Norwegian Horse Names and Meanings

Here’s a dignified and poignant collection of Norwegian Horse Names and Their Meanings, drawn from the rich mythological tapestry of Norse mythology, the poetic charm of the Norwegian language, and the grandeur of Scandinavia’s natural scenery. These names are particularly well-suited to sturdy and elegant breeds such as the Fjord Horse, Dølahest, and Nordlandshest/Lyngshest — but they’re suitable for any horse with strength, beauty, or a northern heart.

Norwegian horse names tend to bear the power of Viking legacy, the enchantment of Norse gods, and the peace of fjords, forests, and northern lights. Whether you name a strong stallion or a quiet mare, such names incorporate aspects like durability, charm, and ageless strength.

If you find yourself attracted to names that are mythically rich or drawn from the dramatic Norwegian landscape, this list provides richly cultural, meaningful, and poetic alternatives. These names are stories — of ancient traditions, rough landscapes, and the irreversible connection between horse and rider.

Strong & Noble Norwegian Horse Names

Name	Meaning
Konge	King
Dronning	Queen
Modig	Brave
Stolt	Proud
Sterk	Strong
Helt	Hero
Trofast	Loyal / faithful
Ære	Honor
Høvding	Chieftain
Viking	Warrior / seafarer

Elegant & Feminine Norwegian Names

Name	Meaning
Signe	New victory
Liv	Life
Astrid	Divine beauty
Eira	Merciful / Norse goddess name
Freya	Norse goddess of love & war
Solveig	Sun path / strong house
Tiril	Musical / cheerful
Ingrid	Fair and beautiful
Runa	Secret / mystery
Alva	Elf / magical being

Nature-Inspired Norwegian Horse Names

Name	Meaning
Fjell	Mountain
Elv	River
Skog	Forest
Snø	Snow
Isvind	Ice wind
Sol	Sun
Måne	Moon
Blomst	Flower
Lyn	Lightning
Storm	Storm

Norse Mythology & Viking-Inspired Names

Name	Meaning / Reference
Sleipnir	Odin’s 8-legged horse
Odin	Chief god
Thor	God of thunder
Loki	Trickster god
Balder	God of beauty and light
Hel	Goddess of the underworld
Tyr	God of justice and war
Skadi	Goddess of winter and mountains
Fenrir	Mythical giant wolf
Valhalla	Hall of the fallen warriors

Short & Catchy Norwegian Names

Name	Meaning
Tora	Thunder (feminine form of Thor)
Bjørn	Bear
Kari	Pure
Nils	Victory of the people
Siv	Bride / family
Ola	Ancestor’s descendant
Loke	Variation of Loki
Varg	Wolf
Frode	Wise
Huldra	Forest spirit / mythic maiden

Male Norwegian Horse Names

Name	Meaning / Origin
Leif	Heir, descendant
Tor	Thunder (Norse god of war)
Eirik	Eternal ruler
Rune	Secret, mystery
Stig	Wanderer
Vidar	Warrior, silent god of vengeance
Arne	Eagle
Bjørn	Bear
Sverre	Wild or restless
Trygve	Trustworthy, safe

Female Norwegian Horse Names

Name	Meaning / Origin
Sigrid	Victory, wisdom
Astrid	Divine beauty, strength
Ingrid	Beloved of the gods
Liv	Life
Kari	Pure
Freya	Norse goddess of love and beauty
Solveig	Strong house, sunlight
Runa	Secret lore
Eira	Mercy, or goddess of healing
Hedda	Battle, strife

Nature-Inspired Norwegian Horse Names

Name	Meaning / Reference
Snø	Snow
Elv	River
Fjord	Coastal inlet
Sol	Sun
Måne	Moon
Is	Ice
Skog	Forest
Storm	Storm
Berg	Mountain
Himmel	Sky / heaven

Mythological & Viking-Inspired Names

Name	Meaning / Norse Reference
Odin	Chief god, wisdom and war
Freyja	Goddess of fertility and battle
Sleipnir	Odin’s 8-legged mythical horse
Hugin	Thought (Odin’s raven)
Munin	Memory (Odin’s other raven)
Skadi	Winter goddess, huntress
Valhalla	Hall of the fallen warriors
Loki	Trickster god
Yggdrasil	World tree, cosmic life force
Eldur	Fire (Icelandic/Norse link)

