Norwegian Names – Common Male / Female / Last Names in Norway

Norway is the Scandinavian country perhaps most associated with Nordic names and traditions. Most Norwegian names have sturdy roots in the Old Norse language and oral tradition. 

In this article we will provide information, facts and lists about common Norwegian names, male names, female names and last names. Keep on reading. 

Common Norwegian Names

While Norwegian culture and history have influenced nearly all of the Scandinavian nations, Norway seems to have succumbed to a substantial external influence when it comes to names.

The most popular names in Norway tend to be those that recently exited the limelight in Sweden. Consequently, many traditional Norwegian names are less likely to be found topping a popular list. 

Instead of meeting Dómhildr, you’re more likely to meet Anne. Rather than running into a Reiðunn, you’re more likely to see a Sara. Generally, Old Norse names are becoming rare in Norway.

The most common names in Norway include:

• Jan
• Tomas
• Anne
• Camilla
• Sara

If you were expecting to see names like Odin, Thor, or Freyja, you might continue to be surprised as you learn about the current state of Norwegian names. They may not be as “traditionally Norwegian” as you expect. See the full list of common Norwegian names below.

Read more: Norwegian Baby Names / Nordic Names

Old Norwegian Names

Old Norse names have unique spellings and somewhat mysterious origins. That’s because much of what we understand about Norse runes, mythology, and culture comes to us from sporadic archaeological evidence and writings. 

Still, anthropologists, historians, and linguists have studied the Elder Futhark and Younger Futhark (two runic alphabets used by ancient Norse peoples) to better translate the carved runes found across multiple archaeological sites.

Some examples of Old Norse names include:

• Ábiǫrn
• Dómhildr
• Jarþrúður
• Ófriðr
• Sigbiǫrn

Over time, the spelling and alphabet used to write and express Old Norse names became more Latinized and anglicized. As such, much of the stylization found in early Norse writings and expressions is lost to time. Only Iceland continues remnants of the previous Old Norse stylistic tradition.

Norwegian Last Names

As you might imagine, the patronymic naming system was also standard in Norway until the 1800s. The most common last names in Norway all end with the “sen” suffix, a denotation previously used to show paternal lineage.

The most common last names in Norway include:

• Hansen
• Johansen
• Olsen
• Larsen
• Andersen

If you’ve been reading about last names in other countries and have a good eye for detail, you’ve likely noticed that Hansen (Hanson) and Andersen (Andersson, Anderson) are popular last names throughout Scandinavia. 

Most Common Last Names in Norway

Below you’ll find a list of the most common Norwegian last names and the number of people who hold that name today (2020):

100 Norwegian Female Names

Below is a list of the most common Norwegian female names and the number of women who hold that name today (2020):

100 Norwegian Male Names

Below is a list of the most common Norwegian male names and the number of men who hold that name today (2020):

Read more: Norwegian Baby Names / Nordic Names

Summary of Norwegian Names

Norwegian names have been heavily influenced by western countries over the last few decades. Hansen is the most common last name and Jan and Anne are the most common first names in Norway.