Birgir – Name Meaning
The name Birgir is of Scandinavian origin and is derived from the Old Norse name Björgvin, which means “protection” or “help.” It is a masculine given name that has been popular in Scandinavia since the Middle Ages. The name is also found in other countries such as Germany, Austria, and Hungary.
History and Origin
The name Birgir is derived from the Old Norse name Björgvin, which was composed of two elements: björg (protection) and vin (friend). This combination of elements was used to create names for both men and women in Scandinavia during the Middle Ages. The name was popularized by the legendary Viking leader Birgir Haraldsson, who was known for his bravery and strength.
The name Birgir has been used in various forms throughout history. In Sweden, it was spelled Birger until the 19th century when it began to be spelled with an i instead of an e. In Norway, it has been spelled Birger since the 16th century. In Denmark, it has been spelled Birger since the 17th century.
Popularity
The name Birgir is not particularly common in the United States but is more popular in Scandinavian countries. In Sweden, it ranked as the 545th most popular male name in 2019. In Norway, it ranked as the 602nd most popular male name in 2019. In Denmark, it ranked as the 890th most popular male name in 2019.
Famous People Named Birgir
There are several famous people named Birgir, including:
- Birgir Haraldsson – Legendary Viking leader
- Birger Jarl – Swedish statesman and founder of Stockholm
- Birger Magnusson – King of Sweden from 1290-1319
- Birger Sjöberg – Swedish poet and novelist
Variations of the Name
Variations of the name Birgir include: Berge (Norwegian), Bergi (Icelandic), Bergur (Icelandic), Bergr (Swedish), Bergur (Danish), Bergur (Faroese).