Elegant & Poetic Norwegian Names

Name	Meaning / Vibe
Lys	Light
Hjerte	Heart
Ro	Calm
Drøm	Dream
Kjærlighet	Love
Sang	Song
Perle	Pearl
Glans	Shine / glow
Fred	Peace
Evig	Eternal

Traditional Norwegian Names

Male Names (Stallions/Geldings)

1. Aksel – “Father of peace”
2. Arne – “Eagle”
3. Bjørn – “Bear”
4. Dag – “Day”
5. Egil – “Edge of a sword”
6. Finn – “From Finland” or “fair”
7. Gunnar – “Warrior”
8. Håkon – “High son”
9. Ivar – “Bow warrior”
10. Jostein – “Horse stone”
11. Knut – “Knot”
12. Lars – “Crowned with laurel”
13. Magnus – “Great”
14. Nils – “Victory of the people”
15. Odd – “Point of a weapon”
16. Pål – “Small”
17. Ragnar – “Divine warrior”
18. Stein – “Stone”
19. Tor – “Thunder” (after Thor)
20. Ulf – “Wolf”
21. Vegard – “Sanctuary guard”
22. Øystein – “Island stone”
23. Åge – “Ancestor”

Female Names (Mares)

1. Astrid – “Divine strength”
2. Berit – “Exalted one”
3. Dagny – “New day”
4. Eli – “Ascended”
5. Freydis – “Lady” or “noblewoman”
6. Gerd – “Enclosure” or “protection”
7. Hilda – “Battle”
8. Ingrid – “Beautiful”
9. Jorunn – “Horse love”
10. Kari – “Pure”
11. Liv – “Life”
12. Marit – “Pearl”
13. Nora – “Light”
14. Olaug – “Ancestor’s descendant”
15. Randi – “Beautiful goddess”
16. Sigrid – “Beautiful victory”
17. Thea – “Goddess”
18. Unni – “Wave”
19. Vigdis – “War goddess”
20. Wenche – “Girl”
21. Åsa – “Goddess”

Norse Mythology Names

Mythological Horses

1. Sleipnir – Odin’s eight-legged horse
2. Arvak – “Early riser” (pulls the sun)
3. Alsvid – “Very quick” (pulls the sun)
4. Blodughof – “Bloody hoof”
5. Glad – “Bright”
6. Gyllir – “Golden”
7. Glær – “Glowing”
8. Skinfaxi – “Shining mane” (day horse)
9. Hrimfaxi – “Frost mane” (night horse)
10. Lettfeti – “Light foot”

Mythological Creatures

1. Fenrir – The great wolf
2. Jormungang – The world serpent
3. Huginn – “Thought” (Odin’s raven)
4. Muninn – “Memory” (Odin’s raven)
5. Ratatoskr – Squirrel that runs up Yggdrasil
6. Draupnir – Odin’s golden ring
7. Gullinbursti – Freyr’s golden boar

Viking Names

Warrior Names

1. Berserker – “Bear shirt” warrior
2. Dreng – “Young warrior”
3. Einherjar – “Those who fight alone”
4. Jarl – “Earl” or “nobleman”
5. Huskarl – “House man” or bodyguard
6. Thane – “Servant of the king”
7. Skald – “Poet” or “storyteller”
8. Viking – “Bay dweller” or “pirate”
9. Konungr – “King”
10. Hersir – “Military leader”

Battle-Related Names

1. Berserk – “Bear coat”
2. Glima – Traditional wrestling
3. Holmgang – “Island walk” (duel)
4. Seax – Type of knife
5. Spjot – “Spear”
6. Økse – “Axe”
7. Skjold – “Shield”
8. Brynja – “Armor” or “mail shirt”
9. Hjalm – “Helmet”
10. Sverd – “Sword”

