🇳🇴 Norway
1,151
Total names
545
Male names
606
Female names
Naming Rules
Liberal naming law since 2003
Norway's naming law is relatively permissive. Most names are accepted as long as they don't cause harm.
Must not be a significant disadvantage
Names that could cause significant problems for the bearer are rejected.
Protected surnames require consent
You cannot use a protected surname as a first name without permission from all bearers.
No gender requirement
Norwegian law does not require names to indicate gender.
Legal basis: Lov om personnavn (Personal Names Act), LOV-2002-06-07-19.
Authority: Skatteetaten (Norwegian Tax Administration)
Popular Names in Norway
Top 15 Boy Names
1.Jakob
2.Emil
3.Noah
4.Oliver
5.Liam
6.Aksel
7.Isak
8.Filip
9.Theodor
10.Henrik
11.Oskar
12.Kasper
13.Magnus
14.William
15.Lucas
Top 15 Girl Names
1.Nora
2.Emma
3.Ella
4.Olivia
5.Maja
6.Sofia
7.Emilie
8.Leah
9.Ingrid
10.Sara
11.Astrid
12.Frida
13.Amalie
14.Ada
15.Selma
Registering a baby name in Norway
Deadline
Within 6 months of birth
Processing
1-2 weeks
Fee
Free
Appeal to
Fylkesmannen (County Governor)
Norway has one of the longest registration windows in Europe (6 months), giving parents time to apply for unusual names and, if needed, appeal a refusal.
Traditional Norwegian names
Norway has a rich Old Norse tradition. Names from Norse mythology (Odin, Thor, Freya, Idun) and medieval kings (Harald, Olav, Magnus) are not just permitted — they are a source of national pride.
Examples of names refused or restricted
While Norway accepts most well-known names, the Skatteetaten (Folkeregisteret) has refused or restricted the following types:
- Gesher — historically rejected; led to a high-profile case in 1998 resulting in the current permissive law
- Surnames used as first names — generally declined unless there is a family tradition
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to register a baby name in Norway?
Parents must declare the name at the Skatteetaten (Folkeregisteret) within Within 6 months of birth. Processing typically takes 1-2 weeks. The standard fee is Free.
What names are rejected in Norway?
Refusals are rare but not unknown. Examples include: Gesher (historically rejected; led to a high-profile case in 1998 resulting in the current permissive law); Surnames used as first names (generally declined unless there is a family tradition). The core principle is that no name may harm or humiliate the child.
Can foreign parents use a non-Norwegian name?
Yes. Foreign-origin names are generally accepted in Norway, provided they can be written in the local alphabet and do not conflict with the rules above. Parents from abroad may be asked to show their own passport or the child's prior documents as supporting evidence.
What can I do if the registrar refuses my chosen name?
You can appeal the decision before the Fylkesmannen (County Governor). In practice, submitting evidence of historical use (saints, writers, previous bearers of the name) or a minor adaptation of spelling usually resolves the case.
Check a name in Norway
Search 1,151 names in our Norway database — plus 24 more European countries.
Check a Name →Last updated: April 2026. For informational purposes only. Always consult your local Skatteetaten for definitive answers.