100 Popular Danish Boy Names: with Meanings

Naming your son is a massive milestone. If you are drawn to Scandinavian culture, Denmark offers some of the coolest options around. From fierce Viking monikers to sweet, modern choices, Danish boy names are packed with history and style.

We have rounded up the top picks to help you find the perfect match for your little one. You will discover names that are powerful, inspiring, and rich in meaning. See which ancient names still top the popularity charts and find the one that fits your family best.

100 Popular Danish Boy Names

Dive into this mix of traditional gems and modern favorites to find the perfect fit.

1. Aksel – An old Danish male name meaning “father of peace.”
2. Alfred – A brilliant choice with English roots meaning “wise counselor.”
3. Anders – This Scandinavian form of Andrew means “strong and manly.”
4. Anker – A stylish pick meaning “stability” or “harvester” in Scandinavian and English.
5. Anton – The German version of Anthony, meaning “worthy” or “priceless.”
6. Aren – Means “eagle” in German and “mountain of strength” in Irish.
7. Arthur – Carries the strong yet cuddly Celtic meaning of “bear.”
8. Asger – Meaning “spear of God,” Asger is a traditional Danish form of Oscar.
9. Asmund – A powerful Scandinavian name meaning “God is protector.”
10. August – Meaning “great” or “magnificent,” this German boy name is a timeless classic.
11. Baldur – Meaning “prince,” this Norse mythological god of the sun was Odin’s son.
12. Bendt – The Danish diminutive of Benedict, meaning “blessed.”
13. Birger – Has a heroic appeal with its Scandinavian meaning of “rescue” or “save.”
14. Birk – A nature-inspired name meaning “birch tree,” often associated with the French meaning “from the fortress.”
15. Bjarke – Meaning “bear,” this Danish male name is strong yet heartwarming.
16. Bo – A simple, punchy Danish boy name with Norse roots meaning “to live.”
17. Casper – A playful Scandinavian option meaning “bringer of treasure.”
18. Christer – A religious pick among Danish boy names meaning “Christian.”
19. Dag – A dazzling, short Scandinavian name meaning “daylight.”
20. Edvard – This Scandinavian diminutive of Edward means “wealthy guard.”
21. Edvin – The exotic Scandinavian name for Edwin, meaning “rich friend.”
22. Einar – A courageous Old Norse name meaning “bold warrior.”
23. Emil – A noble Latin boy’s name meaning “industrious.”
24. Erling – A strong Danish boy name with Norwegian origins meaning “the chief’s descendant.”
25. Felix – Offers a cheerful outlook with its meaning of “happy” or “lucky.”
26. Folke – Offers a comforting feel with its Scandinavian meaning: “people’s guardian.”
27. Franz – A punchy German version of Francis meaning “free man.”
28. Frederik – Meaning “peaceful ruler,” this name symbolizes fairness and leadership.
29. Frode – A pleasant Norse choice meaning “wise.”
30. Georg – The unique Danish spelling for George, meaning “farmer.”
31. Gregers – A beautiful Danish boy name meaning “awake” or “watchful.”
32. Gunnar – A cool Scandinavian name meaning “bold warrior.”
33. Hagen – Displays a sentimental side with the Scandinavian meaning of “highest son.”
34. Halfdan – A Danish boy name embracing heritage with the meaning “half Dane.”
35. Hans – A common Danish version of John, meaning “God is gracious.”
36. Harald – Reflects a leader with the Scandinavian meaning “army” or “ruler.”
37. Helge – A Scandinavian spiritual option meaning “holy.”
38. Hemming – A stunning Scandinavian variant of Henry meaning “home-ruler” or “shape changer.”
39. Heremod – A royal Danish male name meaning “historic King of Denmark.”
40. Holger – Has a rugged look and sound with its Nordic meaning “island spear.”
41. Hugo – Has German, Spanish, and Portuguese roots with the stimulating meaning of “intellect.”
42. Jens – The Scandinavian version of Johan with the spiritual meaning “God is gracious.”
43. Jesper – A gem of a Danish male name meaning “treasurer.”
44. Jorgen – Meaning “farmer,” this Scandinavian diminutive of George has country appeal.
45. Jory – A Cornish name for George or Jordan, meaning “farmer” or “flowing down.”
46. Kaj – A grounding Danish boy name meaning “earth.”
47. Kåre – An adorable name meaning “curly-haired” in Scandinavian.
48. Karl – A hopeful Danish boy name with Nordic origins meaning “free man.”
49. Keld – A Swedish name meaning “cauldron,” perfect for an autumn baby.
50. Knud – Meaning “knot,” this Danish name for boys is truly masculine.
51. Kresten – A gorgeous Danish take on the name Christian, meaning “follower of Christ.”
52. Lars – A classic Danish male name meaning “crowned with laurel” or “triumphant.”
53. Lauge – Meaning “fellow” or “partner,” this name represents companionship.
54. Leif – Meaning “descendent” or “heir,” this Scandinavian name symbolizes pride.
55. Liam – The Irish diminutive of William and a hot Danish male name meaning “resolute protection.”
56. Lucas – This popular Latin name means “bringer of light.”
57. Madsen – Or Mads, this is the Danish take on Matthew, meaning “gift of God.”
58. Malthe – A classic Danish boy name meaning “rule” or “power.”
59. Mikkel – The Danish diminutive of Michael with the spiritual meaning “he who is like God.”
60. Milas – A trendy Danish name for boys, potentially meaning “soldier” or “graceful.”
61. Morten – A popular Danish name meaning “town near the moor.”
62. Niels – The Danish version of Nigel, meaning “champion.”
63. Noah – This trendy Hebrew boy name means “rest” or “repose.”
64. Nohr – An authentic Danish name for boys meaning “north.”
65. Odin – Has the artsy Norse mythological meaning “god of frenzy” or “poetic rage.”
66. Ole – A Norwegian and Danish boy name meaning “ancestor’s descendant.”
67. Oliver – Meaning “olive tree” in Latin, Oliver reigns as a popular choice for boys.
68. Orn – Meaning “eagle,” Orn symbolizes bravery.
69. Oscar – A frequently used English and Irish masculine name meaning “God spear” or “champion warrior.”
70. Otto – A German option symbolizing prosperity with its “wealthy” definition.
71. Palle – The Danish variant of Paul meaning “small” or “petite.”
72. Pelle – A strong Nordic variant of Peter meaning “rock.”
73. Per – A shortened Scandinavian version of Peter meaning “rock” or “stone.”
74. Peter – A top-ranking Danish boy name meaning “stone” or “rock.”
75. Rasmus – A sweet Dutch and Finnish variant of Erasmus meaning “beloved.”
76. Roar – A powerful Norse name meaning “fighter of heaven” or “praise.”
77. Rolf – Of German origin, with the brute meaning “famous wolf.”
78. Rune – Has a mysterious feel with its Norse meaning of “secret.”
79. Salomon – Meaning “peace,” this Norwegian male name reflects tranquility.
80. Saxo – A medieval Old Norse name meaning “Saxon” or “dagger.”
81. Soren – A no-nonsense option among Danish boy names meaning “stern.”
82. Stefan – An adorable German name for “crown.”
83. Sten – A charming Scandinavian variant of Peter meaning “stone.”
84. Storm – Has been lighting up baby name charts with its edgy style, meaning “tempest” in British English.
85. Sune – A beautiful Danish form of Sonny meaning “son.”
86. Svante – A traditional Scandinavian name meaning “holy people.”
87. Sven – Has the pleasant Scandinavian meaning of “youthful.”
88. Thor – A notable Norse god representing “thunder, strength, and rain.”
89. Tore – A striking Danish variant of Thor, meaning “thunder” or “savior.”
90. Torsten – Meaning “Thor’s stone,” this Swedish choice symbolizes power.
91. Troels – A rugged Danish male name representing “Thor’s arrow.”
92. Trygve – An honorable Scandinavian name meaning “trustworthy.”
93. Ulf – Has a boyish charm with its Scandinavian meaning of “wolf.”
94. Ulrik – A stunning Scandinavian name meaning “rich and noble heritage.”
95. Valdemar – Offers a mighty feeling with its Nordic meaning “ruler of the world.”
96. Vidar – A mythological name meaning “quiet god.”
97. Viggo – A powerful Scandinavian name meaning “war.”
98. Villads – Meaning “desiring battle,” this Danish male name has grit and confidence.
99. Villum – A gorgeous Danish boy name for William, meaning “resolute protection.”
100. William – A popular and strong name with German roots meaning “resolute protection.”

