What does Bergen mean and where does it come from?
Bergen is both a geographic name and a given name, derived from the Norwegian city of Bergen, which itself comes from the Old Norse word for 'mountain.' It gained popularity in the English-speaking world, particularly in the United States. Bergen is also a surname and has been used as a place name,
Cultural significance
Bergen has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Norway-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a name derived from a norwegian city meaning 'mountain'..
Peak popularity
Reached #4862 in 2001 — currently #8399 in the US.
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Related Reading
Norway-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Bergen?
Bergen works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Bergen Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Bergen Rose
Floral · soft ending
Bergen Mae
Sweet · timeless
Bergen Claire
French influence · crisp
Bergen Jane
Literary · strong
Bergen Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Bergen right now?
Falling — down 1647 spots — currently #8399 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2022 | #8399 | 9 | ▼ down 1647 · -25% births |
| 2021 | #6752 | 12 | ▲ up 2814 · +20% births |
| 2020 | #9566 | 10 | ▼ down 3507 · -52% births |
| 2015 | #6059 | 21 | ▲ up 1872 · +40% births |
| 2010 | #7931 | 15 | ▼ down 1352 · -17% births |
| 2005 | #6579 | 18 | ▼ down 34 · +13% births |
| 2000 | #6545 | 16 | ▲ up 3144 · +100% births |
| 1995 | #9689 | 8 | ▲ up 687 · +14% births |
| 1990 | #10376 | 7 | ▼ down 1038 · +17% births |
| 1980 | #9338 | 6 | — |
The story of Bergen
Bergen is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1979. With 845 total births recorded, Bergen remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #9338 in 1980 to #8399 in 2022. Bergen is used for both genders: 56% female and 44% male.
Names that peaked alongside Bergen in 2001:
Bergen by decade
Bergen peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1920s | 5 | |
| 1970s | 6 | |
| 1980s | 42 | |
| 1990s | 142 | |
| 2000s ★ | 397 | |
| 2010s | 229 | |
| 2020s | 24 | |
💎Bergen has only 845 total recorded births since 1979 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Bergen?
What names sound and feel like Bergen?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Bergen also consider these
Common questions about the name Bergen
What does the name Bergen mean?
Bergen means "A name derived from a Norwegian city meaning 'mountain'." — a name rooted in Norway tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Bergen?
Bergen is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Bergen have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Bergen?
Bergen originates from Norway tradition. Norway names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Bergen?
Bergen is a two-syllable name pronounced B ER1 G AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Bergen trending right now?
Bergen is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.