svala

Svala is a feminine given name of Icelandic origin. In Iceland, given names are selected from a regulated naming list and used as personal names rather than surnames; Svala is typically used as a first name and is found among Icelanders and people with Icelandic heritage. The exact etymology and meaning of the name are not widely documented in English-language sources, but it is recognized as a distinct Icelandic given name.

Notable people with the name include Svala Björgvinsdóttir, born in 1977, an Icelandic singer and actress who performs under the stage name Svala. She represented Iceland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 with the song "Paper." Her career spans music, film roles, and appearances on Icelandic television.

In popular culture, the name Svala is associated with Icelandic music and media and may appear in Icelandic fiction and journalism. Outside Iceland, the name is less common but is sometimes used by fans or expatriates as a marker of Icelandic heritage. The name’s usage reflects broader Icelandic naming customs, where given names are central to personal identity and name registration practices.