Ingunn

Ingunn is a feminine given name of Old Norse origin, primarily used in Icelandic and Norwegian. The name is a compound of two elements: the name of the Germanic god Ing and Old Norse unna meaning "to love." Thus, Ingunn can be interpreted as "loving Ing" or "beloved of Ing." Ing, also known as Yngvi, was a fertility god associated with the tribe of the Ingaevones and is sometimes considered an earlier incarnation of the god Freyr, whose name means "lord" and is derived from the Germanic root fraujô.

Notable Bearers

Several notable women have borne the name Ingunn across different fields. Ingunn Arnórsdóttir was a 12th-century Icelandic scholar, noted as one of the few named women involved in early Icelandic education. In sports, Ingunn Bollerud (born 1972) is a Norwegian cyclist, while Ingunn Hultgreen Weltzien (born 1986) competes in orienteering and cross-country skiing. In Norwegian politics, Ingunn Foss (born 1960) and Ingunn Gjerstad (born 1963) have both served as members of parliament. Ingunn Thomassen Berg is a Norwegian handball player, and Ingunn Ringvold (born 1979) is a singer and songwriter.

Cultural Significance

The name reflects the Norse tradition of theophoric names — those incorporating the name of a deity — which were common in pre-Christian Scandinavia. The element Ing appears also in other Nordic names such as Ingeborg and Ingrid, linking them to fertility and divine legacy. The name has remained in use predominantly in Iceland and Norway, maintaining a connection to Old Norse heritage.

• Meaning: "Loving Ing" or "beloved of Ing"
• Origin: Old Norse, from the god Ing and unna "to love"
• Gender: Feminine
• Usage Regions: Iceland, Norway