Synnöve

The female first name Synnöve (called Synnøve in Norway) is a variant of the Old Norse name Sunniva and carries the meaning 'gift of the sun'. The origin of the name can be traced back to the Old English name Sunnġifu, which is composed of the Old English terms sunne for 'sun' and ġifu for 'gift'.

What does the name Synnöve mean?

The girl's name Synnöve (Norwegian Synnøve) is a form of the Old Norse name Sunniva and means 'gift of the sun'. The name has its roots in Old English Sunnġifu and is composed of the Old English words sunne (sun) and ġifu (gift). The name became known through the veneration of Saint Sunniva of Selje (around 980), who fled to Norway as an Irish princess and died as a martyr in a cave. The spelling Synnöve/Synnøve is particularly widespread in Norway and Sweden. Notable bearers of the name include Scottish actress Synnøve Karlsen, Norwegian journalist and actress Synnøve Macody Lund, and former Norwegian biathlete Synnøve Solemdal.

Where does the name Synnöve come from?

Synnöve is a female first name that originates from Old English and carries the meaning 'gift of the sun'. The name is common in the Nordic languages, especially in Norwegian and Swedish.

How do you pronounce Synnöve?

Synnöve is pronounced approximately like 'Sinöwe'.

When is the name day of Synnöve?

The name day for Synnöve is celebrated on July 8th in honor of Saint Sunniva of Selje.

Popularity

In Germany, Synnöve is a rather rare first name. In 2014, it ranked 4,003rd in the list of the most common female baby names. From 2010 to 2024, Synnöve was given as a first name in Germany fewer than 10 times, resulting in a ranking position of 10,750. In the last ten years, there have been no further newborns with this name.

Nicknames & pet names

Möwe / Növchen / Növe / Synn die Möwe / Synni

Famous people

• Synnove Solemdal (Norwegian biathlete)