300+ Swedish Girl Names with Meanings: Scandi Beauties

Sweden gets under your skin. I remember the exact moment it happened to me. I wasn’t standing in front of the Royal Palace or wandering through the pristine halls of a museum. I was sitting in a cramped, fogged-up café in Södermalm—Stockholm’s hipster heartbeat—nursing a coffee that was strong enough to wake the dead.

Outside, the November sky was a flat, relentless sheet of gray. Inside, it was warm, smelling of cardamom and wet wool. I sat there eavesdropping. I couldn’t help it. The way the locals spoke to their kids wasn’t just communication; it sounded like music. The names they called out—sharp, rhythmic, ancient but somehow entirely modern—stuck with me. They didn’t sound like the names I heard back home. They carried a different weight.

You aren’t just scrolling for Swedish Girl Names with Meanings because you ran out of ideas. You’re looking for that specific mood. You want a name that balances the fierce, bloody legacy of the Vikings with the soft, floral stillness of a Midsommar morning. You want the “cool factor” without the “try-hard factor.”

I’ve spent years obsessing over Nordic linguistics and traveling through Scandinavia, trying to figure out why everything they do—from furniture to parenting—seems just a little bit better than the rest of us. This isn’t just a list. It’s a deep dive into over 300 options, from the chart-toppers to the obscure gems hiding in Norse mythology.

Also Read: Best Girl Names with Beautiful Meanings and Best Scary Team Names with Meanings

Key Takeaways

• Nature isn’t a trend, it’s a religion: A massive chunk of these names comes straight from the forest, the weather, or the seasons.
• The Viking revival is real: We aren’t just talking Thor; obscure Old Norse names are back in a big way.
• Watch your pronunciation: What looks easy on paper might sound totally different in Malmö (that ‘J’ is a tricky one).
• Grandma names are cool: The “Gumman” (old lady) trend is huge. If it sounds like a name from 1910, it’s probably top 10 right now.
• Short and gender-neutral: The current vibe is moving toward punchy, two-syllable names that work for anyone.

Why is everyone suddenly looking North for names?

It’s not just you. Names like Freya and Astrid are exploding in popularity, from Brooklyn brownstones to London flats. Why the shift? I call it “usable uniqueness.”

We are all terrified of our kids blending into the woodwork, but nobody wants to saddle their daughter with a name she has to spell out phonetically for the rest of her life. Swedish names hit the bullseye. They are distinct. They look good on a resume. They sound exotic but are easy to read.

Plus, there is the lifestyle envy. We want the Hygge (Danish, I know, but the vibe is pan-Scandi). We want the Lagom—not too much, not too little. Naming a daughter “Linnea” feels like buying into a life that is a little more balanced, a little more connected to the earth.

My friend Anders—a guy who thinks American obsession with meatballs is hilarious—laughed when I asked him about this. “You guys love our names,” he said. “But you always pick the ones my grandmother’s friends have. It’s like me naming my kid ‘Ethel’ or ‘Mildred’ to sound cool in New York.” He has a point. But honestly? The “Ethels” of Sweden sound incredible.

What are the heavy hitters right now?

If you walk past a playground in Gothenburg today, these are the names you are going to hear over the din of kids in snowsuits. They are the undeniable classics.

1. Astrid

• Meaning: Divinely beautiful
• My Take: This is royalty. Literally and figuratively. Thanks to Astrid Lindgren (the genius behind Pippi Longstocking), this name has literary cred. It feels smart, adventurous, and bulletproof. You can’t go wrong here.

2. Elsa

• Meaning: Pledged to God
• My Take: Forget the Disney movie. Please. In Sweden, Elsa has been a staple long before the ice queen showed up. It’s short, punchy, and has a vintage grit that refuses to fade.

3. Maja

• Meaning: Splendor or Pearl
• My Take: Pronounced “My-ah.” This is the Swedish heavy lifter. It’s consistently at the top of the charts. It feels summery, light, and effortless.

4. Alice

• Meaning: Noble type
• My Take: Yes, it looks English. But the Swedes pronounce it with a sharper “Ah-leess.” It loses the soft, breathy end and gains a bit of an edge.

5. Freja (Freya)

• Meaning: Lady
• My Take: She was the Old Norse goddess of love, beauty, and war. That is a heck of a resume. This name screams power. It’s for a girl you expect to run a boardroom or a battalion.

6. Ebba

• Meaning: Strong as a boar
• My Take: Okay, hear me out. The meaning is “wild boar.” It sounds aggressive. But in practice? Ebba is the coolest name on the list. It’s the chic, monochromatic outfit of names. It’s short, palindrome-esque, and incredibly stylish.

