Origin and meaning of the name Aslaug

The name Aslaug is of Norse origin. It is a variant of the Old Norse name Áslaugr, which consists of two elements: Ása, a Norse goddess, and laugr meaning "washpool" or "hot spring". The character Aslaug is well-known from Norse mythology as the wife of the legendary hero Ragnar Lodbrok. In Scandinavian countries like Norway, Sweden, and Iceland, names with Old Norse roots are still quite common.

Learn more about the origin of the name Aslaug

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Aslaug

Aslaug is a female given name of Norse origin, stemming from Old Norse elements "Aśa" (goddess of fertility, love, and beauty) and "Leif" or "Logi" (meaning fire). The compound word signifies "Goddess who brings the fire". In Norse mythology, Aslaug was the mother of Ivar the Boneless and Halfdan the Black, sons of Ragnar Lodbrok, as portrayed in some versions of the sagas. This name has been popularized by the famous Viking Age saga, "Egil's Saga", where Aslaug is depicted as a strong-willed shieldmaiden and mother. The name gained renewed interest after being used for a character in J.R.R Tolkien's "The Silmarillion" under the spelling Eölithu Ingold, meaning goddess of the Aesir who brings fire to mankind.

Character traits associated with the name Aslaug

Aslaug, a name of Norse origin, is often associated with strong, brave, and wise women. Derived from the Old Norse word 'Aslaugr' meaning "she who belongs to the goddess Freyja", Aslaug's character traits reflect her divine connection. She is known for her courage, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity, as seen in the legendary figure of Aslaug from Norse mythology, who faced numerous challenges and hardships throughout her life. Her wisdom, often attributed to her connection with the goddess Freyja, makes her a woman of deep insight and understanding. Additionally, she is characterized by her strategic thinking and leadership abilities, qualities that have been passed down through generations bearing this name. Aslaug represents strength, intelligence, and resilience, making her an inspiring figure in Norse mythology and beyond.

Popularity of the name Aslaug

The Scandinavian female name Aslaug, derived from the Old Norse elements "Askr" (ash tree) and "Logr" (lake or pool), holds moderate popularity within its region of origin. It is notably recognized as the name of a significant character in Norse mythology, being the daughter of King Iвар inn Skjöldunga and the mother of Halfdan the Black. This historical association adds an element of intrigue to its usage among enthusiasts of Norse culture. While it has not gained widespread global recognition, Aslaug remains a distinctive and meaningful choice for parents seeking to honor their Scandinavian roots or embrace mythological narratives in naming their child. The name's popularity is particularly noticeable within Iceland, Norway, and Denmark, with modest appearances in other regions where Scandinavian names are appreciated.

Famous people with the name Aslaug

Aslaug is a distinctive female name of Norse origin, primarily known for its association with notable figures from various fields. One of the most renowned Aslaugs is Aslaug Magnúsdóttir, a legendary figure in Norse mythology, who was said to be the mother of Ragnar Lodbrok and many other sons by different Viking leaders, making her the progenitor of several Scandinavian royal lines. In contemporary times, Aslaug Holm, a Norwegian actress, has gained recognition for her roles in films such as "Max Manus: Man of War" and "The Wave". Furthermore, Aslaug Torvund, a Norwegian musician and composer, is best known for her work with the band Shining. These women exemplify strength, creativity, and enduring influence, making Aslaug an inspiring name across history and cultures.

Variations of the name Aslaug

Aslaug, also spelled Áslaug, is a female given name originating from Old Norse, primarily found in Scandinavian countries. Variations and related names include:

* Áslaugr - the masculine form of Aslaug
* Aslög - a Swedish variation
* Aslögur - an Icelandic variation
* Asloga - a possible Norwegian variant
* Aslaugh - an Anglicized version, found among settlers in North America from Scandinavian origin.

In Norse mythology, Aslaug is also the name of Ragnar Lothbrok's daughter and freeman's daughter by Lagertha. The name may be derived from elements meaning "goddess" (Ása) and "battle" (lagr) or "ale-drinker" (slaugr). Aslaug has a rich historical and mythological background, making it an intriguing choice for those with Scandinavian roots or an interest in Norse culture.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the first name "aslaug"
• Global distribution of the first name on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 14 June 2025

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