Oddvar

Oddvar is a masculine given name of Norwegian origin. It is a compound name from Old Norse elements oddr meaning “point” or “edge” and varr meaning “guardian” or “protector,” together often interpreted as “edge guardian” or “protector at the point.” The modern Norwegian form is Oddvar, while Old Norse spelling is typically Oddvarr.

The name has been used primarily in Norway and has also appeared in other Nordic countries. It is part of a tradition of Norse-based given names that combine two meaningful elements. In contemporary use, Oddvar is relatively uncommon as a new given name but remains present in historical and contemporary records, especially among older generations.

Variants and related forms arise from different handling of Old Norse roots and local naming conventions. The name is generally categorized as traditional and masculine in Nordic onomastics.

Notable people named Oddvar include individuals in fields such as sports, academia, and public service who are documented in Norwegian and Nordic biographical sources. The name is sometimes encountered in literature and media as an example of mid- to late 20th-century Nordic naming practices.

See also: List of Norwegian given names.