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The Irish Sun
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I visited UK's largest Viking festival with fierce battle re-enactments, fire dancing and walking on hot coals
WITH an almighty roar, a war-painted Viking swings an axe above his head and a shield maiden takes the ultimate test of courage – shattering an arrow with her neck. Meanwhile, several people are preparing to march across hot coals to show their allegiance to Odin and the Norse gods. Advertisement 8 While some Valhalla attendees used Vinted and the internet to get costumes, other raiders have hand-made them Credit: Stewart Williams 8 A fireshow leads the way to the symbolic burning, and offerings are placed into the miniature version of a Viking longboat Credit: Stewart Williams 8 Fire dancers the Ravens of Ragnorrock Credit: Stewart Williams But in their daily life, these warriors are actually income recovery specialists from Eastleigh, Hants, and a medical researcher from Cheshire. For the weekend they have shed the shackles of normal life to become Viking warriors. Medical researcher Andy Thurstan, 48, told The Sun: 'I saw the festival online and thought it looked like great fun. One thing led to another and suddenly I'm here in full Viking dress wearing proper Icelandic sheep's wool around my neck. 'It's a nice escape from normal life, and despite the reputation of Northmen, everyone is really friendly.' Advertisement READ MORE ON VIKINGS Welcome to the UK's largest Viking festival, Valhalla, now in its fifth year, which attracts 5,000 people to Drummer Down Farm in Basingstoke, Hants, for a weekend of boozing, fight training and connecting with the old Norse gods. Andy and pal Ken Hurley, 42, a caterer from Cheshire, have driven down for the 72-hour event, which offers everything from fierce battle reenactments to willow weaving. The pair amble off to get themselves some mead, with wooden axes attached to their backs and swords strapped to their hips. 'The bones are from a KFC we had a few weeks ago' While some attendees used Vinted and the internet to get costumes, other raiders have made them by hand. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Latest Latest Among the latter camp are Simon Jones and Helen Jones, both 54, who have upped the ante for their third year at the historical extravaganza. The curse of the Herefordshire Hoard - £12m of Viking gold Among the latter camp are Simon Jones and Helen Jones, both 54, who have upped the ante for their third year at the historical extravaganza. Simon, from Bath, said: 'We've made our costumes. Some of the bones Helen is wearing are from a KFC we had a few weeks ago. Can't waste anything! 'Coming here is such a great experience. As a kid I used to go to Durdle Door Beach to make massive fires and cook meat. Advertisement 'Here we can do that again with the loveliest people. 'Plus I can wave my axe when I want more ale during the feast.' On Friday, the Vikings were welcomed with a special ceremony in the woodlands where all the different Norse gods blessed the festival. As the chanting started and the drums began to beat, the wind picked up suddenly and a Northman dropped to one knee to propose. Advertisement Gareth Van De Merwe, 42, created a special axe with a wolf-shaped ring attached for Sarah Paul, 37, from Horncastle, Lincs. As the onlookers cheer , she shouts out 'Yes', causing horns to be blown and shields banged. 8 At night, nearly 1,000 flock to a mead hall fit for a jarl — a Norse chief — to tear into platters of meat, cheese and bread while downing ale and mead Credit: Stewart Williams 8 Chay Pratt, 33, from Clacton with Bran the Raven from Falconry UK Credit: Stewart Williams Advertisement At night, nearly 1,000 flock to a mead hall fit for a jarl — a Norse chieftain — to tear into platters of meat, cheese and bread while downing ale and mead. Looking forward to the evening's festivities are sisters Debbie Burns, 34, and Vicki Hayes, 36, who are wearing hand-made feather headdresses that make them look like ancient priestesses. Mental health worker Debbie, from Battle, East Sussex, told The Sun: 'This is my first time at the festival in this little fantasy world and I'm loving it. 