The Viking Age, which lasted from the late 8th century to the early 11th century, was a time of exploration, warfare and trade, as well as complex cultural traditions in Scandinavia.

During this period, names held great significance, often reflecting the values, beliefs, and social roles of individuals.

Female Viking names were no different. They carried meanings beyond mere identification, representing strength, protection, fertility, and connections to the divine.

In Norse society and mythology, women played intricate and essential roles. From warrior shield-maidens to revered goddesses like Iðunn and Freya, female figures influenced both daily life and grand tales.

Their names often embodied these powerful archetypes.

Names such as Sigrid, meaning “victory,” or Bodil, derived from “battle,” demonstrate how Norse culture honored female strength alongside nurturing qualities.

This article presents an extensive collection of 198 female Viking names, drawn from Old Norse language and mythology.

Each name includes its meaning and origins to help you understand the cultural context behind it.

Whether you are searching for an authentic Norse Viking name for your daughter or exploring Norse heritage, this guide offers a comprehensive resource filled with historical depth and mythological resonance.

Understanding Female Viking Names: Origins and Cultural Significance

Female Viking names have their origins in the Old Norse language, which was spoken during the Viking Age.

All Scandinavian languages with the exception of Finnish are ultimately part of the Germanic language family, with different linguistic branches. German, for instance, deriving from Proto-Germanic whereas Norwegian and Swedish have their origins in Proto-Norse.

These names were more than just labels; they held meanings that reflected the values, beliefs, and roles of women in Norse society.

Linguistic Roots in Old Norse

Many female names come from Old Norse words or combinations of elements that represent qualities or natural occurrences.

• For example, the name Helga comes from heilagr, meaning "holy" or "blessed." This indicates a spiritual or revered status.
• Elements like hildr (battle), frid (peace), and laug (vow) often appear in women's names, connecting them to ideals such as strength, honor, and commitment.
• Names were usually made up of two meaningful parts, like Brynhildr ("armor" + "battle"), highlighting warrior traits.

Influence of Norse Culture on Naming Practices

Norse culture influenced how female names were chosen and what they stood for:

• Women were respected as shield maidens and bearers of family honor, so many names conveyed strength and courage.
• Names like Astrid (meaning "beautiful god" or "godly strength") show the connection between divine favor and personal identity.
• It was common to name a daughter after a goddess or mythological figure. More importantly, this linked her to protection and fertility blessings.
• Sometimes, runic inscriptions accompanied names to enhance their power or act as a protective charm.

Symbolism and Cultural Values Reflected in Names

Several recurring themes can be seen in female Viking names:

1. Strength and Battle Prowess:
2. Names that include hildr (battle) symbolize a warrior spirit. Examples are Hilda and Brynhildr, which name women as formidable figures capable of defending their kin.
3. Protection and Healing:
4. Some names are connected to protection or healing gods, such as Eir, the goddess associated with medical skill. These names highlight nurturing roles alongside physical strength.
5. Fertility and Growth:
6. Fertility was crucial for survival; names like Freya (goddess of fertility, love, and beauty) reflect this cultural priority. Such names carry connotations of abundance and prosperity.

Choosing a Female Viking Name Today

When selecting an Old Norse female name for modern use:

1. Consider the original meaning to capture the intended symbolism, whether you want to emphasize courage like a shield maiden or invoke blessings linked to family or protection.
2. Look at variations derived from the same roots; for instance, Freyr is masculine but related feminine forms like Freya carry similar significance.
3. Names like Helga, popular during the Viking Age, continue to resonate due to their straightforward meaning and strong cultural ties.

This understanding reveals how Old Norse female names are more than just names.

It happens quite often that they are expressions of identity shaped by culture, mythology, and societal roles during the Viking Age.

You can explore further into mythological inspirations that directly influenced these powerful feminine names.

Influence of Norse Mythology on Female Viking Names

Norse mythology had a significant impact on the naming traditions of the Viking Age, particularly when it came to female Viking names.

Many of these names are directly derived from Aesir gods, Vanir gods, legendary women, and mythical beings that held cultural significance.

These connections to mythology gave these names powerful meanings and conveyed qualities such as strength, fertility, protection, and destiny.

