Looking for a Scandi-inspired name for your new baby girl? Here are the most popular baby girl names in Norway right now, updated with the latest statistics from 2024. We also share detailed explanations of what each name means.
Naming a child is an incredibly personal decision. For some, the right name comes naturally, while for others, the process takes time and consideration—and rightly so! After all, a name is for life.
Judging by the number of people seeking out our article on popular Norwegian baby names, plenty of parents are searching for meaningful, unique, and culturally significant names. If you're among them, this article is for you.
Baby girl name inspiration from Norway
Norway is an increasingly popular source of inspiration for baby names, and it’s easy to see why. From Norse mythology to breathtaking landscapes, Norwegian culture offers timeless, nature-inspired, and historic names.
Norwegian women have also held many prominent positions in politics, sports, and the arts, making their names an inspiration.
Figures such as Erna Solberg (former Prime Minister), Ada Hegerberg (football star), Liv Ullmann (iconic actress), and singers Aurora and Sigrid have put Norwegian names on the world stage.
But what names are the most popular in Norway right now? Let's take a closer look at the latest data from 2024.
Top 10 Norwegian baby girl names in 2022
Every year, Statistics Norway (SSB) releases data on the most popular names in Norway. Personally, I always find this a fascinating read.
The 2024 rankings highlight a mix of classic, vintage, and nature-inspired names. The following top 10 names were the most popular among newborn girls in Norway in 2024. The number of babies given each name is listed in parentheses.
- 1. Nora (385)
- 2. Emma (379)
- 3. Olivia (342)
- 4. Sofie (329)
- 5. Ella (324)
- 6=. Maja (307)
- 6=. Sofia (307)
- 8. Leah (303)
- 9. Selma (291)
- 10. Ellinor (280)
What’s Trending?
Nora remains the most popular name, climbing back to first place after ranking sixth in 2023. This name has been in the top 10 annually since the early 2000s.
Selma and Ellinor make their first-ever appearance in the top 10, reflecting a growing trend of reviving vintage names.
Emma continues to hold second place, marking five consecutive years in the top three.
Ingrid returns to the top 10, another example of traditional Scandinavian names regaining popularity.
The Story Behind the Most Popular Names
Many of these names have deep cultural and historical significance in Norway:
Nora: A shortened form of Eleonore, famously associated with Henrik Ibsen’s play A Doll’s House. Its popularity surged thanks to the TV series Skam and remains strong.
In a previous year’s report, SSB researcher Jørgen Ouren explained: “Nora was rarely used between 1940 and 1980, but then became popular alongside other short names for girls that end with an a.”
Emma: A classic European name that has consistently been a top name in Norway and beyond.
Sofie: A name of Greek origin meaning wisdom, commonly used in Norway and Denmark.
Selma & Ellinor: Both names have made a remarkable comeback, following a 100-year name cycle, where names regain popularity after falling out of use for a century.
Regional popularity across Norway
One of the most fascinating insights from the Statistics Norway report is how name popularity varies by region. While Nora is the most popular names nationally, it doesn’t top the list everywhere.
Nora and its spelling variants topped the charts in five of Norway's counties: Troms, Trøndelag, Agder, Telemark, and Buskerud.
Topping the regional charts were Emilie in Møre og Romsdal, Leah in Østfold, Sofie in Rogaland, Olivia in Vesfold, and Ella in Innlandet and Finnmark. Emma was the most popular name in four counties: Oslo, Akershus, Vestland, and Nordland.
Popular baby girl names in Norway A-L
Ada. The name Ada, with its concise elegance and historical resonance, has seen a resurgence in Norway, possibly influenced by the fame of Ada Hegerberg, the celebrated Norwegian footballer. Its origins are Germanic, derived from names beginning with the element “adal,” meaning “noble.” The name's simplicity and its association with a successful athlete have likely contributed to its growing appeal among Norwegian parents.
Agnes. Agnes is a name with deep historical roots, tracing back to the Greek word “hagnē,” meaning “pure” or “holy.” Its popularity in Norway can be linked to its rich heritage, including Agnes Håkonsdatter, a notable figure in Norwegian history as the daughter of King Haakon V. Her involvement in royal succession claims has kept the name alive in the annals of history and in the minds of those seeking a name with regal and historical significance.
