Thor is a masculine given name with origins tracing back to Old Norse mythology and the ancient Germanic languages. The name is derived from the Old Norse word "Þunraz" or "Þunraz," which means "thunder."

The name Thor is most closely associated with the Norse god of the same name, who was revered as a powerful deity of thunder, storms, strength, and fertility. Thor was one of the most prominent gods in the Norse pantheon, and his name is mentioned extensively in various Norse texts and sagas, including the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda.

In ancient Norse mythology, Thor was depicted as a muscular, red-haired figure wielding a mighty hammer called Mjölnir. He was believed to be the protector of humankind against the forces of chaos and was often invoked for his strength and courage in battle.

The earliest recorded use of the name Thor dates back to the Viking Age, around the 8th to 11th centuries AD. During this period, the name was popular among Scandinavian and Germanic people, particularly in regions where Norse influence was strong, such as modern-day Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Iceland.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Thor. One of the earliest recorded examples is Thor Longus, a legendary Norwegian chieftain who lived in the 9th century AD. Another famous bearer of the name was Thor Heyerdahl, a Norwegian explorer and anthropologist best known for his Kon-Tiki expedition across the Pacific Ocean in 1947.

Other prominent individuals named Thor include Thor Bjørklund (1889-1975), a Norwegian sculptor and painter; Thor Heyerdahl (1914-2002), the aforementioned Norwegian explorer; Thor Lislevand (1916-1987), a Norwegian cross-country skier and Olympic medalist; Thor Willadsen (1923-2016), a Danish film director; and Thor Halvorssen (born 1976), a Venezuelan human rights activist and film producer.

While the name Thor has its roots in ancient Norse mythology and was particularly popular in Scandinavian and Germanic regions, it has since gained broader recognition and usage across various cultures and regions around the world.