Etymology Torbjørn is the modern Norwegian form of the Old Norse name Þórbjǫrn, which is a compound of the Norse thunder god Thor (from Old Norse Þórr, meaning 'thunder') and bjǫrn ('bear'). Thus, the name means 'Thor's bear,' combining divine strength with the power of the bear. In Norse mythology, Thor was a god of storms, thunder, war, and strength, who wielded the hammer Mjölnir. The name Þórbjǫrn appears in several Icelandic sagas, such as Hrafnkels saga, where a character named Þorbjörn is central to the plot; his farmstead was later called Tobbahól, reflecting the short form Tobbi. Notable Bearers Torbjørn Agdestein (born 1991), Norwegian footballer Torbjörn Arvidsson (born 1968), Swedish football player Torbjörn Axelman (1932–2023), Swedish TV producer and director Variant Forms The name has numerous variants across Scandinavia and beyond. The Swedish form Torbjörn and the Danish Torbjørn are direct cognates. Other related forms include Torben (German/Danish), Thorben (German), Tarben (Danish), and the Swedish nickname Bjarne as well as the Old Norse Bjarni. The name also gave rise to the English surnames Thorburn, Thurber, and Tubby, the last being particularly common in Norfolk, England, and early whaling communities in North America. Icelandic short forms include Tobbi and Swedish Tobbe. Meaning: Thor's bear Origin: Old Norse (Þórbjǫrn) Type: First name Usage regions: Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland