Sif first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Sif has been for the last 1 years (from 2021 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Sif

A feminine name of Old Norse origin meaning "affinity" or "relation".

Popularity of Sif by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Sif.

Year Male Count Female Count
2021 0 5

The history of the first name Sif

The name Sif has its origins in Old Norse mythology, where it was the name of a goddess associated with fertility, harvest, and family life. It is believed to have derived from the Proto-Germanic word "sibjo," meaning "relation by marriage or kinship." The name was popular among the ancient Norse and Germanic peoples, particularly in Scandinavia and parts of northern Europe.

In Norse mythology, Sif was the wife of the god Thor and was renowned for her golden hair, which was as brilliant as the sun itself. According to legend, the trickster god Loki once cut off Sif's hair as a prank, leading to a quest by the dwarves to create magical golden hair to replace it. This story highlights the importance of Sif's hair as a symbol of her fertility and feminine power.

The name Sif is mentioned in several ancient Norse texts, including the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda, which were written in the 13th century but likely reflect much older oral traditions. These texts provide valuable insights into the mythology and cultural significance of the name.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Sif can be found in the Snoldelev Stone, a runic inscription from Denmark dating back to the 9th century AD. This stone bears the name "Sifi," which is believed to be a variant of Sif.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Sif, including:

  1. Sif Ericsdotter (c. 1050 - c. 1115), a Swedish noblewoman and the mother of King Eric IX of Sweden.
  2. Sif Jakobsdotter (c. 1300 - c. 1370), a Swedish nun and abbess of the Vadstena Abbey.
  3. Sif Ruck (1916 - 2008), a Danish actress known for her roles in several Swedish and Danish films.
  4. Sif Atladottir (born 1983), an Icelandic basketball player who has represented her country in international competitions.
  5. Sif Musters (born 1996), a Dutch actress and model known for her roles in various television shows and films.

The name Sif continues to be used in modern times, particularly in Scandinavian countries and among those with Nordic heritage. Its connection to Norse mythology and its rich history make it a compelling choice for parents seeking a name with cultural significance and a strong feminine energy.

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

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

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"Sif first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on June 21, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/sif-meaning-and-history/.

"Sif first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/sif-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 21 June, 2025

Sif first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/sif-meaning-and-history/.

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