Bjarne – Meaning and Origin
The name Bjarne is of Scandinavian origin, derived from the Old Norse name Bjorn, meaning “bear”. It is a popular name in Scandinavia, particularly in Norway and Denmark. In the United States, it is most commonly used as a variant of the more common name Bernard.
History and Popularity
Bjorn was a popular name among Viking warriors, who believed that having a bear-like strength would bring them success in battle. The name has been used since at least the 10th century, when it was recorded in the Icelandic sagas. It has remained popular throughout the centuries, with its popularity peaking in Norway during the late 19th century.
In the United States, Bjarne is not as common as other Scandinavian names such as Erik or Lars. However, it has seen an increase in popularity over recent years. According to Social Security Administration data, Bjarne ranked #1,845 for baby boys born in 2019.
Famous People Named Bjarne
There are several famous people named Bjarne:
- Bjarne Stroustrup – Danish computer scientist and creator of the C++ programming language.
- Bjarne Riis – Danish professional cyclist and winner of the 1996 Tour de France.
- Bjarne Henriksen – Danish actor best known for his roles in films such as The Kingdom and Valhalla Rising.
- Bjarne Melgaard – Norwegian artist whose works explore themes of sexuality and identity.
Variations of Bjarne
The name Bjarne can also be spelled Bjarni or Bjorne. Other variations include Bjørn (Norwegian), Björn (Swedish), Beorn (Old English) and Bern (German).