'We've had our runes read and every single stall we've been to is really passionate about the craft they are showcasing or teaching. 'It's a weekend where you can just lose yourself.' Advertisement Support worker Vicki has met up with a friend she made here last year, Portuguese bar worker Adriana Ribeiro, 35. She said: 'It's so lovely that you make friends that you can meet up with year after year and it never feels like any time has passed.' Just behind the ladies, a queue is forming for the To the right, screams ring out as wannabe Vikings hurl an axe at a target with all the strength they can muster. Many miss the target, and those that hit it struggle to throw it hard enough for it to stay embedded. Advertisement But the main attraction for many who have flown or driven to the event is the firewalking session, which trains participants to place their bare feet on hot coals. John Young, 56, is a fifth-generation Northumbria farmer who discovered firewalking at a low point in his life — and claims it helped him heal. Now, as an instructor, he brings the skill to other people to help them overcome their fears. Before being able to walk the burning embers, those taking part are taught how to break an arrow by just stepping forward. Advertisement The bolt is placed tip first into the participant's neck, the end held in place with a wooden board. The warrior then takes two breaths and on the third steps forward causing the arrow to shatter. 'It's a chance to let go of the modern world' Income recovery specialist Chrissie Blomley, 35, from Eastleigh, said: 'I didn't think I'd be able to do it. 'But I told myself 'f*** it' and stepped forward. 'Valhalla has been the best day out I've ever been on. It's so refreshing to see people being themselves. I've made friends for life today.' Advertisement Fellow arrow-breaker Lee Byrne, 52, from Gosport, Hants, said: 'You can feel the pressure from the tip of the arrow in your neck, but snapping it feels amazing when you take that step forward.' Once the bolt has been shattered, it is time to trot over the glowing coals — and many people who walked the fire claimed they barely felt the heat. For those who aren't ready to put their life — or their feet — on the line, they can watch others show off in the battle re-enactments which take place in the main arena. 8 Support worker Vicki, pictured right, has met up with a friend she made last year, Portuguese bar worker Adriana Ribeiro, pictured centre. Credit: Stewart Williams Advertisement 8 Olivia Gregson, 28, Plymouth Credit: Stewart Williams 8 Reflecting on the weekend, Tarmac specialist Kyle Lette, 33, pictured left, tells The Sun: 'I've never felt more relaxed than when I'm here' Credit: Stewart Williams As two rival clans face up to each other, crowds can be heard whooping and hollering as they bay for blood. In this case, it's a tiny cut to Kevin McPhail's cheek suffered mid-battle. Leading Clan Magnus, the 35-year-old Northern Irish fighter and his team are putting on a show for the baying spectators. Advertisement They use a mix of axes, swords and pikes to recreate what a real battle would look like. The clan even has an archer in the form of photocopier repair man Paul Sykes, 62, who is part of Peterborough's Wodens Hearth re- enactment group. Also performing is James Parrish, 48, a tree surgeon from Lincs, but instead of taking part in the fake battle he is helping out with the firedancing by jumping though a flaming hoop. During the day, though, he's teaching archery to Viking hopefuls with his son Brandon, 18, and welder Lee Hammond, 62, from Lincs. Those after something more spiritual are catered for as well with hand-fasting — a pagan wedding ritual — and naming ceremonies. Advertisement And to close? What else but a Viking boat burning. A fireshow leads the way to the symbolic torching, and offerings are placed into the miniature version of a Viking longboat before it is set ablaze. Reflecting on the weekend, Tarmac specialist Kyle Lette, 33, from Ipswich, tells The Sun: 'I've never felt more relaxed than when I'm here. 'It's a beautiful place and a chance to let go of the modern world. Advertisement 'The second I step into Valhalla, my head clears. And I've not checked my phone once!' Next year's Valhalla Festival will take place from July 24-26.
