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

Popularity of Signe by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 14 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Signe.

The history of the first name Signe

The name Signe originates from the Old Norse language, spoken by the Norse people of Scandinavia during the Viking Age, around the 8th to 11th centuries. It is derived from the Old Norse word "signa," which means "to bless" or "to consecrate." The name was likely used as a reference to the pagan practice of making the sign of the hammer, a sacred symbol in Norse mythology, over newborn babies to bless them.

In the Poetic Edda, a collection of Old Norse poems dating back to the 13th century, the name Signe appears in the form of "Signý," referring to a valkyrie, one of the female figures who chose which warriors would die in battle and bring them to Valhalla. This suggests that the name had a strong association with Norse mythology and the warrior culture of the time.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Signe can be found in the Icelandic Landnámabók (Book of Settlements), a medieval text that chronicles the settlement of Iceland by Norse people in the 9th and 10th centuries. The book mentions a woman named Signe who was among the first settlers in the country.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Signe. One of the most famous was Signe Ingermarie Rasmussen (1910-1998), a Danish sculptor and painter known for her modernist works. Another notable Signe was Signe Toksvig (1919-2007), a Danish writer and journalist who played a significant role in advocating for women's rights and gender equality.

In the world of literature, Signe Ekblad-Eldh (1866-1953) was a Swedish author and poet who wrote extensively about the lives of women in rural Sweden. Signe Lorsbach (1844-1915) was a Norwegian writer and feminist who campaigned for women's education and suffrage in Norway.

Signe Salomonsen (1840-1915) was a Danish artist and one of the first women to be admitted to the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, paving the way for future female artists in Denmark.

The name Signe has a rich history rooted in Norse mythology and the Viking culture of Scandinavia. It has been borne by several notable figures throughout history, particularly in the arts, literature, and feminist movements, reflecting the strength and resilience often associated with this name.

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

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

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