Odin’s Many Names

One of the difficulties in making sense of Viking stories is that many of the gods have several names. Some accounts say Odin has over 200 names, and each name highlights some aspect of the god himself. The fact that the gods, and their names, are as complicated as the people who believed in them makes some sense.

Meaning of Odin’s Name

Professor Jackson Crawford says that Odin’s name could come from one of three cognates. The “Od” could represent anger or insanity, and Adam of Bremen calls Odin “furor.” This would make Odin, the mad one. Another possibility is that the “Od” comes from an uncommon word meaning “mind, spirit, or character.” The last cognate is another rare word meaning “song, poem, or ode.” Crawford says it makes more sense that the first interpretation is probably the most correct.

Odin, Wotan, Wodan and Godan

Odin is also known as Wotan, Woden, and Godan. Odin is the anglicized version of Odin’s name in Old Norse. Woden is the Old English version of his name, and Wotan comes from High German. Godan comes from the Lombard region. Wodanaz is the proto-Germanic name for Odin and that’s where the middle day of the week comes from – Wednesday.

The use of “or” in some of the lists of Odin’s names may be a bit of a misnomer. It is quite possible that the name had aspects of more than one possible translation. Odin’s names include the following; we have bolded the English meanings:

Aldafaðr or Aldafǫðr, the father of human beings, found in Óðins nǫfn and Vafþrúðnismál.
Aldagautr, Man-Gautr or man-god, found in Baldrs draumar.
Alfǫðr or Alfodr, the well-known appellation “All-father,” found in Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Grímnismál, and Óðins nǫfn.
Algingautr, the aged Gautr or aged god, found in the Icelandic Rune Poem.
Angan Friggjar, delight of Frigg, found in Vǫluspá.
Arnhǫfði, the one with the eagle’s head, found in Óðins nǫfn.
Atriðr or Atriði, attacker, found in Gylfaginning, Grímnismál, and Óðins nǫfn.
Asagrim or Ásagrimmr, Lord of the Aesir, found in Stolt Herr Alf.
Auðun, friend of wealth, which can also be translated as “Edwin” or “Audoin,” found in Óðins nǫfn.
Bági ulfs, enemy of the wolf, found in Sonatorrek.
Baldrs faðir, Baldur’s father, coined in a Lausavísa (a single stanza poem) in Styrbjarnar þáttr Svíakappa.
Báleygr or Baleyg, the one with flaming eyes, found in Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Grímnismál, Hallfreðr (Ottarsson) Vandræðaskáld’s Hákonardrápa, Gísl Illugason’s Erfikvæði um Magnús berfœtt, þulur, Óðins nǫfn, and Grettisrímur V.
Biflindi, the one with the painted shield, found in Gylfaginning, Grímnismál, and Óðins nǫfn.
Bileygr or Bileyg, the one with poor sight, found in Gylfaginning, Grímnismál, þulur, and Óðins nǫfn.
Blindi or Blindr, the blind one, found in Gylfaginning and the prose Helgakviða Hundingsbana II.
Brúni or Brúnn, the brown one or the one with bushy eyebrows, found in Óðins nǫfn.
Bǫðgæðir in its genitive form bǫðgœðis, battle promoter, found in Þorst 2III.
Bǫlverkr, evil-doer or malefactor, found in Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Hávamál, Grímnismál, and Óðins nǫfn.
Bors niðr or Bors niðjar, Bor’s son, found in Egill Lv 23, V.
Bragi, chieftain or lord, found in Höfuðlausn.
Bróðir Vilis or Bróðir Vilja, Vili’s Brother, found in Sonatorrek.
Burs arfþegi, Bor’s heir, found in Hyndluljóð 30.
Byrlindi, a distorted version of Biflindi, the one with the painted shield, found in Sturlaugsrímur III.
Darraðr or Dorruðr, spearman, found in Blumetti’s The Norse Gods and Their Myths.
