hreinn

Hreinn is a masculine given name of Nordic origin and also an Icelandic adjective meaning "clean" or "pure." In Old Norse, the form hreinn is attested as an adjective with senses related to purity and undefiledness, and it served as a basis for personal naming in medieval Icelandic and Norse contexts.

Etymology and meaning: The name is derived from the Old Norse hreinn, meaning clean, pure, or undefiled. In onomastic usage, it mirrors the semantic association of safety, integrity, and honesty that common Nordic personal names conveyed.

Historical usage: In medieval Norse and Icelandic sources, Hreinn appears as a personal name in genealogies and sagas, though it is not among the most prominent figures. As with many old Norse names, its exact historical bearers can be scattered across various manuscripts, sometimes with variants or compound forms.

Modern usage: Today, Hreinn is recognized as a traditional Nordic given name, particularly in Iceland, though it remains relatively uncommon. It is also encountered in genealogical and historical discussions of Norse onomastics.

Language notes: In Icelandic, hreinn as an ordinary adjective is widely used to describe something clean or pure, outside of onomastic contexts. The name itself may be chosen for its cultural resonance with Norse heritage and its straightforward, two-syllable structure.

See also: Hreiðn, similar Nordic names; Norse onomastics; Icelandic given names.

References: For further reading on Norse naming practices and the adjective hreinn, consult works on Old Norse language and Icelandic onomastics.