navne

Navne is the Danish term for names. In a broad sense, a name is a word or set of words used to identify a person, place, or thing and to distinguish it from others. The term covers personal names as well as place names and other proper nouns.

Personal names in Danish typically consist of a fornavn (given name) and an efternavn (family surname); many individuals also have one or more middle names (mellemnavne). Historically, Denmark used patronymics, but modern practice uses inherited family names. The order usually places the given name first, followed by the surname.

Names draw from various linguistic sources, especially Old Norse and Danish, with influences from Latin and Christianity. Given names may reflect virtues, biblical figures, animals, or traits, while place names are formed from geography or features. Danish names use diacritics such as æ, ø, and å, and gendered naming patterns exist, though unisex usage has risen.

Names function as legal identifiers in administration and civil records. In many jurisdictions — including Denmark — authorities regulate spelling and form to ensure names can be used in official documents, though contemporary practice grants considerable freedom. People may change names through marriage, adoption, or personal choice, or add middle names to reflect heritage.

The field of onomastics studies the origin, meaning, and use of names, and navne provide insight into history, culture, and identity across Danish and Nordic contexts.