"thunder"
Origin: Old Norse
Language: Norse
Thor
Pronunciation: [ th-AWR ]
Does Thor flow with your last name?
The Norse god of thunder, powerful and timeless
Norse
Scandinavian
American
Bold
Strong
Classic
Vintage
Royal
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"god of thunder and strength"
Origin: Proto-Germanic
Language: Germanic
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Things to Know About This Name
- Strongly associated with Marvel superhero character since 2011
The Story of Thor
Thor comes from the Old Norse name meaning thunder. In Norse mythology, Thor was the god of thunder, storms, lightning, strength, and the protection of mankind. He wielded the hammer Mjolnir and was considered a protector of both gods and humans, making him one of the most beloved deities in the Norse pantheon.
Thor has experienced a massive surge in popularity driven by Marvel's Thor character played by Chris Hemsworth in the MCU franchise beginning in 2011. In Scandinavia, Thor has remained a consistent traditional name; globally it spiked dramatically after the films' release.
Thor holds a sacred place in Norse and Germanic mythology. Thursday is named after Thor in English, from the Old English meaning Thor's day, as are Thursday equivalents in all Germanic languages.
Historical Record
Thor first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 4,374 babies have been named Thor in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Thor is past its peak , currently ranked #2,806 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Thursday is named after Thor from Old English meaning Thor's day
- Thor has been worshipped in Scandinavia for over 1,500 years
- Chris Hemsworth's portrayal in Marvel films triggered a global rise in the name's use
Thor in Other Languages
Danish
Thor
German
Thor
Swedish
Tor
Icelandic
Thor
Norwegian
Tor
Popularity Over Time
#2,806
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Peaked 1968
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Thor
T
Thor Heyerdahl
Explorer
1914
Norwegian adventurer famous for the Kon-Tiki expedition crossing the Pacific on a raft
T
Thor (Marvel) Fictional
Other
Marvel Comics superhero, the Asgardian god of thunder, wielder of Mjolnir
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #2,806
- Total SSA Count
- 46
- Cultural Origins
- Norse Scandinavian American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Thor
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Thor
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Same Origin Names (Norse)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Thor
What does the name Thor mean?
"thunder" (from Old Norse). "god of thunder and strength" (from Proto-Germanic). Thor comes from the Old Norse name meaning thunder. In Norse mythology, Thor was the god of thunder, storms, lightning, strength, and the protection of mankind. He wielded the hammer Mjolnir and was considered a protector of both gods and humans, making him one of the most beloved deities in the Norse pantheon.
What is the origin of the name Thor?
Thor has Old Norse, Proto-Germanic, Norse, Scandinavian, and American origins. In Old Norse, it means "thunder". In Proto-Germanic, it means "god of thunder and strength".
Is Thor a boy or girl name?
Thor is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Thor?
Thor is pronounced th-AWR.
How popular is the name Thor?
Thor is currently ranked #2806 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Thor?
Common nicknames for Thor include Thor.
What are good middle names for Thor?
Popular middle name pairings include Thor James, Thor William, Thor Alexander, Thor Lee, Thor Michael, and Thor Henry.
What are good sibling names for Thor?
Names that pair well with Thor as siblings include Odin, Freya, Loki, Sigrid, Bjorn, and Astrid.
How many syllables does Thor have?
Thor has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Thor a common or rare name?
Thor is an uncommon name, ranked #2806 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Thor?
About the Name Thor
Thor is a boy name with Norse, Scandinavian, and American origins . The name means "thunder" in Old Norse .
Thor is currently ranked #2,806 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Thor has 1 syllable and is pronounced th-AWR, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Thor include Thor. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Thor include Thomas, Thorin, Thoren, Thompson . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis