How do these names ring in English?

Question

I'm Norwegian and am shortlisting names for my son.

The names are old mythological Norse names, and I find them beautiful.

However, I also think it's important that the name we pick would be usable in English, in case our boy wants to live abroad at any point in life (it's quite common here).

The names we are considering are: Birk, and Brage.

Can you give me some input on possible associations or meanings in English?

Answer

Names are becoming more and more unique in America. If your son's name has meaning, and is a part of his culture, go for it! At least it's not Apple or Blanket haha.

Answer

Thank you all so much for your feedback!

Brage is pronounced as 'bra', then the g sound as in 'log' and the e sound as in 'ben'. It means strong protector. It's my favorite. ❤

Birk means 'birch' and is pronounced with a short 'ee' sound. (like the shoe). I think of a strong, bright person who knows who he is and has a will to live and be good.

Answer

Those are two names that are definitely not common in the US, but o honestly think they can be pronounced well enough here that they are fine as is. A lot of parents are trying to use unique/modern names with odd spelling and the names you've chosen sound way better than anything I've heard recently. You have two great options.

Answer

I was in Norway for two months and ran into both names. Personally as a South Asian American, I loooooved both names. I wouldn't change a great name to be more suitable for English, honestly. In fact, as a Norwegian abroad, I think it'll work in his favor :).

Answer

In England, To call someone a Berk means they are an idiot. But I think it's a really nice name!

Answer

I think both of those names are great names, I love Norwegian names xx

Answer

Neither have any horrible meaning at first glance- at least for American English. Brage - like someone said "to brag" is bad, but if it's pronounced more like the "ge" in "badge" it's fine.   Both sound just a little foreign, but not in a bad way. "Berk" is the setting for the kids movies "how to train your dragon" but there's nothing bad about it.

Answer

I think Brage (bray-ge) would be pronounce like Gage with the "j" sound at the end, and I really like it !

Answer

I'm not sure how Brage is pronounced, but "brag" in English is to boast & be prideful, which is not a good connotation. Birk doesn't really connect to any English words that I can think of-- there are rather common last names that use that sound, though, so I think it would be more familiar-sounding to English speakers.

Answer

I haven't heard either in the English language, however both seem fairly easy to pronounce. Personally I always enjoy meeting foreigners with unique names and cultures.

How do these names ring in English?

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