Draugadróttinn, Lord of the undead or Lord of ghosts, found in Ynglinga saga, Ch. 7.
Dresvarpr, the real translation of this name is unknown though one scholar suggests it means slander-thrower or instigator of slander, found in Óðins nǫfn.
Eylúðr, the ever-booming, found in Óðins nǫfn.
Faðmbyggvir Friggjar, dweller in Frigg’s embrace, found in Blumetti’s The Norse Gods and Their Myths.
Farmagnuðr or Farmǫgnuðr, journey empowerer, found in Háleygjatal and Skáldskaparmál.
Farmaguð, Farmagud, Farmatýr, or Farmatyr, god of burdens, found in Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Grímnismál, and Óðins nǫfn.
Farmr galga, gallows’ burden, found in Hávamál.
Fengr, catch, catcher, or the one who leads the fallen heroes to Valhalla, found in Óðins nǫfn.
Fimbulþulr or Fimbulthul, mighty thuler (keeper of tradition), mighty speaker, or mighty wise one, found in Hávamál.
Fimbultýr or Fimbultyr, mighty god, found in Vǫluspá.
Fjallgeiguðr, shape (-shifting) god, found in Óðins nǫfn.
Fjǫlnir or Fjolnir, the one who knows much, found in Grímnismál, Reginsmál, Gylfaginning, þulur, Óðins nǫfn, Skíðaríma, and many skaldic poems.
Fjǫlsviðr, Fjolsvid, or Fjolsvin, the very wise one, Gylfaginning, Grímnismál, and Óðins nǫfn.
Fornǫlvir, heathen ǫlvir, found in Óðins nǫfn. One translation of “ǫlvir” is “holy man” or “holy warrior.”
Fráríðr or Fráríði, the one riding away, found in Óðins nǫfn, Grettisrímur III, and Sturlaugsrímur VI.
Fundinn, the found one, some scholars do not believe this refers to Odin, found in Óláfsrímur Tryggvasonar AIII.
Gagnráðr, Gangráðr, Gagnrad, or Gangrad, the one who advises against, found in Vafþrúðnismál.
Gangleri, the one tired from walking, found in Gylfaginning, Grímnismál, and Óðins nǫfn.
Gautatýr or Gautatyr, Gautland-god, found in Skáldskaparmál and Eyvindr Skáldaspillir’s Hákonarmál.
Gautr, Gauti, or Gaut, Gotlander found in Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Grímnismál, Óðins nǫfn, Friðþjófsrímur, Skíðaríma, Landrésrímur, Hjálmþérsrímur, Geiplur, Bjarkarímur, Griplur, Þrændlur, Skáldhelgarímur, Blávusrímur, Geirarðsrímur, and Vǫlsungsrímur.
Geirlǫðnir, the one who invites to the spear-battle, found in Óðins nǫfn.
Geirǫlnir, spear charger, found in Óðins nǫfn.
Geirtýr, gore- or spear god.
Geirvaldr, gore- or spear master.
Geldnir, gelding.
Ginnarr, deceiver, found in Óðins nǫfn.
Gizurr, riddler, found in Óðins nǫfn.
Gestumblindi, blind guest, found in Hervarar saga, þulur, and Óðins nǫfn.
Glapsviðr, Glapsvid, or Glapsvin, swift in deceit, swift tricker, maddener, or wise in magical spells, found in Gylfaginning, Grímnismál, and Óðins nǫfn.
Godan or Goden, the Lombard name for Odin, as cited in Foulke.
Goði hrafnblóts, Goði of the Raven-offering.
Goðjaðarr, god protector, found in Sonatorrek.
Gǫllnir, Gollorr, or Gǫllungr, yeller, found in Óðins nǫfn.
Gǫndlir, or Gondlir, wand-bearer or wand-wielder, found in Gylfaginning, Grímnismál, and Óðins nǫfn.
Gramr Hliðskjálfar, Lord of the High Seat or King of Hliðskjalf, found in the Skáldskaparmál.
