estrid

Estrid is a feminine given name of Scandinavian origin. It is a variant of Astrid and appears in medieval Danish, Norwegian, and Icelandic sources. Today, the form Estrid remains in occasional use in the Nordic countries, while Astrid is more common in contemporary practice.

Derived from Old Norse Ástríðr, the name is typically interpreted as a compound of elements meaning “god” or “divine” and “beloved” or “beautiful,” though exact meaning varies by source. The spelling Estrid reflects medieval orthography and pronunciation shifts in Scandinavia.

In medieval times the name occurs in Nordic royal and noble families and in saga literature. It was used as a personal name and sometimes appears in dynastic contexts, contributing to its persistence in Scandinavian naming traditions.

Contemporary usage is limited. Estrid is more often encountered among historical or genealogical contexts, while Astrid remains the prevailing form for new names. The name is still found in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and among people with Nordic heritage elsewhere.

The name appears in fiction and popular culture, frequently in Nordic-inspired works and in translations of Scandinavian literature, where it is chosen to evoke medieval or mythic associations.