Scottish Sun
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I visited UK's largest Viking festival with fierce battle re-enactments, fire dancing and walking on hot coals
Valhalla attracts 5,000 people to Drummer Down Farm in Basingstoke for a weekend of boozing, fight training and connecting with the Norse gods Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WITH an almighty roar, a war-painted Viking swings an axe above his head and a shield maiden takes the ultimate test of courage – shattering an arrow with her neck. Meanwhile, several people are preparing to march across hot coals to show their allegiance to Odin and the Norse gods. 8 While some Valhalla attendees used Vinted and the internet to get costumes, other raiders have hand-made them Credit: Stewart Williams 8 A fireshow leads the way to the symbolic burning, and offerings are placed into the miniature version of a Viking longboat Credit: Stewart Williams 8 Fire dancers the Ravens of Ragnorrock Credit: Stewart Williams But in their daily life, these warriors are actually income recovery specialists from Eastleigh, Hants, and a medical researcher from Cheshire. For the weekend they have shed the shackles of normal life to become Viking warriors. Medical researcher Andy Thurstan, 48, told The Sun: 'I saw the festival online and thought it looked like great fun. One thing led to another and suddenly I'm here in full Viking dress wearing proper Icelandic sheep's wool around my neck. 'It's a nice escape from normal life, and despite the reputation of Northmen, everyone is really friendly.' Welcome to the UK's largest Viking festival, Valhalla, now in its fifth year, which attracts 5,000 people to Drummer Down Farm in Basingstoke, Hants, for a weekend of boozing, fight training and connecting with the old Norse gods. Andy and pal Ken Hurley, 42, a caterer from Cheshire, have driven down for the 72-hour event, which offers everything from fierce battle reenactments to willow weaving. The pair amble off to get themselves some mead, with wooden axes attached to their backs and swords strapped to their hips. 'The bones are from a KFC we had a few weeks ago' While some attendees used Vinted and the internet to get costumes, other raiders have made them by hand. Among the latter camp are Simon Jones and Helen Jones, both 54, who have upped the ante for their third year at the historical extravaganza. The curse of the Herefordshire Hoard - £12m of Viking gold Among the latter camp are Simon Jones and Helen Jones, both 54, who have upped the ante for their third year at the historical extravaganza. Simon, from Bath, said: 'We've made our costumes. Some of the bones Helen is wearing are from a KFC we had a few weeks ago. Can't waste anything! 'Coming here is such a great experience. As a kid I used to go to Durdle Door Beach to make massive fires and cook meat. 'Here we can do that again with the loveliest people. 'Plus I can wave my axe when I want more ale during the feast.' On Friday, the Vikings were welcomed with a special ceremony in the woodlands where all the different Norse gods blessed the festival. As the chanting started and the drums began to beat, the wind picked up suddenly and a Northman dropped to one knee to propose. Gareth Van De Merwe, 42, created a special axe with a wolf-shaped ring attached for Sarah Paul, 37, from Horncastle, Lincs. As the onlookers cheer, she shouts out 'Yes', causing horns to be blown and shields banged. 8 At night, nearly 1,000 flock to a mead hall fit for a jarl — a Norse chief — to tear into platters of meat, cheese and bread while downing ale and mead Credit: Stewart Williams 8 Chay Pratt, 33, from Clacton with Bran the Raven from Falconry UK Credit: Stewart Williams At night, nearly 1,000 flock to a mead hall fit for a jarl — a Norse chieftain — to tear into platters of meat, cheese and bread while downing ale and mead. Looking forward to the evening's festivities are sisters Debbie Burns, 34, and Vicki Hayes, 36, who are wearing hand-made feather headdresses that make them look like ancient priestesses. Mental health worker Debbie, from Battle, East Sussex, told The Sun: 'This is my first time at the festival in this little fantasy world and I'm loving it. 'We've had our runes read and every single stall we've been to is really passionate about the craft they are showcasing or teaching. 'It's a weekend where you can just lose yourself.' Support worker Vicki has met up with a friend she made here last year, Portuguese bar worker Adriana Ribeiro, 35. She said: 'It's so lovely that you make friends that you can meet up with year after year and it never feels like any time has passed.' Just behind the ladies, a queue is forming for the archery lessons. To the right, screams ring out as wannabe Vikings hurl an axe at a target with all the strength they can muster. Many miss the target, and those that hit it struggle to throw it hard enough for it to stay embedded. But the main attraction for many who have flown or driven to the event is the firewalking session, which trains participants to place their bare feet on hot coals. John Young, 56, is a fifth-generation Northumbria farmer who discovered firewalking at a low point in his life — and claims it helped him heal. Now, as an instructor, he brings the skill to other people to help them overcome their fears. Before being able to walk the burning embers, those taking part are taught how to break an arrow by just stepping forward. The bolt is placed tip first into the participant's neck, the end held in place with a wooden board. The warrior then takes two breaths and on the third steps forward causing the arrow to shatter. 