List of names of Odin explained

Odin (Old Norse Óðinn) is a widely attested god in Germanic mythology. The god is referred to by numerous names and kenningar, particularly in the Old Norse record.

List

List
Name
(Old Norse)
Name
(anglicized)
MeaningSources
Aldafaðr or Aldafǫðr'Father of mankind'[1] Óðins nǫfn (1), Vafþrúðnismál (4, 53)
Aldagautr'Man-Gautr'Baldrs draumar (2)
AlfǫðrAlfodr'All-father'[2] Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Grímnismál (48), Óðins nǫfn (2)
AlgingautrThe aged GautrThe Icelandic rune poem (4)
Angan FriggjarDelight of FriggVǫluspá (54)
Arnhǫfði'The one with the eagle's head'[3] Óðins nǫfn (2)
Atriðr, Atriði'attacker'[4] Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (48), Óðins nǫfn (1)
Asagrim (< *Ásagrimmr)[5] Lord of the AesirStolt Herr Alf
Auðunfriend of wealth (Edwin, Audoin)Óðins nǫfn (1)
Bági ulfsEnemy of the WolfSonatorrek (24)
Baldrs faðirBalder's fatherLausavísa from Styrbjarnar þáttr Svíakappa[6]
BáleygrBaleyg'the one with flaming eyes'[7] Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Grímnismál (47), Hallfreðr vandræðaskáld's Hákonardrápa (6), Gísl Illugason's Erfikvæði um Magnús berfœtt (1), þulur, Óðins nǫfn (6), Grettisrímur V (61)
Biflindi[8] 'the one with the painted shield'Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (49), Óðins nǫfn (6)
BileygrBileyg'the one with poor sight'[9] Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (47), þulur, Óðins nǫfn (5)
Blindi, Blindr'the blind one'[10] Gylfaginning, Helgakviða Hundingsbana II (prose)
Brúni, Brúnn'the brown one' or possibly 'the one with bushy eyebrows'[11] Óðins nǫfn (6)
Bǫðgæðir (attested in its genitive form bǫðgœðis)Battle promoterÞorst 2,III
Bǫlverkr'evil-doer, malefactor'[12] Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Hávamál (109), Grímnismál (47), Óðins nǫfn (7)
Bors niðr (Bors niðjar)Bor's sonEgill Lv 23, V (Eg 30)
Bragi'chieftain, lord'[13] Höfuðlausn (31)
Bróðir Vilis, Bróðir ViljaVili's BrotherSonatorrek (23)
Burs arfþegiBor's heirHyndluljóð 30
ByrlindiDistorted version of Biflindi[14] Sturlaugsrímur III (50)
Darraðr, Dorruðr[15] Spearman
DraugadróttinnLord of the undead / Lord of ghosts[16] Ynglinga saga (Ch 7)
DresvarprÓðins nǫfn (2)
EylúðrThe ever boomingÓðins nǫfn (6)
Faðmbyggvir FriggjarDweller in Frigg's Embrace
Farmagnuðr, Farmǫgnuðrjourney empowererHáleygjatal (2), Skáldskaparmál
Farmaguð, FarmatýrFarmagud, Farmatyr'god of burdens'[17] Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Grímnismál (48), Óðins nǫfn (2)
Farmr galgaGallows' Burden
Fengr'catch; catcher; the one who leads the fallen hearoes to Valhall'[18] Óðins nǫfn (2)
Fimbulþulr[19] Fimbulthul'Mighty Thuler'; 'mighty speaker, mighty wise one'[20] Hávamál (80, 142)
FimbultýrFimbultyr'mighty god'Vǫluspá (60)
FjallgeiguðrShape godÓðins nǫfn (2)
Fjǫlnir[21] Fjolnirpossibly 'the one who knows much'[22] Grímnismál (47), Reginsmál (18), Gylfaginning (3, 20), many skaldic poems, þulur, Óðins nǫfn (2), Skíðaríma (91, 174)
FjǫlsviðrFjolsvid, Fjolsvin'the very wise one'[23] Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (47), Óðins nǫfn (2)
