Sigmund

Sigmund is a masculine given name of Germanic origin. It derives from the Proto-Germanic elements sigr- meaning "victory" and mund- meaning "protection" or "guard," together often read as "protector of victory" or "the victorious protector." The name appears in Old Norse as Sigmundr and has been used in German-speaking lands and Scandinavia since the medieval period, with varying popularity over time.

In Norse mythology, Sigmund is the legendary founder of the Volsung clan and the father of Sigurd. He features in the Volsunga saga and related Eddic poems, where his deeds are linked to the saga's sword-cult and dragon-slaying narratives.

In modern times, Sigmund is still used in Germanic-language countries and among populations influenced by those traditions. Notable people named Sigmund include Sigmund Freud, the Austrian neurologist and founder of psychoanalysis; Sigmund Romberg, a composer known for American operettas such as The Desert Song; and Sigmund Jähn, East German cosmonaut and the first German in space.