Iceland is a Nordic island nation that is one of the most sparsely populated countries in Europe. Nordic countries are part of a geographical and cultural region in Northern Europe and the North Atlantic, including Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.
Iceland is typically known for its breathtaking landscape including volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs, Icelandic countryside, and lava fields. On top of the dramatic landscape, this country is also known for its Viking history. The Icelandic language, compared to English, has interesting spellings, sounds, and inflections. Fun Fact, in Iceland there is a Naming Committee, or personal names register, which determines whether a new name is suitable for integration into the country’s language and culture for human names.
Many dog owners in the United States look to other countries or words that have a special meaning for a unique name for their new dog. If you’re also looking for a fun name, you may be interested in taking a look at traditional Icelandic names. Some of the most popular names in Iceland for dogs are Mosfellsbaer, Bjork, and Akranes.
In this article, we’ll go over the most popular dog names for girl and boy dogs, and the meaning of each of them! Keep reading to find the perfect name for your pup.
LIST OF TOP ICELANDIC DOG NAMES
Considering a name from a different language for your new four-legged friend is a good choice for anyone looking for a slight change from the typical Sparky, Buddy, or Bella. Whether you’re looking for an Icelandic last name, Viking dog name, or other types of nordic names, we’ll go over the most common names for dogs with Icelandic ties broken down by gender. Let’s get on the list!
Male Dog Names
- Mosfellsbaer
Mosfellsbaer, also known as “Green Town,” is a popular town in southwest Iceland, 12 kilometers east of the country’s capital, Reykjavík. The town has a reputation for beauty, vegetation, greenhouses, and a myth of treasure left behind by a Viking warrior poet. This name is often popular for large dogs.
- Esjan
Esjan, or “Esja,” is a flat-topped mountain that is a volcanic range, reaching the highest peak of 914 meters, or 2,999 ft. tall! This is one of the top names on our list of Icelandic dog names for its rugged background. It’s popular among Norwegian Elkhounds due to their black and white coat resembling volcanic ash.
- Hengill
Hengill is another Icelandic male name based on a large mountain range. Unlike Esja, this mountain is still an active volcano. Along the mountain range, you’ll find hot springs and fumaroles. The last eruption occurred approximately 2,000 years ago. The name means “rock flake or carving stone,” which might be a great choice for a dog with a red coat of fur or a fiery personality.
- Halfdan
This name means “Half Dane or half Norse man.” In history, Halfdan Ragnarsson was a Viking leader and a commander of the Great Heathen Army. This is the perfect name for a dog coming from a good pedigree or family as Ragnarsson was believed to be the King of Dublin and the co-ruler of Denmark.
- Puffin
Iceland is commonly considered “the puffin capital of the world” because it homes 60% of the Earth’s entire Atlantic puffin population. Puffins, which means “little brother of the north,” are small, adorable birds that can be seen all across Iceland. Puffin would be the perfect name for a small dog or even a second dog that would be a little brother to your first furry companion!
- Sog
Sog is a river in Iceland. Typically, a river symbolizes a great journey that one is about to embark on. As the river flows, so does the journey. This is a great symbol for getting a new puppy that will eventually grow into an adult canine!
- Ari
Ari is a name that means “eagle.” This would be a great name for good family dogs with a strong protective nature, such as German Shepherds or Norwegian Buhund. An interesting fact is that eagles are known for fighting and war in Old Norse skaldic poetry.
- Bragi
Bragi is the name of the ancient Norse God of poetry. He was considered to be very wise. This might be a better name for a highly intelligent and trainable dog.
- Diorik
This name means “a ruler, or he who rules.” This is a common Icelandic last name that has made its way to our list of popular names for pups!
- Dogg
Can you think of a more perfect name for your dog than “Dogg?” In Iceland, this word means “dew,” like the dew on the grass in the morning. This may be great for a dog with strong herding instincts, as they would be running through the dew collecting all of the other animals into one space!
Female Dog Names
- Bjork
Bjork is first on our list of female dog names because of its popularity. It’s common among female names, between dogs and humans. The name means “birch.” There is also an Icelandic singer named Bjork!
- Frigg
Frigg was a pivotal part of Norse mythology who believed in people’s faith. This name is popular for dogs as they accept humans and love us unconditionally.
- Freyja
Freyja is an old Norse name that has been popular for many years. In mythology, Freyja is the goddess of love and fertility. She was responsible for peace, healthy crops, and prosperity. This would be the perfect name for affectionate dogs, such as Icelandic sheepdogs or French Bulldogs.
- Tungnaá
Tungnaá is a river that runs through the southern Highlands of Iceland. Just like the boy name Sog, this is a great metaphor for the life of your puppy.
- Hai
Hai is one of the common names for female puppies referring to the Haifoss Waterfall in Iceland. Waterfalls symbolize wealth, prosperity, and good health.
- Akranes
Akranes is a coastal port town in Iceland. The town boasts one of the country’s best football teams, which might be a good choice if you’re looking for a more sporty name.
- Hábunga
If you liked the feeling and story behind the name Esjan, you’ll also enjoy the name Hábunga, which is the name of the tallest peak of the Esja mountain range. How cute would it be to have two dogs with mountain-range names?
- Bjorg
Bjorg is a name that means “rescue, salvation, protection.” This is one of the most common names for a puppy or dog that comes from a rescue shelter!
- Eir
Eir is the name of the Norse Goddess of healing. If your dog breed is prone to health problems or perhaps already has certain conditions, this would be a great name to promote positive reinforcement and manifesting.
- Sula
Sula is a name that means “the sun.” Just like Sunny is a popular girl dog name in America, Sula is just as popular in Iceland.
SUMMARY
Iceland is a Nordic country separate from mainland Europe and known for its beautiful scenery and Viking history. Icelandic places, mythical gods, and points of interest are often used to create fun and unique dog names that pay tribute to the culture of Iceland. Some of the top Icelandic dog names are Bjork, Puffin, and Mosfellsbaer which represent Icelandic nature and history. We hope you enjoyed this list of names!
Sources :