Siw

Siw is a feminine given name used in Norway and Sweden, representing a modern spelling variant of Siv. While the spelling with 'w' is less common, it has occasionally appeared alongside Siv, especially in the 20th century. In Wales, Siw also exists as an unrelated given name, but the Scandinavian Siw is directly linked to Norse mythology.

Etymology and Mythological Roots

Siw traces back through Siv to the Old Norse name Sif, which meant "bride" or "kinswoman." In Norse mythology, Siv (or Sif) was the wife of Thor, the god of thunder. According to myth, the trickster god Loki once cut off Sif's golden hair. This angered Thor, who forced Loki to commission a replacement headpiece from the dwarves, resulting in a magical wig of pure gold that could grow like natural hair. Sif is also known as a powerful seeress in some accounts, and her name has thus carried connotations of beauty, loyalty, and prophetic insight.

Distribution and Usage

In Norway and Sweden, Siw (pronounced "Seev") gained moderate popularity in the mid-20th century, often favored by parents seeking a Norse-inspired yet modern name. However, it has steadily decreased in use since the 1980s. The Welsh Siw (pronounced "Shoo" or "Shew") is a borrowing of the name Judith or a short form of other names, and is unrelated in origin.

Notable Bearers

• Siw Malmkvist – Swedish singer of Nigerian descent, popular in the 1950s–1980s and remembered for her Scandinavian Soul music.
• Siw Persson – Swedish athlete, long-distance runner who competed at the 1968 Summer Olympics.
• Siw Suurküla – Estonian footballer (her name is a different transcription).

• The two-syllable name is phonetically rhyming with "Eev" in Scandinavian languages but with short vowels.
• It is distinct from the Welsh use as a diminutive of Siwan or Siwsan.