Alma. With its Latin origin meaning “nourishing” or “kind,” Alma carries a gentle yet profound resonance. In the Scandinavian context, it evokes a sense of warmth and nurturing, qualities highly valued in Nordic cultures. But the name also suggests “soul” in modern Spanish, adding a layer of spirituality to the name choice. In Norway, Alma has seen a resurgence in use during the 2020s.
Amalie. A variant of Amelia, this name has a Germanic origin meaning “work” and so conveys a sense of industriousness and productivity. In Norway, Amalie is appreciated for its classic sound and the way it bridges traditional charm with a modern sensibility. Its popularity may also be influenced by its royal connections, as names with similar sounds are found among European nobility.
Astrid. A name with roots in Old Norse as Ástríðr, meaning “divinely beautiful,” Astrid has been a staple name in Norway since medieval times. Its noble bearing is underscored by its use in Scandinavian royal families, including Princess Astrid of Sweden and Norway. The name's regal associations and timeless beauty continue to make it a popular choice for Norwegian parents.
Aurora. The name Aurora, with its poetic, celestial connotations, is beloved around the world. In Latin, it means “dawn,” and it was the name of the Roman goddess of the morning. Its association with the natural wonder of the aurora borealis, particularly relevant in the Norwegian context, adds to the name's allure. Norwegian singer Aurora Aksnes, known as Aurora, has brought a modern celebrity touch to this historic name.
Ella. One of Norway's most popular baby girl names in recent years, Ella is a name that exudes a vintage charm. Often a diminutive of Eleanor and other “el” names, it also stands on its own with a meaning that can be traced to “light” or “beautiful fairy.” The name has been popularised by figures such as Ella Marie Hætta Isaksen, the Norwegian Sami musician and founder of ISÁK, adding a new layer to its appeal.
Emilie. The German and Scandinavian variant of Emily has Latin origins, meaning “rival” or “eager.” The name has been borne by notable figures such as Danish actress Emilie Ullerup and Norwegian actress and host Emilie Skolmen, lending it a touch of contemporary glamour while maintaining a classic European elegance.
Emma. Popular in Norway, Emma is also one of the most popular baby names in the world today. It is of Germanic origin. Well-known Norwegians with the name include model and YouTuber Emma Ellingsen, singer Emma Steinbakken and actress Emma Bones.
Frida. Although Frida gives the impression of ancient roots, I was surprised to discover that its Scandinavian usage only dates back to the 19th century. The name, meaning “peace,” has been popularised by figures like Norwegian jazz singer Frida Ånnevik, adding a modern cultural dimension to the name.
Iben: One of the lesser-known names on this list from an international perspective, Iben is nevertheless one of the top ten choices for Norwegian parents of newborn girls. A name of Danish and Norwegian origin, Iben is derived from the Old Norse word “ýr,” which means “yew tree,” symbolising resilience and longevity.
Ingrid. A popular Nordic name that is a continuation of the Old Norse name Ingiríðr. Well-known uses of the name include Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway and Norwegian actress Ingrid Bolsø Berdal. Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman was arguably one of the most famous Scandinavians in her time.
Leah. With its origins in Hebrew, meaning “weary” or “delicate,” Leah is a name that enjoys global recognition. In Norway, it carries a regal connotation, notably with Leah Isadora Behn, the second daughter of Princess Märtha Louise.
Linnea. Created in honour of the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus, Linnea, meaning “twinflower,” has been a cherished name in Scandinavia, particularly among those born in the 1990s. Its association with popular culture figures like blogger Linnéa Solli Myhre and singer Linnea Dale keeps the name current, despite a general decline in its use for newborn children.
Popular baby girl names in Norway M-Z
Maja. A diminutive of Maria, Maja is popular in Germany and Scandinavia. In other countries, the name is spelled Maya or Maia. While it was a common name in Denmark and Sweden at various points over the last 100 years, the name's popularity in Norway is more recent.
