Haakon

Haakon is a masculine given name of Old Norse origin, used in Norway and other Nordic countries. It has several spellings, including Haakon, Håkon, Hakon, and Hákon. The exact meaning is uncertain, but the form is attested in medieval Norse naming as Hákon/Hákon and has remained in use in the region through the present.

In Norwegian royal history, several monarchs bore the name, notably Haakon I the Good and Haakon IV, with later kings such as Haakon V. In the modern era, Haakon VII became king in 1905, after Norway’s independence from Sweden, and reigned until 1957; he was born as Prince Carl of Denmark and adopted the name Haakon upon accession. The current heir apparent is Haakon Magnus, Crown Prince of Norway (born 1973), commonly referred to as Crown Prince Haakon.

Beyond royalty, Haakon has been used by numerous Norwegian and Icelandic families and appears in various historical and contemporary contexts. Notable individuals with the name include Haakon Lie (1905–2009), a Norwegian politician associated with the Labour Party, who played a prominent role in mid-20th-century public life.

Today the name Haakon remains a recognizable element of Nordic heritage, retaining its traditional status while occurring in both historical and modern namesakes.