Dogs were an important part of Viking society and culture, and as such, they had a number of names that reflected their status and position within the community.
Here are some of the most popular Viking dog names, along with their meanings:
Viking Male Dog Names
The Viking Tongue is perfectly suited to rugged, outdoorsy names that would suit a hunting or working boy dog wonderfully. From the great warriors of Viking legend to everyday objects and animals, there are plenty of ideas to choose from when it comes to naming your new furry friend.
- Aesir – One of the two main groups of Norse gods, headed by Odin.
- Asgard – The heavenly realm of the Norse gods.
- Baldr – The god of beauty, innocence, and peace.
- Bear – A large and ferocious predator, often associated with strength and courage.
- Bjorn – Meaning “bear” in Scandinavian languages.
- Bragi – The god of poetry, eloquence, and song.
- Buddy – A friendly name that’s perfect for any dog, no matter what their personality is like.
- Canute – A Viking king who was renowned for his wisdom and generosity.
- Fenris – A giant wolf in Norse mythology who was feared by all.
- Freya – The goddess of love, beauty, and fertility.
- Garmr – A monstrous wolf who guarded the entrance to the underworld.
- Harald – A popular Viking name meaning “commander of an army.”
- Harrison – A Scandinavian form of Henry, meaning “son of Harry.”
- Heimdall – The god who guards the entrance to Asgard.
- Hogan – A Celtic name meaning “youthful.”
- Hugo – A Scandinavian form of Hugh, meaning “heart, mind, or spirit.”
- Hunter – The perfect name for an energetic and adventurous dog.
- Kodi – Meaning “helpful” or “friendly,” an apt name for a well-behaved dog.
- Loki – The trickster god of Norse mythology.
- Magnus – A Latinized form of the Scandinavian name “Magnar,” meaning “great.”
- Max – A short and sweet name that’s perfect for any dog.
- Odin – The chief god of the Norse pantheon.
- Orion – A constellation named after a hunter in Greek mythology.
- Ragnar – A popular Viking name meaning “judgment of the gods.”
- Red – A simple but effective name for a red-colored dog.
- Rex – Meaning “king” in Latin, a regal name for a noble dog.
- Sigurd – A dragon-slaying hero of Norse legend.
- Thor – The god of thunder, one of the most popular Viking deities.
- Tyr – The god of war and courage, an excellent name for a strong and fearless dog.
- Ulf – A Scandinavian name meaning “wolf.”
- Valdar – A Scandinavian form of Waldo, meaning “rule.”
Viking Female Dog Names
As with the male names, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to naming your girl dog. You could opt for a feminine version of a popular Viking name, or go for something that celebrates nature and the great outdoors.
- Astrid – A Scandinavian name meaning “divine beauty.”
- Brynja – A Icelandic name meaning “armor.”
- Embla – The first woman in Norse mythology, created from a tree.
- Frigg – The chief goddess of the Norse pantheon, and wife of Odin.
- Freya – The goddess of love, beauty, and fertility.
- Gunnar – A Scandinavian form of Gunnhild, meaning “battle-maid.”
- Hilda – A Scandinavian name meaning “battle-woman.”
- Ingrid – A Scandinavian name meaning “beautiful” or “beloved.”
- Iris – The goddess of the rainbow in Greek mythology.
- Jora – A Scandinavian name meaning “earth-worker.”
- Kara – A Scandinavian name meaning “pure” or “chaste.”
- Liv – A Scandinavian name meaning “life.”
- Maja – A Scandinavian name meaning “great.”
- Nora – A Scandinavian form of Honoria, meaning “woman of honor.”
- Olivia – A Latinized form of the Scandinavian name “Olaf,” meaning “ancestor’s descendant.”
- Runa – A Scandinavian name meaning “secret lore.”
- Sif – The goddess of fertility and harvest in Norse mythology.
- Signy – A Scandinavian name meaning “new victory.”
- Sigrid – A Scandinavian name meaning “victory-bringer.”
- Thora – A Scandinavian form of “Thorgerd,” meaning “Thor’s spear.”
- Toril – A Scandinavian name meaning “thunder.”
- Tove – A Scandinavian name meaning “beautiful.”
- Vala – A Norse goddess who took the form of a hawk.
- Valkyrie – The name of the female warriors who serve Odin in Norse mythology.
Badass Viking Dog Names
For the tougher, more macho dogs out there, you can’t go wrong with a badass Viking name. These names are perfect for strong and fearless dogs who are ready to take on the world.
- Bjorn – A Scandinavian name meaning “bear.”
- Brutus – A Latin name meaning “heavy” or “dull-witted.”
- Diesel – A German name meaning “dynamic.”
- Fang – Meaning “tooth” in Old Norse, an appropriate name for a dog with a big bite.
- Grendel – The name of a monstrous creature from Anglo-Saxon legend.
- Harley – An English name meaning “hare meadow.”
- Kane – An Irish name meaning “warrior.”
- Leif – A Scandinavian name meaning “heir” or “descendant.”
- Maverick – A non-conformist, an individualist, someone who does things their own way.
- Niko – A Finnish name meaning “victorious.”
- Rambo – An Americanized version of the name “Rambush,” meaning “wild rose.”
- Sven – A Scandinavian name meaning “boy.”
- Thorfinn – A Scandinavian name meaning “Thor’s fair-hair.”
- Tyson – An English name meaning “firebrand.”
7 Tips for Naming Your Viking Dog
There are a few things you should keep in mind when naming your dog, regardless of whether you choose a traditional Viking name or something else entirely. Here are a few tips to help you pick the perfect name for your furry friend:
- Make sure the name is easy to pronounce and remember. You don’t want to choose a name that is too difficult to say or spell, as this will make it hard for your dog to learn their name.
- Avoid names that sound like commands. For example, names like “Barky” or “No” could be confusing for your dog as they might think you are trying to give them a command.
- Keep the name short. Long names can be difficult for dogs to remember and respond to.
- Choose a name that you won’t mind yelling. You will likely find yourself yelling your dog’s name from time to time, so make sure it’s something you are comfortable with.
- Make sure the name doesn’t have negative connotations. Avoid names that might make your dog feel like they are in trouble, such as “Bad Dog” or “Slowpoke.”
- Consider your dog’s personality. Choose a name that suits your dog’s personality and appearance.
- Try out a few names. Say the name out loud and see how your dog reacts. If they seem uninterested or unresponsive, it might not be the right fit.