Key Mythological Figures Inspiring Female Viking Names

Here are some key mythological figures that inspired female Viking names:

• Freja (Frøya): One of the most popular female Viking names, Freja is the goddess of fertility, love, and beauty. She belongs to the Vanir gods but dwells with the Aesir after a truce between the two clans. The name Freja symbolizes fertility and desire and often appears in various diminutive forms or related names like Freydis.
• Idun (Iðunn): Keeper of golden apples that grant eternal youth to the gods. Idun’s name means "ever young," making it a favored choice for parents wishing vitality and longevity for their daughters.
• Eir: Goddess associated with healing and medical skill. Female Viking names derived from Eir suggest protection and health, reflecting the cultural importance of healing in Norse society.
• Sól: The personification of the sun goddess who rides through the sky in her chariot. Naming a girl Sól invokes light, warmth, and life-giving energy.
• Brynhildr: A legendary shieldmaiden and valkyrie whose name combines bryn (armor) and hildr (battle). Names related to Brynhildr emphasize courage and warrior spirit.
• Lagertha: Known from sagas as a fierce warrior woman, Lagertha’s name is linked to protection and strength, combining Old Norse elements meaning “protection” or “defense.”

Many female Viking names also reflect relationships to jötunn (giants) or other mythical beings. Names like Gerd (meaning protector), who was a jötunn married to Freyr, symbolize complex interactions between gods and giants in Norse lore.

Norns: Weavers of Fate in Naming Traditions

The Norns are three female figures who control destiny by weaving the threads of fate. Their influence extends beyond mythology into everyday life through names connected to fate and fortune:

• Urd, Verdandi, and Skuld are individual Norns symbolizing past, present, and future respectively. Names inspired by these figures carry deep meaning about life’s inevitable cycles.
• The suffix run found in many female Viking names refers to "secret" or "mystery," aligning with magical aspects connected to fate woven by the Norns.
• Names invoking fate-related symbolism served as blessings or protective charms for girls, hoping to secure a favorable destiny.

Mythology Meets Runes in Female Viking Names

Runes were more than an alphabet; they were believed to hold magical power. While evidence of their actual magical use remains somewhat complex and difficult to assess (See Bernard Mees' scholarly works), many female Viking names incorporate runic meanings:

• Names containing elements like hildr (battle) conveyed strength through both sound and symbolic rune representation.
• The integration of divine attributes from Thor or Odin into naming reinforced qualities such as bravery, wisdom, or protection.

This blend of mythology, religion, and magic created layers of significance behind each female Viking name.

Understanding these mythological roots enriches your appreciation for their enduring appeal today.

Top Female Viking Names from Mythology and History with Meanings

This section highlights top female Viking names from myths and history, emphasizing famous women Vikings and names inspired by powerful figures. These names often carry connotations of strength, protection, and resilience, reflecting the Scandinavian heritage.

Iconic Historical Female Vikings

• Lagertha
• Recognized as one of the most legendary female Viking warriors, Lagertha was reputedly a shieldmaiden and the first wife of Ragnar Lothbrok. Her name combines Old Norse elements hlað (meaning "to load, pile up") and gerðr(meaning "enclosure" or "protection"). She symbolizes warrior spirit and fierce independence.
• Brynhildr (Brynhild)
• A valkyrie in Norse mythology and a central figure in the Völsunga saga, Brynhildr’s name translates roughly to "armored battle." Known for her wisdom, strength, and tragic love story, this name evokes the qualities of a fearless warrior woman with an unyielding will.

Goddess-Inspired Female Viking Names

• Freya (Frøya)
• The goddess Freya is associated with love, fertility, war, and death. Her name means "lady" or "noblewoman," making it a popular choice for female Viking names inspired by divine femininity. Freya embodies both nurturing qualities and battle prowess, symbolizing strength and protection in life.
• Idun (Iðunn)
• Keeper of the golden apples that grant eternal youth to the gods, Idun represents renewal and vitality. The Icelandic form Iðunn is common in Scandinavian naming traditions. Choosing this name reflects themes of youthfulness, fertility, and healing power.
• Eir
• Known as the goddess of healing and medical skill, Eir’s name literally means "mercy" or "help." She is revered as a protector who mends wounds on battlefield warriors. This female Viking name implies compassion combined with strength—a healer with warrior spirit.
• Sol
• Personification of the sun in Norse mythology, Sol drives her chariot across the sky to bring daylight. Her name directly refers to the sun itself and symbolizes light, warmth, guidance, and hope. Naming a daughter Sol connects her to life-giving energy and radiant strength.

