What does Solveig mean?
Solveig joins the Old Norse for “sun” and “strength” or “house.”
What does Thora mean?
Thora is a feminine form linked to the god Thor and to “thunder.”
Solveig vs Thora
Which is more popular?
Thora is more popular than Solveig today: about 20 US babies were given the name Thora in 2025, compared with 17 named Solveig.
| Solveig | Thora | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Sun's strength | Thor's; thunder |
| Origin | Norse | Norse |
| Gender | Girl | Girl |
| Pronunciation | SOL-vay | THOR-ah |
| Syllables | 2 | 2 |
| First appeared | 1909 | 1883 |
| Peak year | 2021 (33) | 1916 (72) |
| In 2025 | 17 | 20 |
| Trend | Rising | Rising |
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Solveig
Thora
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Births by decade
| Decade | Solveig | Thora |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 150 | 215 |
| 2010s | 178 | 228 |
| 2000s | 120 | 83 |
| 1990s | 65 | 12 |
| 1980s | 23 | 5 |
| 1970s | 47 | 35 |
| 1960s | 48 | 42 |
| 1950s | 25 | 101 |
| 1940s | 65 | 138 |
| 1930s | 112 | 204 |
| 1920s | 109 | 434 |
| 1910s | 110 | 519 |
| 1900s | 5 | 201 |
| 1890s | 0 | 160 |
| 1880s | 0 | 47 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Solveig or Thora more popular?
Thora is more popular than Solveig today: about 20 US babies were given the name Thora in 2025, compared with 17 named Solveig.
What is the difference between Solveig and Thora?
Solveig means Sun's strength (Norse origin), while Thora means Thor's; thunder (Norse origin).
Which name is older, Solveig or Thora?
In US records, Solveig first appears in 1909 and Thora in 1883, so Thora has the longer recorded history.