Fornǫlvir'heathen ǫlvir'[24] Óðins nǫfn (2)
Fráríðr, Fráríði'the one riding away'[25] Óðins nǫfn (2), Grettisrímur III (1), Sturlaugsrímur VI (47)
Fundinn'the found one' (according to Rudolf Simek, it is unclear if this refers to Odin)[26] Óláfsrímur Tryggvasonar A III (1)
Gagnráðr, GangráðrGagnrad, Gangrad'the one who advises against'[27] Vafþrúðnismál (8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17)
Gangleri[28] 'the one tired from walking'?[29] Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (46), Óðins nǫfn (3)
GautatýrGautatyr'Gautland-god'[30] Skáldskaparmál, Eyvindr skáldaspillir's Hákonarmál (1)
Gautr, Gauti[31] Gaut'Gotlander'Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Grímnismál (54), Óðins nǫfn (1), Friðþjófsrímur, Skíðaríma, Landrésrímur, Hjálmþérsrímur, Geiplur, Bjarkarímur, Griplur, Þrændlur, Skáldhelgarímur, Blávusrímur, Geirarðsrímur, Vǫlsungsrímur
Geirlǫðnir'the one who invites to the spear-battle'[32] Óðins nǫfn (3)
GeirǫlnirSpear chargerÓðins nǫfn (5)
GeirtýrGore/Spear God
GeirvaldrGore/Spear Master
Geldnir Gelging
GinnarrDeceiverÓðins nǫfn (1)
Gizurr[33] RiddlerÓðins nǫfn (1)
Gestumblindi/Blind GuestHervarar saga (10), þulur, Óðins nǫfn (7)
GlapsviðrGlapsvid, GlapsvinSwift in Deceit, Swift Tricker, Maddener, Wise in magical spellsGylfaginning, Grímnismál (47), Óðins nǫfn (3)
Godan/GodenLombard name for OdinFoulke (2003 [1974]:315–17)
Goði hrafnblótsGoði of the Raven-offering
GoðjaðarrGod ProtectorSonatorrek (23)
GǫllnirYellerÓðins nǫfn (3)
GollorrYellerÓðins nǫfn (1)
GǫllungrYellerÓðins nǫfn (5)
Gǫndlir[34] GondlirWand-Bearer, Wand-WielderGylfaginning, Grímnismál (49), Óðins nǫfn (3)
Gramr HliðskjálfarKing of Hliðskjalf
GrímnirGrimnirHooded, Masked OneGylfaginning, Grímnismál (introduction, 47, 49), Hallfreðr vandræðaskáld's lausavísur (9), Eilífr Goðrúnarson's Þórsdrápa (3), Húsdrápa (1), Rǫgnvaldr kali Kolssons lausavísur (7), þulur, Óðins nǫfn (1)
GrímrGrimMaskGylfaginning, Grímnismál (46, 47), þulur, Óðins nǫfn (3, 7)
GunnblindiBattle blinderÓðins nǫfn (8)
HagvirkrSkillful workerÓðins nǫfn (4)
HangadróttinnLord of the hanged[35] Ynglinga saga (Ch 7)
Hangaguð, HangatýrHangagud, HangatyrGod of the HangedGylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál
HangiHanged One
HaptabeiðirCommander of Leaders
HaptaguðHaptagudGod of PrisonersGylfaginning
HaptasnytrirTeacher of gods
HaptsǫnirîFetter Loosener
HárbarðrHarbardHoary Beard, Grey BeardGylfaginning, Grímnismál (49), Hárbardsljód, þulur, Óðins nǫfn (3)
HárrHarHighGylfaginning, Grímnismál (46), Óðins nǫfn (2)
Harri HliðskjálfarLord of Hliðskjalf
HáviHaviHigh OneHávamál (109, 111, 164), Óðins nǫfn (4)
Heimþinguðr hangaVisitor of the Hanged
Helblindi[36] /Hel BlinderGylfaginning, Grímnismál (46)
Hengikeptr, HengikjoptHang jawÓðins nǫfn (4)
HerblindiHost blinderÓðins nǫfn (5)
Herfǫðr, HerjafǫðrHerfodr, HerjafodrFather of HostsGylfaginning, Vǫluspá (29, 43), Vafthrúdnismál (2), Grímnismál (19, 25, 26), Óðins nǫfn (5)
HergautrHost Gautr
Herjan/Warrior, Harrier, Lord, Leader of HostsGylfaginning, Grímnismál (46), Óðins nǫfn (2), Vǫluspá (31)