Grímnir or Grimnir, hooded or masked one, found in Gylfaginning, Grímnismál, Hallfreðr vandræðaskáld’s lausavísur, Eilífr Goðrúnarson’s Þórsdrápa, Húsdrápa, Rǫgnvaldr kali Kolsson’s lausavísur, þulur, and Óðins nǫfn.
Grímr or Grim, mask, found in Gylfaginning, Grímnismál, þulur, and Óðins nǫfn.
Gunnblindi, battle blinder, found in Óðins nǫfn.
Hagvirkr, skillful worker, found in Óðins nǫfn.
Hangadróttinn, lord of the hanged, found in Ynglinga saga.
Hangaguð, Hangatýr, Hangagud, or Hangatyr, god of the hanged, found in Gylfaginning and Skáldskaparmál.
Hangi, hanged one.
Haptabeiðir, commander of leaders.
Haptaguð or Haptagud, god of prisoners, found in Gylfaginning.
Haptasnytrir, teacher of gods, found in the thulur.
Haptsǫnirî, fetter loosener.
Hárbarðr or Harbard, hoary beard or grey beard, found in Gylfaginning, Grímnismál, Hárbardsljód, þulur, and Óðins nǫfn.
Hárr or Har, High, found in Gylfaginning, Grímnismál, and Óðins nǫfn.
Harri Hliðskjálfar, lord of Hliðskjalf.
Hávi or Havi, High One, found in Hávamál and Óðins nǫfn.
Heimþinguðr hanga, visitor of the hanged, found in Gylfaginning.
Helblindi, Hel blinder, found in Gylfaginning and Grímnismál.
Hengikeptr or Hengikjopt, hang jaw, found in Óðins nǫfn.
Herblindi, host blinder, found in Óðins nǫfn.
Herfǫðr, Herjafǫðr, Herfodr, or Herjafodr, father of hosts, found in Gylfaginning, Vǫluspá, Vafthrúdnismál, Grímnismál, and Óðins nǫfn.
Hergautr, Host Gautr, found in the thulur.
Herjan, warrior, harrier, lord, or leader of hosts, found in Gylfaginning, Grímnismál, Óðins nǫfn, and Vǫluspá.
Herteitr or Herteit, glad of war, found in Gylfaginning, Grímnismál, and Óðins nǫfn.
Hertýr or Hertyr, host-tyr or god of hosts, found in Skáldskaparmál.
Hildolfr, battle wolf, found in Hárbarðsljóð.
Hjaldrgegnir, engager of battle, found in the thulur.
Hjaldrgoð, god of battle, found in the thulur.
Hjálmberi or Hjalmberi, helmet bearer, found in Gylfaginning, Grímnismál, þulur, and Óðins nǫfn.
Hjarrandi, screamer, found in Óðins nǫfn.
Hléfreyr, famous or barrow lord, found in Óðins nǫfn.
Hleifruðr, way finder, found in Óðins nǫfn.
Hnikarr or Hnikar, overthrower or thruster, found in Gylfaginning, Grímnismál, Reginsmál, and Óðins nǫfn.
Hnikuðr or Hnikud, overthrower, found in Gylfaginning, Grímnismál, and Óðins nǫfn.
Hoárr, one-eyed.
Hǫtter, hatter, hooded one, or hat-wearer, found in the thulur.
Hovi, high one, found in Hávamál.
Hrafnaguð, Hrafnáss, or Hrafnagud, raven god, found in Gylfaginning.
Hrafnfreistuðr, raven tester or raven tempter.
Hrami, fetterer or ripper, found in Óðins nǫfn.
Hrani, blusterer, found in Latin inscription and Hrólfs saga kraka.
Hrjóðr, roarer, found in Óðins nǫfn.
Hroptr, Hroptatýr, Hropt, or Hroptatyr, some scholars say this means “sage,” found in Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Hákonarmál, Úlfr Uggason’s Húsdrápa, Hávamál, Grímnismál, Sigrdrífumá, Óðins nǫfn, and Vǫluspá.
