Ingvar

Ingvar is a male given name of Old Norse origin. It combines Ing, the name of a Norse god, with varr, meaning guardian or defender. The name is usually interpreted as “guardian of Ing” or “defender of Ing.” It has been used in Scandinavia since the medieval period and remains common in Sweden and Norway, with occasional use in Denmark.

In Norse legend, Ingvar the Far-Travelled (Ingvar hinn víðförli) is the name of a legendary Viking leader whose eastern expedition is described in medieval sources. The tale contributes to the name’s historical associations in the region.

Notable people named Ingvar include Ingvar Kamprad (1926–2018), the Swedish entrepreneur who founded IKEA; Ingvar Carlsson (born 1934), a Swedish politician who served as prime minister; and Ingvar Ambjørnsen (born 1951), a Norwegian author. The name is still used today in Scandinavian countries, though its popularity has declined somewhat since its mid-20th-century peak.