The Viking Age was a fascinating period of history in its own right, but the unique customs and attitudes of its clans make it ideal fodder for new fantasy landscapes. Choosing a name as mighty as the Vikings themselves is vital, whether you’re setting the scene for bloodthirsty battles, or exploring the intriguing worlds of Norse mythology.
Good Viking Town Names
Viking towns were often named with references to local geographical features, establishing their worth to a clan and aiding navigation. Inspiration for towns of your own creation can follow this example using words from the Old Norse language, allowing you to use as much creative license or historical authenticity as you like.
- Skeggen
- Jellige
- Kegthveit
- Jorvik
- Threltoft
- Skellikirk
- Jorgustoft
Dreyrugrakr
Dreyrugrakr is famous for raising the land’s mightiest warriors, who practice their craft with cruel and bloodthirsty precision.
- Oskeld
- Beinholt
- Angtoft
- Jorgethorpe
- Elthveit
- Threlkirk
- Kelsby
- Ornkirk
- Laugebekka
Búðvik
Sometimes the best place to settle is the first place you land. This philosophy has served the citizens of Búðvik well, as the coastal caves protect them from waves and raiders alike.
- Kirkness
- Skegthveit
- Hofon
- Langthveit
- Kellithorpe
- Elvik
- Jorskeld
- Klifholm
- Skaptaholt
Aepellundr
A charming town built around an abundant orchard. Each year, the apple harvest is celebrated with communal dances, and plentiful cups of mead.
- Bekketoft
- Skagata
- Jagness
- Hekklevik
- Ennestoft
- Skaggahús
- Jendelbekke
- Garðrgata
- Jundthveit
- Skegtoft
Mikillhús
Mikillhús is so-called for the majestic hall which sits atop its central hill. Its shadow across the lower dwellings ensures the ruler’s might will never be forgotten.
- Jegby
- Haroldhús
- Threlness
- Gatahús
- Ullusthveit
- Apaltoft
- Holgata
- Skegness
- Langby
- Ullasund
Fúllbekkr
The stinking bogs of Fúllbekkr are enough to deter any would-be raiders, but its citizens know that come Spring, it’s one of the few places around where the water runs clear.
- Búðholm
- Mikkilklif
- Ellestoft
- Kestelbekke
- Kaldrholr
- Langrgata
- Koppisthorpe
- Hikkisun
Breiðrþvait
After a particularly vicious battle led to the burning of all local resources, this town was renamed Breiðrþvait, reflecting the barren expanse that remained.
- Eskiholm
- Threlby
- Sandhús
- Steinnhaugr
- Epthveit
- Kirkjasteinn
- Kaldrhús
- Eppletoft
Djúprholr
A town for the fearful, Djúprholr is hidden deep within the cleft created by two mountains. The passage to its gates isn’t shown on even the most detailed local map.
- Langskirk
- Ellegata
- Garðrdalr
- Indelsthorpe
- Haugrlund
- Búðness
Digging into the rich history of the Viking era provides great inspiration for town names. Let me know in the comments which ones you liked best, or if you’ve come up with your own interesting combinations. Feel free to share with fellow raiders and sailors too!
