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Original poster

Nordic/Welsh middle name - help!!

41 replies

NorseMum · 22/10/2025 11:52

Just wanted to ask on here which of these names you find the prettiest. We have Nordic/Welsh heritage and would like to honor it in a middle name. We love meanings, so I have put the different meanings in brackets.

Here is our short list:

Enid (Welsh meaning ”soul” and ”life)

Ilse (used in Denmark/Sweden, meaning ”Oath of God”)

Freja (Norse Godess of love and beauty)

Elfrida (used in Sweden/Norway, meaning ”Elf strength”, also Old English derived from 'ælf' (elf) and 'frīð' (peace).

Ida (Nordic, means "industrious," "hardworking," or "prosperous")

Lucia (Nordic, means ”bearer o flight”, In Sweden, Lucia is a major cultural celebration on December 13th)

Ylva (Nordic, means ”she-wolf”)

Elise (used in Denmark/Sweden/Norway, meaning ”God’s promise”)

Not all names could make it onto the poll, so please comment if your favorite isn't on there 🤗

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Gwenhwyfar · 25/10/2025 21:39

devildeepbluesea · 25/10/2025 06:43

I live near Cardiff and know at least four Manons

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Manon is a common Welsh name and also in French, but I don't know if it's a Scandinavian name.

Emanwenym · 25/10/2025 18:38

@devildeepbluesea I know far more than that. They're not young though, they're about 30 - 60 y.o.
I know several my own age.

@Ritasueandbobtoo9 , it is to me. I'd say it's more like River or Meadow than Noah and Chloe.

devildeepbluesea · 25/10/2025 06:43

Ritasueandbobtoo9 · 25/10/2025 06:27

I work in healthcare see a lot of people, never met one.

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I live near Cardiff and know at least four Manons

Natsku · 25/10/2025 06:35

I like Freja but it will be misspelt in the uk, though I suppose that doesn't really matter for a middle name. Also like Lucia a lot.

Ritasueandbobtoo9 · 25/10/2025 06:29

Seren isn’t Naff, but probably a bit like Chloe or Noah.

Ritasueandbobtoo9 · 25/10/2025 06:27

Know a reasonable amount of Serens.

Ritasueandbobtoo9 · 25/10/2025 06:27

Emanwenym · 23/10/2025 10:54

@Ritasueandbobtoo9 , you're kidding. There are loads of Manons in Wales.
Seren is a bit naff, and although it sounds nice in Welsh, it doesn't otherwise.

I work in healthcare see a lot of people, never met one.

mathanxiety · 25/10/2025 04:41

Elfrida is a truly beautiful name imo.

StokePotteries · 23/10/2025 10:58

Gwenhwyfar · 22/10/2025 20:09

How about Elin? Exists in both Swedish and Welsh. Equivalent to Ellen in English.

That's lovely.

From your list, OP, I think Freja is a stunning name. Love it.

Emanwenym · 23/10/2025 10:54

@Ritasueandbobtoo9 , you're kidding. There are loads of Manons in Wales.
Seren is a bit naff, and although it sounds nice in Welsh, it doesn't otherwise.

MumChp · 23/10/2025 01:46

Ida, Freja, Lucia.

Lunde · 22/10/2025 22:37

I like Ida with the Scandi pronunciation - Ee-da instead of Eye-da

Ritasueandbobtoo9 · 22/10/2025 22:33

These threads always say Manon, but it’s not popular name in real life. Seren means star which is lovely.

Firebird83 · 22/10/2025 22:28

I like Enid. Edith is popular now, so why not Enid.

Emanwenym · 22/10/2025 20:48

@FoxglovesAndLupins , thanks. It is pretty. Shame they get anglicised.

@Gwenhwyfar , has a great suggestion in Elin, @NorseMum .

FoxglovesAndLupins · 22/10/2025 20:46

Emanwenym · 22/10/2025 19:44

@FoxglovesAndLupins It's Gwendolen in Welsh and the stress is on the middle syllable.

I like the suggestion of Manon. International vibe but familiar in Wales.

Edited

Thank you. It sounds even more beautiful that way.

Lucytheloose · 22/10/2025 20:17

Lucia is the best name ever!

Gwenhwyfar · 22/10/2025 20:09

How about Elin? Exists in both Swedish and Welsh. Equivalent to Ellen in English.

Ylvamoon · 22/10/2025 20:05

It's obvious what I would go for... 😁

Emanwenym · 22/10/2025 20:03

@AgentPidge , the Eenid (mis)pronunciation isn't great, bit the Welsh pronunciation is not Eenid. It's a very old Welsh name.

Arlanymor · 22/10/2025 20:01

I like Enid - but pronounced the Welsh way. I know about 10 people called Freja.

Not a Nordic expert, but I am Welsh, so... (and choosing ones that are easy to pronounce):

Alys: Like the English, meaning noble
Arianwen: Silver/bright
Catrin: Pure
Ffion: Foxglove
Mabli: Loveable
Tirion: Kind/gentle

AgentPidge · 22/10/2025 19:51

I like Elise, but they are all lovely, apart from Enid, which is unbelievably awful.

Emanwenym · 22/10/2025 19:44

@FoxglovesAndLupins It's Gwendolen in Welsh and the stress is on the middle syllable.

I like the suggestion of Manon. International vibe but familiar in Wales.

Deedeedoe · 22/10/2025 19:38

I love Manon

timoteigirl · 22/10/2025 19:37

Enid - makes me think of Enid Blyton, I don't think it is as pretty as Maud
Ilse - I like, wasn't it in Emily of New Moon too
Freja (Norse Godess of love and beauty) - also goddess of agriculture and fertility. I think people in UK can misspell
Elfrida - maybe
Ida - way too common
Lucia - yes I like
Ylva -love how it is a strong name like Ursula
Elise - a bit bland

These are just my personal opinions. So much depends on the first name.
Other suggestions: Adeline, Isolde, Seren, Sara, Mari, Catrin, Efa/ Eva, Elen / Elin