Unique Swedish Boy Names and Their Meanings

Are you in search of a distinctive name for your newborn son? Look no further—Swedish boy names are currently capturing attention and affection around the globe. Here’s a closer look at some delightful options that are trending in Sweden today.

In this article, we’ll explore:

• The most popular boy names overall
• The top Swedish boy names of 2022
• The meanings behind Swedish boy names
• A selection of unusual Swedish boy names
• A comprehensive list of Swedish boy names (A-Z)
• Tips on how to pronounce these names

Does the notion of naming your son Lars, Lukas, Erik, or Matteo resonate with you? These names carry a certain charm and might evoke images of timeless Nordic myths—bold, steady figures with striking blonde hair and piercing blue eyes reminiscent of legendary Vikings.

But what lies behind these names? What are their origins and meanings?

We’ve delved into the current favorites among Swedish boy names, as well as those that have stood the test of time. Each entry comes with its own unique story and significance.

If you’re considering a Nordic name for your child, this guide serves as an excellent resource. And if you’re uncertain about your baby’s gender, or if you’re searching for a Swedish name for a daughter, be sure to check out our guide to popular Swedish girl names as well.

The Most Popular Swedish Boy Names Overall

For a classic Swedish boy’s name that resonates through generations, take a look at the following list—these names have long been fixtures in Sweden.

• Lars
• Anders
• Johan
• Peter
• Daniel
• Mikael
• January
• Erik
• Per
• Frederick

Lars reigns supreme as the most popular name among Swedish males; during your time in Sweden, you’re bound to encounter quite a few Lars!

A fun tidbit: the name Erik is borne by nearly 300,000 men and boys in Sweden—a notably popular choice!

Top 10 Swedish Boy Names in 2024

While the classic names above may strike you as a touch old-fashioned—more suitable for a middle-aged gentleman than a newborn—you might wonder what’s currently trending in Sweden. According to official statistics, here are the top ten names for boys welcomed into the world in 2024:

• Noah
• William
• Hugo
• Liam
• Adam
• August
• Nils
• Leo
• Oliver
• Otto

In fact, a notable 647 boys were named Noah in 2024, making it the most favored name this year.

Interestingly, August, a name that re-entered the top ten in 2022, has deep roots in Swedish history, notably borne by the celebrated playwright August Strindberg, born in 1849.

Popular Swedish Names and Their Meanings

Many names have undergone adaptations over the years, influenced by various languages and cultures. To keep things clear, we’ve researched the most widely recognized origins and meanings of these names for your understanding.

Adam

A timeless choice, Adam derives from the Hebrew word for “man.” Its resonance in Sweden may owe much to the biblical Adam, the first person on earth, or perhaps the comedic talent of Adam Sandler.

Anders

If you’re aiming for a name with a rugged, masculine flair, consider Anders, which translates to “strong and manly.” This name is the Swedish equivalent of the Greek Andreas or the English Andrew. It has been a staple in Sweden for centuries and even gave rise to the surname Andersson, meaning “son of Anders.”

Elias

This well-loved name has its roots in the Bible and is believed to derive from the Hebrew Elijah, meaning “the Lord is my God.”

Erik

A powerful, succinct Scandinavian name, Erik translates to “eternal ruler.” Historically, it has been the name of several Swedish monarchs, including Erik the Victorious and Erik XIV, whose reputation as “the butcher king” speaks to his notorious reign. The name is also linked to Erik the Red, the famed Icelandic explorer who discovered Greenland.

Hugo

With origins in Latin, Hugo signifies “intellect” or “intelligent.” Some sources even trace it back to Old German, meaning “mind” or “heart.” Little wonder that it enjoys a special place in Swedish hearts!

January

This name is a diminutive of Johann. Nowadays, Jan Andersson, coach of the Swedish national football team, may be the most recognized Jan in Sweden.

Johan

The Swedish form of John, Johan means “God is gracious” and echoes through history via famous composers like Johann Sebastian Bach. Sporty figures, such as Johan Cruyff and Johan Elamander, also share this distinguished name.

Charles

In its Swedish incarnation, Karl conveys “free man.” It has Germanic origins and is well-known through notable figures such as philosopher Karl Marx and fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld.

Lars

Lars is a robust Swedish name that means “God of thunder and lightning.” Its Latin roots derive from Laurentius, signifying “crowned by laurels” or “victorious.”

Liam

A shortened version of the name William, Liam has surged in popularity, potentially thanks to well-known figures in music and film, including Liam Gallagher and Liam Neeson.

Lucas

The name Lucas, often spelled Lukas in Sweden, comes from Greek, meaning “light” or “bringer of light.” It’s a name echoing brightness without question!

And let’s not forget Lars, a name that suggests strength. Noteworthy Swedish musicians like Lars Winnerbäck might inspire its increasing appeal.

Matteo

A charming Italian variation of Matthew, Matteo means “gift of God” in Hebrew. The name Mats is a popular Swedish alternative, as showcased by champion tennis player Mats Wilander.

Mikael

This is the Swedish rendition of Michael, rooted in Hebrew to mean “looks like God.” It’s borne by notable sports figures such as tennis player Mikael Tillström.

Noah

Noah, of course, is associated with the biblical figure who built the ark. In Hebrew, it means “rest comfortably,” a beautiful aspiration for a new life.

Oscar

While Oscar may sound Scandinavian and has royal connections, its roots are actually Gaelic. It translates to a “friend of the deer.” Sweden’s royal lineage might contribute to its popularity, inspired by King Oscar I.

Oliver

Oliver possibly originates from the Latin name Olivier, meaning “olive tree” or “grove.” Alternatively, it might derive from the Old Norse name Oleifr, meaning “ancestor” or “descendant.”

Per

The Swedish equivalent of Peter, Per, pronounced “pair,” comes from the Greek petros, meaning “rock” or “stone.”

Peter

Another popular choice, Peter appears in several variant forms in Sweden, like Petter and Peder. Notable namesakes include Swedish athletes Peter Andersson and rapper Petter.

Thomas

This name, sometimes spelled Tomas in Sweden, originates from Hebrew and means “twin.” Famous Thomases include the inventor Thomas Edison.

William

Conveying the sense of “strong-willed warrior,” William brings to mind strength and protection. Its roots lay in the Old German Wilhelm, introduced into Britain by William the Conqueror.

Notable bears of the name include Prince Wilhelm of Sweden and Prince William of the UK—each contributing to its royal allure.

Unusual Swedish Boy Names

For those seeking something decidedly unique, here’s a glimpse of some of the more unconventional names found in Sweden, with fewer than ten individuals registered under each:

• Baptist
• Chewbacca
• Edison
• People
• Jonsi
• Christine
• Megatron
• Monk
• Paulsson
• Waldeck

While some names on this list may sound whimsical, they are indeed recognized within the official Swedish database of names. Unlike its neighbor Iceland, Sweden doesn’t impose strict regulations on baby names, allowing for considerable creativity.

Other Popular Swedish Boys’ Names (A–Z)

If none of the aforementioned names resonate, explore our extensive alphabetical list of the top 200 Swedish boys’ names, ranging from Adam to Yngve:

How to Pronounce These Names

If you choose any of these lovely names for your child, you’ll certainly want to pronounce it correctly in the Swedish tradition. Here’s a helpful guide to mastering the pronunciation of some of these charming Swedish boy names.

See also:
Swedish girl names
Danish boy names
Finnish boy names
Norwegian boy names