All about the name

Kjell

Male

« Kjell is a Norwegian name meaning 'calm' or 'calmness', derived from the Old Norse word for 'evening'. It was traditionally given at sunset. »

#21280 over 10 years

Meaning, origin, history

The name Kjell is of Norwegian origin and means "to calm" or "calmness." It is a derivative of the Old Norse word "kveld," which means "evening" or "twilight." The name has been popular in Norway for centuries and was traditionally given to boys born around sunset. It is also associated with the Norse god Kvasir, who was known for his wisdom and ability to calm disputes among the gods. Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Kjell, including Kjell Inge Røkke, a Norwegian billionaire businessman, and Kjell Magne Bonne, a Norwegian politician and former Minister of Foreign Affairs. Today, Kjell remains a popular choice for boys' names in Norway and other Scandinavian countries. Despite its origins, the name Kjell has not gained widespread popularity outside of Scandinavia, perhaps due to its unique sound and unfamiliarity to non-Norwegian speakers. Nonetheless, it is considered a strong and distinctive name with a rich history and meaningful significance.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Kjell since 1880

Total births
358
Total since 1880
Peak year
1971
15 births
in 2014
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-100%
vs previous 5 years