Female Viking Names: Shield-Maidens and Norse Women

Female Viking names carried as much power and meaning as their male counterparts, reflecting a Norse society where women held significant social, economic, and occasionally martial roles that distinguished them from many other medieval cultures.

From legendary shield-maidens like Lagertha who fought in battle to powerful queens and wise seeresses, Norse women shaped Viking Age history in ways that continue fascinating modern audiences. Their names reflected valued qualities: strength, beauty, divine favor, wisdom, and the distinctive characteristics that defined their identities.

This comprehensive guide explores authentic female Viking names from history and mythology, their meanings, the remarkable women who bore them, and how Norse naming conventions celebrated feminine power in its many forms.

Understanding Female Viking Names

Female Viking names followed the same structural patterns as male names but emphasized different qualities valued for women in Norse society.

The typical female Norse name consisted of a given name with specific meaning, combined with a patronymic ending in "-dottir" (daughter of). Unlike many medieval cultures, Norse women retained their father's name throughout their lives regardless of marital status, maintaining permanent family identity rather than adopting husbands' names.

Epithets or bynames attached to female names just as they did for men, though women earned these descriptive additions through different achievements. Physical beauty, wisdom, social status, land ownership, or occasionally martial prowess could all generate memorable epithets that became inseparable from women's identities.

Many female Viking names incorporated elements related to gods and goddesses, particularly Freyja and Frigg. These divine connections invoked favor, protection, and the powerful qualities associated with Norse feminine deities who governed love, magic, wisdom, and warfare.

Powerful Female Viking Names from History

Lagertha: The Legendary Shield-Maiden

Lagertha stands as the most famous female Viking name, representing legendary shield-maidens who fought as warriors alongside men.

The name "Lagertha" likely derives from Old Norse roots meaning "defender" or "protector," though some scholars connect it to "hlađ-gerđr" (storeroom-enclosure). The martial interpretation fits her legendary status as a fierce warrior.

According to 12th-century historian Saxo Grammaticus, Lagertha fought in battle to avenge a Norwegian king. Her combat skills impressed Ragnar Lothbrok so profoundly that he sought her as wife, though she first tested his worthiness by setting bears and hounds to guard her home—which he defeated.

Whether fully historical or partially legendary, Lagertha's name symbolizes female martial capability in Norse culture, challenging assumptions about rigid gender roles during the Viking Age.

Freydis Eiriksdottir: The Fearless Explorer

Freydis Eiriksdottir earned fame through her participation in Vinland expeditions, displaying courage that made her name synonymous with fierce determination.

"Freydis" derives from "Freyja" (the goddess of love, beauty, and war) with the diminutive suffix "-dis," meaning "Freyja's woman" or "little Freyja." This divine connection associated her with both nurturing and martial feminine power.

As daughter of Erik the Red, Freydis belonged to the most famous Norse exploration family. Norse sagas present her defending fellow explorers in Vinland by grabbing a sword while heavily pregnant and slapping it against her bare chest, frightening attacking indigenous warriors with her fearlessness.

Alternative saga accounts portray her more darkly, claiming she orchestrated murders of expedition partners. Whether heroic defender or ruthless schemer, Freydis represents female participation in Viking exploration and complex roles Norse women occupied.

Gudrun Osvifsdottir: The Saga Heroine

Gudrun Osvifsdottir appears as central figure in Laxdæla Saga, one of Iceland's most celebrated sagas, making her name famous in Norse literature.

"Gudrun" combines "guð" (god) and "rún" (secret/rune), meaning "god's secret knowledge" or "divine mystery." This name suggests wisdom, spiritual insight, and connection to hidden knowledge valued in Norse culture.

The saga describes Gudrun as the most beautiful woman in Iceland, married four times, and indirectly responsible for several deaths through complicated love triangles and family feuds. Her prophetic dreams and strong personality drove much of the saga's dramatic action.

Gudrun represents the powerful social position high-status Norse women could occupy, influencing major events through marriage alliances, property control, and social networks even without wielding weapons themselves.

Thyra: Queen of Denmark

Thyra earned the epithet "Danebod" (Denmark's Salvation or Denmark's Adornment), making her one of the few Viking Age women remembered with such honorific titles.

