Find out how popular the first name Idun has been for the last 1 years (from 2022 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Idun by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Idun is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Idun.

The history of the first name Idun

The name Idun has its origins in Old Norse mythology and literature. It is believed to derive from the Old Norse word "iðunn", meaning "the rejuvenating one" or "ever young". The name was borne by the goddess Iðunn in Norse mythology, who was the keeper of the golden apples that kept the gods young and immortal.

In the Poetic Edda, one of the oldest sources of Norse mythology, Iðunn is mentioned in the poem Lokasenna. Here, the trickster god Loki accuses her of engaging in promiscuous behavior with the gods in order to obtain her apples. This suggests that the name Idun was well-established in Norse culture by the 13th century when the Poetic Edda was likely compiled.

The earliest recorded instance of the name Idun being used as a personal name dates back to the 17th century in Sweden. One notable bearer was Idun Ingemundsdotter (1604-1693), a Swedish woman who was accused of witchcraft during the Torsåkers witch trials in 1675.

In the 19th century, the name gained popularity in Scandinavia and Germany, likely due to the renewed interest in Norse mythology during the Romantic period. One famous bearer was Idun Lovisa Munck af Fulkila (1805-1868), a Swedish baroness and socialite who was known for her beauty and wit.

Another notable Idun was Idun Huitfeldt (1879-1958), a Norwegian author and poet who wrote several works exploring themes of love, nature, and the human condition. Her poetry collection "Sange" (Songs) from 1905 was particularly well-received.

In the 20th century, the name Idun was adopted by some parents in the United States and other English-speaking countries, likely due to its unique sound and Norse origins. One example is Idun Insinger (1919-2003), an American actress and singer who appeared in several films and television shows in the 1950s and 1960s.

While not as common as some other Scandinavian names, Idun has maintained a steady presence throughout the centuries, reflecting its deep roots in Norse mythology and culture.

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

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