Ingemar is a Swedish masculine given name. It is composed of two Old Norse elements: "Yngvi", which is the name of a god in Norse mythology and means "the living one", and "heri", meaning "army". Thus, Ingemar translates to "the living army".
The name Ingemar has a rich history dating back to the Viking Age. It was borne by several notable figures throughout Scandinavian history, such as Ingemund Sigtryggsson, a 10th-century Norwegian chieftain who invaded England and established a settlement in Northumbria.
The name Ingemar is still used today but it is not among the most popular choices for newborn boys in Sweden. It remains a classic and timeless Swedish name with a strong connection to the country's history and cultural heritage.
In terms of its popularity, Ingemar has seen fluctuations over time. In the mid-20th century, it was quite common, but its usage has since declined. According to Swedish naming statistics, Ingemar ranked as the 486th most popular boy's name in Sweden in 2019, indicating that while it may not be fashionable at present, it remains a significant part of Swedish onomastic tradition.
In literature and arts, the name Ingemar has been used by various authors. Notably, it is the name of one of the main characters in the Swedish novel "The Emigrants" by Vilhelm Moberg, which tells the story of Swedish emigrants to Minnesota in the 19th century. This further emphasizes the name's connection to Sweden's historical and cultural narrative.
In conclusion, Ingemar is a historic Swedish masculine given name with a meaning rooted in Old Norse mythology and history. While its popularity has waxed and waned over time, it remains an important part of Swedish naming tradition and continues to be used today.
Statistics on the given name Ingemar show a consistent yet decreasing trend over the course of three years in the United States. In 1959, there were 8 newborns named Ingemar, followed by 7 in 1960 and then 6 in 1961. This results in a total of 21 babies given this name over these three years combined.