"Thyra" relates to the god Thor, possibly derived from "Þórr" with feminine ending, essentially meaning "Thor's woman" or "devoted to Thor." This divine association connected her to strength, protection, and martial power.

Historical sources credit Thyra as wife of King Gorm the Old and mother of Harald Bluetooth, who united Denmark and Norway. The massive Danevirke fortification system's expansion is traditionally attributed to her, though modern archaeology questions this attribution.

Regardless of specific historical accuracy, Thyra's name symbolizes influential queenship during the Viking Age, when royal women could wield significant political power and shape their kingdoms' destinies.

Aud the Deep-Minded: Matriarch of Iceland

Aud the Deep-Minded (also called Unn) gained fame as one of Iceland's most important early settlers and a matriarchal figure who established a powerful family dynasty.

"Aud" (or "Unn") derives from Old Norse roots meaning "prosperity," "riches," or "deserted," though the prosperity interpretation fits her historical role better. Some sources use "Unnr," relating to "wave" or "billow."

Her epithet "the Deep-Minded" (djúpúðga) indicated wisdom, thoughtfulness, and careful planning—intellectual qualities Vikings valued as highly as physical prowess. Alternative translations include "deep-thinking" or "wise."

After losing her husband and son, Aud commissioned a ship built secretly in a forest, then led an expedition from Scotland to Iceland around 900 CE. She distributed lands to followers and freedmen, establishing family holdings that became prominent in Icelandic society.

Aud's name represents female leadership, practical wisdom, and the significant role women played in Viking Age settlement and colonization beyond purely domestic spheres.

Female Viking Names from Norse Mythology

Freyja: Goddess of Love and War

Freyja stands as one of the most important Norse goddesses, making her name extremely influential in Viking naming traditions.

"Freyja" simply means "Lady" or "Mistress," a title of respect and power rather than a personal name. Her name emphasized authority and feminine sovereignty over her domains.

As goddess of love, beauty, fertility, sex, gold, war, and death, Freyja embodied the Norse understanding that femininity encompassed both nurturing and destructive power. She received half of all warriors who died in battle, ruling over the afterlife realm Fólkvangr.

Many female Viking names incorporated "Frey-" as an element, connecting women to this powerful goddess's attributes and seeking her favor and protection.

Frigg: Queen of the Gods

Frigg, wife of Odin and queen of Asgard, gave her name to Friday and inspired numerous Viking Age women's names.

"Frigg" derives from roots meaning "beloved" or possibly "free." Some scholars connect it to words relating to love, beauty, and marital fidelity.

As goddess of marriage, motherhood, domestic arts, and prophetic wisdom, Frigg represented respected feminine roles in Norse society. She knew all fates but spoke prophecy rarely, embodying wisdom that manifested through action rather than words.

Names incorporating "Frig-" or "Frið-" elements connected women to Frigg's attributes of wisdom, foresight, and authoritative feminine power within family and society.

Sigrun: The Valkyrie

Sigrun appears in Norse poetry as a valkyrie who chose which warriors lived or died in battle, making her name synonymous with feminine martial authority.

"Sigrun" combines "sigr" (victory) and "rún" (secret/rune), meaning "victory rune" or "secret of victory." This powerful name suggested women who held knowledge of fate and combat outcomes.

Poetic Edda stories describe Sigrun falling in love with the hero Helgi Hundingsbane, using her valkyrie powers to protect him in battle until his destined death. Her name represents the Norse belief that women could wield authority over war and death through supernatural means.

Brunhild: The Shieldmaiden Valkyrie

Brunhild (Brynhildr in Old Norse) appears in multiple Norse legends as powerful valkyrie and shieldmaiden whose name conveyed armored protection.

"Brunhild" combines "bryn" (armor/mail-coat) and "hildr" (battle), creating a name meaning "armored for battle" or "battle-armor." This martial name explicitly referenced warfare and protection.

Legendary accounts describe Brunhild as valkyrie punished by Odin and placed in enchanted sleep surrounded by fire, awakened only by the hero Sigurd. Different versions portray her as betrayed lover, powerful queen, or vengeful warrior.

