Thor - Name Meaning and Popularity -

Meaning of Thor

Thor, derived from the Old Norse theonym Þórr and literally denoting “thunder,” embodies a compound of formidable mythic resonance and modern cultural visibility; in Scandinavian cosmology, the bearer of this name stands as the protector-god whose hammer, Mjölnir, safeguards both gods and humankind, while in contemporary Anglo-American media the same figure has been reinterpreted through comic-book and cinematic franchises that have amplified the name’s recognizability without eroding its ancient gravitas. Within onomastic studies, Thor constitutes a theophoric given name—one that embeds a deity’s designation—and thereby conveys notions of strength, guardianship, and elemental power. United States Social Security records substantiate its steady, albeit modest, usage: from the mid-20th century to the present it has consistently attracted several dozen registrations per year, generally occupying positions between 500th and 900th in national rank, a pattern that signals enduring but selectively exercised appeal among parents seeking a concise, phonologically striking alternative to more prevalent Germanic choices such as Erik or Karl. Phonetically rendered as /θɔr/, the name maintains straightforward articulation in English while preserving its Norse authenticity, an alignment that further recommends it to families desiring a cross-cultural yet historically grounded male appellation.