'It's a chance to let go of the modern world' Income recovery specialist Chrissie Blomley, 35, from Eastleigh, said: 'I didn't think I'd be able to do it. 'But I told myself 'f*** it' and stepped forward. 'Valhalla has been the best day out I've ever been on. It's so refreshing to see people being themselves. I've made friends for life today.' Fellow arrow-breaker Lee Byrne, 52, from Gosport, Hants, said: 'You can feel the pressure from the tip of the arrow in your neck, but snapping it feels amazing when you take that step forward.' Once the bolt has been shattered, it is time to trot over the glowing coals — and many people who walked the fire claimed they barely felt the heat. For those who aren't ready to put their life — or their feet — on the line, they can watch others show off in the battle re-enactments which take place in the main arena. 8 Support worker Vicki, pictured right, has met up with a friend she made last year, Portuguese bar worker Adriana Ribeiro, pictured centre. Credit: Stewart Williams 8 Olivia Gregson, 28, Plymouth Credit: Stewart Williams 8 Reflecting on the weekend, Tarmac specialist Kyle Lette, 33, pictured left, tells The Sun: 'I've never felt more relaxed than when I'm here' Credit: Stewart Williams As two rival clans face up to each other, crowds can be heard whooping and hollering as they bay for blood. In this case, it's a tiny cut to Kevin McPhail's cheek suffered mid-battle. Leading Clan Magnus, the 35-year-old Northern Irish fighter and his team are putting on a show for the baying spectators. They use a mix of axes, swords and pikes to recreate what a real battle would look like. The clan even has an archer in the form of photocopier repair man Paul Sykes, 62, who is part of Peterborough's Wodens Hearth re- enactment group. Also performing is James Parrish, 48, a tree surgeon from Lincs, but instead of taking part in the fake battle he is helping out with the firedancing by jumping though a flaming hoop. During the day, though, he's teaching archery to Viking hopefuls with his son Brandon, 18, and welder Lee Hammond, 62, from Lincs. Those after something more spiritual are catered for as well with hand-fasting — a pagan wedding ritual — and naming ceremonies. And to close? What else but a Viking boat burning. A fireshow leads the way to the symbolic torching, and offerings are placed into the miniature version of a Viking longboat before it is set ablaze. Reflecting on the weekend, Tarmac specialist Kyle Lette, 33, from Ipswich, tells The Sun: 'I've never felt more relaxed than when I'm here. 'It's a beautiful place and a chance to let go of the modern world. 'The second I step into Valhalla, my head clears. And I've not checked my phone once!'
Hamilton Spectator
10 hours ago
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
The Benchmaker of Selkirk: How one man carved out a life and a legacy in wood
It started with an injury. Robert Unik, a steelworker in Selkirk, Manitoba, was badly hurt on the job and found himself in need of a new career — and workers' comp willing to pay for the education. Most would've reached for something predictable and safe. Unik had a different vision shaped not by practicality, but by passion. 'I was already carving,' he told me over the phone, stepping away from his buzzing power tools to talk. 'So I told them, 'I want to be a master carver.' And they said, 'Okay. Go find a school, and we'll pay for it.'' That decision would send Unik on a long and unlikely journey, culminating in thousands of hand-carved benches — each with a story, each a monument, and each unapologetically his. His official carving journey began not in a Canadian college, but in St. Paul, Minneapolis, where he trained essentially through correspondence. Upon returning home, he bounced between cabinet shops, learning from old-school master carvers until the title of 'master carver' was quietly retired in Canada. 'I don't know how to build a cabinet,' Robert chuckled. 'I know how to carve.' He spent decades teaching middle-years woodworking in River East Transcona, becoming a fixture in the school system. Then, amid the COVID chaos, everything shifted. A new principal decided Unik didn't meet the paperwork requirements to stay on, despite having 17 years of independent teaching experience. 'They said, 'You're out of here.' And I told them where to go.' It could have been the end. Instead, it was a new beginning. Laid off, Unik turned back to carving. His workshop filled with sawdust and orders. At first, it was bears, then small signs, then benches. 'Benches became my thing,' he says. 'Now that's all I do.' But these aren't just places to sit. They're narratives in cedar and spruce — adorned with dinosaurs, monarch butterflies, gnomes, poppies, family crests, and Norse mythology. Each one tells a story. Each one takes seven to ten days of intense labour — though he could finish the actual carving in three, if not for the finishing, sanding, and painting. His tools are electric grinders and power carvers, not the old-school chisels. But don't mistake that for shortcuts. 'I'm still holding the tools,' he says. 'Still making every cut myself.' He's carved for schools, libraries, memorials — even celebrities. One of his pieces was nearly commissioned by Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top until Unik discovered the musician wanted it in red cedar, one of two woods he's allergic to. 'I would've ended up in the hospital,' he explains. 