Loki

Loki is a masculine first name derived from Norse mythology. The name translates into English as "the airy one," "the blocker," "the covering one," or "the bending one."

What does the name Loki mean?

Loki is a masculine first name derived from Norse mythology. The name translates into English as "the airy one," "the blocker," "the covering one," or "the bending one." The origins are not definitively clarified, but they likely stem from the Old Germanic *luką meaning "to block," "to lock," "to close," or from the Old Norse lopt meaning "air" or lok meaning "covering," "lid," "end," or from the Indo-European root leug meaning "to bend," "to break." Loki is a deity of (Norse) Germanic/Scandinavian mythology. Loki is a trickster, a character to whom "from a Christian moral perspective" neither clearly good nor clearly bad traits can be assigned (A trickster in Greek/Roman mythology is Hermes/Mercury) and who brings about both good and bad outcomes. Loki is also a "shamanic trickster" figure in Norse mythology, understood here as a male figure. Originally valued positively as a cunning and mischievous character, he has been viewed more negatively since the advent of Christianity. Additionally, he is a shape-shifter and gender-changer who appears both as an animal and as a human. Loki was half Aesir, half giant. Hence, he likely has an ambivalent relationship with the Aesir: blood brotherhood with Odin, assisting Thor in regaining Mjöllnir, yet allowing his brother Balder to be killed. He is the progenitor of the Midgard Serpent Jörmungandr, Hel, and Fenrir. He also gave birth to Odin's Sleipnir. His actions initiate the downfall of the world of the gods. In Norse mythology, however, he is clearly male, even though he is said to be the "creator" of the aforementioned figures. On one hand, he is a friend; on the other hand, an enemy of the gods. In Germanic mythology, it is Loki who initiates the downfall of the Aesir and the end of the world (Ragnarök, referred to in German as "Götterdämmerung," but meaning rather the fate of the gods). Furthermore, it is the end of the world (Ragnarök) and not just the end of the gods' world, and only through this can the earth be reborn and become much better and more beautiful. Another variant is Loke. Loki is occasionally also a nickname for the female names Hannelore or Lore. The "real name" of the wife of former Chancellor Helmut Schmidt - Loki Schmidt - was Hannelore (Loki was her nickname, which she gave herself as a child).

Where does the name Loki come from?

Etymology Loki is a masculine and feminine first name of Old Norse and Indo-European origin meaning "the blocker." Old Germanic Old Norse Indo-European

How do you pronounce Loki?

Sound & pronunciation of Loki: The name Loki is two syllables and softly structured. Usually pronounced as "Lo-ki" [ˈloːki], it begins with a long O sound that feels round and calm. The hard k in the second syllable places a clear accent. The ending "-i" sounds bright and lively. Loki feels Nordic and strong in character - a name with a clear line and playful dynamics.

When is the name day of Loki?

The name day of Loki is February 21, June 25, June 28, July 9, July 11, and July 12.

Popularity

Loki is a very popular first name in Germany. Currently, it ranks 636th in the list of the most common male baby names. Its best placement was in 2023 at 526th. In the last ten years, Loki has been given as a first name about 740 times, placing it 672nd in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 754th.

Nicknames & pet names

Lok / Lokidoki / Lokik / Lokini / Loklok / Lokokoko / Loks / Loli / Lolo / Luk

Famous people

• Hannelore "Loki" Schmidt (wife of former Chancellor Helmut Schmidt)
• Loki (Norse god)
• Loki Laufeyson (Norse god, Marvel comic character)
• Loki Schmidt (wife of former Chancellor Helmut Schmidt)