Eir

Eir is a Norse feminine name meaning mercy in Old Norse. In Norse mythology, Eir (Old Norse pronunciation: [ˈɛir]) is a goddess or valkyrie associated with medical skill and healing. She is attested in the Poetic Edda, compiled in the 13th century from earlier sources, as well as the Prose Edda by Snorri Sturluson, and in skaldic poetry, including runic inscriptions from around 1300 CE. Scholars debate whether she was originally a healing goddess or a valkyrie, and also compare her to the Greek goddess Hygieia.

Notable Bearers and Usage

While not common, the name Eir is enjoyed in Iceland and Norway, where Old Norse names are cherished. The name is the basis for variants like Eira​ in Norwegian and Swedish.

Cultural Significance

In the poem Fjölsvinnsmál, Eir is one of the maidens who sit on Lyfjaberg (meaning "hill of healing" or "healing mountain"), indicating her strong ties to medicine and protection. This healing association has turned the name by extension into an inspiring mythological pick for modern interest figures.

• Meaning: mercy, help, protection
• Origin: Old Norse
• Usage: Icelandic, Norwegian, Mythology
• Type: Goddess name
• Mythology connection: Norse goddess of healing
• Languages used in: Icelandic, Norwegian
• Primarily used in: Scandinavia