Hrosshársgrani, horse hair moustache, found in Gautreks saga and Óðins nǫfn.
Hvatmóðr, courage of the whet-stone, found in Óðins nǫfn.
Hveðrungr, roarer or weather-maker, found in Óðins nǫfn.
Ít-rekr, glorious ruler, inferred from Nafnaþulur, where Odin’s son with another god are called Ítreksjóð.
Jafnhárr or Jafnhar, “Evenhigh,” just as high, or equally high, found in Gylfaginning, Grímnismál, and Óðins nǫfn.
Jalfaðr, yellow-brown back, found in Grímnismál.
Jálg, Jálkr, or Jalk, gelding, found in Gylfaginning, Grímnismál, and Óðins nǫfn.
Járngrímr, iron mask.
Jólnir or Jǫlnir, Yule figure, found in Óðins nǫfn.
Jolfr, horse-wolf or bear.
Jǫlfuðr or Jǫlfǫðr, Yule father, found in Óðins nǫfn.
Jǫrmunr, the mighty one or cosmic, Óðins nǫfn.
Kjalarr or Kjalar, keel or nourisher, found in Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Grímnismál, and Óðins nǫfn.
Langbarðr or Langbard, long beard, found in þulur and Óðins nǫfn.
Lǫndungr or Loðungr, shaggy cloak wearer, found in Óðins nǫfn.
Niðr Bors, Bor’s kin, found in Egils saga.
Njótr, user, enjoyer, or needed one, found in Óðins nǫfn.
Odin, frenzy, rage, or inspiration.
Ófnir, inciter, found in Óðins nǫfn.
Olgr, protector or hawk, found in Óðins nǫfn.
Ómi or Omi, resounding one, found in Gylfaginning, Grímnismál, and Óðins nǫfn.
Óski or Oski, god of wishes or wished for, found in Gylfaginning, Grímnismál, and Óðins nǫfn.
Rauðgrani, red mustache, found in Bárðar saga Snæfellsáss, Örvar-Odds saga.
Reiðartýr, wagon god or god of riders.
Rǫgnir, chief or he who reigns, found in Óðins nǫfn.
Rúnatýr, god of runes.
Runni vagna, mover of constellations.
Saðr, Sadr, or Sann, truthful or sooth, found in Gylfaginning, Grímnismál, and Óðins nǫfn.
Sanngetall, finder of truth or sooth, found in Gylfaginning, Grímnismál, and Óðins nǫfn.
Síðgrani or Sidgrani, long beard, found in Alvíssmál.
Síðhǫttr or Sidhott, broad hat, found in Gylfaginning, Grímnismál, þulur, and Óðins nǫfn.
Síðskeggr, or Sidskegg, long beard, found in Gylfaginning, Grímnismál, þulur, and Óðins nǫfn.
Sigðir, victory giver, found in Óðins nǫfn.
Sigfǫðr or Sigfodr, father of victory or war father, found in Gylfaginning, Vǫluspá, Grímnismál, and Óðins nǫfn.
Siggautr, victory Geat, found in Óðins nǫfn.
Sigrhofundr, victory author, found in Sonatorrek.
Sigmundr, victory protection, found in Óðins nǫfn.
Sigrúnnr, victory tree.
Sigtryggr, sure of victory or victory-true, found in Óðins nǫfn.
Sigtýr or Sigtyr, god of victory or war god, found in Skáldskaparmál, Atlakviða, Glúmr Geirason’s Gráfeldardrápa.
Sigþrór, successful in victory or thriving in victory, found in Óðins nǫfn.
Skilfingr or Skilfing, trembler or he of Hlidshilf, found in Gylfaginning, Grímnismál, and Óðins nǫfn.
Skollvaldr, ruler of treachery, found in Óðins nǫfn.
Sonr Bestlu, son of Bestla.