Fjord Horse Names

Traditional Fjord Names

1. Balder – After the Norse god
2. Blakka – “Black one”
3. Dølahest – “Valley horse”
4. Fjording – Young fjord horse
5. Grane – “Gray one”
6. Kvitfaks – “White mane”
7. Nordhest – “North horse”
8. Østfold – Eastern region
9. Vestfold – Western region
10. Dølafaks – “Valley mane”

Color-Based Fjord Names

1. Brunblakk – “Brown dun”
2. Rødblakk – “Red dun”
3. Grablakk – “Gray dun”
4. Gulblakk – “Yellow dun”
5. Kvit – “White”
6. Mørk – “Dark”
7. Lys – “Light”
8. Bjørk – “Birch” (light colored)

Geographic Names

Fjords

1. Geiranger – Famous fjord
2. Nærøyfjord – UNESCO World Heritage fjord
3. Sognefjord – “King of fjords”
4. Hardangerfjord – Beautiful fjord region
5. Lysefjord – “Light fjord”
6. Trollfjord – “Troll fjord”
7. Nordfjord – “North fjord”
8. Romsdalsfjord – Romsdal fjord

Mountains

1. Galdhø – Highest peak in Norway
2. Glittertind – “Glittering peak”
3. Jotunheimen – “Home of the giants”
4. Dovrefjell – Mountain range
5. Rondane – Mountain range
6. Hardangervidda – Largest plateau
7. Preikestolen – “Pulpit Rock”
8. Trolltunga – “Troll’s tongue”

Cities and Regions

1. Bergen – “Mountain”
2. Trondheim – “Home of the strong”
3. Stavanger – “Stave meadow”
4. Tromsø – “Island of the currents”
5. Bodø – Northern city
6. Kristiansand – “Christian’s beach”
7. Drammen – River city
8. Narvik – Northern city
9. Lillehammer – “Little hammer”
10. Molde – “Flat land”

Nature-Inspired Names

Weather and Natural Phenomena

1. Nordlys – “Northern lights” (Aurora Borealis)
2. Snøstorm – “Snowstorm”
3. Tordenvær – “Thunderstorm”
4. Rimfrost – “Hoarfrost”
5. Midnattsol – “Midnight sun”
6. Isbre – “Glacier”
7. Foss – “Waterfall”
8. Bekk – “Stream”
9. Vind – “Wind”
10. Storm – “Storm”

Flora

1. Bjørk – “Birch”
2. Furu – “Pine”
3. Gran – “Spruce”
4. Einer – “Juniper”
5. Lyng – “Heather”
6. Mose – “Moss”
7. Bær – “Berry”
8. Blåbær – “Blueberry”
9. Tyttebær – “Lingonberry”
10. Molte – “Cloudberry”

Fauna

1. Ulv – “Wolf”
2. Bjørn – “Bear”
3. Elg – “Moose”
4. Rein – “Reindeer”
5. Gaupe – “Lynx”
6. Ørn – “Eagle”
7. Ravn – “Raven”
8. Hval – “Whale”
9. Sel – “Seal”
10. Laks – “Salmon”

Cold War and Winter Names

Ice and Snow

1. Is – “Ice”
2. Snø – “Snow”
3. Frost – “Frost”
4. Kulde – “Cold”
5. Vinter – “Winter”
6. Iskald – “Ice cold”
7. Snøfall – “Snowfall”
8. Isbjørn – “Polar bear”
9. Snøfnugg – “Snowflake”
10. Istapp – “Icicle”

Light and Dark

1. Mørketid – “Dark time” (polar night)
2. Lyse – “Light”
3. Skygge – “Shadow”
4. Glimt – “Glimpse”
5. Skimmer – “Shimmer”
6. Glans – “Shine”
7. Strålende – “Radiant”

Modern Norwegian Names

Contemporary Choices

1. Adrian – “From Hadria”
2. Emil – “Rival”
3. Filip – “Lover of horses”
4. Isak – “Laughter”
5. Jonas – “Dove”
6. Kasper – “Treasurer”
7. Liam – “Resolute protector”
8. Noah – “Rest”
9. Oliver – “Olive tree”
10. Theodor – “Gift of God”
11. Emma – “Universal”
12. Ida – “Work”
13. Nora – “Light”
14. Sara – “Princess”
15. Sofie – “Wisdom”
16. Thea – “Goddess”
17. Vilde – “Wild”
18. Amalie – “Work”
19. Ingrid – “Beautiful”
20. Marte – “Lady”

