Signe

Signe is an Old Norse name meaning "new victory," still common across Scandinavia today and carried by a Swedish actress once touted as Hollywood's "next Garbo."

What Does the Name Signe Mean?

Signe comes from the Old Norse Signý, combining sigr ("victory") with ný ("new") -- giving a meaning along the lines of "new victory" or "victorious anew."

The Origin & History of Signe

Signý appears as the name of several heroines in Norse legend, most notably in the Völsunga saga, lending the name a long literary pedigree alongside its everyday use.

Cultural Reach

Signe remains a genuinely common given name in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark today, used across generations rather than as a revival name -- closer in feel to how "Anna" functions in English than a rare heritage pick.

Notable Namesakes

Signe Hasso (1915-2002) was a Swedish-American actress who trained at Stockholm's Royal Dramatic Theatre before Hollywood signed her and promoted her as the "next Garbo" following Greta Garbo's 1941 retirement; she appeared in "Heaven Can Wait" and "The House on 92nd Street" and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1994.

Personality & Associations

Between its "victory" root and its Norse saga heroines, Signe carries associations of strength and resilience, while reading as soft and classic in everyday use.

Popularity as a Given Name

Signe is rising in US data -- 18 girls were recorded in 2024, up from 14 in 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Signe mean?

"New victory," from the Old Norse Signý.

Where is the name Signe used?

It's a common given name across Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.

Who is a famous person named Signe?

Swedish-American actress Signe Hasso, once promoted by Hollywood as the "next Garbo."

Is Signe a popular name?

It's growing modestly in the US, up from 14 to 18 births between 2023 and 2024.