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Danish names for boys are popular around the world, not just exclusively in the Scandinavian region and Denmark. While it’s common for certain cultures to share similar popular names, the baby names in Scandinavia tend to be quite specific to the region, which makes them ideal for parents-to-be that wish to use a baby name that pays homage to Denmark.

You don’t have to be from Denmark, or anywhere even close to there, to appreciate Danish names and their meanings. This list of Danish boy names and their meanings will help you choose the perfect name for your little one, regardless of where you are in the world.

baby with one of the more popular Danish boy names

Most Popular Danish Names for Boys

Danish names for boys are more widespread than you might think. Even if you don’t recognize any of the names on this list, chances are you know someone who does! And that’s especially the case if you live in Denmark, given that this list consists of the most popular Danish boy names from last year according to Danmarks Statistik.

That is, how familiar you are with these names depends heavily on the region in which you live. Either way, you’re certain to find something on this list that you love.

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Little Thor is very strong but gets VERY mad when Loki destroys his city of blocks. Should Little Thor use his hammer to destroy everything around him – or should he take a moment to think and talk about it?

1. Oscar

Oscar is a popular name in Scandinavia that holds a few different meanings. Oscar has been said to mean “God spear”, “deer-lover”, and “champion warrior”. It has both Irish and Norse roots, though it has absolutely made its way to popularity around the world. 

Even if you don’t know anyone named Oscar, you’ve most likely heard the name from characters on two astronomically popular shows: “Sesame Street” and “The Office”.

2. Karl

In many places around the world, Karl is a name that’s a bit more popular with older adults. However, in Denmark, it’s popular with people of all ages and continues to top the list of popular baby names in the country. 

Karl means “free man”, and has Scandinavian, English, and German roots.

3. William

William is another name that’s popular in Denmark and all around the world! You’ll often hear “Bill” and “Will” as nicknames for William. William is one of those old Danish boy names that manage to sound classic and modern all at once. 

The name William means “strong-willed warrior”, and it makes the perfect name for any new addition. William is a timeless name that will never steer you wrong!

4. Alfred

When most people hear the name Alfred, they tend to think of mystery and thriller writer and director Alfred Hitchcock. While Hitchcock is definitely one of the most famous Alfreds, the name didn’t begin with him and has incredibly old English roots. 

The name itself means “counsel”, which is taken in the context of “wise”. Parents that choose the name “Alfred” sometimes do so because it’s a family name, and they’ll often go with the nickname of “Al”.

baby with one of the more popular Danish names for boys

5. Oliver

Oliver is a Danish boy name that is popular around the world, shooting to the top of popular name lists across the globe in recent years. Oliver is said to come from Old Norse, and the name means “ancestors descendants”. 

If you take the name from a Latin or Greek perspective, it means “olive branch” or “olive tree”, and many parents like to associate that with peace. Oliver, also known as “Ollie”, is an adorable name overall. Modern yet vintage!

FYI: Oliver also made the top 10 of the most popular Swedish names for boys from last year. Take a look at our article to see which others made the list!

6. Arthur

Arthur, also sometimes pronounced and spelled in the variation “Artur”, is a name derived from ancient Rome and Celtic origins, and it means “bear-like”. Arthur has gained popularity pretty much everywhere, with many people (kids included) donning the name. 

However, it’s not as popular in other places as it is in Denmark, where parents consistently choose it for their new additions. It’s a completely classic name with an unexpected meaning.

Arthur is a great name but for something truly unique from the region, why not check out Bjartur which was one of the most popular Icelandic boy names last year!

7. Lucas

Lucas, though not a modern name by any means, continues to hold its ground year after year in name popularity contests. The name is short, sweet, and strong, and comes with the ever-popular nicknames “Luke” or “Luca”. 

In terms of meaning, Lucas means “bringer of light” in Latin, so it actually does work out wonderfully for a new baby. It’s a fantastic name with a beautiful meaning.