Other Noteworthy Female Viking Names with Historical Links

• Ingrid
• Derived from Old Norse Ingfríðr, meaning "beautiful" or “beloved” by Ing (a fertility god). Ingrid was commonly used as both a given name and family name throughout Scandinavian history. It conveys beauty intertwined with divine favor—an ideal balance of grace and power.
• Frigg
• The queen of the Norse gods and wife to Odin, Frigg is associated with marriage, motherhood, prophecy, and domestic protection. Naming daughters after Frigg invokes familial strength and protective qualities deeply valued in Viking society.

These female Viking names blend mythological reverence with historical significance.

They capture essential traits admired in Norse culture: courage in battle (Lagertha), wisdom in fate (Brynhildr), nurturing life force (Freya), rejuvenation (Idun), healing strength (Eir), radiant guidance (Sol), beauty combined with divine blessing (Ingrid), and protective motherhood (Frigg).

Choosing any of these names honors not just a legacy but also embraces cultural depth. This may be perfect for those seeking meaningful Scandinavian names that inspire strength and protection in life.

Comprehensive List of 198 Female Viking Names by Alphabetical Categories

Explore a rich female Viking names list organized alphabetically, reflecting Old Norse word origins and cultural meanings.

This guide helps you discover authentic names ranging from widely known to rare, perfect for anyone interested in Viking heritage or looking for a meaningful female Viking name.

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A–D

• Aa / Á – River or small stream
• Aðallaug – Noble vow
• Aðaldis – Noble woman
• Agný – Blade or edge
• Agata / Ágáta – Medieval Norse form of Agatha
• Alda – Old or ancestral woman
• Aldís – Old woman or goddess
• Alfdís / Álfdís – Elf woman
• Alfgerðr – Elf protection
• Alfheiðr – Elf brightness
• Alfhildr / Alfhild – Elf battle maiden
• Alfífa – Elf gift
• Alflaug – Elf vow
• Alfný – New elf
• Alfrún – Elf secret
• Alþrúðr – Great strength
• Alvǫr / Alvor – Watchful, careful
• Álǫf / Olof – Ancestor’s heir
• Amba – Early Scandinavian name
• Anna – Medieval Scandinavian borrowing
• Angrboða – “Messenger of grief,” giantess in mythology
• Arnbjörg – Eagle protection
• Arnóra – Eagle + Thor
• Arndís – Eagle woman
• Arnfríðr – Eagle peace
• Arngerðr – Eagle enclosure
• Arnhildr – Eagle battle
• Arnlaug – Eagle vow
• Arnleif – Eagle heir
• Arnþóra – Eagle of Thor
• Arnþrúðr – Eagle strength
• Ása / Åsa – Goddess, divine woman
• Ásbjörg – God protection
• Ásdís – Goddess woman
• Ásfríðr – God peace
• Ásgerðr – God enclosure
• Áshildr – God battle
• Áslaug – God vow
• Ásvör – Divine guardian
• Ásta – Love or divine affection
• Ástríðr / Astrid – Beloved of the gods
• Auða / Auðr – Wealth, prosperity
• Auðbjörg – Wealth protection
• Auðfríðr – Wealth peace
• Auðgerðr – Wealth enclosure
• Auðhildr – Wealth battle
• Auðný – New wealth
• Auðumbla – Primeval cow of creation
• Bára – Wave
• Bera – She-bear
• Bergdís – Mountain woman
• Berghildr – Mountain battle
• Bergljót – Mountain light
• Bergþóra – Thor of the mountain
• Bergunn – Mountain love
• Bestla – Mother of Odin
• Beyla – Servant of Freyr
• Bil – Mythic lunar figure
• Birna – She-bear
• Björg / Bjǫrg – Protection
• Bjarnhildr – Bear battle
• Björnhildr – Bear battle
• Borghildr – Fortress battle
• Borgfríðr – Fortress peace
• Borggerðr – Fortress enclosure
• Borgný – New fortress
• Borgunn – Fortress love
• Bóthildr / Bodil – Healing battle
• Brák – Saga-attested name
• Bryngerðr – Armored protection
• Brynhildr – Armored battle woman
• Bylgja – Billow, wave
• Dagmar – Day’s fame
• Dagný – New day
• Dagrún – Day secret
• Dagunn – Day love
• Dís / Disa – Goddess, female spirit
• Drífa – Snow drift

