Oddny
OD-NEE
Oddny is an Old Norse feminine name composed of two elements: oddr, meaning point, tip, or blade, and ny, meaning new or crescent moon. The combination suggests a new point or the sharp newness of a blade, carrying connotations of sharpness, renewal, and the waxing crescent moon. The name appears in the Icelandic sagas, most notably in Gunnlaugs Saga Ormstungu, where Oddny is a central figure. It was in regular use throughout medieval Scandinavia and Iceland and has seen gentle revival interest as part of the broader appreciation for Old Norse names.
At a glance
An Old Norse name meaning new point, borne by a saga heroine and carrying the sharp, bright energy of a crescent moon.
Etymology & History
Oddny derives from the Old Norse compound oddr (point, tip, blade of a weapon) and ny (new, crescent moon). The element oddr also appears in names like Oddvar, Oddmund, and Oddr itself, and was considered a strong, vigorous component. The element ny referred to the new moon and was associated with renewal and brightness. Together they form a name with the poetic quality typical of Norse compound naming.
Cultural Significance
Oddny appears in the literary record of medieval Iceland through the Icelandic family sagas, placing it within one of the most culturally significant literary traditions of the Norse world. The name is most common in Iceland and Norway, where revival of Old Norse names has been particularly strong. It carries the distinctive double-d that marks it as authentically Norse, and its brevity and clarity make it appealing to modern parents exploring Scandinavian heritage names.
Famous people named Oddny
Oddny of Gunnlaugs Saga
A character in the medieval Icelandic saga Gunnlaugs Saga Ormstungu (Saga of Gunnlaug Serpent-Tongue), where she plays a central role as the beloved of the skald Gunnlaug and Hrафn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Names like Oddny
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.
Gudny
“Divine newness or god's new one”
Gudny combines the Old Norse elements gud, meaning god or divine, and ny, meaning new or the new moon. The name conveys the idea of divine renewal or a child who is new and fresh under divine blessing, with the ny element also evoking the monthly renewal of the moon, a powerful natural symbol in Norse cosmology.
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.
Where you'll find Oddny
Oddny shows up in these curated collections across Namekin.