Gunnhild

girlOld Norse

Gunnhild is an girl name of Old Norse origin, meaning “Battle, war”.

MeaningBattle, war
GenderGirl
OriginOld Norse
PronunciationGOON-hild
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inNorway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland

Meaning and origin of Gunnhild

Gunnhild comes from Old Norse Gunnhildr, made of gunnr 'war' and hildr 'battle', so both halves mean conflict. It was a common name for Norse women of high rank, including Gunnhild, wife of Eric Bloodaxe, called 'Mother of Kings' in the sagas. Over time it gave rise to forms such as Gunhild and Gunilla, popular in Sweden. Short forms include Gunn and Hilde.

Is Gunnhild a religious name?

Gunnhild is a historical Norse name without religious meaning.

How popular is Gunnhild?

Old-fashioned and mainly seen among older women.

Gifts with the name Gunnhild

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a small commission from these links, at no extra cost to you.

Spellings and variants of Gunnhild

GunhildGunillaGunnhildurGunnel

Names similar to Gunnhild

More girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Gunnhild mean?

Gunnhild means 'Battle, war'. It is of Old Norse origin.

Does Gunnhild have a religious meaning?

Gunnhild is a historical Norse name without religious meaning.

How do you pronounce Gunnhild?

Gunnhild is pronounced GOON-hild.

Is Gunnhild a boy or girl name?

Gunnhild is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.