Looking for a Danish name for your baby girl? Danish girl names are often short, melodic and rooted in centuries of Nordic history. Some come from Old Norse mythology, others from Christian tradition or international influences that have become firmly established in Denmark.
From timeless classics like Anna and Sofia to modern favourites such as Luna and Alma, Danish girl names offer a wide range of styles. Below, we explore the most popular names in Denmark today, along with their meanings and origins.
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 according to the latest available figures from Statistics Denmark.
| Name | Number of children given each name in 2024 |
| Emma | 445 |
| Ella | 437 |
| Luna | 423 |
| Alma | 415 |
| Frida | 408 |
| Olivia | 390 |
| Ida | 387 |
| Agnes | 382 |
| Karla | 379 |
| Nora | 373 |
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.
However, many of today’s most popular Danish names reflect broader European trends. This just shows how naming traditions in Denmark combine local heritage with international influence.
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 comes from the Latin word oliva, meaning “olive tree”. It became widely known after appearing in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and has since become popular across Europe, including Denmark.
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? Agnete is a Danish variation of Agnes that has been used for centuries, particularly in older generations.
Asta
Asta is sometimes seen as a shortened form of Astrid, but it has also been used as a standalone name in Scandinavia for generations.
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.
| Name | Number of women with that name in Denmark (2024) |
| Anne | 43,741 |
| Mette | 38,133 |
| Kirsten | 36,401 |
| Hanne | 35,725 |
| Anna | 33,537 |
| Helle | 33,094 |
| Maria | 30,158 |
| Suzanne | 30,129 |
| Lene | 29,784 |
| Marianne | 26,032 |
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, meaning “pearl”. It was the name of Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, who reigned from 1972 to 2024. 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.
Do you have a favourite?
Danish girl names combine history, mythology and modern trends in a way that feels both timeless and contemporary. Whether you prefer something traditional, international or distinctly Nordic, there’s no shortage of beautiful options to explore.
Do you have a favourite Danish girl name, or one we should add to the list? Let us know in the comments below!
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
