Espen

“Godbearer, divine.”

Norway origin · Unisex name

♂ 87% boys♀ 13% girls

#4932US 2023

20Births / yr

↓Falling

663All-time births

📅 Since 201400

How to pronounce Espen

ESP·EN

/ˈɛsp.ˈɛn/ · stress on ESP · 2 syllables

“Godbearer, divine.”

Norway origin · Unisex name

What does Espen mean and where does it come from?

Espen is originally a male name but has been used for females in recent years, particularly in Scandinavian countries. The name is derived from Old Norse 'Asbjorn', combining 'ás' (God) and 'bjǫrn' (bear). In historical contexts, it signifies strength and divinity. The gender neutrality of Espen has

Cultural significance

Espen has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Norway-speaking communities, where it reflects values of godbearer, divine..

Peak popularity

Reached #6563 in 2019 — currently #4932 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Espen?

Espen works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Espen Grace

How popular is Espen right now?

Falling — down 464 spots — currently #4932 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 2015–2023#4932 · Top 3.6%

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#4932	20	▼ down 464 · -13% births
2022	#4468	23	▼ down 1089 · -32% births
2021	#3379	34	▲ up 5245 · +183% births
2020	#8624	12	▲ up 2694 · +33% births
2015	#11318	9	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Espen

Best Year2021Rank #3379

Peak Count34

Average Rank#6544

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range2015 - 20235 years

The story of Espen

Espen is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2014. With 663 total births recorded, Espen remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #11318 in 2015 to #4932 in 2023. Espen is used for both genders: 13% female and 87% male.

Names that peaked alongside Espen in 2019:

Olivia Emma Ava Sophia Isabella

Espen by decade

Espen peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

Decade	Births
1990s	46
2000s	205
2010s ★	371
2020s	41

💎Espen has only 663 total recorded births since 2014 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Espen?

ANCIENT SCANDINAVIAN

Bjarni

DANISH

BjarneEbbe

ENGLISH

OzOzzieOzzy

FAROESE

Bjarni

What names sound and feel like Espen?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Espen also consider these

Scandinavian Countries · God's bear.

Eshen

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Eswen

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Esben

Denmark · God’s bear

Ekpen

International · A International name

Esen

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

How is Espen written in other languages?

Gender variants of Espen

Ebba DANISH Ebba NORWEGIAN Ebba SWEDISH Osborne ENGLISH Osbourne ENGLISH

Common questions about the name Espen

What does the name Espen mean?

Espen means "Godbearer, divine." — 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 Espen?

Espen is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Espen?

Espen 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 Espen?

Espen is a two-syllable name pronounced EH1 S P EH1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Espen a common or rare name?

Espen is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.