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E–H

• Eir / Eira – Goddess of healing
• Eirbjörg – Healing protection
• Eirfríðr – Healing peace
• Eirgerðr – Healing enclosure
• Eirunn – Healing love
• Eiðrún – Oath secret
• Eiðunn – Oath love
• Eivor / Eyvör – Island guardian
• Eldbjörg – Fire protection
• Eldfríðr – Fire peace
• Eldgerðr – Fire enclosure
• Eldhildr – Fire battle
• Embla – First woman
• Elli – Old age personified
• Erika / Eiríka – Eternal ruler
• Freydís – Lady of Freyr
• Freyja / Frøya – Goddess of love and fertility
• Fríðr / Frida – Peace, beloved
• Frigg – Queen of the gods
• Gerðr / Gerda – Enclosure, protection
• Guðbjörg – God protection
• Guðfríðr – God peace
• Guðgerðr – God enclosure
• Guðhildr – God battle
• Guðrún – God’s secret lore
• Gunnhildr / Gunhild – Battle war maiden
• Halla – Rock
• Hallgerðr – Stone enclosure
• Hallfríðr – Stone peace
• Hallhildr – Stone battle
• Halldóra – Thor of stone
• Helga – Holy, sacred
• Hervör – Warrior woman
• Hildr / Hilda – Battle
• Hjördís – Sword woman

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I–L

• Iðunn / Idun – Goddess of youth
• Inga – Woman of Ing
• Ingeborg – Ing’s protection
• Ingrid – Beloved of Ing
• Inggerðr – Ing’s enclosure
• Inghildr – Ing’s battle
• Ingny / Ingný – New Ing
• Ingrún – Ing secret
• Ingþóra – Ing + Thor
• Ingunn – Ing’s love
• Jórunn / Jorun – Horse love
• Jóríðr / Jorid – Horse journey
• Jófríðr – Horse peace
• Katla – Helmet, cauldron
• Ketildís – Cauldron woman
• Ketilrún – Cauldron secret
• Ketillaug – Cauldron vow
• Kjerlaug – Cauldron vow
• Kristlaug – Christian-era Norse name
• Lagertha – Legendary shieldmaiden
• Laufey – Mother of Loki
• Líf / Lif – Life
• Ljóta – Bright one
• Lofn – Goddess of love

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M–R

• Magnhildr – Mighty battle
• Margit – Pearl
• Nanna – Goddess of love and grief
• Njörun – Goddess name form
• Oddbjörg – Spear protection
• Oddný – New spear
• Ólöf / Olov – Ancestor’s heir
• Ragnbjörg – Counsel protection
• Ragnfríðr – Counsel peace
• Ragnheiðr – Counsel brightness
• Ragnhildr – Wise battle
• Ragnrún – Counsel secret
• Ragnunn – Counsel love
• Rán – Sea goddess
• Rindr – Mythological figure
• Rúna – Secret, rune

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S–Z

• Saga – Goddess of stories
• Sæbjörg – Sea protection
• Sæfríðr – Sea peace
• Sægerðr – Sea enclosure
• Sæunn – Sea love
• Sigríðr / Sigrid – Beautiful victory
• Signý / Signy – New victory
• Sigyn – Loyal wife of Loki
• Sif – Kinship and harvest goddess
• Sjófn – Goddess of affection
• Skuld – Norn of the future
• Sól / Sol – Sun goddess
• Svanfríðr – Swan peace
• Svanhildr – Swan battle
• Þóra / Thora – Thor’s woman
• Þórbjörg – Thor’s protection
• Þórdís – Thor woman
• Þórfríðr – Thor’s peace
• Þórhildr – Thor battle
• Þórkatla – Thor + katla name family
• Þorlaug – Thor vow
• Þórunn – Thor’s love
• Þýri / Thyra – Royal Norse name
• Tófa / Tove – Dove, peace
• Unn – Love
• Vár – Goddess of oaths
• Valdís – Woman of the slain
• Védis – Sacred woman
• Vígdís / Vigdis – Battle woman
• Ylva – She-wolf
• Yrsa – She-bear

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How to Choose a Female Viking Name for Your Daughter Today

Selecting a female Viking name today involves balancing authenticity with modern usability. You want a name that honors the rich heritage of Old Norse language and mythology, while fitting comfortably into contemporary life.