'So I passed the job to a buddy in California.' Unik has no storefront, no website, and no formal advertising. But he uses Facebook with surgical precision, posting in dozens of local and regional groups. 'It takes me two hours every time I post,' he said. 'But I've got over 30,000 followers now.' He's even turned down offers from major distributors who wanted to buy his benches at a discount and flip them at triple the price. But that's not why he makes them. Instead, he donates one or two benches a year. One of his proudest? A Ukrainian-themed bench raffled off for refugee aid, raising nearly $10,000. One bench landed in Grand Marais. His dinosaur bench is a permanent fixture in the Selkirk Library. 'They send me pictures of kids climbing on it. That's the best part.' Every bench tells a story. Hand carving is, in his words, a dying trade. 'Chainsaw carving is everywhere now. You can't make money off it anymore,' he says. 'And CNC machines have replaced most carvers in the shops.' But Robert still teaches the old ways. Students come from as far as Lorette to take lessons in his Selkirk garage. 'Last winter I didn't have time,' he said. 'This winter, maybe.' His advice for young artists? 'Don't expect to get rich. Be patient. I've been carving for 47 years. It only really took off in the last ten.' As we talked, I was struck by how little ego there is in the work. Yes, he's proud of his benches — and he should be. They're magnificent. But the real joy, the one that lights up his voice, is in seeing someone see them. 'When a kid points to the carving and says, 'Look at that!' — that's the moment.' He's carved for causes. For friends. For the memory of someone's mother. And once, for a stranger who drove 2,500 kilometres from Texas just to pick up a bench. In a world of mass production, Robert's benches stand as monuments to stubborn craftsmanship. To handwork. To choosing art over convenience. They are, in every sense, one of a kind. And in Selkirk, tucked into a backyard shop, one man keeps carving. — Steven Sukkau is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Winnipeg Sun. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada. Have thoughts on what's going on in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, or across the world? Send us a letter to the editor at . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Scotsman
18 hours ago
- General
- Scotsman
30 surnames that prove you could be descended from real Vikings
Think your family came over with the Normans? This fearsome Viking re-enactor is a reminder that many northern and Scottish surnames trace back to Norse invaders. | Canva This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. Think you're pure Scottish? You could be wrong. These 30 surnames still common in Scotland and the north of England may point to Viking ancestry - is yours one of them? Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Think you're pure Scottish? You might be surprised. Many Scots have Viking ancestry woven into their DNA, especially in places like Orkney, Shetland, the Hebrides and Caithness where Norse settlers didn't just raid, they stayed. And it's not just in your blood. It might be in your name. Research from the University of Leicester and the People of the British Isles project found that parts of northern and coastal Scotland have some of the strongest traces of Viking genetics in the UK. Families in these regions often carry surnames with direct Norse origins, passed down through centuries. Want to see if your name is one of them? You can start your Viking ancestry journey with MyHeritage DNA and explore your family tree in minutes. Here are 30 surnames with strong Viking links, all of which still appear commonly across Scotland. 1. Raven From the Old Norse Hrafn, meaning 'raven'. The raven was a powerful symbol for Norse warriors and is often linked to the god Odin. This surname reflects its deep cultural and mythological roots. 2. Gunn Derived from gunnr, the Old Norse word for 'battle' or 'war'. Found widely across northern Scotland and Orkney, it's also the name of an old Highland clan with Viking origins. 3. Harold / Harald A classic Viking name carried by leaders like King Harald Hardrada, who famously died at the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066. It means 'army ruler' and was popular in both Scandinavian and Anglo-Norse cultures. 4. Ormsby A toponymic name meaning 'Ormr's farm' – Ormr being a Norse personal name meaning serpent or dragon. The suffix -by was used by Vikings to denote a farmstead or settlement and still appears in dozens of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire place names. 5. Thoresen / Thorburn Derived from Þórr, the Norse god of thunder. Names beginning with 'Thor' usually signal a Norse origin and indicate ancestry that honoured or referenced Thor's might and protection. 6. Haldane From Old Norse Halfdan, meaning 'half Dane'. A real surname still found in Scotland, possibly referring to someone born of mixed Norse and native ancestry. Wondering if your surname could link you to the Vikings? You can trace your family tree and find out with MyHeritage DNA – click here to begin 7. Croft From the Norse kropt or kroft, referring to a small enclosed field or farm. The word became rooted in Scottish and northern English landscapes and eventually surnames. 8. Scarth Likely from the Norse word skarthi, meaning 'notched' or 'hare-lipped'. Common in Orkney and parts of Yorkshire. The Scarth family appears in 16th-century land records tied to Norse-descended farming families. 