Find out how popular the first name Greydis has been for the last 6 years (from 2009 to 2014) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Greydis by gender

Based on the last 6 years of data, Greydis is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2014, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Greydis.

The history of the first name Greydis

The name Greydis is a relatively uncommon given name with a rich and fascinating history. Its origins can be traced back to the Old Norse language, which was spoken by the Vikings and other Scandinavian peoples during the medieval period.

Greydis is believed to be derived from the Old Norse words "greyð" and "dis," which together mean "grey goddess" or "grey lady." This suggests that the name may have been associated with Norse mythology and the worship of female deities or spirits.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Greydis can be found in the Icelandic Sagas, which are historical narratives that recount the lives and adventures of Norse settlers in Iceland during the 9th and 10th centuries. In the Eiríks saga rauða, or the Saga of Erik the Red, a woman named Greydis Eiriksdottir is mentioned as the daughter of Erik the Red, the famous Norse explorer who is credited with establishing the first European settlement in Greenland.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the name Greydis appears to have been used primarily in Scandinavian countries, particularly Iceland and Norway. One notable bearer of the name was Greydis Borgardottir (born around 1170), an Icelandic noblewoman who played a significant role in the Sturlung Age, a period of civil conflict in Iceland during the 13th century.

As the Vikings expanded their influence throughout Europe, the name Greydis may have spread to other regions, although it remained relatively uncommon. In the 17th century, a woman named Greydis Jonsdotter (born around 1620) was recorded as living in Östergötland, Sweden.

Another notable figure with the name Greydis was Greydis Sivertsdatter Bredal (1670-1746), a Norwegian woman who was accused of witchcraft and executed during the Scandinavian witch trials of the late 17th century.

In more recent times, the name Greydis has remained relatively rare, although it has been used occasionally in Scandinavian countries and among communities of Scandinavian descent. One example is Greydis Hjördís Egilsdóttir (born in 1945), an Icelandic author and journalist.

While the name Greydis is not commonly found in modern times, its rich history and connection to Norse mythology and culture make it a unique and intriguing choice for those seeking a name with a strong sense of heritage and tradition.

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

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

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