Interest in the culture and life of the inhabitants of the Scandinavian countries of the early Middle Ages is constantly growing. This is due to the fascination with antiquities
(runes, Scandinavian paganism, sagas), as well as the stable release of films and computer games about the Vikings. No less interesting are the names of the Vikings. They are harmonious, not without meaning and are great for pseudonyms and nicknames within a certain circle of people.
Who are the Vikings, where do they come from?
The Vikings are called Scandinavian sailors of the early Middle Ages (VIII - XI centuries). They became famous for their sea voyages, which stretched all the way to North Africa. The Vikings were ordinary residents of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, who sought to leave their native shores and go in search of a new better life. Swedish settlers in ancient Russian chronicles are referred to as Varangians, and the Danish and Norwegian Vikings were nicknamed the Normans, based on Latin sources. The most complete description of these sailors, however, is given by the Scandinavian sagas, of which, for the most part, we learned the names of the Vikings, especially from life and manner. In addition, the researchers obtained much of the information about the names from the inscriptions on the runestones.
Noble Stone, Illustrious Wolf, Bear: Viking Names
The male nicknames of the inhabitants of Scandinavia have long been known to researchers. They are found in chronicles, annals, vaults. So, “The Tale of Bygone Years” introduces us to the first Varangian in Russia - Rurik, who became the founder of the Novgorod principality. This nickname can be translated as "glorious king." Other male Viking names found in the annals are no less pretentious. Recall at least the rulers of Dir ("the beast") and Askold ("golden voice").
However, as mentioned above, the researchers got the bulk of the names from the inscriptions on the runestones, as well as the Scandinavian sagas and legends. Here is a list of some common nicknames at the time:
- Ragnar is a warrior of the Gods;
- Atelstan - a noble stone;
- Bjorn - a bear;
- Arne - the eagle;
- Thorstein is the stone of Thor;
- Leif is the heir.
In the Viking era , names were widely spread that contained an integral part of the name of the god Thor: Torkil, Thorstein. It was also considered a good sign to name a person by the name of an animal. So the nicknames Bjorn, Arne, Ulf (“wolf”), Ulfbjorn, Webjorn (“holy bear”) arose.
Beautiful, sowing confusion: Viking female names
The Viking Age gave rise to special female nicknames, which often still exist in the Scandinavian countries. Among these, the following can be noted:
- Sigrid is a wonderful victory;
- Ingrid is beautiful;
- Ragnhild - Advisor in battle;
- Gunnhild - battle of battles;
- Tove - thunder;
- Helga - blessed;
- Siggy is the shield of victory.
If many male Viking names were associated with the name of the god Thor, then female gravitated to the nicknames of the Valkyries - mythological warrior girls who accompanied the souls of dead soldiers to Valhalla. The most famous of the Valkyrie names are as follows:
- Randgrid - smashing shields;
- Hild is a warrior;
- Gel - calling;
- Mist - foggy;
- The company is sowing confusion.