Norwegian Horse Breed Names

Døle Horse (Dølahest)

1. Døle – From the valleys
2. Gudbrandsdal – Valley region
3. Østerdal – Eastern valley
4. Hallingdal – Halling valley
5. Valdres – Valley region
6. Telemarks – Telemark region

Nordland Horse (Nordlandshest/Lyngshest)

1. Lyngshest – “Heather horse”
2. Nordland – Northern region
3. Lyngen – Place name meaning “heather field”

Seasonal Names

Summer

1. Sommer – “Summer”
2. Sol – “Sun”
3. Lys – “Light”
4. Varm – “Warm”
5. Blomst – “Flower”

Autumn

1. Høst – “Autumn”
2. Ruska – “Autumn colors”
3. Løv – “Leaves”
4. Gull – “Gold”

Winter

• Vinter – “Winter”
• Jul – “Christmas”
• Snø – “Snow”
• Kulde – “Cold”

Spring

1. Vår – “Spring”
2. Løvspring – “Budding”
3. Ny – “New”

Color Names in Norwegian

Basic Colors

1. Svart – “Black”
2. Hvit – “White”
3. Grå – “Gray”
4. Brun – “Brown”
5. Rød – “Red”
6. Blå – “Blue”
7. Grønn – “Green”
8. Gul – “Yellow”

Descriptive Colors

1. Råtten – “Roan”
2. Skimmel – “Gray”
3. Brunblakk – “Brown dun”
4. Rødblakk – “Red dun”
5. Isabellfarget – “Isabella colored”

Tips for Choosing Norwegian Horse Names

Cultural Considerations

1. Pronunciation – Norwegian has specific sounds that may be challenging
2. Meaning – Choose names with positive associations
3. Heritage – Honor Norwegian traditions and mythology
4. Nature – Reflect Norway’s stunning natural beauty
5. Breed – Consider if it’s a Norwegian breed
6. Season – Names can reflect when the horse was born
7. Character – Match the horse’s personality
8. Family – Some Norwegian families have naming traditions

Pronunciation Guide

• Å – Pronounced like “aw” in “saw”
• Ø – Pronounced like “ur” in “fur” (without the r sound)
• Æ – Pronounced like “a” in “cat”
• Skj – Pronounced like “sh”
• Kj – Pronounced like soft “ch”

Male Horse Names

1. Storm – “Storm” (strong and powerful)
2. Loke (Loki) – Norse trickster god
3. Tor (Thor) – Norse god of thunder
4. Bjørn – “Bear” (strong and brave)
5. Falk – “Falcon” (swift and sharp)
6. Ask – “Ash tree” (from Norse mythology)
7. Vidar – Norse god of vengeance
8. Håkon – Old Norse name meaning “high son”
9. Gunnar – “Warrior” or “fighter”
10. Sigurd – Legendary dragon-slayer

Female Horse Names

1. Freya – Norse goddess of love and beauty
2. Sol – “Sun” (also a Norse sun goddess)
3. Luna – “Moon” (poetic in Norwegian)
4. Astrid – “Beautiful, loved”
5. Saga – Norse goddess of storytelling
6. Vinter – “Winter” (great for a white horse)
7. Linnea – Named after the twinflower (Linnaea borealis)
8. Eira – “Snow” (Old Norse origin)
9. Hild – “Battle” (from Norse mythology)
10. Siv – Wife of Thor in Norse myths

Unisex & Nature-Inspired Names

1. Fjell – “Mountain” (strong and sturdy)
2. Skog – “Forest” (great for a dark-coated horse)
3. Brise – “Breeze” (light and graceful)
4. Stjerne – “Star” (shining and bright)
5. Is – “Ice” (perfect for a white or gray horse)
6. Lyn – “Lightning” (fast and energetic)
7. Blå – “Blue” (for a horse with a unique coat)
8. Varde – “Beacon” or “signal fire”
9. Dag – “Day” (bright and cheerful)
10. Nord – “North” (strong and steadfast)

Names from Norwegian Folklore & Places

1. Dovre (after the Dovre mountain range)
2. Troll (mythical creature, fun for a mischievous horse)
3. Jotun (from Jotunheimen, land of the giants)
4. Rondane (a famous mountain area)
5. Frey (short for Freyr, Norse god of fertility)

Names from Norse Mythology & History

These names connect your horse to ancient legends and powerful figures.