Her name influenced numerous historical female Viking names, connecting women to martial valor and the shield-maiden tradition that fascinated medieval storytellers.

Beautiful Female Viking Names and Their Meanings

Astrid: Divine Strength

"Astrid" combines "áss" (god) and "fríðr" (beautiful/fair/beloved), creating meanings including "divine beauty," "divine strength," or "god's beloved."

This popular name appeared frequently throughout Scandinavia, borne by numerous queens, noblewomen, and common women alike. The dual meaning emphasizing both beauty and divine power made it particularly appealing.

Astrid remains extremely popular in modern Scandinavia and has gained international recognition, demonstrating how Viking Age names continue resonating centuries after their origin.

Ingrid: Beautiful Goddess

"Ingrid" combines "Ing" (the god Freyr's alternative name) and "fríðr" (beautiful/beloved), meaning "Ing's beauty" or "beautiful goddess."

This name connected women to Freyr, god of fertility, prosperity, and fair weather. The divine association invoked blessings of abundance and beauty throughout life.

Ingrid appeared frequently in Swedish and Norwegian naming traditions, later spreading throughout Scandinavia and eventually gaining popularity in English-speaking countries during the 20th century.

Solveig: Strength of the Sun

"Solveig" (also spelled Solvej) combines "sól" (sun) and "veig" (strength/power), creating a name meaning "sun strength" or "strong house."

This radiant name suggested brightness, warmth, and powerful life-giving energy associated with the sun—particularly meaningful in northern latitudes where winter darkness dominated half the year.

Henrik Ibsen's play "Peer Gynt" featured a character named Solveig, introducing this traditional Norse name to international audiences and ensuring its continued popularity.

Ragnhild: Battle Counsel

"Ragnhild" combines "regin" (advice/counsel/gods) and "hildr" (battle), meaning "battle counsel" or "divine battle."

This name appeared frequently among Viking Age noblewomen and queens, suggesting women who provided strategic advice during conflicts or possessed divine favor in warfare matters.

Several Norwegian and Swedish queens bore this name, establishing it as a royal designation that conveyed authority, wisdom, and noble status throughout Scandinavian history.

Sigrid: Victory-Beautiful

"Sigrid" combines "sigr" (victory) and "fríðr" (beautiful/beloved), creating meanings of "beautiful victory" or "beloved victory."

This powerful name balanced martial achievement with aesthetic appeal, embodying the Norse ideal that women could encompass both strength and beauty without contradiction.

Historical sources mention several prominent women named Sigrid, including Sigrid the Haughty, a legendary Swedish queen who allegedly refused marriage to Olaf Tryggvason and later married Sweyn Forkbeard.

Bodil: Commanding Battle

"Bodil" derives from Old Norse "bót" (remedy/compensation) and possibly "hildr" (battle), though interpretations vary. Alternative meanings include "penance" or "compensation."

Despite uncertain etymology, Bodil appeared throughout Viking Age Scandinavia and remains popular in Denmark particularly, demonstrating enduring appeal of traditional Norse names.

Hilda: Battle

"Hilda" comes directly from "hildr," the Old Norse word for "battle." This straightforward martial name made no concessions to softened feminine conventions—it declared battle association directly.

Numerous Norse names incorporated "hildr" as an element, but Hilda used it standalone, creating a name that emphasized martial associations without modification or combination with gentler elements.

The name spread beyond Scandinavia during medieval period, becoming popular throughout Germanic-speaking regions and eventually entering English naming traditions.

Revna: Raven

"Revna" derives from "hrafn," the Old Norse word for "raven." These intelligent birds held special significance in Norse culture as Odin's messengers and symbols of wisdom, warfare, and prophecy.

Ravens appeared on Viking banners and held associations with battlefields where they fed on fallen warriors. A woman named Revna carried connections to Odin, wisdom, and the supernatural realm.

This name exemplifies how Vikings used animal symbolism in female names just as they did for males, connecting women to admired creatures' qualities and spiritual significance.

Liv: Life

"Liv" comes from "hlíf," meaning "protection" or "shelter," though it's often associated with "líf" (life) in modern interpretations.

