Espen
Meaning of Espen
Espen is a unique and charming unisex name of Scandinavian origin, particularly prevalent in Norway and Denmark. Pronounced as ES-pen (/ˈɛspən/), Espen is derived from the Old Norse name Ásbiǫrn, which combines "ás," meaning "god," and "bjǫrn," meaning "bear." This gives the name a powerful and noble connotation, often interpreted as "divine bear" or "god-bear." While not extremely common in the United States, Espen has seen a steady presence over the years, with its popularity peaking in 2015 when it ranked 3084. The name also has a close variant, Aspen, which shares a similar sound but carries associations with nature, specifically the beautiful aspen tree. Espen's distinctiveness makes it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name that is both strong and uncommon in English-speaking countries.
Pronunciation
Norwegian,Danish
- Pronunced as ES-pen (/ˈɛspən/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Espen
| Espen Barth Eide is a Norwegian politician and political scientist who currently serves as the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Jonas Gahr Støre's government. |
| Espen Henrik Skjønberg was a renowned Norwegian actor known for his work in stage, screen, and television. |
| Espen Aarseth - Espen J. Aarseth is a Norwegian academic known for his expertise in video game studies and electronic literature, having co-founded the Department of Humanistic Informatics at the University of Bergen. |
| Espen Sommer Eide is a Norwegian composer and musician. |
| Espen Andersen Eckbo is a well-known Norwegian actor, writer, and comedian. |
| Espen Kofstad is a Norwegian professional golfer competing on the Challenge Tour. |
| Espen Johnsen is a retired Norwegian football goalkeeper, and his brother Marius Johnsen currently plays for Lillestrøm. |
| Espen Rostrup Nakstad is a Norwegian physician, lawyer, and author known for his role as the assistant director of the Norwegian Directorate for Health and Social Affairs. |
| Espen Klouman Høiner is a Norwegian writer and actor known for his roles in Reprise, Switch, and Must Have Been Love. |
| Espen PA Lervaag, born on July 10, 1977, is a Norwegian writer, comedian, and actor. |
| Espen Aarnes Hvammen is a Norwegian speed skater known for his expertise in 500 and 1000 m races, with notable achievements including two-time Norwegian champion on the 500 m and top-10 finishes in World Cup races. |
