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 boys in Sweden, you’ll see many familiar monikers as the country shares similar tastes in names with the US. William, Liam, Noah, Oliver, and Lucas are both in the top 10 names for boys in Sweden and the US.
We’re going to look beyond the Williams and Liams 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 son’s name, these 25 Swedish names for boys will definitely inspire and delight.
25. Måns
Måns is a very Swedish name that comes from Old Swedish and is a variant of the Latin name Magnus. Måns means “greatest.” Måns Petter Albert Sahlén Zelmerlöw is a beloved Swedish pop star who participated in Swedish Idol (their American Idol) and won a dancing competition called Let‘s Dance.
24. Axel
In 2019, Axel was the 19th most popular name given to boys in Sweden. The name has German and Scandinavian origins and is a variant of the Biblical name Absalom. Axel has a youthful, rockstar appeal but means “father of peace.”
23. Tage
If you’re over the name Gage, consider Tage. Tage was first documented as a given name in Sweden in the 17th Century. It is a form of the Old Danish word taka which means “to take.” In 2019, the name was the 59th most popular name for boys in Sweden.
22. Vidar
One of the top 50 Swedish names for boys, Vidar sounds a little bit like Vadar, but we’re leaning into it. Vidar comes from Old Norse and means “quiet god.” In Norse mythology, Vidar was Odin’s son who was very powerful and also mute.
21. Olle
Olle is Sweden’s answer to Ollie. Olle has been used as a pet name for Olaf, Oliver, and Ólafr for centuries. Now, it’s a popular given name. The name has origins in Old Swedish and Norse and means “ancestor’s relic.” Olle is the 40th most popular name for boys in Sweden.
20. Nils
At number 14, Nils is one of the most popular names for boys in Sweden that doesn’t even register in the US. Nils is a shortened form of Nicholas that is favored across Scandanavia. The name has Greek origins and Norweigan stylings. It means “people of victory.”
19. Viggo
For most Americans, the point of reference for the name Viggo is actor Viggo Mortensen. Mortensen’s father is Danish and shares the same first name with his son. Viggo is the 51st most popular name for boys in Sweden and means “war.” The Scandanavian name dates back all the way to the Vikings.
18. Ture
Ture is a variant of Thor and comes from the Old Norse word Þórir which means “thunder.” In Sweden, Ture is favored over the name Thor and over the last year, it has improved its standing inching up the charts by seven spots to 84. Ture is pronounced Tur-eh.
17. Casper
Casper is a variation in spelling from the Nordic name Kaspar. Kaspar is the Nordic spelling of the Persian word kandschwar which means “treasure.” Casper is the 57th most popular name for boys in Sweden. The name might make you think of a friendly ghost, but it’s time to breathe new life into it!
16. Filip
Filip is Sweden’s beloved version of Philip which has origins in Greek and means “lover of horses.” Filip is the 24th most popular name for boys in Sweden. If you love the name Philip but want to spice it up a bit, the Swedish spelling of Filip is a very attractive alternative.
15. Malte
Malte is an Old Danish name that comes from the German name Helmwald. The name means “helmet” or “govern.” The name is in the top 50 for boys in Sweden and Denmark.
14. Ivar
Ivar is pronounced EE-var and is the Scandanavian form of Ivor. The name has Norse origins and means “yew wood” or “archer.” Although the name is used throughout Scandanavia, Ivar is most popular in Sweden.
13. Loke
Loke is the contemporary spelling of Loki which comes from Old Norse and means “to close.” In Norse mythology, Loki is a god of mischief and destruction. Even with that baggage, Loke is the 61st most popular name for boys in Sweden.
12. Mohamed
While Mohamed is an Arabic name, it is one of the most widely used names for boys in Sweden. Mohamed is the preferred spelling of Muhammad there and it means “praiseworthy.” It’s a beautiful name that honors the Muslim religion.
RELATED: 25 Adorable Arabic Baby Names for Boys with Powerful Meanings
11. August
August is the German form of the Latin name Augustus. August has been an extremely popular name in Sweden for hundreds of years and remains a favorite today. Swedish writer August Strindberg is one of the country’s most prized writers and he’s internationally recognized for his plays. The name August means “magnificent.”
10. Albin
The name Albin comes from a Roman cognate, Albinus which is associated with the Latin word albus. It means “white.” Albin is popular across Europe but it’s especially treasured in Sweden where it’s the 41st most popular name for boys.
9. Sixten
Sixten is not a variation of Sexton nor is it a number name. Sixten is an Old Norse name that means “stone of victory.” This very strong-sounding name is the 53rd most popular name for boys in Sweden.
8. Melker
Like Casper, Melker is a modern Swedish spelling of the ancient name Melchior who was one of the Three Wise Men. Hence, the name means “king.” Melker is a beloved name in Sweden but it might sound a bit too much like “milker” to English speakers. For brave parents, Melker would be a bold choice.
7. Edvin
Edvin is the Swedish form of an Old English name, Eadwine. Edvin sounds much cooler than Edwin and we love the meaning: “wealthy friend.” If you want your son to be a benefactor, consider this stylish Swedish name.
6. Hjalmar
Like Melker, Hjalmar is a Swedish name for parents who are ready to go all in. Hjalmar is popular across Scandanavia and comes from Old Norse. The name means “helmet protector.” The name is the 83rd most popular name for boys.
RELATED: 25 Viking Approved Nordic Baby Names That Bring the Hygge
5. Sigge
Sigge comes from Old Swedish and started out as a nickname for a host of Norse names beginning with Sig. Sigbiǫrg, Sigbritt, and Sigarr are just a couple of examples. Sigge would be a great alternative to Ziggy. The name means “victory.”
4. Kian
The Irish name Cian which means “ancient” is spiced up with a Swedish twist and spelled Kian. Actor Geena Davis chose the name Kian for her son and we’re also rather fond of it. Kian is the 73rd most popular name for boys in Sweden.
3. Vide
Vide is a very Swedish name that’s commonly used for both boys and girls. The name doesn’t enjoy the same popularity in other Scandanavian countries but in Sweden, it’s been in the top 100 for decades. The name means “willow tree.”
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2. Isak
The Hebrew name Isaac made its way to Sweden in the 12th Century. The spelling got a Swedish makeover when it was first documented as the given name, Isak. If you love the name Isaac but want something with a little more character, Isak would be an excellent choice. The name means “to laugh.” It’s the 31st most popular name for boys in Sweden.
1. Arvid
Arvid is an unusual name for most English speakers, but in Sweden, it’s been in the top 25 for boys for the last decade. This name is in full-on comeback mode as it was extremely popular from 1900-1920 in Sweden. The name made its way to Sweden from Norway and although it’s Norwegian, Arvid is more popular in Sweden. The name means “eagle-tree.”
Swedish names for boys offer Scandanavian charm and Viking origins. Many refer to victory or nature and those meanings make them all the more special. While most of the names on this list are popular in Sweden, the Swedes enjoy many of the same exact names as parents in the US. We hope you saw some names that are new to you and that you might even consider for your baby boy.
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