8. Valdemar

Valdemar is one of the more traditional Danish boy names, and it comes from High Old German. Valdemar has quite a few meanings, including “brightness”, “power” and “fame”. Not only does the name itself make a statement, but the meaning does as well! 

Parents outside of Denmark that really want to choose a bold name can’t go wrong with Valdemar, as you won’t hear it as often in other parts of the world as you do in Scandinavia.

You may want to take a look at the most popular Danish girl names from last year as well!

9. August

August is a sweet name that reminds so many people of the lazy days of summer. Unless of course, it’s winter in August where you live…then probably not so much. 

Anyway, August, which comes with the nickname “Auggie”, comes from the surname “Augustus” and it means “esteemed” or “venerable”. Or it could just be your favorite month. Either way, it’s an adorable name!

10. Noah

Noah is a name that has heavy biblical connections. As you are likely to recall Noah, an impending flood, his ark, and animals two by two. In Hebrew origin, Noah means “rest” or “repose”, and though it’s well-used all over the planet, it always makes for a classic and quiet baby name. 

There is nothing hard about the name “Noah”, and it’s a wonderful choice for any baby, both male and female. After all, there’s a reason it was the most common Norwegian boy name last year!

baby with one of the more old Danish boy names

11. Malthe

Malthe has been used as a male name in Denmark dating as far back as the 13th century, and as you can see, it’s still incredibly popular there! Malthe means “rule” or “power”, and many parents that live in Denmark, or who have strong roots in the country, choose Malthe as a representation of culture. 

This is an incredibly traditional Danish boy name, and if you want to pay homage to Denmark (and you love the name), Malte is a fantastic choice!

12. Aksel

Aksel is Hebrew in meaning, and that meaning is “Father of peace”, which is a really sweet meaning for a name, especially for peaceful, sleeping babies. Aksel, also spelled “Axel” or “Axl”, hasn’t really taken off in most parts of the world, primarily with this traditional spelling. 

Regardless, it has a fantastic correlation and a really cool rock and roll vibe to it. It’s a super choice for parents that want to remain edgy while sticking to tradition.

Why not check out the most popular Scandinavian names for girls too? And for some country-specific inspiration…

  • Does Sweden’s huge pop culture influence tickle your fancy? Why not check out the most popular Swedish names for girls from last year!
  • How about the sweeping natural beauty of Norway, with the most popular Norwegian girl names from last year?
  • The cool north of Finland evokes some stunning imagery and so too may the most popular Finnish girl names of last year.
  • What more could you want than Iceland’s incredible landscapes crossed with some mystical characters? Last year’s most popular Icelandic girl names could give you the same inspiration.

13. Emil

The name Emil may be quite popular in Denmark, and all over Scandinavia for that matter, but the name derives heavily from Latin roots, and it means “excellent”. 

Emil is the masculine equivalent of the name “Emily”, and it’s rare to find it outside of the Scandinavian region, even though it’s an amazing name!

14. Victor

While Victor isn’t as popular as it once was in the United States, it’s absolutely managed to stay incredibly popular in other parts of the world, including Scandinavia and primarily Denmark. Victor, sometimes spelled “Viktor”, is a notoriously traditional Danish boy name with medieval roots, meaning “conqueror”. 

In most places, the meaning of Victor is taken quite literally, but there are many Christians that utilize the name as a representation of Christs’ victory over sin and death. However you use it, Victor definitely represents a win.

15. Theo

Theo is the sweetest name, often short for Theodore, and meaning “gift from God” or various phrases along those lines. Theo is a short and super adorable name that has a teddy bear vibe, and it looks good on any baby. 

While popular in Denmark, you won’t hear Theo too often, as it remains a relatively uncommon baby name. Theo manages to stand out in a crowd while refusing to be over the top.

baby with one of the more common Denmark male names and surnames

16. Elias

Elias means “The Lord is my God” and it is undeniably popular across the Scandinavian region, topping baby name lists of Nordic countries down the line. Elias can be shortened to “Eli”, and while it’s traditionally used as a boy’s name, there is nothing wrong with giving it to children of other genders. 

