The Nordic culture of the Vikings and stories of ancient Scandinavia inspire a sense of adventure and a spirit of determination. If you’re searching for a Viking dog name for your new four-legged friend, you’ll find plenty of interesting and unique options from the language, story, people, and places of Norse and Viking culture. And of course, the names of Nordic gods, including Thor, Loki, and Odin, are very popular names for pooches of any ancestry.
Some of the most popular Norse names for dogs come from the ancient Old Norse language, including Rune, Ulf, and Astrid. Other names call to mind epic figures from Norse history—like Leif Erickson—and make a bold statement as a name for your dog. Big dogs and small dogs alike are great candidates for a Norse name. You might also be considering a Viking dog name if you have a dog that hails from Nordic regions, like the Norwegian Buhund or Norwegian Elkhound. Of course, Nordic heritage isn't a requirement for a Norse dog name!
Whether you are looking for Viking dog names for your male or female dog, we have a list of the top options to help you settle on the perfect name. Let your imagination set sail with these popular and unique dog names!
Top Norse Dog Names
- Olaf
- Asgard
- Erik
- Bjorn (Bear)
- Leif
- Astrid
- Frode (Wise)
- Thor
- Loki
- Frigga
- Saga
- Alf
- Bein (Bone, Ivory)
- Viking
- Ingrid
Tips for Naming Your Dog
If you’re looking for a Norse dog name, it only makes sense that you begin selecting a name for your new dog with the same spirit of adventure that Vikings were known for as they explored new lands. Determined and unafraid, they set off in search of their next new settlement. Channel your Viking spirit and be determined to find the right name for your new furry friend.
Keep an open mind, but also remember that the name should be practical and will be your dog’s calling card for life. Practice saying each name aloud to see if it’s easy to pronounce—for you, your friends, the vet, the groomer, and others that might know your dog by name. This is especially important if you’re picking a dog name from the Old Norse language.
Viking Dog Names From Norse Gods and Goddesses
The Vikings were a fierce people, and their many gods were equally fierce and full of energy. If your dog also has a big, outgoing spirit, even if it's small in size, celebrate that personality with a name that once belonged to a Norse god or goddess.
- Thor (God of thunder, war, and storms)
- Odin (King of the gods)
- Loki (God of mischief)
- Freya (Goddess of love and beauty)
- Frigga (Goddess of family and marriage)
- Hel (Goddess of the dead)
- Njord (God of sea and wind)
- Baldur (God of peace and beauty)
- Delling (God of dawn)
- Heimdall (Guardian of the gods)
- Hermod (Messenger of the gods)
- Vidar (God of vengeance)
- Asgard (Home of the gods)
- Valhalla (Hall of slain warriors, ruled over by Odin)
- Ragnarok (Future end of the world)
- Freki (Wolf belonging to Odin)
- Geri (Wolf belonging to Odin)
Dog Names from Old Norse Words
Vikings and the ancient Scandinavian population spoke Old Norse. While the language is extinct today, plenty of words and phrases have been documented and preserved. Some of these words make a great choice as a Norse dog name. You’ll enjoy telling your friends and others what ‘Runa’ means in Old Norse, or explaining that ‘Bjorn’ is actually the word for bear and fits your large breed dog especially well.
Don't worry about looking for a Norse dictionary; you'll find the included translation for each word on our list of Old Norse dog names.
- Ulf (Wolf)
- Rune, Runa (Secret)
- Astrid (Beautiful)
- Akkeri (Anchor)
- Frida (Peace)
- Bjorn (Bear)
- Aska (Ashes)
- Bein (Bone, Ivy)
- Sjór (Sea)
- Revna (Raven)
- Frode (Wise)
- Dagmar (Maiden of the Day)
- Erling (Heir)
- Ake (Ancestors)
- Enar (Fighter)
- Hakan (Of the chosen)
- Kelby (A farm near a spring)
- Keldan (From the spring)
- Rana (Nobility)
- Berserker (One who fights in a frenzy)
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Male Norse Dog Names
It’s no surprise that the language of Vikings is full of strong words perfectly suitable for a powerful male dog name. These are the top options for Norse dog names for boy dogs both small and large.
- Viking
- Magnus
- Aethelwulf
- Arne (Eagle)
- Alf
- Bo
- Erik
- Leif
- Guthrum
- Ivar
- Siggy
- Alvis
- Sune (Son)
- Gunnar
- Aaric
- Dale
- Garth (Garden)
- Sigurd
- Gunther
- Harold, Harald (Commander)
- Quimby
- Rollo
- Roscoe
- Heahmund
- Ecbert
- Forkbeard
- Horik
- Kalf
- Svend (Young)
- Rurik
- Folke
- Halvor
- Bloodaxe
- Jotun
- Floki
- Sindri
- Vale
- Bard
- Birger
- Einar
- Fell
- Tyr
- Harbard
- Bein
- Buri
- Hermund
- Asmund
- Jerrik
- Knute
- Rangvald
Female Norse Dog Names
If your furry friend is female, there are both strong and beautiful Norse dog names to choose from. Some were (and still are) popular Norwegian or Scandinavian names, while others are words or expressions from the Viking era.
- Freya
- Astrid
- Hilda
- Sigrid (Victory)
- Halle (Rock)
- Asta (Love)
- Edda
- Frida (Peace)
- Ingrid
- Yrsa (She-bear)
- Inga
- Saga (Story)
- Aska
- Tove (Dove)
- Aslaug
- Ama (Eagle)
- Dagmar
- Valkyrie
- Gyda
- Jora
- Magna
- Gisli (Ray of light)
- Dahlia (From the valley)
- Elin
- Gale
- Kari (Gust of wind)
- Torvi
- Gunnhild
- Skogul
- Kelda (Fountain)
- Rinda (Giant)
- Hertha
- Gunborg
- Eira
- Torhild
- Sassa
- Brenna
- Rona (Mighty strength)
- Inger
- Gertrud
- Lagertha
- Thora
- Katla
- Nott
- Tone
- Rane
- Holga
- Skadi
- Siri
- Jorunn
Other Dog Name Ideas
Did you find the ideal Norse name for your dog? If the Viking vibes aren't quite right, then check out more great dog name ideas with these articles: