Espen

♀ Girl

Pronounced ES-pen /ˈɛs.pɛn/Medium

Meaning: A Norwegian name, a form of Asbjorn, from Old Norse ass ('god') plus bjorn ('bear') — 'god-bear'. In Norway it is a boy's name; used here for a girl, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: A Norse name with bite: Espen means 'god-bear' (said 'ES-pen'). Usually a boy's name — we note the lean.

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Origin MediumNorwegian

MeaningA Norwegian name, a form of Asbjorn, from Old Norse ass ('god') plus bjorn ('bear') — 'god-bear'. In Norway it is a boy's name; used here for a girl, which we note.

U.S. rank (2024)#12531 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births7 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2019

Total births (all-time)≈ 133

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Espen is a Norwegian name from Old Norse 'god' plus 'bear,' known through fairy-tale heroes. It is a boy's name in Norway; as a girl's name it is very rare and unisex-modern in feel, which we note (said 'ES-pen').

For girls it appears only rarely in the U.S. Rare for girls, Norse, and crisp.

Did you know? Espen is a Norwegian form of Asbjorn, 'god-bear,' familiar from folk tales — a boys' name in Norway, used here for a girl, which we note.

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Espen — Norwegian form of Asbjorn; 'god-bear'; boy-leaning

Variations

AspenEsbenAsbjorn

Nicknames

EsPenny

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Espen…

Aspen— a like Es-/As- nature name

Soren— a like Scandinavian pick

Wren— a like crisp one-syllable feel

Teigen— a fellow Norwegian choice

Milly— a similarly popular pick

Explore names like Espen

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Espen mean?

Espen is a Norwegian name meaning 'god-bear,' a form of Asbjorn.

How do you pronounce Espen?

It's said ES-pen /ˈɛs.pɛn/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Espen a boy or girl name?

Espen is a boy's name in Norway; it's used here for a girl, which we note.

How popular is Espen?

Espen is very rare for girls in the U.S.