light  
12. Magnús - Great  
13. Norðri - Northern

Girl Names

1. Auður - Wealth or prosperity
2. Berglind - Mountain shield
3. Drífa - Snowdrift
4. Erla - Wagtail bird
5. Fanndís - Snow goddess  
6. Gjaflaug - Gift bath  
7. Hrefna - Raven  
8. Ísold - Ice battle  
9. Jórunn - Horse secret  
10. Kolbrún - Coal brown  
11. Laufey - Leaf island  
12. Mjöll - Fresh snow  
13. Oddny - Point new
14. Pétra - Rock or stone

Nature-Inspired Icelandic Names

Iceland's breathtaking landscape has inspired generations of parents to choose names that celebrate the natural world's power and beauty.

Boy Names

1. Björgvin - Help mountain
2. Eldur - Fire
3. Fjall - Mountain
4. Gláma - Moon
5. Hafþór - Sea Thor
6. Ísfold - Ice earth
7. Kári - Wind or storm
8. Logi - Flame
9. Mýrr - Marsh
10. Ný - New moon
11. Skjöldur - Shield
12. Völundur - Craftsman

Girl Names

1. Björk - Birch tree
2. Eik - Oak tree
3. Fjóla - Violet flower
4. Glóey - Glowing island
5. Hlín - Protection; also a mountain name
6. Ísa - Ice
7. Lind - Lime tree
8. Rún - Secret or rune
9. Snjólaug - Snow bath
10. Steinunn - Stone love
11. Ýr - Yew tree

Strong & Powerful Icelandic Names

These names embody strength, courage, and determination – qualities that Icelandic culture has always valued and celebrated.

Boy Names

1. Axel - Father is peace
2. Björgólfur - Helpful wolf
3. Egill - Edge, awe, or terror
   The Connection: Think of Egil Skallagrímsson, a renowned poet-warrior
4. Egilur - Edge of sword
5. Grettir - Griever; the Grettis Saga hero
6. Gunnar - Warrior; after Gunnar of Hlíðarendi
7. Hálfdan - Half Danish
8. Ívar - Bow warrior
9. Kjartan - Sea bright; from the Laxdæla Saga
10. Kristófer - Bearer of Christ
11. Sigurður - Guardian of victory
12. Þórgeir - Thor's spear
13. Úlfur - Wolf

Girl Names

1. Aldís - Wave goddess
2. Auður - Wealth; like Auður the Deep-Minded
3. Bergdís - Mountain goddess
4. Bergþóra - Thor's spirit
5. Gerður - Enclosure or protection
6. Guðrun - God's secret; heroine of the Laxdæla Saga
7. Hólmfríður - Island peace
8. Kristbjörg - Christ's protection
9. Ragnheiður - Battle bright or battle wise
10. Sigrún - Victory secret
11. Þórfinna - Thor's finder
12. Valdís - Goddess of battle

Choosing the Perfect Icelandic Name

These Nordic gems carry centuries of history, deeply rooted in Viking heritage and Norse mythology, while offering a refreshing alternative to overused contemporary choices. Icelandic names provide modern echoes of the warrior spirit of centuries past. Did any stick out to you? Let us know!

For more information, check out these popular topics:

• 100 Viking Boy Names for Your Little Viking Warrior
• 100 Female Viking Names for Female Viking Warriors
• Scandinavian First Names