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Loki Name Meaning: Origin, Popularity & Nicknames

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Learn about the name Loki including the meaning, gender, origin, popularity, and more.

Loki Overview

  • Meaning: Loki means trickster god. It may also be a derivative of an Old Norse word that means to lock or close.
  • Gender: Loki is typically a boy’s name. Very few girls have been named Loki.
  • Origin: Loki has Old Norse origins.
  • Pronunciation: “LO-kee”
  • Popularity: Loki has always been a very rare name in the United States. It was most popular in 2014 when 111 babies were given the name. This name is more popular in Scandanavia.
  • Nicknames: Kiki, Laci, Logan, Loko, Lucja, Luka, Lux.
  • Variations: Loke.
  • Namesakes: Loki Crichton, Samoan rugby player; Loki Laufeyson, a character in Marvel comics and movies; Loki Schmidt, German environmentalist.

What Does Loki Mean?

The name Loki means trickster god, but it can also mean deceitful, sneaky, or unworthy, as Loki is the name of the Norse god of mischief.

Loki is believed to have derived from the German word luka, meaning knot or lock, or it may be a derivative of the Old Norse word lúka, meaning to lock or close.

What Is the Origin of the Name Loki?

The name Loki is of Old Norse origins and is the name of a god in Norse mythology.

How Popular Is the Name Loki?

The name Loki is very rare. In the United States, less than 1,500 boys have been named Loki, and less than 50 girls have received the same name.

Loki is more prevalent in Oregon and Wisconsin than in the rest of the United States. In 2014, Loki was the most popular it has ever been in the United States.

Loki is a more popular name in Scandinavia, as Norse mythology originated in Scandinavia.

How Do I Pronounce Loki?

Loki is pronounced “LO-kee.”

Is Loki a Boy or Girl Name?

Loki is typically considered a boy’s name across the globe, but it is occasionally used as a girl’s name.

Variations of Loki

Do you like the name Loki because it is so unique? You may also like this modern, bold variation:

  • Loke (Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish)

Nicknames for Loki

Your child cannot choose his name at birth, but he can determine his nickname. Those named Loki may add extra flair with these nicknames:

  • Kiki
  • Laci
  • Lakeisha
  • Leigh
  • Lexie
  • Lieke
  • Lilja
  • Lise
  • Liza
  • Logan
  • Lois
  • Lokito
  • Loko
  • Lucia
  • Lucja
  • Luka
  • Lux

Similar Names to Loki

Is the name Loki not quite what you want? Consider these names that are similar to Loki in their meaning, origin, or sound:

Middle Names for Loki

The hardest decision is choosing a first name for your child, but middle names can also be tricky. Some popular middle names for Loki are:

  • Beck
  • Bly
  • Cain
  • Dallen
  • Hale
  • Langley
  • Lucas
  • Luna
  • Michael
  • Olly
  • Rikki
  • Ryan
  • Shelby
  • Torey

Sibling Names for Loki

It always feels good to plan ahead. If you are considering having more children, keep these sibling names in mind.

  • Abel
  • Abella
  • Bridgely
  • Buster
  • Corrianne
  • Elka
  • Fallow
  • Hancock
  • Lucie
  • Lyssa
  • Harrison
  • Kadalynn
  • Lillian
  • Oleda
  • Ulka

Famous People Named Loki

Children need to have positive role models in their lives. Those named Loki can look up to these famous people who share their name:

  • Loki Crichton: Samoan rugby player.
  • Loki Schmidt: German environmentalist.
  • Tim Lokiec: American artist.

Loki in Pop Culture

The name Loki makes a few notable appearances in pop culture, for example:

  • Loki: a character in Loki: A Novel.
  • Loki: a character in the movie Dogma.
  • Loki Freezis: a character in the Evilious Chronicles.
  • Loki Laufeyson: a character in Marvel comics and movies.

Loki FAQs

Do you want to learn more about Loki before making your final decision? Below are a few frequently asked questions about the name Loki.

Who Is Loki in Norse Mythology?

Loki is the Norse god of mischief and is often referred to as the Trickster God. He is a shape-shifter and gender-bender. Although he is the son of Fárbauti and Laufey, Odin later adopted him.

On some accounts, Loki is considered to have aided the gods. However, he was also known to manipulate and trick them. He alienated himself from the gods when he played a role in Baldr’s death.

As punishment, one of Odin’s sons bound Loki to a rock. A serpent dripped venom on him, causing great pain. He is prophesized to free himself when Ragnarök begins (1).

Who Is Loki in the Marvel Universe?

Loki is a character in the Marvel comics and movies and is played by Tom Hiddleston. His first appearance was in the film Thor, released in 2011.

Odin adopted Loki into his family, where he grew up alongside Thor. Although often considered a villain, Loki does redeem himself from time to time. Throughout his appearances in six movies and the TV series “Loki”, he frequently attempts to conquer Asguard and Earth.

Loki dies in the movie Avengers: Infinity War, but his ‘variants’ continue to appear in Avengers: Endgame and his self-titled TV series (2).

Who Is Loki in Dogma?

Loki is a fallen angel in the 1999 film Dogma. Loki and his fellow fallen angel, Bartleby, decide to join a rededication festivity. This activity will force God to allow them to return to Heaven. In doing so, they would overrule God and cause chaos.

Bartleby plans to get revenge on God, regardless of the cost. Loki gains a conscience while on Earth and tries to stop Bartleby’s evil plans, but Bartleby kills him (3).

Who Is Loki Schmidt?

Loki Schmidt was born Hannelore Glaser. For over 30 years, she taught in elementary schools. She married Helmut Schmidt, who became the Chancellor of West Germany.

Later in life, Loki fought for the protection of endangered species. She founded the Nature Conservancy Foundation Hamburg for the Protection of Endangered Plants and began a public awareness campaign to save endangered wildflowers.

Loki died in 1982, and a botanical garden in Hamburg was named after her in 2012 (4).

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