Danish girl names: the best female names from Denmark

Looking for a unique and beautiful name for your baby girl? Why not consider some pretty Danish names?

Danish girls’ names are known for their grace, elegance and sophistication. They often have roots in Danish history, mythology and nature, which can add a nice bit of depth.

And many Danish girl names just sound pretty, too.

From classic names like Sofia and Agnes to more modern Danish favourites such as Luna and Olivia, there’s a Danish girl name to suit every taste and personality.

Whether you’re looking for a traditional name with a modern twist or something truly unique, Danish girl names offer a wide range of options. So, take a look at our list of the best Danish girl names and find the perfect name for your little princess!

Top 10 Danish girl names

If you’re curious about the names that Danish parents are giving their baby girls, the list below will provide you with some of the most popular ones, along with the corresponding number of girls given that specific name in the second half of 2023 (the latest figures available).

According to Statistics Denmark, the most popular Danish girl names are:

Danish girl names and their meanings

Not only do Danish girl names sound beautiful, many also have interesting origins. A good example is Astrid, which means “divinely beautiful” or Signe, which means “new victory”. Others, like Maja and Liv, are short and sweet, perfect for parents who want something simple yet stylish.

Let’s discover some of the meanings behind some of the most popular names to see why they are such great choices.

Ella

The name Ella has many origins. Some sources claim it’s a Germanic name, while others say it’s Hebrew or Greek. Regardless, Ella is a name that has been used for many years, and its popularity has only grown.

The name means “fairy maiden” in German, and “goddess” in Hebrew. A pretty name with beautiful meanings!

Alma

The name Alma is not technically Danish, but it is an increasingly popular name for baby girls in Denmark. In fact, the name Alma was the number one most popular baby girl name in Denmark in 2020 and 2021. 

The name has its roots in Latin, from the word almus which means “nourishing” or “caring”. 

Nora

Nora is a diminutive form of Honora, which also has its roots in Latin and signifies “honour”. It is a simple yet elegant name that has gained widespread popularity in Denmark and beyond.

Ida

Ida has Germanic roots and is derived from id, which signifies work, labour or hardworking woman. The name is also featured in Greek mythology.

Although this name is quite old-fashioned, it’s now making a huge comeback in Denmark and beyond.

Freja

Freja, or Freya, is a Scandinavian name that comes from Norse mythology, where it was the name of the goddess of love, fertility and war. The name means “noble lady”.

Freja has gained popularity in recent years in Denmark and other Scandinavian countries, as well as in other parts of the world. The name has a strong, yet feminine sound and is often associated with beauty, strength and grace.

Sofia

You can’t go wrong with this timeless name. Sofia (also spelled Sofija or Sophia) is a name with a rich history and has been used for centuries in various cultures around the world. It has roots in Greek and Latin, and means “wisdom” or “knowledge”.

If you’re looking for a name that will never go out of style, Sofia is an excellent choice. It is a sophisticated and classy name and is sure to make a lasting impression on anyone who hears it. 

Luna

The name Luna has its roots in Latin and means “moon” or “goddess of the moon”. The name is also referenced in Roman mythology, with the moon goddess being called Luna. 

With the name relating so closely to the moon, Luna is often associated with qualities such as mystery, beauty and magic. So if you’re looking for a mysterious and enchanting name for your baby girl, Luna is a great choice.

Olivia

You’re most likely already familiar with the name Olivia, as it’s a popular name in Denmark, just as it is in many other countries around the world. The name first appeared in Denmark in the 1990s, and it has been steadily gaining popularity ever since.

The origin of the name Olivia is uncertain, but it may derive from the Old Norse word ​​Áleifr, which means “descendant of the ancestors”. Others claim that the name is Greek, and refers to the branch of an olive tree.

Agnes

Agnes is another old-fashioned yet beautiful name deriving from the Greek word “sacred” or “chaste”. 

In Danish culture, the name Agnes has been used for many centuries and is considered a traditional and classic name. It is still a very popular name for baby girls, especially in recent years. 

If you want to take this name one step further, what about the variation of Agnete? The name Agnete is considered more exotic and fashionable than its original, making it super trendy.

Asta

Asta is a shorter version of the name Astrid, which is also a popular name within the Scandinavian region. However, Asta is often used by itself as well. 

This is a classic name and a lovely choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their daughters.

Moreover, the name has its roots in Old Norse, and it means “divine beauty”. You can’t get much better than that!

Most popular Danish girl names overall

If none of the previously mentioned options appeals, why not consider exploring the most popular traditional Danish girl names?

To help you with your search, here are the top ten most popular Danish girls’ names as of 2024, along with the number of women in Denmark who have been registered with each name.

Unusual Danish girl names

If  you’re looking for cool Danish girl names, you may need to venture beyond the top 100 Danish girl names to discover some truly distinctive options. Choosing a less common name can be a positive thing as it can set your child apart and give them a unique identity.

If you’re searching for rare Danish girl names, you might consider names like Signe, which means “victory”, or Thora, which means “thunder”. 

Another option is the name Vibeke, which may seem a bit odd on paper, but sounds beautiful to the ear. This name means “little woman”.

For those who want a strong Danish girl name for their daughter, the Viking name Vigga may appeal, as this name comes from the Old Norse word meaning “warrior”.

And if you’re looking for a royal name, consider Margrethe, which means “pearl” and is the name of the current queen of Denmark. Alternatively, there’s Thyra, which means “Thor’s warrior”, and was the name of a queen of Denmark in the 10th century.

If you’re unsure about choosing an unusual name as a first name, you could always give it as a middle name, so that your child has the option to use it later in life if they choose to.

For more suggestions, ideas and inspiration for names, check out some of our guides: 
Swedish girl names
Norwegian girl names
Cool female Viking names
Finnish girl names
Scandinavian dog names