7. Wilma

• Meaning: Resolute protector
• My Take: Shed the Flintstones association immediately. In Scandinavia, Wilma is strong, feminine, and classic. It has backbone.

8. Sigrid

• Meaning: Beautiful victory
• My Take: I absolutely love this name. It has a sharp, metallic sound to it. It sounds like a woman who doesn’t take nonsense from anyone.

9. Olivia

• Meaning: Olive tree
• My Take: Another international smash hit. It dominates the Swedish charts because it works in every language. It rolls off the tongue.

10. Agnes

• Meaning: Pure, holy
• My Take: This fits squarely into the “vintage cool” category. It’s serious but sweet. It feels like a black-and-white photograph.

Can we talk about the Swedish obsession with nature?

If you have ever driven through the Swedish countryside, you get it. It’s endless pine forests, granite rocks, and deep, dark lakes. The Swedes have Allemansrätten—the right of public access. Nature isn’t something you visit; it’s something you live in. So, naturally, Swedish Girl Names with Meanings rooted in the earth are massive.

These aren’t “hippie” names in Sweden. They are standard.

The Earthy & Elemental

• Linnea: This is the Swedish nature name. Named after the twinflower (Linnaea borealis), a favorite of the famous botanist Carl Linnaeus. It’s delicate but enduring.
• Svea: A personification of Sweden itself (“Mother Sweden”). It’s patriotic without being nationalist.
• Sol: Meaning “Sun.” In a country where the sun sets at 2 PM in winter, naming a kid Sol is an act of hope.
• Liv: “Life” or “Protection.” Short, vital, and incredibly strong.
• Moa: Derived from “bog” or “moor.” I know, “bog” sounds awful in English. But Moa sounds beautiful. It’s earthy and very popular.
• Embla: In Norse mythology, the first woman wasn’t made from a rib; she was made from an Elm tree. Embla is the Eve of the North.
• Ronja: Astrid Lindgren invented this one for Ronja the Robber’s Daughter. It’s wild, stormy, and associated with thunder.
• Vilda: Literally means “The wild one.” Truth in advertising for a toddler.
• Tindra: Meaning “to twinkle” or “sparkle.”
• Engla: Derived from “Angel,” but often associated with light and air.

Are we seeing a Viking revival?

Viking names are having a serious moment. And I don’t mean the cartoonish, horned-helmet vibe. I mean the deep cuts. Names that evoke honor, mythology, and grit. Choosing an Old Norse name gives your daughter a built-in backstory.

I met a librarian in Gothenburg named Saga. It was almost too perfect.

11. Saga

• Meaning: Story, fairy tale, or “seeing one.”
• The Vibe: Saga was the goddess of poetry. She drank with Odin. It’s a name for a girl who writes her own narrative.

12. Tyra

• Meaning: Thunder warrior / Feminine of Tyr.
• The Vibe: It packs a punch. It’s short, sharp, and sounds like a drumbeat.

13. Tove

• Meaning: Beautiful Thor.
• The Vibe: Pronounced “Too-veh.” It’s incredibly popular but feels unique to non-Scandi ears.

14. Idun

• Meaning: Renewer.
• The Vibe: She kept the magic apples that kept the gods young. It’s a symbol of eternal vitality.

15. Siri

• Meaning: Beautiful victory.
• The Vibe: Before the iPhone ruined it for everyone, this was a stunning short form of Sigrid. I think it’s worth reclaiming.

16. Åsa

• Meaning: Goddess.
• The Vibe: Pronounced “Oh-sah.” It’s ancient and incredibly common in older generations, now making a comeback.

17. Ylva

• Meaning: She-wolf.
• The Vibe: If you want a fierce name, this is it. It connects directly to the pack.

18. Gunhild

• Meaning: Battle war.
• The Vibe: This is heavy metal. It’s a name for the brave parents.

19. Hedvig

• Meaning: Battle duel.
• The Vibe: Sounds academic and dusty in the best possible way. Think Harry Potter owl, but cooler.

20. Ragnhild

• Meaning: Advice in battle.
• The Vibe: A strategist’s name.

Why “Old Lady” names are the new punk rock.

In Brooklyn, hipsters name their kids Hazel. In Stockholm, they name them Kerstin. This is the “Gumman” trend. These names have substance. They sound like women who can fix a carburetor and bake cinnamon buns in the same afternoon.

