Bjorn

boyOld Norse

Bjorn is an boy name of Old Norse origin, meaning “Bear”.

MeaningBear
GenderBoy
OriginOld Norse
PronunciationBYORN
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inSweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland

Meaning and origin of Bjorn

Björn is the Old Norse word for 'bear', and the bear was a symbol of strength in the Viking world. It was a common name in the Viking Age, borne for example by the legendary Björn Ironside, and it has stayed popular in Sweden, Norway, Iceland and Denmark. The tennis player Björn Borg and the ABBA songwriter Björn Ulvaeus are well-known modern bearers.

Is Bjorn a religious name?

Björn is a Norse name from before the Christian era, with no religious meaning; Scandinavians of all backgrounds use it.

How popular is Bjorn?

Common in Scandinavia; rare elsewhere.

Gifts with the name Bjorn

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Spellings and variants of Bjorn

BjørnBjarneBernard

Names similar to Bjorn

SvenLeifErikArne

More boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Bjorn mean?

Bjorn means 'Bear'. It is of Old Norse origin.

Does Bjorn have a religious meaning?

Björn is a Norse name from before the Christian era, with no religious meaning; Scandinavians of all backgrounds use it.

How do you pronounce Bjorn?

Bjorn is pronounced BYORN.

Is Bjorn a boy or girl name?

Bjorn is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.