This is a strong name with a loaded meaning, and while Elias is absolutely biblical, parents should feel free to interpret its meaning in any way they choose.

Take a look: Elias actually made the top 10 of the list of most popular Finnish male names last year! Check out our article to see which others nabbed the top spots.

17. Viggo

Viggo is a Nordic male name, and it’s not uncommon to see it spelled as “Wiggo”. While it seems to stem from the Old Norse “vig” meaning “battle” or “fight”, there are some historians that say Viggo is derived from old Germanic names, such as Ludvig. 

Regardless, if you’re into old Danish boy names and meanings, Viggo is an excellent choice. In most places on Earth, the name is entirely original, and it sticks with a common Norse theme when it comes to name meanings: warriors and battle!

18. Otto

Denmark wins the baby name lottery over and over again by utilizing “Otto” more often than the rest of the world. Otto is such an adorable name, it’s almost odd that it hasn’t yet gained the global popularity it deserves. 

Otto (most likely) comes from Old High German and means “wealth” or “prosperity” – or both! If you live outside of Denmark, Otto is a name that will not steer you wrong when it comes to originality. Plus, it’s super cute with almost any middle or last name.

19. Magnus

Magnus means “great” in Latin, and this straightforward masculine name is definitely a popular Scandinavian boy name for parents across all countries in the region. 

You won’t hear it very often anywhere else, even though it oozes originality and culture. Magnus is quite traditional in many parts of Denmark, and in most cases, is a family name handed down over generations.

20. Liam

Liam is a predominantly Irish name, thought to possibly be derived from “William”, and it means “protector”, and “strong-willed warrior”. Liam is growing in popularity worldwide but saw a spike in the early 2010s thanks to actor Liam Hemsworth of The Hunger Games fame. 

This is a strong name while remaining short and sweet, which is what parents of boys are often looking for in a name.

baby with one of the more traditional Danish boy names

21. Elliot

Though fitting for all genders, Elliot is primarily a male name and consistently tops the charts when it comes to Danish boy names. Elliot is another name with a biblical meaning, originating from Hebrew roots as “the Lord is my God”. 

Elliot has the same meaning as Elias, so if you love the meaning and it rings true for your faith, you’ve got a few choices regarding names!

22. Nohr

Nohr is incredibly popular across Denmark, and it’s not unusual to hear it in other countries in that region. Very simply, Nohr means “North”, and there are plenty of ways that families can make that meaning relevant to their own journey. 

Finding the meaning is what makes naming other people so much fun! Relatively unheard of in other parts of the world, “Nohr” is a great choice.

23. Felix

Felix has a lot of roots, but they all point to one general meaning. Though it’s debated as to where Felix comes from (Portuguese, Spanish, English, Jewish, German), it’s agreed upon that Felix means “lucky” or “fortunate”, which is a great way to start out life! 

Not only is Felix eclectic in origin and rich in definition (no pun intended), but it’s an adorable name that is genuinely original and always causes a head turn or double-take. People forget about this name until they hear it again!

24. Anton

Often used in Germany, Russia, and the Scandinavian region, Anton is thought to have come from the name of a prominent Roman family, meaning “priceless” or the Greek “anthos” which means “flower”. Of course, there are many who believe that Anton is a derivative of “Anthony”, which means “priceless one”, which would make the Roman definition spot on. 

No matter what meaning you assign to Anton, the name is relatively rare, unless you’re living in Denmark, where you’ll probably hear it quite a bit. In fact, it’s one of the most popular Danish boy names starting with A.

25. Matheo

Matheo has Spanish roots that run deep, and the name means “gift of God”. It’s not uncommon for parents that choose Matheo to use “Theo” as a nickname. While it might seem like a completely original name, Matheo is actually the Spanish form of “Matthew”, which is a very traditional name in plenty of places around the world. 