Authentic vs. Modernized Names

• Authentic Old Norse names often carry sounds and spellings that may seem unfamiliar or difficult to pronounce for some. Examples include Hildr (battle), Embla (first woman in Norse myth), and Gerðr (meaning enclosure or protection).
• Modernized versions are adapted for easier pronunciation or spelling but still retain their original meanings. For instance, Hilda is a softened form of Hildr, and Gerd is a more approachable spelling of Gerðr.
• Decide if you prefer staying close to the original linguistic roots or opting for a name that blends seamlessly with modern naming trends.

Cultural Significance

• Each Viking female name reflects cultural values such as strength, protection, fertility, or divine favor. Choosing a name like Freya, associated with fertility and love, conveys a deep mythological connection.
• Names like Sigrid (“victory + beautiful”) or Ragnhild (“advice + battle”) illustrate ideals admired in Norse society.
• Consider the story behind the name: whether it’s linked to legendary figures, goddesses, or natural elements.

Personal Meaning

• Reflect on what qualities you hope your daughter will embody. Names connected to protection (Eir), courage (Brynhildr), or renewal (Dagny) offer powerful symbolic meanings.
• Some parents choose names based on family heritage or regional ties within Scandinavia, reinforcing personal identity and cultural continuity.
• Look beyond just the sound; explore the etymology and mythology tied to each name to find one that resonates deeply.

Practical Tips for Choosing

1. Pronunciation: Try saying the name aloud multiple times. Will it be easy for family, friends, and teachers?
2. Spelling: Evaluate if you want the original Old Norse spelling with special characters (like ð or þ) or prefer simplified forms.
3. Uniqueness: Decide if you want a common Viking name such as Astrid or something rare like Disalv (“spirit elf”).
4. Meaning Check: Verify meanings through reputable sources to avoid misinterpretations.
5. Cultural Respect: Be mindful of cultural appropriation by understanding the significance behind names rather than using them purely for aesthetics, fashion or subcultural trends.

Choosing a female Viking name today means engaging with centuries-old traditions while making them relevant for your family's story. Names like Hilda, Embla, and Gerd are not just labels . For the locals that live in Scandinavia, they are connections to history, mythology, and powerful ideals that continue to inspire.

Exploring Themes Behind Female Viking Names: Strength, Protection & Fertility

Female Viking names often carried deep meanings tied to the values and beliefs of Norse society.

These names reflected qualities esteemed during the Viking Age, especially strength and protection in life and fertility symbolism in Norse culture. Understanding these themes offers insight into why certain names endured and how they shaped identity.

Strength and Battle Prowess

Strength was a fundamental quality for women as well as men in Viking culture. Many female names emphasize battle prowess or courage, often linked to legendary warriors or valkyries. For example:

• Hilda: Derived from Old Norse hildr, meaning "battle." Names containing hildr were common among women known for bravery or warrior-like traits.
• Brynhildr: A famous valkyrie and shieldmaiden in Norse mythology, combining bryn (armor) with hildr (battle), symbolizing a woman clad in protection and strength.
• Lagertha: Known historically as a shieldmaiden and wife of Ragnar Lothbrok, her name may derive from elements meaning "protection" or "defense," underscoring resilience.

These names served dual purposes: honoring heroic figures and invoking protection against external threats.

Women bearing such names were thought to embody inner strength, a vital attribute in the unpredictable Viking world.

Healing and Protection

Protection extended beyond physical defense into healing and safeguarding well-being. The goddess Eir represents this theme clearly:

• Eir: Goddess of healing and mercy, her name is commonly found in female Viking names like Eira or Eirunn. These names suggest nurturing qualities connected to health, recovery, and guardianship.
• Names derived from Eir emphasize roles women played within families and communities as caretakers who ensured survival through medical knowledge or spiritual protection.

The presence of healing-related names highlights the balance between combative strength and compassionate care, a duality respected in Norse culture.