HerteitrHerteitGlad of WarGylfaginning, Grímnismál (47), Óðins nǫfn (3)
HertýrHertyrHost-Tyr or God of HostsSkáldskaparmál
HildolfrBattle Wolf
HjaldrgegnirEngager of Battle
HjaldrgoðGod of battle
HjálmberiHjalmberiHelmet BearerGylfaginning, Grímnismál (46), þulur, Óðins nǫfn (2)
HjarrandiScreamerÓðins nǫfn (4)
HléfreyrFamous/barrow lordÓðins nǫfn (5)
HleifruðrWayfinderÓðins nǫfn (4)
HnikarrHnikarOverthrower, ThrusterGylfaginning, Grímnismál (47), Reginsmál (18, 19), Óðins nǫfn (2)
HnikuðrHnikudOverthrowerGylfaginning, Grímnismál (48), Óðins nǫfn (1)
HoárrOne Eyed
HǫtterHatter, hat-wearer
HoviHigh One
Hrafnaguð, HrafnássHrafnagudRaven GodGylfaginning (38)
HrafnfreistuðrRaven tester
HramiFetterer, RipperÓðins nǫfn (4)
HraniBlustererLatin inscription, Hrólfs saga kraka
HrjóðrRoarerÓðins nǫfn (4)
Hroptr, HroptatýrHropt, HroptatyrSage[37] Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Hákonarmál (14), Úlfr Uggason's Húsdrápa (8), Hávamál (160), Grímnismál (54), Sigrdrífumál (13), Óðins nǫfn (2, 3, 5), Vǫluspá (62)
HrosshársgraniHorse hair moustacheGautreks saga, Óðins nǫfn (4)
HvatmóðrCourage of the whet-stoneÓðins nǫfn (5)
HveðrungrRoarer or Weather-makerÓðins nǫfn (5)
Ít-rekr"glorious ruler"[38]
JafnhárrJafnhar'Evenhigh,' Just as High, Equally HighGylfaginning, Grímnismál (49), Óðins nǫfn (8)
JalfaðrYellow-brown Back
Jálg, JálkrJalkGylfaginning, Grímnismál (49, 54), Óðins nǫfn (7)
JárngrímrIron Mask
Jólnir, JǫlnirYule figureÓðins nǫfn (7)
JolfrHorse-wolf, bear
Jǫlfuðr, JǫlfǫðrYule fatherÓðins nǫfn (8)
JǫrmunrThe mighty one, cosmicÓðins nǫfn (8)
KjalarrKjalarKeel, NourisherGylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Grímnismál (49), Óðins nǫfn (1)
LangbarðrLangbardLong Beardþulur, Óðins nǫfn (7)
Lǫndungr, LoðungrShaggy Cloak WearerÓðins nǫfn (7)
Niðr BorsBorr's Kin
NjótrUser, enjoyer or needed oneÓðins nǫfn (6)
OdinFrenzy, Rage, Inspiration
ÓfnirInciterÓðins nǫfn (7)
OlgrProtector, HawkÓðins nǫfn (6)
ÓmiOmiResounding oneGylfaginning, Grímnismál (49), Óðins nǫfn (7)
ÓskiOskiGod of Wishes, Wished ForGylfaginning, Grímnismál (49), Óðins nǫfn (8)
RauðgraniRed MustacheBárðar saga Snæfellsáss 18,[39] O˛rvar-Odds saga 19ff.[40]
ReiðartýrWagon God or God of riders
RǫgnirChief ('He that reigns')Óðins nǫfn (5)
RúnatýrGod of Runes
Runni vagnaMover of Constellations
SaðrSadr, SannTruthful, SoothGylfaginning, Grímnismál (47), Óðins nǫfn (8)
Sanngetall/Finder of Truth/SoothGylfaginning, Grímnismál (47), Óðins nǫfn (7)
SíðgraniSidgraniLong BeardAlvíssmál (6)
SíðhǫttrSidhott[41] Broad HatGylfaginning, Grímnismál (48), þulur, Óðins nǫfn (4)
SíðskeggrSidskeggLong BeardGylfaginning, Grímnismál (48), þulur, Óðins nǫfn (6)
SigðirVictory giverÓðins nǫfn (6)
SigfǫðrSigfodrFather of Victory, War FatherGylfaginning, Vǫluspá (54), Grímnismál (48), Óðins nǫfn (4)
SiggautrVictory GeatÓðins nǫfn (6)
SigrhofundrVictory AuthorSonatorrek (22)
SigmundrVictory protectionÓðins nǫfn (6)
SigrúnnrVictory Tree
SigtryggrSure of victory (Victory-true)Óðins nǫfn (8)
Sigtýr[42] SigtyrGod of Victory, War GodSkáldskaparmál, Atlakviða (30), Glúmr Geirason's Gráfeldardrápa (12)
SigþrórSuccessful in victory, Thriving in victoryÓðins nǫfn (8)
