Solvej is a Scandinavian name of Norwegian origin, derived from the Old Norse elements "sól" meaning "sun" and "björg" meaning "help". The name Solvej has been used in Norway since the Middle Ages but it gained popularity during the late 19th century through the works of the Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. In his fairy tale "The Nightingale", Andersen introduced a character named Solvej, a bird who sings beautifully and brings happiness to those around her. This literary figure helped popularize the name in Scandinavia and beyond. Today, Solvej remains a relatively uncommon but distinctive name, often chosen for its melodious sound and Scandinavian heritage.
The name Solvej has seen a steady but low number of births in the United States over recent years. According to statistics, there were six babies named Solvej born in 2020 and five babies with this unique name in 2023. This results in a total of eleven children given the name Solvej between these two years. While not common, the name does occasionally appear on birth certificates across America.