• Kerstin: The Swedish Christina. Sturdy. Reliable.
• Barbro: Swedish Barbara.
• Inger: “Ing’s beauty.”
• Birgitta: “Exalted one.” Saint Birgitta is a big deal historically.
• Ulla: “Determination.”
• Lisbet: Short for Elisabet. Spunky, fast, and classic.
• Britt: “High goddess.” Short and snappy.
• Annika: Pippi’s best friend. Means “Grace.”
• Maj-Britt: The classic double-barrel.
• Agneta: Pure. You can’t hear this without humming an ABBA tune.

The Massive A-Z List

I promised you volume. Sometimes you just need to scroll until something clicks in your brain.

A – E: The Light and the Dark

Name	Meaning	My Notes
Alva	Elf/Supernatural	Mystical and very trendy right now.
Alma	Nourishing/Soul	Gentle, international, and soft.
Asta	Divine strength	Short, vintage, and punchy.
Anja	Grace	A classic variation of Anna.
Amelia	Work	Industrious but sounds like lace.
Alicia	Noble	Modern twist on Alice.
Adela	Noble	Old school charm.
Agda	Good	Very “gumman” (old lady) cool.
Beata	Blessed	Rare but undeniably beautiful.
Beda	Prayer	A deep cut from the history books.
Blenda	Heroine	From a legend of a woman who defeated the Danes.
Boel	Little home	Cozy, unique, and very Scandi.
Bodil	Remedy battle	Stronger than it looks.
Carin	Pure	The Swedish spelling of Karen. Reclaim it.
Cajsa	Pure	Spunky nickname for Catherine.
Charlotta	Free man	The royal version of Charlotte.
Dagmar	Day maiden	Bright, sunny, and traditional.
Disa	Goddess	Short and mythological.
Doris	Gift	Making a massive comeback.
Eira	Snow/Mercy	Technically Welsh roots, but huge in Sweden.
Elin	Light/Torch	The Swedish Helen. Ubiquitous.
Ellinor	Sun ray	Lyrical and soft.
Ester	Star	Vintage and shining.
Eivor	Island defender	Strong Viking vibes.
Evelina	Life	Elegant form of Eve.

F – J: Sharp Consonants

I have a friend named Filippa who gets visibly annoyed when Americans say “Phillipa.” The Swedish emphasis hits different. It’s sharper.

• Filippa: Lover of horses. Chic, preppy, upper-class vibe.
• Fredrika: Peaceful ruler. The feminine of Fredrik.
• Fanny: Free one. (Yes, I know the British slang. In Sweden, this is a very standard, respectable name).
• Frida: Peace. Another ABBA connection, plus Frida Kahlo.
• Greta: Pearl. Greta Garbo made it legendary; Thunberg made it revolutionary.
• Gerda: Enclosure/Protection. Strong mythology here.
• Gabriella: God is my strength.
• Gustava: Staff of the Goths. Feminine of the King’s name.
• Hanna: Grace. A decades-long favorite.
• Hedda: Battle war. Short, spunky version of Hedvig.
• Hilma: Protective helmet. Famous because of abstract artist Hilma af Klint.
• Hilda: Battle woman.
• Hulda: Hiding/Secret.
• Ida: Industrious one. Emil i Lönneberga’s little sister. Iconic.
• Ines: Pure/Holy.
• Ingrid: Ing’s beauty. Ingrid Bergman makes this Hollywood royalty.
• Isabell: Pledged to God.
• Jannike: God is gracious.
• Johanna: God is gracious. A staple of the 80s/90s.
• Josefin: God will add.
• Julia: Youthful.
• Juni: June. A month name gaining traction.
• Jarla: Noblewoman. The female Earl.

K – O: The Powerhouse Letters

• Kajsa: Pure.
• Karin: Pure. The quintessential Swedish woman’s name.
• Karolina: Free man.
• Klara: Clear/Bright.
• Kristina: Christian. Queen Kristina was a fascinating, gender-bending monarch.
• Laila: Night.
• Lova: Promise. Trendy.
• Lovisa: Renowned warrior. A royal staple.
• Linn: Soft/Lime tree. Short for Linnea.
• Lotta: Free man. Short for Charlotta.
• Lydia: Woman from Lydia.
• Madeleine: From Magdala. The younger Princess.
• Malin: Woman of Magdala. The Swedish Madeline.
• Marta: Lady.
• Matilda: Mighty in battle.
• Meja: Strength.
• Märta: Pearl.
• Mikaela: Who is like God?
• My: (Pronounced “Mee”). The tiny, angry character in Moomin.
• Nea: New/Moist.
• Nellie: Horn/Sun ray.
• Nora: Honor.
• Noomi: My delight. (Think Noomi Rapace).
• Nova: New. Very trendy space name.
• Olga: Holy/Blessed.
• Olivia: Olive.
• Ottilia: Wealth/Fortune. A beautiful, vintage sound.

