This is an Old Norse name derived from the High German frouwa ("lady" or "mistress.") In Old Norse myth, Freya, Freyja or Froja was the goddess of love and fertility, daughter of the sea god. She was said to be so beautiful that all living things fell in love with her. She could fly through the sky disguised as a falcon, and divided the souls of dead warriors with Odin, the most powerful of the Norse gods. She was also the wearer of the magic necklace, the Brisingamen.
The name was introduced to Scotland during the Scandinavian invasions of the Dark Ages, and has been used in Scotland ever since; it has always been particularly popular in the Shetland Islands. Recently there has been an increase in use; Freya is now in the top 50 names for girls in England and Wales. Famous Freyas include the late explorer and travel writer Freya Stark.
The name was introduced to Scotland during the Scandinavian invasions of the Dark Ages, and has been used in Scotland ever since; it has always been particularly popular in the Shetland Islands. Recently there has been an increase in use; Freya is now in the top 50 names for girls in England and Wales. Famous Freyas include the late explorer and travel writer Freya Stark.
