Erlend
Boy name · 15 babies recorded · 1974–2025
Erlend: 15 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 5 births in 1985.
Erlend is a name of Old Norse origin, derived from *Erlendr*, meaning "foreigner" or "stranger," historically used for settlers from outside Scandinavia. Its most famous Scottish bearer is Erlend Haraldsson, a 12th-century joint Earl of Orkney who co-ruled with his brother Rognvald and was later canonised. The name also features in modern culture through Erlend Loe, the acclaimed Norwegian novelist. While there are no direct Scottish place connections, the name's etymology echoes in the Orkney and Shetland islands, where Norse influence remains strong. Erlend is a distinctive choice that bridges Viking heritage and Nordic contemporary life, with variants such as the Danish 'Erland' offering a slightly softer alternative.
Boy 4 of 52 years
- Peak year
- 19855 babies
- Latest (1997)
- #4033 babies
- Total births
- 15since 1975
- 5-year trend
- ≈ stablevs prior 5y