SkilfingrSkilfingTrembler or he of HlidshilfGylfaginning, Grímnismál (54), Óðins nǫfn (8)
SkollvaldrRuler of treacheryÓðins nǫfn (6)
Sonr BestluSon of Bestla
Spjalli GautaFriend of the GothsSonatorrek (21)
Sváfnir[43] SvafnirSleep bringer, CloserGylfaginning, Grímnismál (54), Óðins nǫfn (4). The root svaf- is an Indo-European cognate to words meaning sleep (Greek hypnos; Latin sopor, sopio, somnus; etc.)[44]
SveigðirReed Bringer (see the story of Vikarr)
SviðarrSvidarGylfaginning
SviðrirSvidrirCalmerGylfaginning, Grímnismál (50), Óðins nǫfn (6)
SviðuðrÓðins nǫfn (4)
SviðurrSvidurWise OneGylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Grímnismál (50), Óðins nǫfn (6)
SvipallChanging, Fleeting (or shape-shifter)Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (47), Óðins nǫfn (3)
SvǫlnirSvolnirCoolerSkáldskaparmál, Óðins nǫfn (6)
TveggiDouble, TwofoldÓðins nǫfn (8) Vǫluspá (63)
TvíblindiTviblindiTwice Blindþulur, Óðins nǫfn (4)
ÞekkrThekkKnown, Welcome OneGylfaginning, Grímnismál (46), Óðins nǫfn (7)
ÞrasarrQuarrelerÓðins nǫfn (4)
ÞriðiThridiThirdGylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Grímnismál (46), Óðins nǫfn (5)
ÞriggiTriple
ÞrórThrorBurgeoning, ThrivingGylfaginning, Grímnismál (49), Óðins nǫfn (8)
ÞróttrThrottStrengthGlymdrápa (2)
ÞuðrThud, ThunnLean, PaleGylfaginning, Óðins nǫfn (7)
ÞundrThundThundererGylfaginning, Hávamál (145), Grímnismál (46, 54), Óðins nǫfn (7)
UðrUd, Unn[45] Loved, Beloved, StriverGylfaginning, Grímnismál (46), Óðins nǫfn (7)
VáfuðrVafudWandererGylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Grímnismál (54)
Váfuðr GungnisSwinger of Gungnir
Váði vitnisFoe of the Wolf
VakrVakWakeful, AwakenerGylfaginning, Grímnismál (54), Óðins nǫfn (7)
Valdr galgaRuler of Gallows
Valdr vagnbrautarRuler of Heaven
ValfǫðrValfodrFather of the SlainGylfaginning, Vǫluspá (1, 27, 28), Grímnismál (48), þulur, Óðins nǫfn (5)
ValgautrValgautSlaughter-Geat, Geat of the SlainSkáldskaparmál, Óðins nǫfn (8)
ValkjosandiChooser of the Slain
Valtamr, ValtamSlain Tame, The Warrior
ValtýrSlain God
ValþognirSlain Receiver
VegtamWanderer or Way-tameBaldrs draumar (6, 13)
VeratýrVeratyrGod of men, God of beingGylfaginning, Óðins nǫfn (8)
ViðfrägerWide Famed
ViðrirVidrirStormerGylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Lokasenna (26)Hrafnagaldr Óðins (9)
Viðrímnir, ViðhrimnirContrary screamer or 'wide hoary-beard'Óðins nǫfn (1)
ViðurrVidurKillerGylfaginning, Grímnismál (49), Óðins nǫfn (6), Karlevi Runestone
VingnirSwingerÓðins nǫfn (5)
Vinr LoptsFriend of Loptr
Vinr LóðursFriend of Lóðurr
Vinr MímsFriend of MímirSonatorrek (23)
Vinr stallaFriend of Altars
VófuðrDanglerÓðins nǫfn (5)
Vǫlundr rómuSmith of Battle
YggrYggTerrible OneGylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Vǫluspá (28), Grímnismál (53, 54), Óðins nǫfn (8)
Ýjungr, ÝrungrStormy or of the primal streamsÓðins nǫfn (8)
In Old English, Odin was known as English, Old (ca.450-1100);: Wōden; in Old Saxon, as Wōdan; and in Old High German, as German, Old High (ca.750-1050);: Wuotan or German, Old High (ca.750-1050);: Wōtan.

