Þýgeirr

Þýgeirr is a masculine given name of Old Norse origin, associated with Norse naming practices during the Viking and medieval periods. The form is rare in surviving sources, appearing primarily in runic inscriptions and later medieval texts.

Etymology and form: The name is believed to be composed of elements typical of Old Norse warrior names. The second element geirr means “spear.” The first element, represented by the characters Þý-, is not securely attested as a standalone word in this context, but it is commonly treated as a personal-name element that combines with geirr to convey martial associations. The spelling uses the thorn letter (Þ) and reflects Old Norse phonology; transliterations into Latin script often render it as Thygier or Thorgeirr in various sources.

Variants and related names: Þýgeirr has close relatives in Old Norse onomastics, such as Þorgeirr (Thor-geirr) and other forms that incorporate the geirr element. Variants in modern writings may include Thorgeir or Thorgeirr, depending on language conventions and scholarly transcription. The name aligns with a broader pattern of warrior-themed names that pair a first element with geirr, meaning spear.

Usage and cultural context: In Norse culture, names featuring weapon imagery were common among free men and leaders, reflecting martial virtues and social status. Þýgeirr would have signified prowess in battle or leadership, consistent with other spear-bearing names in the lineage.

Modern reception: Today, Þýgeirr is rarely used in contemporary Scandinavia. It appears mainly in historical discussions of Old Norse onomastics or in fiction and reconstructions aiming to evoke a Norse setting.

See also: Old Norse given names; Geirr.