The Valkyries stand among the most captivating figures in Norse mythology—fierce warrior maidens who served Odin, choosing which warriors would fall in battle and escorting the worthy to Valhalla.
Their names echo with power, beauty, and the thunder of ancient battlefields. Whether you’re searching for a unique baby name, a character name for your fantasy novel, or simply fascinated by Norse mythology, this comprehensive guide explores over 310 Valkyrie names and their meanings.
What Are Valkyries?
Before diving into the names, let’s understand these legendary figures. Valkyries (Old Norse: valkyrja, meaning “chooser of the slain”) were female figures in Norse mythology who decided the fate of warriors in battle. They served Odin, the All-Father, and were depicted as beautiful yet formidable women who rode through the skies on winged horses, their armor gleaming in the light of the aurora borealis.
The Most Famous Valkyrie Names from Norse Mythology
Traditional Names from the Eddas
Brynhildr (Brynhild) – “Armored warrior woman” or “bright battle.” Perhaps the most famous Valkyrie, featured prominently in the Völsunga saga and the Nibelungenlied.
Gunnr – “Battle” or “war.” A powerful name that appears in multiple Norse texts.
Hildr – “Battle.” One of the most commonly mentioned Valkyries, associated with the endless battle of Hjaðningavíg.
Sigrun – “Victory rune.” A tragic romantic figure who appears in the Poetic Edda.
Sigrdrifa – “Victory blizzard” or “she who brings victory.” Sometimes identified with Brynhildr.
Göndul – “Wand-wielder” or “she-wolf.” Appears in multiple sources including the Prose Edda.
Skögul – “Shaker” or “high-towering.” Often paired with Göndul in battle selections.
Kára – “The wild, stormy one.” Known from the Kára saga.
Geirölul – “Spear-bearer.” Mentioned in the Poetic Edda’s Grímnismál.
Geirskögul – “Spear-skögul.” A combination name meaning one who wields spears with great power.
Names Meaning Battle and War
- Gunnr – Battle
- Hildr – Battle
- Herja – Devastation
- Hjörþrimul – Sword-clamor
- Guðr – Battle
- Randgríðr – Shield-destroyer
- Ráðgríðr – Counsel-destroyer
- Reginleif – Heritage of the gods
- Sanngríðr – Very violent
- Svipul – Changeable
- Hlökk – Din of battle
- Hervör – Army defender
- Hjalmþrimul – Helmet-noise
- Herfjotur – Host-fetter
- Gollrond – Battle-shield
- Geirdriful – Spear-flinger
- Geirravod – Spear-rider
- Gunnþrá – Battle-power
- Geirölul – Spear-bearer
- Geirskögul – Spear-shaker
Names Meaning Victory and Glory
- Sigrun – Victory rune
- Sigrdrifa – Victory blizzard
- Sigrún – Secret victory
- Sigrdrífa – Victory driver
- Sigrlinn – Victory serpent
- Svanhvít – Swan-white (victory-bringer)
- Þrúðr – Strength/power
- Hrist – Shaker
- Mist – Mist (obscurer of victory)
- Skeggjöld – Axe-age
- Skögul – High-towering
- Þrima – Battle
- Göndul – Wand-wielder
- Skuld – Future/debt
- Róta – Sleet and storm
- Geirskögul – Spear-skögul
- Hladguðr – Battle god
- Göll – Tumult
- Geirronul – Spear-bearer
- Þögn – Silence
Names Inspired by Nature and Elements
- Mist – Cloud/mist
- Skögul – Shaker (like wind)
- Róta – Storm
- Þrúðr – Thunder-strength
- Geiravör – Spear-guardian
- Alvit – All-wise (like the sun)
- Ölrún – Ale-rune (intoxicating)
- Svanhvít – Swan-white
- Hervör – Army protector
- Kára – Stormy one
- Skáldskaparmál – Poetry-maker
- Fjötra – Fetter
- Hlökk – Sound (din)
- Herfjötur – War-fetter
- Gunnlöð – Battle-invitation
- Þrúðgelmir – Strength-howler
- Hlín – Protector
- Eir – Mercy/help
- Sváfa – Sleep-maker
- Ráðgríð – Counsel-truce
Names Suggesting Power and Strength
- Brynhildr – Armored warrior
- Randgríð – Shield-truce
- Ráðgríð – Counsel-destroyer
- Sanngríð – True-destroyer
- Herfjötur – Army-fetter
- Hjörþrimul – Sword-thunder
- Hjalmþrimul – Helmet-clash
- Geirravod – Spear-rider
- Gollrond – Gold-shield
- Gunnþrá – War-strength
- Skeggjöld – Axe-time
- Þrima – Warrior maiden
- Geiravor – Spear-careful
- Skuld – Necessity
