Find out how popular the first name Torben has been for the last 49 years (from 1975 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Torben by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Torben is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 24 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Torben.

The history of the first name Torben

The name Torben is of Danish and Norwegian origin, derived from the Old Norse name Þórbjǫrn, which means "Thor's bear." Thor was the Norse god of thunder, and the bear was a revered animal in Norse mythology, symbolizing strength and courage.

The name Torben first appeared in written records during the Viking Age, around the 9th to 11th centuries. It was a popular name among the Scandinavian peoples, particularly in Denmark and Norway, where it has remained in use throughout the centuries.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Torben can be found in the Icelandic sagas, such as the Saga of Grettir the Strong, which features a character named Torben Oxemain. These sagas were written down in the 13th and 14th centuries but recount events from the Viking Age.

In Denmark, one of the earliest notable figures with the name Torben was Torben Oxe (1501-1575), a Danish nobleman and statesman who served as the Governor of Denmark and played a significant role in the transition from Catholic to Protestant rule in the country.

Another historical figure with the name Torben was Torben Husen Bredahl (1658-1733), a Danish naval officer and shipbuilder who designed and oversaw the construction of several warships for the Danish Navy during the late 17th and early 18th centuries.

In Norway, one of the most famous individuals with the name Torben was Torben Pederssøn Bjelke (1639-1718), a Norwegian-born Danish admiral who played a crucial role in several naval battles during the Great Northern War (1700-1721) against Sweden.

Other notable individuals with the name Torben include Torben Grut (1872-1964), a Danish architect and urban planner who designed several notable buildings in Copenhagen, and Torben Meyer (1927-2016), a Danish actor and comedian known for his roles in numerous Danish films and television shows.

While the name Torben has its roots in Old Norse and Scandinavian culture, it has also gained popularity in other parts of the world, particularly in countries with strong historical ties to Denmark and Norway, such as the United States and Canada.

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

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

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