This simple, powerful name suggested life-giving qualities, protection, and essential vitality. Its brevity made it memorable while carrying profound meaning.

Liv remains extremely popular throughout Scandinavia today and has gained international recognition, demonstrating how short, meaningful Viking names translate well across cultures and time periods.

Thora: Thor's Woman

"Thora" represents the feminine form of Thor, combining "Þórr" (Thor) with feminine ending, essentially meaning "Thor's woman" or "devoted to Thor."

This divine connection associated women with Thor's attributes: strength, protection, storms, and martial prowess. Thor's immense popularity in Viking Age society made names referencing him extremely common.

Thora appeared frequently in Norse sagas and historical records, indicating widespread use across social classes throughout Scandinavia during the Viking Age.

Shield-Maiden Names: Female Warriors

Historical and archaeological evidence confirms that some Norse women fought as warriors, though the frequency remains debated among scholars. These shield-maiden names reflected martial roles:

Hervor: Army Aware

"Hervor" combines "herr" (army) and "vor" (aware/careful), meaning "army-aware" or "conscious of warfare."

Legendary sagas describe Hervor as princess who rejected traditional feminine roles, dressed as male warrior, retrieved her father's cursed sword from his grave mound, and lived as Viking raider.

Whether historical or legendary, her name represents women who chose martial paths during Viking Age, challenging conventional gender expectations through direct participation in warfare.

Gunnhild: Battle Fight

"Gunnhild" combines "gunnr" (war/battle) and "hildr" (battle), creating an emphatically martial name meaning "battle-battle" or "warrior."

Several prominent women bore this name, including Gunnhild Mother of Kings, a powerful Norwegian queen described as practicing sorcery and wielding significant political influence through her sons' kingships.

The intensely martial name suggested women who engaged directly or indirectly with warfare, strategy, and political violence that characterized Viking Age power dynamics.

Brynhild: Armored Battle

As mentioned earlier, "Brynhild" explicitly referenced armor and battle, making it among the most obviously martial female Viking names.

Women bearing this name carried associations with valkyries, supernatural warrior women, and the legendary shield-maidens who appeared throughout Norse literature.

Svanhild: Swan Battle

"Svanhild" combines "svan" (swan) and "hildr" (battle), creating a name that balanced graceful beauty with martial associations.

Swans held significance in Norse mythology as creatures of both elegance and surprising ferocity when defending territory. This duality made swan-names appropriate for women embodying both beauty and battle-readiness.

Noble and Royal Female Viking Names

Thyra: Thor's Devoted

As mentioned earlier, "Thyra" connected women to Thor's divine power, making it particularly suitable for queens and noblewomen.

Gyda: God's Beautiful

"Gyda" combines "guð" (god) and possibly "fríðr" (beautiful), though etymology remains somewhat uncertain. The name appeared among Norwegian nobility.

King Harald Fairhair allegedly pursued Gyda, daughter of King Eirik of Hordaland, whose rejection motivated him to unify Norway to prove himself worthy—whether historical fact or legendary embellishment, the story demonstrates high-status women's names appearing in founding national narratives.

Æsa: God/Divinity

"Æsa" derives from "áss" (god/divinity), creating a name emphasizing divine connection and possibly priestly or religious roles.

This short, powerful name appeared among noble families, suggesting women who held religious authority or special connection to divine forces.

Wise Women and Seeress Names

Yrsa: She-Bear

"Yrsa" derives from roots related to "ursa" (she-bear), connecting women to bear symbolism representing strength, maternal protection, and ferocity.

Legendary accounts describe Queen Yrsa of Sweden as central figure in complicated family sagas involving incest, warfare, and political intrigue among Scandinavian royal families.

Groa: To Grow

"Groa" comes from the verb "gróa" (to grow/to heal), suggesting healing abilities, growth, and vital life force.

Norse mythology includes a seeress named Groa who practiced healing magic, making this name appropriate for women holding medical knowledge or supernatural abilities.

Thorbjorg: Thor's Protection

"Thorbjorg" combines "Þórr" (Thor) and "borg" (protection/fortress), meaning "Thor's protection" or "protected by Thor."

