Arvid is a name of Scandinavian origin, derived from the Old Norse name Árfríðr. This name is composed of two elements: ár, which means "year," and fríðr, meaning "beautiful." Therefore, Arvid can be interpreted as "beautiful year."
The name Arvid has a rich history in Scandinavian cultures, particularly among the Vikings. It was often given to boys born at the turn of the year or during harvest time, symbolizing renewal and abundance.
In Sweden, Arvid is still considered a traditional male given name. According to statistics from 2019, there are approximately 56,300 people in Sweden with the first name Arvid. This indicates that while it may not be one of the most popular names today, it remains a well-established and recognized name in Swedish culture.
Arvid is also found in other Scandinavian countries such as Norway and Denmark, although its popularity varies. In Norway, for instance, it has been used more frequently than in Denmark, with around 350 people named Arvid in Norway compared to fewer than 100 in Denmark as of 2019.
While Arvid is less commonly heard outside of Scandinavia, it carries a unique charm and meaning that makes it appealing for parents looking for an uncommon yet significant name for their child. Its association with beauty and renewal gives it a positive connotation, making it a fitting choice regardless of gender or cultural background.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Arvid has seen varied popularity over time in the United States.
From 1880 to 1969, there were several peaks and valleys in the number of births with the name Arvid. The highest numbers occurred in 1913 with 49 births and again in 1915 with 79 births. However, during this period, the name Arvid was not consistently popular, with some years seeing as few as 5 births (in 1880 and 1903).
After a significant drop in popularity starting from the late 1960s, the name Arvid seemed to have been nearly forgotten for several decades. There were less than 10 births per year between 1970 and 2014.
However, in recent years, there appears to be a resurgence of interest in the name Arvid. Between 2016 and 2023, the number of births with this name has consistently been above 8 each year, with peaks at 16 births in 2019 and 17 births in 2021.
In total, from 1880 to 2023, there have been 3,150 babies named Arvid born in the United States. This data suggests that while the name Arvid has not always been a top choice for parents, it has maintained some level of popularity over time and may be experiencing renewed interest in recent years.