OneTaskBy Tim King · Updated
Viking Ship Name Generator
Longship and Drakkar Names, Figureheads, Oars and Voyages
OneTask is free, with no sign-up, and built by one person.
If this tool saved you time, a coffee helps keep new ones coming.
How the Viking Ship Name Generator works
A viking ship name generator for longships and Norse trading ships. Pick a detail and generate a ship name, a ship with its figurehead, a ship with its type and oars, or the voyage it is famous for. Every ship is fictional, for historical fiction, games, boat clubs and tabletop campaigns.
How the viking ship name generator works
Norse ship names used kennings, poetic phrases that describe one thing as another, so a ship became a Wave-Stallion or Oar-Steed and the sea became the whale-road. Many ships were also named after animals on their figureheads. Oar counts show the size and type, from small boats to great warships. For the raiders on board, try the Viking raider name generator.
Kennings
A kenning is a short, poetic metaphor used in Norse poetry. A ship could be called a sea-steed, a wave-horse or a sail-wolf. Kennings make excellent ship names because they sound both old and alive.
FAQ
What were Viking ships called?
Viking ships had names from poetry and animals, like Long Serpent or Crane, and many used kennings, poetic phrases such as Wave-Stallion. The general word drakkar, meaning dragon, is a later term used for warships.
What is a knarr?
A knarr was a Norse merchant ship. It was wider and deeper than a longship, used mainly sails instead of oars, and carried cargo, animals and settlers on long voyages to Iceland, Greenland and beyond.
Why did Viking ships have dragon heads?
Carved dragon and animal heads on the prow were meant to frighten enemies and protect the ship from evil spirits. Some sagas say they were removed when approaching home, so as not to scare the local land spirits.
Can I use these names for a real boat?
Yes. The ship names are original and free to use for real boats, rowing clubs, games and fiction. Kenning-style names work especially well for sailing boats and kayaks with a Norse theme.
See also: all Places & Things tools, People, Fantasy & RPG, Sci-fi, Culture & Language, Online & Social, Business & Brand.
Related tools
Aircraft / Plane Name Generator
Aircraft names like Lucky Lady, Spirit of Northgate, Silver Arrow and Old Reliable.
Airship Name Generator
Zeppelins and sky ships, captains, routes and fates.
Album Name Generator
Album names like Hollow Cathedral, Songs for the Long Drive and Static Bloom.
Art / Painting Title Generator
Art titles like Untitled (Blue Kitchen), Study for a Harbour and Composition No. 7.
Asylum Name Generator
Abandoned asylums and sanatoriums, wings, histories and rumours.