Nora. A name of Latin origin meaning “honor,” Nora (and its spelling variants Norah and Noora) has a timeless appeal. It gained prominence through Henrik Ibsen's play “A Doll's House,” featuring the strong-willed protagonist Nora Helmer. In Norway, the name enjoys popularity, embodying a blend of classic charm and modern simplicity.
Olivia. Derived from Latin oliva (olive), Olivia was popularised by William Shakespeare but surged back into popularity in English speaking countries in the 1990s. This no doubt has contributed to the name's popularity in Scandinavia in more recent years. Swedish ice hockey player Olivia Carlsson was born in 1995.
Sara. The name Sara, a variant of Sarah, is a Hebrew name meaning “princess” or “noblewoman” and is widely favored across northern Europe for its classic and elegant simplicity. In Norway, notable personalities like model Sara Skjoldnes and beauty YouTuber Sara Marie Lawler have kept the name in the public eye.
Selma. Despite its association with the mythical sea serpent in Norwegian folklore, the name Selma, which may have origins meaning “divine protector,” has maintained a certain charm and is surprisingly popular in Norway. Its legendary connection, celebrated on the Seljord coat of arms since 1989, adds a mystical allure to this choice of name.
Sigrid. Originating from the Old Norse Sigríðr, meaning “victory” and “beautiful,” Sigrid is a name that has stood the test of time in the Nordic countries. Norwegian singer Sigrid Solbakk Raabe, known mononymously as Sigrid, has brought a fresh and modern appeal to this historic name thanks to her successful international music career.
Siri. A Scandinavian name with roots in the Old Norse and related to the name Sigrid, Siri is a name that is full of traditional charm while embracing a contemporary, tech-savvy identity. The reason? In modern times, Siri has gained international recognition due to its association with Apple's virtual assistant, which has made the name synonymous with knowledge and helpfulness.
Sofia. The name Sofia, a variation of Sophia meaning “wisdom,” is a common choice throughout the Nordic region, known for its regal and classic connotations. Swedish actress Sofia Helin, portraying Norwegian Crown Princess Märtha in “Atlantic Crossing,” has given the name a contemporary touch.
Sofie. As a variant of Sofia, Sofie has been present in Norway since the 17th century but has seen a significant rise in popularity over the last two decades. Its adoption by public figures such as singer Sofie Fjellvang and handball player Sofie Ege Grønlund has helped to modernise the name while preserving its traditional appeal.
Solveig. Meaning “strong house” or “daughter of the sun,” Solveig has deep roots in Norse culture and is unsurprisingly prevalent in Scandinavia. It gained literary fame through Henrik Ibsen's “Peer Gynt,” and its cultural significance is reinforced by figures like Norwegian soprano Solveig Kringlebotn, who has brought the name to global audiences through her classical music performances.
Tiril. A name that may have origins in Old Norse albeit with an uncertain meaning, Tiril has recently climbed the ranks of popularity in Norway. Its rise can be partly attributed to the visibility of Norwegian athletes like handball player Tiril Merg and winter sports stars Tiril Sjåstad Christiansen, Tiril Eckhoff, and Tiril Udnes Weng.
Final Thoughts
Of course, looking at popular names for newborns shows only one side of the story of Norwegian girl names. We must also consider names in widespread use among adults, many of which have fallen out of favour when it comes to naming children.
If you’re looking for a beautiful, meaningful name for your baby girl, Norway offers a wealth of inspiration. Whether you prefer a timeless classic like Emma, a nature-inspired name like Ingrid, or a revived vintage name like Selma, there’s a Norwegian name to suit every taste.
Of course, this isn't intended to be an exhaustive list of all names in use in Norway. That would be impossible. But hopefully you've found the inspiration you were looking for. For more, check out our list of popular Norweigan baby boy bames.
What's your favourite Norwegian name for a baby girl? Feel free to share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below.
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I’m curious which version is more common in Norway, Elsa or Ilsa? I’m of Norwegian ancestry but born in the US in the 1960’s and was given Elsa, but I’ve encountered more Norwegian women with Ilsa.