Haakon is a Norwegian name of Old Norse origin, derived from the element "haki" which means "heel". It was traditionally used as a byname for people who were lame or had a limp. The name gained prominence in Norway through its use by several kings and nobles throughout history.
The earliest known usage of Haakon as a personal name is found in Norse mythology, where it appears as the name of one of Odin's sons. However, it was not until the Middle Ages that Haakon began to be used regularly as a given name in Norway.
One of the most notable figures named Haakon was Haakon VII, who became king of Norway in 1905 after the dissolution of the union with Sweden. He played a significant role in promoting Norwegian independence and national identity during his reign.
Today, Haakon remains a popular name among Norwegians, and is also used occasionally in other Scandinavian countries such as Sweden and Denmark. Despite its historical association with physical disability, Haakon has evolved into a respected and widely-used name that reflects the strength and resilience of Norwegian culture.
The name Haakon experienced varied popularity over the past century, with a significant increase in usage from around the year 2000 onwards. The peak of popularity occurred in 2016 and 2014 with 30 and 20 births respectively, marking a substantial rise compared to previous decades. However, the last couple of years have seen a decline in its popularity, with only 8 births recorded in 2023. Overall, there were 457 babies named Haakon between 1912 and 2023.