"trickster, shapeshifter"
Origin: Old Norse mythology
Language: Old Norse
Loki
Does Loki flow with your last name?
The Norse trickster — clever, charismatic, and unforgettable
Scandinavian
Norse mythology
Modern pop culture
Bold
Playful
Whimsical
Modern
Strong
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"fire"
Origin: Old Norse logi
Language: Old Norse
"to close, knot"
Origin: Old Norse luka
Language: Old Norse
Browse names with similar meanings:
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Things to Know About This Name
- Loki is the trickster/villain of Norse mythology — associated with chaos and deception
- Marvel Cinematic Universe villain/antihero — beloved but morally complex character
The Story of Loki
Loki is one of the most enigmatic figures in Norse mythology, and his name's etymology is contested. It may derive from Old Norse 'logi' meaning 'fire' or 'lúka' meaning 'to close' or 'knot.' Loki was the son of giants but lived among the Aesir gods, serving as a shapeshifter and trickster whose schemes alternately helped and harmed the Norse pantheon. He is the father (or mother) of several monstrous creatures including the wolf Fenrir and the Midgard Serpent.
Loki surged dramatically as a baby name following the Marvel Cinematic Universe's portrayal of the character by Tom Hiddleston, beginning with Thor (2011) and culminating in his own Disney+ series in 2021. Parents were captivated by the character's complexity, wit, and redemptive arc.
In Scandinavian mythology, Loki represents the necessary chaos within order — a reminder that even divine systems need a disruptor. Modern parents who choose this name often embrace its association with cleverness, nonconformity, and the charming antihero narrative.
Historical Record
Loki first appeared in US Social Security records in 1996.
Over 1,918 babies have been named Loki in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Loki is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #1,771 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Loki is credited with creating the first fishing net in Norse mythology by teaching humans to weave
- After MCU's Loki series premiered in 2021, the name jumped 36 spots in US popularity rankings
- In Norse mythology, Loki's children include a wolf (Fenrir), a world-encircling serpent (Jormungandr), and the goddess of death (Hel)
Loki in Other Languages
Danish
Loke
Swedish
Loke
Icelandic
Loki
Norwegian
Loke
Old Norse
Loki
Popularity Over Time
#1,771
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Loki
L
Loki (Norse Mythology) Fictional
Other
The trickster deity of Norse mythology, shapeshifter and ambiguous figure among the Aesir gods
L
Loki Laufeyson (Marvel Cinematic Universe) Fictional
Other
Complex antihero villain from the Marvel universe, portrayed by Tom Hiddleston in Thor, The Avengers, and Loki series
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Compare Loki with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,771
- Total SSA Count
- 93
- Cultural Origins
- Scandinavian Norse mythology Modern pop culture
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Lo
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, bold style, 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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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, bold style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, bold style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, bold style, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Loki
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Loki is also used as a girl name, ranked #14310.
View Loki as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Scandinavian)
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Persian origin
"treasurer, keeper of treasure"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Loki
What does the name Loki mean?
"trickster, shapeshifter" (from Old Norse mythology). "fire" (from Old Norse logi). "to close, knot" (from Old Norse luka). Loki is one of the most enigmatic figures in Norse mythology, and his name's etymology is contested. It may derive from Old Norse 'logi' meaning 'fire' or 'lúka' meaning 'to close' or 'knot.' Loki was the son of giants but lived among the Aesir gods, serving as a shapeshifter and trickster whose schemes alternately helped and harmed the Norse pantheon. He is the father (or mother) of several monstrous creatures including the wolf Fenrir and the Midgard Serpent.
What is the origin of the name Loki?
Loki has Old Norse mythology, Old Norse logi, Old Norse luka, Scandinavian, Norse mythology, and Modern pop culture origins. In Old Norse mythology, it means "trickster, shapeshifter". In Old Norse logi, it means "fire". In Old Norse luka, it means "to close, knot".
Is Loki a boy or girl name?
Loki is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1771. As a girl name, it is ranked #14310. Loki is more commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Loki?
Loki is currently ranked #1771 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Loki?
Popular middle name pairings include Loki James, Loki Stone, Loki Fox, Loki River, Loki Finn, and Loki Cole.
What are good sibling names for Loki?
Names that pair well with Loki as siblings include Thor, Axel, Phoenix, Raven, Ember, and Soren.
How many syllables does Loki have?
Loki has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Loki a common or rare name?
Loki is an uncommon name, ranked #1771 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Loki
Loki is a boy name with Scandinavian, Norse mythology, and Modern pop culture origins . The name means "trickster, shapeshifter" in Old Norse mythology .
Is Loki a boy or girl name? Loki is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,771 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #14,310. Loki is more commonly used as a boy name.
Loki is currently ranked #1,771 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Loki has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Loki include Lo. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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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