This name appeared in accounts of Viking Age seeresses, including Thorbjorg Little-Völva described in Erik the Red's Saga as traveling practitioner who performed prophetic rituals in Greenland.

Modern Usage of Female Viking Names

Female Viking names have experienced remarkable popularity resurgence in recent decades, driven by renewed interest in Norse culture through popular media.

Names like Astrid, Freya (Freyja), Ingrid, Liv, and Thora regularly appear on baby name lists throughout Scandinavia and increasingly in English-speaking countries. These names offer parents meaningful options connecting children to historical roots while sounding distinctive in modern contexts.

Gaming communities extensively use female Viking names for character creation in Norse-themed games. The popularity of titles like "Assassin's Creed Valhalla," "God of War," and "Valheim" inspires players to research authentic Norse names for their shield-maidens and warrior women.

Fantasy and historical fiction authors frequently draw from authentic female Viking names when developing characters set in Norse-inspired worlds or Viking Age historical settings. Understanding real naming conventions adds depth and authenticity to fictional characters.

Online identities and usernames often incorporate Viking-inspired names as memorable handles that communicate interest in Norse culture, history, and mythology while standing out from generic modern names.

How Female Viking Names Reflected Women's Roles

Female Viking names reveal surprising complexity in Norse gender roles compared to many other medieval European cultures.

The patronymic "-dottir" suffix that women retained throughout life demonstrated that Norse women maintained permanent family identity independent of marriage. This naming practice reflected legal rights allowing women to own property, initiate divorce, and maintain economic independence.

The frequency of martial elements in female names—particularly "hildr" (battle), "gunnr" (war), and weapon references—suggests that warrior women, while possibly exceptional, existed within cultural understanding as legitimate possibility rather than complete impossibility.

Divine name elements appeared perhaps even more frequently in female than male names, connecting women to supernatural power, prophetic abilities, and religious authority that Norse society acknowledged women could possess.

Beauty and aesthetic elements appeared in female names but typically combined with strength, victory, or divine power rather than standing alone. Names like Sigrid (victory-beautiful) or Astrid (divine beauty/strength) balanced multiple valued qualities rather than reducing women to appearance alone.

Generate Your Female Viking Name

These authentic female Viking names demonstrate the power, beauty, and complexity that Norse naming traditions carried for women during the Viking Age. From shield-maidens to queens, from seeresses to settlers, Norse women bore names reflecting their diverse roles and valued qualities.

Whether you're seeking a name for gaming characters, creative writing, personal interest, or exploring your Scandinavian heritage, understanding authentic female Viking names provides meaningful connection to Norse culture and history.

Our Viking Name Generator creates historically accurate female Viking names following the same patterns used by Lagertha, Freydis, Gudrun, and other remarkable Norse women. Generate your authentic female Viking name and discover the shield-maiden, queen, or seeress you would have been during the Viking Age.

25+ Female Viking Names Quick Reference

Strength and Battle:

• Lagertha (defender)
• Hervor (army-aware)
• Gunnhild (battle-warrior)
• Brynhild (armored battle)
• Hilda (battle)

Divine Connections:

• Astrid (divine beauty/strength)
• Thyra (Thor's devoted)
• Freydis (Freyja's woman)
• Thora (Thor's woman)
• Æsa (divinity)

Beauty and Victory:

• Sigrid (victory-beautiful)
• Ingrid (beautiful goddess)
• Ragnhild (battle counsel)
• Solveig (sun strength)
• Gyda (god's beautiful)

Nature and Animals:

• Revna (raven)
• Yrsa (she-bear)
• Svanhild (swan battle)
• Liv (life/protection)

Wisdom and Mystery:

• Gudrun (god's secret)
• Groa (to grow/heal)
• Thorbjorg (Thor's protection)
• Sigrun (victory rune)

Historical Figures:

• Aud the Deep-Minded (wisdom)
• Freydis Eiriksdottir (explorer)
• Lagertha (shield-maiden)
• Gudrun Osvifsdottir (saga heroine)

Each name carries centuries of meaning, connecting modern users to the powerful traditions of Norse women who shaped Viking Age history and legend.