FAQs

What Are Popular Boy Names in Denmark?

According to official baby name reports, Denmark has some stunning and culturally inspired Danish boy names that remain popular year after year. Many are common names from neighboring countries or variants of internationally known favorites.

Here are a few of the top most popular boy names in Denmark in recent years:

• Anders: “Strong and manly.”
• Jens: “God is gracious.”
• Jorgen: “Farmer.”
• Lars: “Crowned with laurel” or “triumphant.”
• Mads: “Gift of God.”
• Michael: “He who is like God.”
• Niels: “Champion.”
• Peter: “Stone” or “rock.”
• Soren: “Stern.”

Does Denmark Have Strict Naming Laws?

Yes, Denmark has very specific naming laws known as the Law on Personal Names. Parents must choose a name from a pre-approved government list of roughly 7,000 names. If you want to use a unique name that is not on the list, you must apply for special permission and have it reviewed by the Family Court to ensure it doesn’t negatively affect the child.

What Is a Traditional Danish Last Name?

Historically, Denmark used a patronymic naming system where the last name was based on the father’s first name followed by “-sen” (son). For example, if a man named Hans had a son, the son’s last name would be Hansen. This is why names like Jensen, Nielsen, and Hansen are so common today, though the strict patronymic system is no longer used for new babies in the same way.