name
Uncommon
Thor
thaw
Thor (name) means the Norse god of thunder, storms, and strength. Example: “In Norse mythology, Thor wields a hammer called Mjölnir.”
name
1
The Norse god of thunder, storms, and strength.
"In Norse mythology, Thor wields a hammer called Mjölnir."
"There’s the Thor fly in tribute of the God of Thunder, played in Marvel by Chris Hemsworth. Its scientific name is “Daptolestes bronteflavus,” which is derived from Latin like most scientific names – and translates to “blond thunder.”"
— Jessie Yeung, Australia names new species after Deadpool, Thor, and other Marvel favorites (2020)
2
A male given name derived from the god's name.
"Their son was named Thor after his Scandinavian grandfather."
How to use Thor
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe Norse god of thunder, or a first name based on him.
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In Norse mythology, _____ wields a hammer called Mjölnir.
Etymology
From Old Norse Þórr, the name of the Norse thunder god; related to Old English Þunor.
Frequently asked questions
What does “Thor” mean?
The word “Thor” means the Norse god of thunder, storms, and strength. In plain terms, the Norse god of thunder, or a first name based on him.
How do you pronounce “Thor”?
“Thor” is pronounced thaw (/θɔɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “Thor” in a sentence?
Here is “Thor” used in a sentence: “In Norse mythology, Thor wields a hammer called Mjölnir.”
What part of speech is “Thor”?
“Thor” is a name.
Where does the word “Thor” come from?
The word “Thor” comes from Old English. From Old Norse Þórr, the name of the Norse thunder god; related to Old English Þunor.
Is “Thor” a common word?
“Thor” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Thor” have?
“Thor” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the Norse god of thunder, storms, and strength.
Who is Thor in Norse mythology?
Thor is the Norse god of thunder, storms, and strength, one of the most prominent deities in Norse mythology. He is closely associated with protecting both gods and humans through his power over storms.
Is Thor the same as Zeus?
Thor and Zeus are not the same figure but hold similar roles in their respective mythologies: Thor is the Norse god of thunder and storms, while Zeus is the Greek king of the gods, also linked to thunder. Different cultures developed separate thunder deities with overlapping symbolism but distinct identities and stories.
Is Thor used as a given name today?
Yes, Thor is used as a male given name derived directly from the Norse god's name. It remains especially popular in Scandinavian countries, reflecting the region's Norse mythological heritage.