So often, we choose names from other cultures to put a spin on those that are traditional in our own. Matheo is a shining (and super cute) example of that.

baby with one of the more common Danish first names for males

26. Alexander

As the Latin variant of the Greek name “Alexandros”, Alexander means “defender of men”. Though it’s super popular in Denmark, Alexander is a name that has been commonly used in many places throughout history and today. 

Most people of all ages know somebody named Alexander. Its nicknames include “Al”, “Alex”, and “Xander”.

27. Frederik

Frederik, most frequently spelled “Frederick”, is a German-born name that has gained popularity around the world, making its stake early on in humanity as a classic. Though the name is typically associated with the older generations, Frederik is widely used in Denmark as a traditional Danish boy name, whether it be a family name or otherwise.

(This includes the Danish royal family, where the current Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark is just one in a long line of his ancestors with this name.) 

The name Frederik means “peace ruler”, and the meaning brings a little spark to what is otherwise a well-known and rather common name.

FYI: Frederik – and, subsequently, Frederiksen – are each one of the most popular Denmark male names and surnames. With the “-sen” suffix meaning “son” in Danish (and Swedish), it’s easy to see where this comes from.

28. Louie

As an alternative spelling of “Louis”, Louie means “famous warrior”. Though typically a masculine name, it’s occasionally given to females as a version of “Louise”. 

It’s possible to travel the world and find many people named Louie, but you’ll notice it’s a bit more popular in Denmark, and a couple of other Nordic countries, than it is in other places. It’s a perfect example of the way certain cultures adopt specific names and continue to use them over time.

29. Hugo

One of the more popular Danish male names and surnames, Hugo is a surname that comes from the Germanic origin, and it means “mind”. The English version of the name is “Hugh” and the Italian version is “Ugo”. 

Chances are, you’ve heard Hugo in one of its forms at some point in your life. In general, Hugo is relatively uncommon, even where it’s popular, so if you choose it, you can be sure that your child won’t grow up with dozens of other Hugos.

30. Albert

Albert has more than one origin story, with roots in German, English, Danish, French, and Hungarian cultures. It’s gained traction in recent years, particularly among royals, and the name itself means “noble”, “bright”, and “famous”. 

The name Albert, also shortened to “Al” or “Albie”, is a fantastic option for your little one, offering modern popularity with a classic twist. Also, “Albie” is such a cute nickname.

baby with one of the more old Danish names for boys

31. Anker

Anker is of German descent, and while it’s not a name you’ll likely hear in many places, Danish parents love it. The name “Anker” means “anchor” giving off a vibe of strength and certainty in not-so-certain times. 

It’s a perfect baby name, and the meaning can be interpreted in so many ways.

32. Konrad

When it comes to Konrad, the version of the name that’s spelled with a “c” is much more popular than the one with a “k”, though Konrad with a “k” reigns supreme as one of the more popular Danish names for boys. Outside the region, however, it’s given to less than 100 baby boys every year. 

Konrad means “daring counsel” or “experienced counsel”, and though it’s not the most popular name in the world, it’s a great name that switches up the norms.

33. Storm

Storm is possibly the most straightforward name on this list. Storm means “a storm”, and it’s not only a really cool name, but has plenty of meaning for many parents, regardless of how they assign that meaning. Storm is a gender-neutral name that comes from American origin. 

If you’re not too sure about giving your new baby this name, but you really love it, you should keep in mind that it works incredibly well as a middle name! Hands down, it’s one of the most popular Danish boy names starting with S.

34. Villads

A completely classic Danish or Nordic name, Villads stays true to the Old Norse theme with its meaning, which is “desiring battle”. Villads is definitely one of those old Danish boy names that remain popular in other Nordic countries too, but pretty sparse anywhere else in the world. 

If you’re a parent with Danish roots, living outside of the Scandinavian region, this name is a great option! You won’t find it on any novelty items, but it’s sure to garner some attention!

35. Johan

Johan is Hebrew in origin, meaning “God is gracious”. As far as meanings based on faith go, this one is gentle and sweet and perfectly matches the name. Parents that choose Johan often go with “Joe” or “Jo” for short. Another version of the name “Johan” is “Johannes”.