9. Clegg Believed to be from kleggi, meaning 'haystack' or 'mound'. A stronghold surname in West Yorkshire, especially around Rochdale and Oldham. 10. Birkby A compound of birk (birch) and by (settlement). Still found as both a surname and a place name in North and East Yorkshire, tracing back to Danish or Norwegian farming outposts. 11. Tait Common in the Borders, Shetland and Orkney. Possibly from Old Norse teitr, meaning 'glad' or 'cheerful' – a rare example of a Norse name denoting personality rather than place or lineage. 12. Skene A Scottish surname from Aberdeenshire, sometimes traced back to a Norse word for a blade or dagger. The clan motto is 'Virtutis regia merces' – 'virtue is the reward of valour' – further hinting at a warrior heritage. Your family tree could be bigger than you ever imagined — and DNA testing can help you trace its many branches. | Canva 13. MacAulay A Hebridean and Highland name from the Norse personal name Áleifr, meaning 'ancestor's descendant' or 'heir'. Evidence suggests the MacAulays may descend from Viking settlers who integrated with Gaels. 14. Main Found in northern Scotland, particularly Caithness and Orkney. Possibly derived from mæinn, the Old Norse word for 'strong' or 'forceful'. 15. Ketill This personal name meant 'kettle' or 'cauldron' but was commonly used for a helmet in a poetic or symbolic sense. It appears in Norse sagas and survives in names like Kettlewell or Ketilson. 16. Eirikson / Ericson / Eriksen Means 'son of Erik' – one of the most common Viking naming patterns. Erik comes from Eiríkr, meaning 'eternal ruler'. Leif Erikson, son of Erik the Red, is believed to have reached North America centuries before Columbus. 17. Sanderson A northern English patronymic meaning 'son of Sander', itself derived from Sandarr, a Norse personal name related to defender or protector. 18. Foss From Old Norse foss, meaning 'waterfall'. Found in surnames and place names in Yorkshire and Cumbria – often near rivers or rocky outcrops. 19. Thwaite A suffix in dozens of northern English place names like Braithwaite and Micklethwaite. From þveit, meaning 'clearing in the woods' – a sign of Norse agricultural colonisation. 20. Askew Believed to come from askr (ash tree) and skogr (wood), likely referencing a settlement near a wooded area. Found in Lancashire and Yorkshire. 21. Osmond From Old Norse Ásmundr, meaning 'divine protection'. A name passed down by Norse settlers who brought both pagan and Christian influences. 22. Rigg From the Old Norse hryggr, meaning 'ridge'. Found widely in hill-country surnames across Cumbria and the Dales. 23. Rawlinson 'Son of Raoul' – with Raoul or Ralph descending from Ráðulfr, a Norse name meaning 'wise wolf'. A surname common in Lancashire and northern England. 24. Ulf A powerful Norse name meaning 'wolf'. While rare today, it appears in Domesday Book records and some East Anglian settlements in the former Danelaw. 25. Ingerson A patronymic meaning 'son of Inge' or Ingvar, both linked to the Norse god Ing or Yngvi, associated with fertility and prosperity. 26. Janson Means 'son of Jan', with Jan being a Norse adaptation of Johannes. Still common in the Netherlands and northern UK. 27. Colby A compound of Kol (meaning coal or dark) and by (village). Found in Lancashire, Cumbria and parts of Lincolnshire. 28. Halcro Unique to Orkney and Shetland, with deep Norse roots. Believed to derive from a personal name and farm site occupied during the Viking period. 29. Gunnarsen Means 'son of Gunnar', from gunnr (war) and arr (warrior). A classic Norse warrior name that still appears in Scandinavian communities. 30. Leifson Means 'son of Leif'. Leif means 'heir' or 'beloved'. The most famous bearer is Leif Erikson, who explored North America long before the modern age of discovery. Did your name appear? Or maybe one from your extended family? It could be the start of a fascinating journey into Norse ancestry and the Viking history of the North. With MyHeritage, it's free to begin building your family tree. You can also order a DNA kit and discover your genetic connection to Scandinavia, Viking settlements and more – all for just £33. This article was produced with the support of AI tools to assist in sourcing and structuring information. All content has been reviewed, verified and completed by a National World journalist prior to publication. Canva Uncover your family's hidden connections with an exclusive MyHeritage DNA kit £ 29.00 Buy now Buy now Every generation, your family tree branches wider — yet most of your extended relatives are strangers to you. A DNA test can help change that. MyHeritage DNA doesn't just estimate your ethnic makeup; it connects you to real living relatives and uncovers the stories of your ancestors' journeys. From Viking roots in Orkney to Sephardic Jewish heritage, or even surprise half-siblings, your DNA holds the key to discovering the family you never knew you had. Canva Get beach-ready with MySweetSmile's gentle teeth whitening range £ 20.99 Buy now Buy now Sunshine, selfies and holiday cocktails – summer is here, and so are all the moments you'll want to capture with a glowing smile. Whether you're jetting off for a beach escape or heading to a sunny staycation, MySweetSmile can help you look your best. This UK best-seller offers peroxide-free, gentle whitening that works its magic without harsh ingredients or faff. Their powder is perfect for whitening before take-off, while the handy on-the-go pen is great for keeping your smile photo-ready poolside. Shop the full MySweetSmile summer-ready range here.
