Egil

boyOld Norse

Egil is an boy name of Old Norse origin, meaning “Debated; possibly 'edge' or 'awe'”.

MeaningDebated; possibly 'edge' or 'awe'
GenderBoy
OriginOld Norse
PronunciationEH-gil
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inNorway, Iceland, Denmark

Meaning and origin of Egil

Egil comes from the Old Norse Egill. Its meaning is debated: it may be linked to egg, edge or blade, or to agi, awe or terror. The most famous bearer is Egil Skallagrímsson, the Viking poet and warrior who is the hero of Egil's Saga. The name is still used in Norway and Iceland.

Is Egil a religious name?

Egil is a Norse name associated with saga literature, not with any religious tradition.

How popular is Egil?

Familiar in Norway and Iceland, though not very common.

Gifts with the name Egil

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Spellings and variants of Egil

EgillEigil

Names similar to Egil

More boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Egil mean?

Egil means 'Debated; possibly 'edge' or 'awe''. It is of Old Norse origin.

Does Egil have a religious meaning?

Egil is a Norse name associated with saga literature, not with any religious tradition.

How do you pronounce Egil?

Egil is pronounced EH-gil.

Is Egil a boy or girl name?

Egil is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.