Ingmar

Ingmar is a male first name that is used in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway as a form of Ingomar. In a figurative sense, the name is interpreted as 'the famous Ingwio' and 'esteemed through Ingwio'. The roots of the name trace back to the Germanic god Ingi/Ingwio, who is also known as Yngvi in Old Icelandic and was revered as the patron of the Ingvaeones as well as the North and North Sea Germanic peoples (such as Saxons, Angles, and Frisians).

What does the name Ingmar mean?

The name Ingmar is a Scandinavian variant of Ingomar and means roughly 'the famous Ingwio' or 'esteemed through Ingwio'. This meaning derives from the Germanic tribal god Ingi/Ingwio, who was known as Yngvi in Old Icelandic tradition and was regarded as the protector of the Ingvaeones as well as the North and North Sea Germans. The name consists of the Old High German elements ingi, ingwio, or ingwaz, meaning 'name of a god', and mari, meaning 'famous', 'esteemed', 'known', or 'great'. Ingwio is considered an important mythological figure who may have been an earlier name for the god Freyr, one of the central deities in Old Norse paganism. There are also variants such as Ingimarr (Ingimárr), Ingemar, and Ingemor, while feminine forms like Ingmari, Ingemarie, and Ingmarie are common.

Where does the name Ingmar come from?

The origin of the name Ingmar lies in Old High German and means 'the famous Ingwio'. The word components consist of ingi, ingwio, or ingwaz, which refers to the 'name of a god', and mari, which means 'famous', 'esteemed', 'known', or 'great'. The name is used in various languages such as Danish, Estonian, Icelandic, Norwegian, Swedish, and in Scandinavian regions.

How do you pronounce Ingmar?

The name Ingmar is pronounced in two syllables: 'Ing-mar' [ˈɪŋmaʁ]. The pronunciation begins with a soft nasal sound and transitions into a second syllable with a deep A sound that conveys grounding and depth. The final R adds resonance and aftersound. Ingmar exudes a powerful yet calm presence – close to nature, composed, and with a clear Scandinavian note.

When is the name day of Ingmar?

The name day for Ingmar is celebrated on March 5 and December 21.

Popularity

In Germany, Ingmar is considered a rare first name. The name currently ranks 5,840th on the list of the most common male first names. Its best placement was in 2008 at rank 914. Over the last ten years, Ingmar has been given as a first name about 60 times, which places it at 3,194th in the ten-year statistics. Between 2010 and 2024, it ranks 2,621st.

Nicknames & pet names

Igge / Iggi / Ing / Inge / Ingi / Inki

Similar first names

Inger, Ingi

Famous people

• Ingmar Alge (painter from Austria)
• Ingmar Bergman (film director from Sweden)
• Ingmar Bergmann (director)
• Ingmar Brantsch (German writer)
• Ingmar de Poortere (Belgian cyclist)
• Ingmar Heller (German jazz musician)
• Ingmar Koch (German musician)
• Ingmar Lazar (pianist from France)
• Ingmar Lehmann (mathematician from Germany)
• Ingmar Liljefors (composer from Sweden)
• Ingmar Maayen (footballer from the Netherlands)
• Ingmar Merle (football player from Germany)
• Ingmar Ott (Estonian botanist)
• Ingmar Putz (German football player)
• Ingmar Relling (architect from Norway)
• Ingmar Schwindt (German pianist)