P – S: Sibilance and Strength

The letter S dominates Swedish naming. It fits the language’s soft, singing cadence.

Name	Meaning
Pernilla	Rock/Stone
Petra	Rock
Paulina	Small
Pia	Pious
Rebecka	Captivating
Regina	Queen
Rigmor	Name of a Queen
Rut	Friend
Ragna	Advice/Counsel
Sanna	Truth/Lily
Selma	Divine helmet
Signe	New victory
Siv	Bride
Smilla	Smile/Humming
Sofia	Wisdom
Stella	Star
Stina	Christian
Susanna	Lily
Sara	Princess
Svea	Swede

T – Ö: The Distinctive Finish

The Swedish alphabet doesn’t end at Z. It has three extra vowels: Å, Ä, and Ö. Names starting with these are distinctly Scandi.

• Tea: Gift of God.
• Teresia: Harvester.
• Tilda: Battle strength.
• Tilde: Battle strength.
• Tora: Thunder.
• Tuva: Tuft of grass. Sounds weird in English, beautiful in Swedish.
• Ulla: Determination.
• Ulrika: Wolf power.
• Unni: Love/New.
• Vanna: God is gracious.
• Vanja: God is gracious.
• Vera: Faith.
• Vendela: Wanderer.
• Viktoria: Victory. The Crown Princess.
• Viola: Violet flower.
• Viveka: Alive/War.
• Yvonne: Yew wood.
• Åse: Goddess-like.
• Ängla: Angel.
• Öllegård: Ancestral protection. Extremely rare, old-school.

Do the Royals really matter?

You can’t talk about Swedish Girl Names with Meanings without nodding to the Kungahuset. Swedes might play it cool, but they love their royals. When a royal baby is born, the name charts shift.

When Crown Princess Victoria named her daughter Estelle, there was a collective gasp. “Estelle? That’s a French name.” It means Star. It wasn’t traditional. But overnight, it became acceptable. Then came Leonore and Adrienne.

The royals are the ultimate influencers. Silvia, the current Queen, brought a Latin influence (“from the forest”) that softened the harder Germanic names of the 70s. If you want a name that sounds upper-crust and dignified, just look at the Bernadotte family tree.

Are double names dead?

If you were born in Sweden in the 60s, you probably have a hyphen. Ann-Marie. Britt-Marie. Eva-Lotta.

For a long time, this was considered hopelessly dated. Like wearing socks with sandals. But, just like socks with sandals, it’s somehow cool again. Young parents are combining shorter names. Maj-Lis. Anna-Klara. It’s a clever way to honor two grandmothers without starting a family feud.

The Pronunciation Trap

I have to warn you: You might fall in love with a name on paper, but the Swedish pronunciation will throw you for a loop.

Take Kjell. (A boy’s name, but stick with me). The ‘K’ before soft vowels (e, i, y, ä, ö) turns into a ‘Sh’ sound. So Kjerstin isn’t “Ka-jer-stin.” It’s “Share-stin.”

And the ‘J’? It’s a ‘Y’. Always. Johanna is “Yo-hanna.” Julia is “Yool-ya.”

Then there’s the melody. Swedish is a pitch-accent language. Linnéa isn’t flat; it has a bounce. li-NEH-ah. When you pick a name, listen to it. Use Statistics Sweden (SCB) to see what’s trending, but also find a native speaker on YouTube to hear the music of it.

Does the meaning actually matter?

I asked a group of friends in Malmö this over a crayfish dinner. (Side note: Crayfish parties are an intense cultural experience involving silly hats and strong schnapps). I asked, “Do you care that Ebba means wild boar?”

They looked at me like I was crazy. The consensus? They care less about the literal translation and more about the feeling. Ebba doesn’t make them think of a pig; it makes them think of a cool girl in a leather jacket. Astrid feels like storybooks. Freja feels like power.

So, don’t get hung up on whether a name means “stone” or “lily.” Focus on the vibe.

Finding your balance

Choosing a name is terrifying. You are defining a human being’s identity. But if you are drawn to Sweden, you are likely drawn to values of equality, nature, and understated design.

Whether you go with a powerhouse like Sigrid, a nature whisper like Linnea, or a vintage charm like Greta, you are choosing a name with a backbone.

Go for the name that makes you smile when you say it. And if you have to correct people on the pronunciation a few times? Well, that’s just a good story.

Lycka till. (Good luck).

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