Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Solveig
GirlOld Norse, Norwegian· “sun strength”
- Meaning
- sun strength
- Origin
- Old Norse, Norwegian
- Pronunciation
- SOHL-vay
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #6,791
- US babies 2025
- 17
- Best rank
- #1,860 (1916)
- Peak year
- 2021
Meaning and origin of Solveig
Solveig is an Old Norse and Norwegian name that is usually said to mean “sun strength”.
Solveig is a Norwegian name from Old Norse, often explained as sól, sun, and veig, strength or a word for drink. Solveig is the faithful heroine of Henrik Ibsen's play Peer Gynt, and Edvard Grieg's Solveig's Song, from his music for the play, made it widely known. The name is common in Norway and Sweden. It is said SOHL-vay in America, though Norwegians say SOOL-vy. Solvi and Veig are possible nicknames. The name has a luminous, Nordic character. It suits families with Scandinavian roots or a love of classical music.
Popularity over time
Solveig first appears in US Social Security records in 1909. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,860 in 1916, and the most babies received it in 2021, when 33 were named Solveig. In 2025, 17 babies were named Solveig, and it ranked #6,791 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #2,874 in 1920, #17,267 in 2000, #6,872 in 2010, and #6,791 in 2025. Of the 1,057 US girls named Solveig since records began, 17% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 150 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Roseline, Rosey, Rayleen, Erina, and Gypsy.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Solveig is usually pronounced SOHL-vay, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with S and ends in “-ig”.
Middle names for Solveig
A few middle names that flow with Solveig: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Solveig
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Lists that include Solveig
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Solveig mean?
Solveig is an Old Norse and Norwegian name that is usually said to mean “sun strength”.
What is the origin of the name Solveig?
Solveig has Old Norse and Norwegian roots. Solveig is a Norwegian name from Old Norse, often explained as sól, sun, and veig, strength or a word for drink.
Is Solveig a popular name?
Not especially. Solveig ranked #6,791 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Solveig a boy or girl name?
Solveig is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Solveig?
Solveig is usually pronounced SOHL-vay. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings