"sword goddess"
Hjordis
Hjordis is a girl name of Old Norse origin meaning "sword goddess." Ranked #28,700 in the US, popular nicknames include Jordi, Dis, and Hjo.
A Norse sword-goddess name forged in Viking legend
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
Meaning & Origin
"divine sword-bearer"
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Things to Know About This Name
- Pronunciation may be challenging outside Scandinavia
The Story of Hjordis
Hjordis (Old Norse: Hjǫrdís) is a compound of two powerful Old Norse elements: 'hjǫrr' meaning 'sword' and 'dís' meaning 'goddess' or 'divine woman.' The dísir were female supernatural beings in Norse religion — protective spirits associated with fate, fertility, and the dead. A hjordis was therefore a divine guardian armed with a sword, a warrior-goddess. The name appears in the legendary Volsunga Saga as the mother of the hero Sigurd (Siegfried), cementing its mythological prestige.
Hjordis has remained a rare but enduring traditional Scandinavian name, particularly in Norway, sustained by the romantic appeal of Norse mythology and the Nordic revival of interest in pre-Christian heritage.
In the Volsunga Saga, Hjordis is a queen renowned for her wisdom and beauty who becomes the mother of Sigurd the dragon-slayer — the legendary hero who inspired the character of Siegfried in Wagner's Ring Cycle — giving the name deep resonance in Norse and German cultural heritage.
Historical Record
Hjordis first appeared in US Social Security records in 1959.
Over 6 babies have been named Hjordis in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Hjordis is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #28,700 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The dísir in Norse mythology were a class of female spirits worshipped in private household ceremonies called dísablót, held at the beginning of spring.
- Hjordis's son Sigurd in the Volsunga Saga is the same character as Siegfried in the German Nibelungenlied and Wagner's four-opera Ring Cycle.
Hjordis in Other Languages
Popularity Over Time
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Hjordis
Hjördís Hólmgrímsdóttir
Musician
Icelandic musician and performer representing the contemporary use of this ancient Norse name
Hjördís Carlsson
Athlete
Swedish athlete bearing this traditional Scandinavian name, reflecting its continued use in modern Sweden
Hjordis (Volsunga Saga) Fictional
Other
Queen and legendary figure in Old Norse mythology, mother of the hero Sigurd the dragon-slayer in the Volsunga Saga
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #28,700
- Total SSA Count
- 6
- Cultural Origins
- Norwegian Swedish Danish Icelandic Scandinavian
- Pronunciation
- Hard
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Low
Common Nicknames
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, extended 2-3 combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, extended 2-3 combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Hjordis
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Same Origin Names (Norwegian)
Names with Similar Meaning
Names that share meaning themes with Hjordis
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hjordis
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About the Name Hjordis
Hjordis is a girl name with Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, Icelandic, and Scandinavian origins . The name means "sword goddess" in Old Norse .
Hjordis is currently ranked #28,700 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Hjordis has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Hjordis include Jordi, Dis, and Hjo. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Keep Exploring
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