Scotsman
19 hours ago
- General
- Scotsman
30 surnames that prove you could be descended from real Vikings
Think your family came over with the Normans? This fearsome Viking re-enactor is a reminder that many northern and Scottish surnames trace back to Norse invaders. | Canva This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. Think you're pure Scottish? You could be wrong. These 30 surnames still common in Scotland and the north of England may point to Viking ancestry - is yours one of them? Sign up to our History and Heritage newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Think you're pure Scottish? You might be surprised. Many Scots have Viking ancestry woven into their DNA, especially in places like Orkney, Shetland, the Hebrides and Caithness where Norse settlers didn't just raid, they stayed. And it's not just in your blood. It might be in your name. Research from the University of Leicester and the People of the British Isles project found that parts of northern and coastal Scotland have some of the strongest traces of Viking genetics in the UK. Families in these regions often carry surnames with direct Norse origins, passed down through centuries. Want to see if your name is one of them? You can start your Viking ancestry journey with MyHeritage DNA and explore your family tree in minutes. Here are 30 surnames with strong Viking links, all of which still appear commonly across Scotland. 1. Raven From the Old Norse Hrafn, meaning 'raven'. The raven was a powerful symbol for Norse warriors and is often linked to the god Odin. This surname reflects its deep cultural and mythological roots. 2. Gunn Derived from gunnr, the Old Norse word for 'battle' or 'war'. Found widely across northern Scotland and Orkney, it's also the name of an old Highland clan with Viking origins. 3. Harold / Harald A classic Viking name carried by leaders like King Harald Hardrada, who famously died at the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066. It means 'army ruler' and was popular in both Scandinavian and Anglo-Norse cultures. 4. Ormsby A toponymic name meaning 'Ormr's farm' – Ormr being a Norse personal name meaning serpent or dragon. The suffix -by was used by Vikings to denote a farmstead or settlement and still appears in dozens of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire place names. 5. Thoresen / Thorburn Derived from Þórr, the Norse god of thunder. Names beginning with 'Thor' usually signal a Norse origin and indicate ancestry that honoured or referenced Thor's might and protection. 6. Haldane From Old Norse Halfdan, meaning 'half Dane'. A real surname still found in Scotland, possibly referring to someone born of mixed Norse and native ancestry. Wondering if your surname could link you to the Vikings? You can trace your family tree and find out with MyHeritage DNA – click here to begin 7. Croft From the Norse kropt or kroft, referring to a small enclosed field or farm. The word became rooted in Scottish and northern English landscapes and eventually surnames. 8. Scarth Likely from the Norse word skarthi, meaning 'notched' or 'hare-lipped'. Common in Orkney and parts of Yorkshire. The Scarth family appears in 16th-century land records tied to Norse-descended farming families. 9. Clegg Believed to be from kleggi, meaning 'haystack' or 'mound'. A stronghold surname in West Yorkshire, especially around Rochdale and Oldham. 10. Birkby A compound of birk (birch) and by (settlement). Still found as both a surname and a place name in North and East Yorkshire, tracing back to Danish or Norwegian farming outposts. 11. Tait Common in the Borders, Shetland and Orkney. Possibly from Old Norse teitr, meaning 'glad' or 'cheerful' – a rare example of a Norse name denoting personality rather than place or lineage. 12. Skene A Scottish surname from Aberdeenshire, sometimes traced back to a Norse word for a blade or dagger. The clan motto is 'Virtutis regia merces' – 'virtue is the reward of valour' – further hinting at a warrior heritage. Your family tree could be bigger than you ever imagined — and DNA testing can help you trace its many branches. | Canva 13. MacAulay A Hebridean and Highland name from the Norse personal name Áleifr, meaning 'ancestor's descendant' or 'heir'. Evidence suggests the MacAulays may descend from Viking settlers who integrated with Gaels. 