See also

Further reading

External links

Notes and References

  1. Simek (2007:7)
  2. Simek (2007:8).
  3. Simek (2007:18).
  4. Simek (2007:12).
  5. The use of grimmR and the later form grim in the sense "lord" has only a few occurrences from Sweden. In extant Icelandic material grimmr only appears as an adjective with the meaning "heartless", "strict" and "wicked", which can be compared with the use of adjective gramr ("wrath") as a name for "lord", see Runic Dictionary Entry for grimmR at the runic dictionary of the university of Nottingham.
  6. Anonymous Lausavísur, Lausavísur from Styrbjarnar þáttr Svíakappa 1. Matthew. Townend. 2 July 2012. Skaldic Poetry of the Scandinavian Middle Ages. 1. 1076. skaldic.org. 2 July 2022. 24 February 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220224110803/https://skaldic.org/m.php?p=verse&i=1315. live.
  7. Simek (2007:36).
  8. Simek (2007:32).
  9. Simek (2007:37).
  10. Simek (2007:38).
  11. Simek (2007:46).
  12. Simek (2007:40).
  13. Simek (2007:43).
  14. Finnur Jónsson (1926–28). Ordbog til de af samfund til udg. af gml. nord. litteratur udgivne rímur samt til de af Dr. O. Jiriczek udgivne bósarimur, pp. 51–51. København: J. Jørgensen & Co.
  15. Blumetti, Robert. (2019). The Norse Gods and Their Myths, p. 130
  16. Heimskringla I (2011) Ch. 7, pp.10.
  17. Simek (2007:78).
  18. Simek (2007:79).
  19. Also the name of a river, one of the Élivágar.
  20. Simek (2007:83).
  21. Also the name of a mythological king of Sweden, Fjǫlnir.
  22. Simek (2007:84-85).
  23. Simek (2007:85).
  24. Simek (2007:88).
  25. Simek (2007:89).
  26. Simek (2007:96).
  27. Simek (2007:97 & 99).
  28. Also an assumed name used by Gylfi.
  29. Simek (2007:99).
  30. Simek (2007:100).
  31. Also the name of a member of a defunct Scandinavian nation, one of the Geats.
  32. Simek (2007:102).
  33. Also the name of a Geatish king, Gizurr.
  34. "Geldnir" in other manuscripts.
  35. Heimskringla I (2011) Ch. 7, pp.10.
  36. Also the name of a brother of Loki.
  37. The meaning is disputed according to Lindow but Larrington gives the translation "Sage" in the Poetic Edda.
  38. inferred from Ítreksjóð "offspring of Ítrekr" in a some recencions of the Eddaic þulur. See Hannah Burrows in Chase (ed.), Eddic, Skaldic, and Beyond: Poetic Variety in Medieval Iceland and Norway, Oxford University Press, 2014, p. 122 .
  39. ed. Þórhallur Vilmundarson/Bjarni Vilhjálmsson, Íslenzk fornrit 13, Reykjavík 1991, p. 163
  40. ed. Guðni Jónsson, Fornaldar sǫgur Norðurlanda 2, Reykjavík 1954, pp. 279ff.
  41. "Sidhofr" in other manuscripts.
  42. In plural, sigtívar refers to the gods in many Eddic poems.
  43. Also the name of a serpent found in the wellspring of Hvergelmir.
  44. Mallory, James P.; Adams, Douglas Q. (1997). Encyclopedia of Indo-European Culture. London: Routledge. p. 527.
  45. Also the name of one of the nine daughters of Ægir.