Viggo is a Scandinavian-derived masculine given name with Old Norse origins. It is composed of two elements: 'vigg' which means "battle" and 'oðal' meaning "property", "land". Therefore, Viggo's literal translation is "war landowner".
The name first appeared in the 12th century, attributed to a member of the Swedish noble family who bore the title of jarl or earl. Viggo was popular among Scandinavia during the Middle Ages and can still be found today in countries like Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Iceland.
Viggo gained international recognition when Danish actor Viggo Mortensen adopted it professionally after being inspired by its strong connotation with his Scandinavian heritage. However, prior to this, Viggo was not particularly widespread outside Scandinavia.
Despite its historical association with nobility, Viggo is no longer exclusively reserved for the upper classes. Today, it remains a distinctive and powerful name choice that carries an aura of strength and courage, reflecting its origins in battle and land ownership.
The name Viggo has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. According to available statistics, there were only seven births with the name Viggo in 1913. However, it was not until the year 2003 that we start to see a consistent rise in the number of babies named Viggo, with nine births recorded that year.
From 2004 onwards, the popularity of the name Viggo began to surge, with 35 babies being given this name. This marked the beginning of a sustained period of growth for the name, which peaked in 2023 with an impressive 88 births recorded.
Over the course of the years between 2004 and 2023, there were a total of 877 babies named Viggo born in the United States. This demonstrates that while Viggo may not have been a common name at the start of the twentieth century, it has since become a popular choice for parents.
It is interesting to note that the popularity of the name Viggo has continued to rise even in recent years, with 73 births recorded in 2022 and a significant increase to 88 births in 2023. This suggests that the name Viggo may continue to be popular among parents in the United States for years to come.
In conclusion, while the name Viggo may not have been widely used at the beginning of the twentieth century, it has since become a popular choice for parents in the United States. With over 877 babies named Viggo born between 2004 and 2023 alone, it is clear that this name has established itself as a modern classic.