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

The Norse god of thunder, storms, and strength.

"In Norse mythology, Thor wields a hammer called Mjölnir."

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 notes

In plain EnglishThe Norse god of thunder, or a first name based on him.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

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.

Origin: Old English

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.