Egill

Egill is a masculine given name of Norse origin, used in Iceland and other Nordic countries. It is best known from the legendary figure Egill Skallagrímsson, central to Egil's Saga, a foundational work of medieval Icelandic literature. In the saga, Egill is portrayed as a skilled skald (poet), a capable warrior, and a complex personality who navigates family feuds, political tensions, and personal pride. The text likely builds on earlier oral tradition and was composed in the 13th century.

The etymology of Egill is uncertain, but the name is generally regarded as an Old Norse form. In modern usage, Egill remains a traditional and recognizable name in Iceland and among Nordic-speaking populations, occasionally appearing in other regions as a reflection of Nordic heritage.

References to the name also appear in broader discussions of Norse literature and Icelandic cultural history, where Egill Skallagrímsson is often cited as a representative figure of the era’s poetry and ethos. See also Egil for related forms and variations in different Scandinavian languages.