Fertility and Growth

Fertility symbolizes life’s continuity, agricultural abundance, and prosperity. Female Viking names frequently expressed hopes for fruitful lives and strong lineage:

• Freya (Frøya): One of the most significant goddesses associated with love, fertility, beauty, and war. Her name inspired numerous female names invoking fertility blessings.
• Nanna: A goddess linked to fertility and joyous rebirth; her name reflects wishes for offspring and growth within families.
• Names connected to fertility also implied renewal not only of human life but the land itself—critical for survival during the Viking Age.

Many female names combined these concepts with divine favor, reinforcing women's essential roles as bearers of life and protectors of future generations.

The recurring motifs of battle prowess (Hilda), healing (Eir), and fertility (Freya) illustrate how Old Norse female names encapsulate complex cultural ideals.

Such rich symbolism continues to inspire those choosing authentic female Viking names today, linking modern bearers with ancient legacies of power, care, and growth.

Lesser-Known but Authentic Female Viking Names Worth Discovering

Many of the widely recognized female Viking names have deep roots in Norse mythology and history, such as Freya, Lagertha, and Idun.

Yet, the Viking Age produced a rich variety of names that are less common today but just as authentic and meaningful.

If you want to find authentic female Viking or Norse mythology names for girls that go beyond the usual list, exploring these underrepresented gems reveals a fascinating glimpse into Norse culture.

Why Explore Rare or Region-Specific Names?

Here are some reasons why you might consider exploring rare or region-specific names:

• Cultural depth: Many rare names come from specific regions or clans, carrying unique local traditions.
• Authentic connection: These names often preserve Old Norse words with strong meanings tied to nature, battle, or spirituality.
• Unique identity: Choosing a lesser-known name helps you stand out while honoring Viking heritage.

Examples of Lesser-Known Female Viking Names

Here are 20 authentic female Viking names that reflect the diversity of the Norse language and culture:

Name	Meaning / Origin	Notes
Gunnhild	"Battle" + "Battle Maid"	Known from Norse sagas; embodies strength
Sif	"Relation by marriage," associated with Thor's wife	Symbolizes fertility and family ties
Alfdis	"Elf" + "Goddess"	Reflects belief in supernatural beings
Bergthora	"Mountain" + "Thor’s fight"	Powerful compound name with divine link
Dagný	"New day"	Represents hope and fresh beginnings
Eydis	"Gift" + "Goddess"	Emphasizes divine blessing
Fridleif	"Peaceful heir"	Combines peace and legacy
Herlaug	"Army + Promise"	Suggests loyalty in battle and life
Jorunn	"Horse lover"	Typical animal-inspired Norse name
Kari	Possibly derived from wind god Kári	Nature-inspired and elemental
Liv	"Life"	Simple yet profound
Ragnhild	"Advice" + "Battle"	Strong warrior association
Sigyn	Wife of Loki in mythology	Known for loyalty and resilience
Thora	Feminine form of Thor	Imbues power of thunder god
Tove	Derived from Old Norse for “dove”	Symbolizes peace
Unn	Means “to love”	Reflects affection
Yrsa	Legendary queen in sagas	Represents nobility

How These Names Connect to Norse History

These authentic female Viking names often relate to:

1. Mythological figures: Names like Sigyn and Sif tie directly to gods and goddesses.
2. Nature elements: Many names incorporate Old Norse words for animals, weather, or natural features.
3. Warrior culture: Components like “hild” (battle) or “gun” (war) appear frequently.

Exploring rare names allows you to dive deeper into viking names and their meanings beyond the popular picks.

Choosing a lesser-known name connects you to a rich tradition embedded in Norse history while offering something unique.

Whether inspired by Odin’s shieldmaidens or rooted in the old norse word for “love” or “protection,” these names carry stories worth remembering.

Explore this treasure trove of norse female names to find one that resonates with your values, such as strength, heritage, and authenticity all wrapped in an original Viking name.

References: 

Coleman, N. L., & Veka, O. (2010). A handbook of Scandinavian names. University of Wisconsin Press.

Benediktsson, J. (Ed.). (1968). Íslendingabók. Landnámabók (Íslenzk fornrit 1). Reykjavík: Hið íslenzka fornritafélag.