• Male:
  1. Odin (Один): The All-Father, chief of the Norse gods. For a wise, powerful, and majestic horse.
  2. Thor (Тор): God of thunder, strength, and protection. For a strong, brave, and impactful horse.
  3. Loki (Локи): A mischievous and clever god. For a spirited, intelligent, or perhaps tricky horse.
  4. Balder (Бальдер): God of light, purity, and beauty. For a radiant and noble horse.
  5. Freyr (Фрейр): God of fertility, prosperity, and peace. For a horse that brings good fortune.
  6. Tyr (Тюр): God of war, justice, and heroism. For a brave and righteous horse.
  7. Magnus (Магнус): “Great” or “mighty” (a popular name in Norse history, e.g., Magnus the Good). For a strong and imposing horse.
  8. Erik (Ерик): “Eternal ruler” or “sole ruler.” A classic Viking name.
  9. Ragnar (Рагнар): “Warrior’s judgment.” For a powerful and decisive horse.
  10. Bjørn (Бьёрн): “Bear.” For a strong, sturdy, and resilient horse.
• Female:
  1. Freya (Фрейя): Goddess of love, beauty, fertility, and war. For a beautiful, spirited, and captivating mare.
  2. Sif (Сиф): Goddess associated with earth, fertility, and a golden mane (Thor’s wife). For a mare with a beautiful, perhaps golden, mane.
  3. Idun (Идун): Goddess of youth and apples. For a lively and perpetually youthful mare.
  4. Frigg (Фригг): Queen of the Aesir gods, goddess of motherhood and destiny. For a wise and nurturing mare.
  5. Astrid (Астрид): “Divinely beautiful.” A classic, elegant name.
  6. Ingrid (Ингрид): “Ing’s beauty” (Ing is a Norse god). For a beautiful and graceful mare.
  7. Liv (Лив): “Life.” For a vibrant and lively mare.
  8. Ragnhild (Рагнхильд): “Battle counsel.” For a strong and wise mare.
  9. Sigrid (Сигрид): “Beautiful victory.” For a successful and lovely mare.
  10. Thora (Тора): Feminine form of Thor, for a strong and impactful mare.

Names Reflecting Nature & Landscape

Norway’s stunning scenery provides endless inspiration.

• Male:
  1. Fjord (Фьорд): Directly references the iconic Norwegian inlets. For a strong, majestic horse.
  2. Storm (Сторм): “Storm.” For a powerful, dynamic horse.
  3. Birk (Бирк): “Birch tree.” For a graceful or resilient horse.
  4. Bre (Бре): “Glacier.” For a strong, enduring, or white/grey horse.
  5. Fjell (Фьелль): “Mountain.” For a sturdy, reliable horse.
  6. Elg (Эльг): “Moose.” For a large, powerful, or forest-dwelling horse.
• Female:
  1. Aurora (Аврора): After the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). For a dazzling or ethereal mare.
  2. Bjørk (Бьёрк): “Birch tree.” For a graceful, slender mare.
  3. Linnea (Линнея): A twinflower, a delicate and beautiful flower.
  4. Myr (Мюр): “Moor” or “bog.” For a horse with a deep connection to the land.
  5. Sol (Сол): “Sun.” For a bright, cheerful, or golden-coated mare.
  6. Sne (Сне): “Snow.” For a white or light-grey horse.
  7. Vind (Винд): “Wind.” For a swift and free-spirited mare.

