Find out how popular the first name Freya has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Freya by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Freya is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 2,061 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Freya.

The history of the first name Freya

The name Freya has its origins in Old Norse mythology and language. It is derived from the Old Norse word "freyja", which means "lady" or "mistress". The name is associated with the powerful Norse goddess Freyja, the goddess of love, beauty, fertility, war, and death.

Freya was one of the most revered and celebrated deities in the Viking pantheon. She was often depicted as a beautiful woman with golden hair, riding a chariot pulled by two cats. Freya was also known for her cloak of falcon feathers, which allowed her to take the form of a falcon and fly.

The name Freya first appeared in the Poetic Edda, an ancient collection of Old Norse poems dating back to the 13th century. These poems provide valuable insights into Norse mythology and the worship of Freya and other gods. The name is also mentioned in the Prose Edda, a work written by the Icelandic scholar Snorri Sturluson in the 13th century.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Freya was Freya Stark, a British explorer and travel writer who lived from 1893 to 1993. She was known for her travels in the Middle East and her books about her adventures.

Another notable Freya was Freya von Moltke, a German resistance fighter during World War II. She was born in 1911 and was part of the Kreisau Circle, a group that opposed the Nazi regime. She was arrested and executed by the Nazis in 1945.

In more recent times, Freya was the name of a prominent Australian author and academic, Freya Mathews, who was born in 1945. She wrote extensively on environmental philosophy and the relationship between humans and nature.

Freya Ridings is a contemporary British singer-songwriter born in 1994. She has gained popularity for her soulful voice and emotive lyrics, and her debut album "Freya Ridings" was released in 2019.

Freya Stavanger was a Norwegian figure skater who competed in the 1994 and 1998 Winter Olympics. She was born in 1976 and is considered one of Norway's most successful figure skaters.

The name Freya has maintained its popularity throughout the centuries, reflecting the enduring influence of Norse mythology and the admiration for the goddess herself. Its association with love, beauty, and strength has made it a beloved choice for parents around the world.

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 Freya was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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