Find out how popular the first name Iorek has been for the last 1 years (from 2020 to 2020) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Iorek by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Iorek is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2020, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Iorek.

The history of the first name Iorek

The name Iorek has its origins in the Old Norse language, which was spoken by the Germanic peoples who inhabited Scandinavia and parts of northern Europe during the Viking Age (793-1066 AD). It is derived from the Old Norse words "jǫrn" meaning "iron" and "ríkr" meaning "powerful" or "mighty".

Iorek was likely a name given to children born into Norse families, particularly those of warriors or nobility, to signify strength and bravery. The name's connection to iron, a metal prized for its durability and use in weapons and armor, further reinforces its association with power and resilience.

While there are no definitive records of the name appearing in ancient Norse texts or sagas, its linguistic roots and structure suggest it was in use during the Viking era and the subsequent medieval period in Scandinavia.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Iorek was Iorek Hvidtfeldt (1615-1695), a Danish nobleman and statesman who served as the Governor of Trondheim in Norway during the 17th century. Another notable figure was Iorek Eriksson (1822-1901), a Swedish explorer and polar researcher who participated in several expeditions to the Arctic regions.

In the realm of literature, the name Iorek gained prominence through the character of Iorek Byrnison, a powerful armored bear featured in Philip Pullman's acclaimed fantasy trilogy, "His Dark Materials" (1995-2000). While a fictional character, Iorek Byrnison's name and portrayal as a formidable warrior bear pay homage to the name's Norse origins and associations with strength and power.

Other individuals who bore the name Iorek include Iorek Magnusson (1863-1928), an Icelandic painter and sculptor known for his works depicting Icelandic landscapes and mythology, and Iorek Olafsson (1901-1974), a Norwegian businessman and philanthropist who made significant contributions to the development of the shipping industry in Norway.

While not as common in modern times, the name Iorek continues to be used, particularly in Scandinavian countries, as a reflection of the region's rich cultural heritage and the enduring appeal of names with strong historical roots and symbolic meanings.

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

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

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