Gyda

♀ Girl

Pronounced GID-ah /ˈɡɪd.ə/Medium

Meaning: A Viking-age Scandinavian name, generally derived from Gyrid or from an element read as gud ('god') - explanations vary. Gyda is recorded in the sagas as the name of a woman said to have been the wife of Harald Fairhair.Low

In 30 seconds: A genuine Viking-age name: Gyda is Old Norse, usually read as 'god' or 'good' (said 'GID-ah').

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Origin MediumOld Norse, Norwegian

MeaningA Viking-age Scandinavian name, generally derived from Gyrid or from an element read as gud ('god') - explanations vary. Gyda is recorded in the sagas as the name of a woman said to have been the wife of Harald Fairhair.

U.S. rank (2023)#12584 ↗ Rising

2023 U.S. births7 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2018

Total births (all-time)≈ 43

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

Gyda is a genuine Old Norse name, still used in Norway, Denmark and Iceland. Its derivation is debated: it is usually connected either to Gyrid, a compound of gud ('god') with frid ('beautiful, peaceful'), or directly to an element meaning 'god' or 'good.' In the sagas Gyda is the woman who is said to have refused to marry Harald Fairhair until he had made himself king of all Norway - a tale set down centuries later. Modern viewers may know the name from the television series Vikings (said 'GID-ah').

In the U.S. it appears only in very small numbers. Rare here, in living use in Scandinavia.

Did you know? Gyda appears in the Norse sagas as the woman who is said to have refused Harald Fairhair until he had united all Norway - a story told long after the events, but a memorable one.

Overall data confidence 45%

References - Gyda — Old Norse Gyda/Gyrid; saga of Harald Fairhair; Norwegian and Danish use

Variations

GydaGythaGyrid

Nicknames

GyDida

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Gyda…

Astrid— a like Norse girls' classic

Freya— a like Old Norse name

Sigrid— a like saga-era name

Ingrid— a like Scandinavian traditional pick

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By themescandinavian historic old-norse viking

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Gyda mean?

Gyda is a Viking-age Scandinavian name whose derivation is debated; the sagas name a Gyda as Harald Fairhair's wife.

How do you pronounce Gyda?

It's said GID-ah /ˈɡɪd.ə/ - two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Gyda a boy or girl name?

Gyda is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Gyda?

Gyda is extremely rare in the U.S.