Nanna
NAN-NAH
Nanna is a name from Norse mythology, borne by the goddess who was the wife of Baldur, the god of light. Her name may derive from an Old Norse word meaning daring or brave. In the myths, Nanna's devotion was so profound that she died of grief upon Baldur's death and joined him on the funeral pyre.
At a glance
Nanna is a Norse mythological name meaning daring or brave, borne by the goddess who was wife to Baldur. It remains a well-loved name in Scandinavia, combining mythological depth with a warm, approachable sound.
Etymology & History
The name Nanna has roots that stretch deep into the Old Norse language. The most widely accepted etymology connects it to a word meaning daring or courageous, though some scholars have proposed links to a root meaning mother or the act of nursing. The uncertainty adds to the name's mystique.
In Norse mythology, Nanna Nepsdottir was the wife of Baldur, the most beautiful and beloved of the gods. When Baldur was killed by a mistletoe dart through the machinations of Loki, Nanna's heart broke with such force that she died of grief on the spot. She was placed beside Baldur on his funeral ship, and the two descended to the realm of the dead together.
This myth gave the name associations of profound love, loyalty and emotional depth. Far from suggesting weakness, Nanna's grief was portrayed in the Norse tradition as a mark of the intensity of her devotion, a quality the Norse held in the highest regard.
Cultural Significance
In Scandinavian culture, Nanna has been a beloved name for centuries. It appears in the Prose Edda and the Poetic Edda, the foundational texts of Norse mythology compiled in medieval Iceland. The story of Nanna and Baldur is one of the most emotionally resonant tales in the Norse canon, exploring themes of love, loss and the hope of reunion after death.
In modern Denmark, Norway and Sweden, Nanna remains a popular and well-used name. It has a warm, familiar quality that makes it feel both timeless and approachable. Danish designer Nanna Ditzel brought the name into the world of modernist design, adding associations of creativity and elegance to its mythological heritage.
For families with Scandinavian roots or an appreciation for Norse culture, Nanna offers a name that is deeply meaningful without being obscure. It honours a powerful mythological figure whilst remaining easy to pronounce and spell in virtually any language.
Famous people named Nanna
Nanna (Norse goddess)
Wife of the god Baldur in Norse mythology, whose devotion and grief became one of the most poignant stories in the Norse sagas.
Nanna Ditzel
Renowned Danish furniture and jewellery designer, one of the leading figures of Scandinavian modernist design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Names like Nanna
Astrid
“Divinely beautiful”
Astrid derives from the Old Norse elements 'ass' (god, divinity) and 'fridr' (beautiful, beloved), creating a name that carries the graceful meaning of divine beauty or beloved of the gods.
Freya
“Noble lady of love and war”
Freya is a beautiful, mythologically rich name that has surged in popularity across English-speaking countries, particularly in the UK where it has frequently ranked among the top ten girls' names. It has a melodic sound combined with strong divine associations, giving it both a delicate and powerful feel. The name's Norse heritage appeals to parents drawn to Viking mythology and Scandinavian culture.
Hanna
“Grace”
Hanna is a German and Scandinavian variant of Hannah, derived from the Hebrew 'Channah', meaning grace, favour, or graciousness. In the Hebrew Bible, Hannah is the mother of the prophet Samuel, whose story of fervent prayer and answered longing made her name an enduring symbol of devotion and divine favour. The spelling Hanna gives the name a clean, continental quality that distinguishes it from the more common Hannah while preserving all of its meaning and heritage.
Ingrid
“Beautiful, beloved”
Ingrid combines 'Ing', the name of an ancient Norse fertility god, with 'fridr', meaning beautiful or beloved. It is a name that evokes divine beauty and favour.
Nora
“Honour, light, and shining brightness”
Nora is a name of timeless appeal, crisp, warm, and effortlessly elegant. It enjoyed great popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, dipped mid-century, and has surged back strongly in recent decades, consistently ranking among the top names in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. The name suits a wide range of personalities and ages, and carries a literary and artistic legacy that adds depth to its simple beauty.
Sigrid
“Beautiful victory or victorious wisdom”
Sigrid is rooted in the Old Norse and Germanic elements 'sigr' meaning 'victory' and 'fríðr' meaning 'beautiful' or 'fair'. The name carries the dual sense of triumphant beauty, evoking a woman who is both elegant and formidable. It was borne by legendary queens and aristocrats throughout Scandinavia and Germany, cementing its association with noble bearing.
Where you'll find Nanna
Nanna shows up in these curated collections across Namekin.