- Herfjotur – War-fetter
- Geirdriful – Spear-thrower
- Geirskogul – Spear-high
- Göll – Battle cry
- Hrist – Shaker (earth)
- Þrúðr – Divine strength
Additional Traditional Names
- Alvitr – All-wise
- Alaisiagae – War-like
- Ásmundr – Divine protection
- Bergþóra – Mountain-protector
- Borghildr – Battle fortress
- Dagný – New day
- Eydís – Island goddess
- Fastný – Firm new moon
- Fríða – Beautiful
- Fríðleif – Beautiful heritage
- Geirahöð – Spear-battle
- Geirleif – Spear-heritage
- Geirný – Spear-new moon
- Geirþrúðr – Spear-strength
- Gísla – Ray of sunshine
- Gríðr – Peace/truce (ironic)
- Guðfinna – God-found
- Guðlaug – God-devoted
- Guðrún – God’s secret
- Gullveig – Gold-strength
- Gunndís – Battle goddess
- Gunnhildr – Battle-battle
- Gunnlaugr – Battle-devoted
- Gunnvör – War-careful
- Gyða – Goddess
- Halldóra – Thor’s rock
- Hallveig – Rock-strength
- Herbjörg – Army-protection
- Herdís – Army goddess
- Hergerðr – Army-maker
- Hervör – Army-aware
- Hildigunn – Battle-war
- Hildirún – Battle-secret
- Hjördís – Sword goddess
- Hrafnhildr – Raven-battle
- Ingunn – Ing’s battle
- Ingibjörg – Ing’s protection
- Járngerðr – Iron-maker
- Jöfríðr – Horse-beauty
- Kjellvör – Kettle-aware
- Leifdís – Heritage goddess
- Oddný – Point-new moon
- Ólöf – Ancestor’s descendant
- Ragnheiðr – Gods’ brightness
- Ragnhildr – Gods’ battle
- Sigríðr – Victory-rider
- Sólveig – Sun-strength
- Steinunn – Stone-love
- Styrlaug – Battle-devoted
- Svala – Swallow
- Þóra – Thor’s
- Þorgerðr – Thor’s protection
- Þórhildr – Thor’s battle
- Þórunn – Thor’s love
- Þorveig – Thor’s strength
- Úlfhildr – Wolf-battle
- Unnr – Wave
- Valgerðr – Slain-chooser
- Vígdís – War goddess
- Viglög – War law
- Yngvildr – Ing-wild
- Ástríðr – Divine beauty
- Ærna – Eager warrior
- Æsa – Goddess
- Aldís – Wave goddess
- Alfhildr – Elf-battle
- Arnbjörg – Eagle protection
- Arndís – Eagle goddess
- Arnfríðr – Eagle-beauty
- Arngerðr – Eagle-maker
- Ásgautr – Divine Geat
- Ásgerðr – God-maker
- Áshildr – God-battle
- Áslaug – God-devoted
- Ásný – God-new moon
- Ásrún – God-secret
- Bjǫrg – Protection
- Bera – She-bear
- Bergdís – Mountain goddess
- Bjartmær – Bright maiden
Modern Valkyrie-Inspired Names
- Astrid – Divine strength
- Freya – Lady (goddess)
- Ingrid – Beautiful goddess
- Thyra – Thor’s battle
- Saga – Story/history
- Embla – Elm tree
- Idun – Renewed
- Nanna – Brave
- Sif – Wife (of Thor)
- Skadi – Damage/harm
- Erika – Eternal ruler
- Helga – Holy
- Gerda – Enclosure
- Idunn – Ever young
- Nerthus – Strong/vigorous
- Ran – Plunder
- Valdis – Goddess of the slain
- Vigdis – War goddess
- Bergljot – Mountain light
- Brenna – Sword
- Dagmar – Day maiden
- Eira – Mercy
- Eydis – Island goddess
- Gala – Singer
- Haldis – Stone spirit
- Hilde – Battle maiden
- Inga – Guarded by Ing
- Jorunn – Chief love
- Kelda – Spring/fountain
- Lif – Life
- Liv – Life
- Magna – Strength
- Nora – Light
- Oda – Deep wealth
- Ragna – Counsel of gods
- Runa – Secret lore
- Sassa – Divine beauty
- Signe – New victory
- Sigrid – Victory wisdom
- Solveig – House of strength
- Svea – Swedish
- Tove – Beautiful Thor
- Ulfhild – Wolf battle
- Vala – Chosen
- Valda – Battle heroine
- Valdis – Spirited in war
- Vara – Pledge
- Vika – Battle
- Ylva – She-wolf
- Brunhilde – Armored warrior
- Eydís – Lucky goddess
- Gunnhild – Battle
- Gunnvor – Cautious in war
- Hallbera – Rock-bear
- Hallveig – Rock-strong
- Hjordis – Sword goddess
- Ingunn – Beloved by Ing
- Jorun – Horse love
- Oddveig – Point-strong
- Ragnhild – Battle counselor
- Sigrunn – Secret victory
- Steinunn – Stone-love
- Thora – Thunder
- Torunn – Thor’s love
- Torvi – Thor’s field
- Ulfheidur – Wolf-honor
- Unna – To love
- Valgerd – Power guardian
- Vigdis – War goddess
- Aesa – Goddess
- Arna – Eagle
- Asne – God-new
- Brynja – Armor
- Eir – Protection
- Elva – River
- Erla – Wagtail
- Finna – From Finland
- Gudny – God-new
- Gyda – War goddess
- Hanna – Grace
Creative Valkyrie Names