Names Emphasizing Character & Qualities:

• Male:
  1. Godtfred (Готфред): “God’s peace.” For a calm and gentle horse.
  2. Modig (Модиг): “Brave.” For a courageous horse.
  3. Sterk (Стерк): “Strong.” Direct and impactful.
  4. Snøgg (Снёгг): “Fast” or “quick.” For a speedy horse.
• Female:
  1. Kjære (Кьере): “Dear” or “beloved.” For a cherished horse.
  2. Lykke (Люкке): “Luck” or “happiness.” For a horse that brings joy.
  3. Snill (Снилль): “Kind” or “nice.” For a gentle mare.
  4. Vakre (Вакре): “Beautiful.”

Top Norwegian Horse Breeds

1. Fjord Horse (Fjording)

• Origin: Western Norway, one of the world’s oldest breeds
• Traits: Dun coat with dark dorsal stripe, compact and hardy, calm temperament
• Use: Farm work, riding, driving, therapy, mountain trails
• Fun Fact: All Fjords are dun-colored and can trace their lineage back over a thousand years.

2. Dølehest (Dole Horse or Gudbrandsdal Horse)

• Origin: Gudbrandsdal valley, Eastern Norway
• Traits: Heavy draft type, powerful, sure-footed, kind disposition
• Use: Logging, pulling, farm work, driving
• Fun Fact: Sometimes called the “Norwegian Trotter” when selectively bred for lighter harness work.

3. Nordlandshest/Lyngshest (Northlands Horse)

• Origin: Northern Norway
• Traits: Small, tough, adaptable, with excellent endurance
• Use: Trail riding, light farm work, therapy, riding schools
• Fun Fact: Nearly extinct after WWII, now preserved as a national treasure.

Top 10 Horse Names for the Fjord Horse

Strong, loyal, and mountain-bred

1. Torden – “Thunder”
2. Solvind – “Sun wind”
3. Ulva – “She-wolf”
4. Bris – “Breeze,” soft and steady
5. Trollfjord – After a famous Norwegian fjord
6. Nils – Traditional Norwegian male name
7. Sigrid – “Victory” and “beauty”
8. Bjørk – “Birch tree”
9. Ravn – “Raven”
10. Eira – “Mercy” or Norse goddess of healing

Top 10 Horse Names for the Dølehest

Powerful and noble, perfect for work and grace

1. Trygg – “Safe” or “trustworthy”
2. Loke – Loki, the Norse trickster god
3. Saga – “Story” or Norse goddess of wisdom
4. Varg – “Wolf”
5. Alv – “Elf,” mystical and foresty
6. Huldra – Forest spirit from folklore
7. Eldur – “Fire”
8. Runa – “Secret” or “mystery”
9. Torvald – “Thor’s ruler”
10. Glitra – “Sparkle” or “shine”

Top 10 Horse Names for the Nordlandshest/Lyngshest

Small, agile, and from the Arctic north

1. Iska – “Ice,” perfect for a northern mare
2. Frost – For a frosty-coated gelding
3. Lumi – “Snow” (borrowed from Finnish/Nordic style)
4. Stormur – “Storm”
5. Kaisa – A northern girl’s name
6. Ymir – The Norse primordial giant
7. Tindra – “Twinkle”
8. Fenja – Mythical giantess from Norse lore
9. Skadi – Norse goddess of winter and the hunt
10. Måne – “Moon”

Here are the Top Norwegian Horse Breeds along with Top 10 Horse Name Ideas for each — inspired by Norway’s stunning landscapes, Norse mythology, and traditional Norwegian culture.

Tips for Choosing a Norwegian Horse Name:

• Consider the Breed: If your horse has Norwegian heritage (like a Fjord Horse), these names will be particularly fitting.
• Personality Match: Does the name’s meaning align with your horse’s unique character and temperament (brave, calm, energetic, elegant)?
• Pronunciation: Practice saying the name aloud. Norwegian names have distinct sounds, so choose one you’re comfortable with.
• Meaningful Connection: Choose a name that resonates with you and creates a special bond with your horse.
• Simplicity: Shorter names are often easier for training and recall.

Lykke til (Good luck) choosing a beautiful Norwegian name for your horse!