Sturla

boyOld Norse (Icelandic)

Sturla is an boy name of Old Norse (Icelandic) origin, meaning “Restless; one who stirs things up”.

MeaningRestless; one who stirs things up
GenderBoy
OriginOld Norse (Icelandic)
PronunciationSTUR-lah
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inIceland, Norway

Meaning and origin of Sturla

Sturla is an old Icelandic name usually linked with the Norse verb sturla, 'to disturb, unsettle', so it is often explained as 'restless' or 'turbulent'. It is closely tied to the powerful Sturlung family of thirteenth-century Iceland, whose conflicts gave the Sturlung Age its name. Sturla Þórðarson, nephew of Snorri Sturluson, was a major historian and saga writer of that era.

Is Sturla a religious name?

Sturla has no religious meaning; it is valued in Iceland as part of the country's medieval literary heritage.

How popular is Sturla?

Still used in Iceland, with a few bearers in Norway; very rare elsewhere.

Gifts with the name Sturla

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Spellings and variants of Sturla

Sturle

Names similar to Sturla

More boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Sturla mean?

Sturla means 'Restless; one who stirs things up'. It is of Old Norse (Icelandic) origin.

Does Sturla have a religious meaning?

Sturla has no religious meaning; it is valued in Iceland as part of the country's medieval literary heritage.

How do you pronounce Sturla?

Sturla is pronounced STUR-lah.

Is Sturla a boy or girl name?

Sturla is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.