Find out how popular the first name Arni has been for the last 15 years (from 2004 to 2018) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Arni by gender

Based on the last 15 years of data, Arni is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2018, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Arni.

The history of the first name Arni

The name Arni is believed to have originated from the Old Norse language, which was spoken by the ancient Scandinavian people, particularly in Iceland, Norway, and parts of Sweden and Denmark. It is derived from the Old Norse word "arnr," which means "eagle" or "eagle-like." This connection to the majestic bird of prey suggests that the name may have been associated with strength, courage, and keen vision in its early usage.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Arni can be found in the Icelandic sagas, which are literary works that recount the lives and adventures of notable figures from Norse history and mythology. In the Laxdæla saga, written in the 13th century, there is a character named Arni Arnason, who was a prominent chieftain and landowner in Iceland during the 10th century.

Another notable figure in history who bore the name Arni was Arni Thorlaksson (1237-1298), an Icelandic bishop and scholar who played a significant role in the preservation of Old Norse literature. He is credited with compiling the Árna saga, a collection of sagas and historical writings that provide invaluable insights into the culture and traditions of medieval Iceland.

In the realm of literature, the name Arni has been associated with the Icelandic writer and scholar, Arni Magnusson (1663-1730). He was a renowned collector of ancient Icelandic manuscripts and played a crucial role in preserving the country's rich literary heritage. Magnusson's efforts contributed significantly to the study and understanding of Old Norse language and culture.

Moving beyond Iceland, the name Arni has also been documented in parts of Scandinavia, particularly in Norway and Sweden. One example is the Norwegian poet and playwright, Arni Fredriksen (1894-1983), who was known for his works that explored themes of rural life and the struggles of the working class.

In Sweden, the name Arni was borne by the author and environmentalist, Arni Sturen (1921-2004). Sturen was a prolific writer who published numerous works on nature, conservation, and the Swedish countryside. His writings contributed to the growing awareness and appreciation of environmental issues in Sweden during the latter half of the 20th century.

While the name Arni is relatively uncommon outside of Scandinavia and Iceland, its origins and historical significance are deeply rooted in the language and culture of the ancient Norse people. The name's connection to the eagle, a symbol of strength and majesty, has endured throughout its long history, making it a unique and meaningful choice for those with ties to the Nordic regions.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Arni was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Arni, please contact us.

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!