geir

Geir is a masculine given name of Scandinavian origin, most commonly used in Norway and also found in Iceland and Sweden. The name derives from the Old Norse element geirr, meaning spear, reflecting a tradition of Germanic names built around weapons or martial qualities.

In medieval Norse literature, forms related to Geir appear as given names, and in modern times the Norwegian spelling Geir has become established. Today it is widely recognized as a Norwegian first name across generations and is generally used as a given name rather than a surname.

Geir is primarily associated with Norwegian usage in contemporary contexts, though it may be encountered among people of Norwegian heritage in other Nordic countries and in diaspora communities. Variants and cognates exist in related Scandinavian languages, with Geirr representing the older Old Norse form.

Notable individuals named Geir have been active in politics, sports, the arts, and academia, contributing to a sense of the name as a familiar, culturally Nordic choice. The name’s meaning remains linked to its historical root rather than to a contemporary definition, characteristic of many traditional Nordic given names. Overall, Geir stands as a common, enduring element of Norwegian naming practices within the broader Nordic naming tradition.