Spjalli Gauta, friend of the Goths, found in Sonatorrek.
Sváfnir or Svafnir, sleep bringer or closer, found in Gylfaginning, Grímnismál, and Óðins nǫfn.
Sveigðir, reed bringer.
Sviðarr or Svidar, the burner or destroyer, found in Gylfaginning.
Sviðrir or Svidrir, calmer, found in Gylfaginning, Grímnismál, and Óðins nǫfn.
Sviðuðr, the burner or destroyer, found in Óðins nǫfn.
Sviðurr or Svidur, wise one, found in Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Grímnismál, and Óðins nǫfn.
Svipall, changing, fleeting, or shape-shifter, found in Gylfaginning, Grímnismál, and Óðins nǫfn.
Svǫlnir or Svolnir, cooler, found in Skáldskaparmál and Óðins nǫfn.
Tveggi, double or twofold, found in Óðins nǫfn and Vǫluspá.
Tvíblindi or Tviblindi, twice blind, found in þulur and Óðins nǫfn.
Þekkr or Thekk, known or welcome one, found in Gylfaginning, Grímnismál, and Óðins nǫfn.
Þrasarr, quarreler, found in Óðins nǫfn.
Þriði or Thridi, third, found in Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Grímnismál, and Óðins nǫfn.
Þriggi, triple, found in Grímnismál and Óðins nǫfn.
Þrór or Thror, burgeoning or thriving, found in Gylfaginning, Grímnismál, and Óðins nǫfn.
Þróttr or Thrott, strength, found in Glymdrápa.
Þuðr, Thud, or Thunn, lean or pale, found in Gylfaginning and Óðins nǫfn.
Þundr or Thund, thunderer, found in Gylfaginning, Hávamál, Grímnismál, and Óðins nǫfn.
Uðr, Ud, or Unn, loved, beloved, or striver, found in Gylfaginning, Grímnismál, and Óðins nǫfn.
Váfuðr or Vafud, wanderer, found in Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, and Grímnismál.
Váfuðr Gungnis, swinger of gungnir.
Váði vitnis, foe of the wolf.
Vakr or Vak, wakeful or awakener, found in Gylfaginning, Grímnismál, and Óðins nǫfn.
Valdr galga, ruler of gallows.
Valdr vagnbrautar, ruler of heaven.
Valfǫðr or Valfodr, father of the slain, found in Gylfaginning, Vǫluspá, Grímnismál, þulur, and Óðins nǫfn.
Valgautr or Valgaut, slaughter-Geat or Geat of the slain, found in Skáldskaparmál and Óðins nǫfn.
Valkjosandi, chooser of the slain.
Valtamr or Valtam, slain tame or the warrior.
Valtýr, slain god.
Valþognir, slain receiver, found in the thulur.
Vegtam, wanderer or way-tame, found in Baldrs draumar.
Veratýr or Veratyr, god of men or god of being, found in Gylfaginning and Óðins nǫfn.
Viðfräger, wide famed.
Viðrir or Vidrir, stormer, found in Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Lokasenna, and Hrafnagaldr Óðins.
Viðrímnir or Viðhrimnir, contrary screamer or wide hoary-beard, found in Óðins nǫfn.
Viðurr or Vidur, killer, found in Gylfaginning, Grímnismál, Óðins nǫfn, and Karlevi Runestone.
Vingnir, swinger, found in Óðins nǫfn.
Vinr Lopts, friend of Loptr.
Vinr Lóðurs, friend of Lóðurr.
Vinr Míms, friend of Mímir, found in Sonatorrek.
Vinr stalla, friend of Altars.
Vófuðr, dangler, found in Óðins nǫfn.
Vǫlundr rómu, smith of battle, found in Þiðrekssaga.
Yggr or Ygg, terrible one, found in Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Vǫluspá, Grímnismál, Óðins nǫfn.
Ýjungr or Ýrungr, stormy or of the primal streams, found in Óðins nǫfn.