Kjetil

Kjetil is a masculine given name of Norwegian origin. It is most common in Norway and among Norwegian communities abroad, and it is occasionally used in other Nordic countries. The name derives from the Old Norse Ketill, meaning “cauldron” or “kettle,” and has been absorbed into Scandinavian naming practices for centuries. In contemporary Norwegian, the spelling Kjetil is the standard form, with related forms including Ketil and, in some contexts, Kjell as a distinct though historically linked name.

Used primarily as a given name rather than a surname, Kjetil has remained in regular use from the Middle Ages to the present. It is associated with Norwegian culture and is often found among athletes, artists, and professionals.

Notable bearers include Kjetil Jansrud, a Norwegian alpine skier and Olympic medalist; Kjetil André Aamodt, a renowned Norwegian former alpine skier and multiple Olympic and World Championship medalist; and Kjetil Rekdal, a Norwegian former footballer and manager. The name continues to be used in Norway and among Norwegians worldwide.