14. Main Found in northern Scotland, particularly Caithness and Orkney. Possibly derived from mæinn, the Old Norse word for 'strong' or 'forceful'. 15. Ketill This personal name meant 'kettle' or 'cauldron' but was commonly used for a helmet in a poetic or symbolic sense. It appears in Norse sagas and survives in names like Kettlewell or Ketilson. 16. Eirikson / Ericson / Eriksen Means 'son of Erik' – one of the most common Viking naming patterns. Erik comes from Eiríkr, meaning 'eternal ruler'. Leif Erikson, son of Erik the Red, is believed to have reached North America centuries before Columbus. 17. Sanderson A northern English patronymic meaning 'son of Sander', itself derived from Sandarr, a Norse personal name related to defender or protector. 18. Foss From Old Norse foss, meaning 'waterfall'. Found in surnames and place names in Yorkshire and Cumbria – often near rivers or rocky outcrops. 19. Thwaite A suffix in dozens of northern English place names like Braithwaite and Micklethwaite. From þveit, meaning 'clearing in the woods' – a sign of Norse agricultural colonisation. 20. Askew Believed to come from askr (ash tree) and skogr (wood), likely referencing a settlement near a wooded area. Found in Lancashire and Yorkshire. 21. Osmond From Old Norse Ásmundr, meaning 'divine protection'. A name passed down by Norse settlers who brought both pagan and Christian influences. 22. Rigg From the Old Norse hryggr, meaning 'ridge'. Found widely in hill-country surnames across Cumbria and the Dales. 23. Rawlinson 'Son of Raoul' – with Raoul or Ralph descending from Ráðulfr, a Norse name meaning 'wise wolf'. A surname common in Lancashire and northern England. 24. Ulf A powerful Norse name meaning 'wolf'. While rare today, it appears in Domesday Book records and some East Anglian settlements in the former Danelaw. 25. Ingerson A patronymic meaning 'son of Inge' or Ingvar, both linked to the Norse god Ing or Yngvi, associated with fertility and prosperity. 26. Janson Means 'son of Jan', with Jan being a Norse adaptation of Johannes. Still common in the Netherlands and northern UK. 27. Colby A compound of Kol (meaning coal or dark) and by (village). Found in Lancashire, Cumbria and parts of Lincolnshire. 28. Halcro Unique to Orkney and Shetland, with deep Norse roots. Believed to derive from a personal name and farm site occupied during the Viking period. 29. Gunnarsen Means 'son of Gunnar', from gunnr (war) and arr (warrior). A classic Norse warrior name that still appears in Scandinavian communities. 30. Leifson Means 'son of Leif'. Leif means 'heir' or 'beloved'. The most famous bearer is Leif Erikson, who explored North America long before the modern age of discovery. Did your name appear? Or maybe one from your extended family? It could be the start of a fascinating journey into Norse ancestry and the Viking history of the North. With MyHeritage, it's free to begin building your family tree. You can also order a DNA kit and discover your genetic connection to Scandinavia, Viking settlements and more – all for just £33. This article was produced with the support of AI tools to assist in sourcing and structuring information. All content has been reviewed, verified and completed by a National World journalist prior to publication. Canva Uncover your family's hidden connections with an exclusive MyHeritage DNA kit £ 29.00 Buy now Buy now Every generation, your family tree branches wider — yet most of your extended relatives are strangers to you. A DNA test can help change that. MyHeritage DNA doesn't just estimate your ethnic makeup; it connects you to real living relatives and uncovers the stories of your ancestors' journeys. From Viking roots in Orkney to Sephardic Jewish heritage, or even surprise half-siblings, your DNA holds the key to discovering the family you never knew you had.