- Aethelflaed – Noble beauty
- Alruna – All-knowing secret
- Aslaug – God consecrated
- Bathilde – Bold in battle
- Bergliot – Mountain light
- Brunhilda – Ready for battle
- Dagrun – Secret day
- Eadlyn – Noble waterfall
- Eirlys – Snowdrop
- Eldrid – Fire-rider
- Ermentrude – Universal strength
- Frideswide – Peace-strong
- Gertrud – Spear-strength
- Grima – Fierce warrior
- Gunnora – Battle-wise
- Hedvig – Battle refuge
- Hereswith – Army-strong
- Hildegard – Battle guardian
- Hildegund – Battle warrior
- Hrothgar – Famous spear
- Ingeborg – Ing’s protection
- Irmgard – Universal protection
- Jolgeir – Yule spear
- Kriemhild – Battle mask
- Leofrun – Beloved secret
- Mathilde – Battle might
- Rothaid – Famous warrior
- Rotraud – Famous counsel
- Sieglinde – Victory gentle
- Svanhild – Swan battle
- Theudelinda – People gentle
- Walburga – Strong protection
- Wulfhild – Wolf battle
- Alvilda – Elf battle
- Arnkatla – Eagle kettle
- Asdis – God goddess
- Asvor – God careful
- Bergthora – Mountain-Thor
- Borghild – Fort battle
- Bothild – Remedy battle
- Brynleif – Armor heritage
- Droplaug – Drop-bath
- Eydis – Island goddess
- Fastny – Firm new
- Freydis – Freyja goddess
- Gerdhild – Enclosure battle
- Grima – Mask
- Grimhild – Masked battle
- Gudrid – God-ride
- Gyrid – God-ride
- Hallgerd – Rock-protection
- Helgadis – Holy goddess
- Herborg – Army-city
- Herdis – Army goddess
- Hjorleif – Sword heritage
- Hulda – Sweet/lovable
- Ingunn – Ing beloved
- Jarngerd – Iron maker
- Jorunn – Prized love
- Kolfinna – Cool Finn
- Ljotolf – Ugly wolf
- Oddhild – Point battle
- Olof – Ancestor’s relic
- Rafarta – Amber tears
- Rannveig – House-strong
- Saeunn – Sea love
- Saldis – Sea goddess
- Sigfrid – Victory peace
- Signy – New victory
- Svana – Swan
- Thordis – Thor goddess
- Tofa – Thor peace
- Ulfeid – Wolf oath
- Valbjorg – Slain protection
- Vigdis – Battle goddess
How to Choose a Valkyrie Name
When selecting a Valkyrie name, consider these factors:
Meaning – Each name carries specific meanings related to battle, victory, strength, or natural forces. Choose one that resonates with the qualities you want to embody or express.
Pronunciation – Some Old Norse names can be challenging for modern speakers. Consider whether you want an authentic Old Norse name or a modernized version.
Cultural Context – These names carry deep cultural significance from Norse mythology. Approach them with respect for their origins.
Sound and Flow – The name should feel powerful when spoken aloud. Valkyries were known for their commanding presence.
Valkyrie Names in Popular Culture
Valkyrie names have surged in popularity thanks to modern media. From Wagner’s opera cycle “Der Ring des Nibelungen” featuring Brünnhilde to Marvel’s Valkyrie in the Thor films, these warrior maidens continue to captivate audiences. Video games like “God of War” and “Assassin’s Creed Valhalla” have introduced Norse mythology to new generations, sparking renewed interest in these powerful names.
The Symbolism Behind Valkyrie Names
Valkyrie names often incorporate specific elements that reveal their bearers’ roles:
Battle terminology – Words like “gunnr” (battle), “hildr” (battle), and “víg” (war) appear frequently.
Weapons – References to spears (“geirr”), swords (“hjörr”), and shields (“rand”) emphasize their martial nature.
Natural forces – Storm, mist, and thunder imagery reflects their supernatural power.
Fate and destiny – Names like Skuld (“future” or “debt”) connect them to the threads of fate.
Conclusion
Valkyrie names represent far more than simple labels—they embody courage, strength, determination, and the complex relationship between fate and free will in Norse mythology. Whether you’re drawn to the fierce traditional names like Gunnr and Hildr, prefer the more melodic Sigrun and Sváfa, or appreciate modernized versions like Astrid and Freya, these names carry the legacy of mythology’s most formidable warrior maidens.
