Title: The Unconventional Names of the Odd Nerdrum Official Website”>Nerdrum Family: A Deep Dive into Their Unique Identity
The Nerdrum family, comprising artist Odd Nerdrum, his wife Turid Spildo Nerdrum, and their children Bork, Öde, Aftur, and Myndin, has long maintained a mysterious lifestyle that has piqued the public’s curiosity. While the family’s reclusive nature has kept most at bay, a recent NRK documentary series, "The Nerdrum Family," provided a glimpse into their unique world. One notable aspect of the family is their distinctive names, which have garnered significant attention.
Each member of the Nerdrum family has a unique name, with parents Odd and Turid choosing monikers that evoke specific associations. To explore the origins and meanings of these unique names, we consulted navneforsker (name researcher) Ivar Utne.
Bork: A Fortress of Strength and Protection
The eldest child, Bork Spildo Nerdrum, is named after a German surname that can also serve as a given name. "Bork" likely stems from either "Burk" or "Burg," which denote protection and salvation, respectively. Additionally, the name could be derived from the surname "Borch," which has multiple origins. In some cases, "Borch" may have been adopted as a surname from an original given name. Elsewhere, it originates from Danish and German place names, signifying a ‘stronghold’ or ‘fortress.’
Bork’s partner, Jikke, hails from the Netherlands, where her name likely stems from the biblical name Jacob, which means "God has protected." Alternatively, it could be derived from German names like Ida, signifying ‘labor’ or ‘hard work.’
The couple has a son, Alijosha, whose name is a Russian pet form of Alexei, meaning ‘defender’ or ‘protector.’
Myndin: An Uncommon yet Powerful Name
Myndin Spildo Nerdrum, one of the family’s two daughters, bears a name believed to derive from the Icelandic word ‘mynd,’ which translates to ‘image’ or ‘picture.’ Though not in common usage, it may also refer to a painting or art. According to Utne, Myndin is exceptionally rare, with no known others sharing the same name.
Öde: A Rich and Prosperous Name
The other daughter, Öde Spildo Nerdrum, has a name with ancient Nordic roots. Once known as Audi, ‘Öde’ is derived from ‘åtti,’ meaning ‘property’ or ‘wealth.’ Although she shares a name with the late Icelandic singer Öðinn Rúnar Ásmundsson, Utne believes that ‘Öde’ is not in general use and may be unique.
Aftur: Reviving Names from the Past
The youngest member of the Nerdrum family, Aftur Spildo Nerdrum, is a name derived from the Icelandic word ‘aftur,’ which translates to ‘again’ or ‘back.’ Aftur and her partner, Daniel, have a daughter named Myte, derived from the word ‘myte,’ signifying mythology or legend.
The Nerdrum family’s name choices reflect their unique identity and artistic sensibility. While none of these names may become popular in the near future, they serve as a testament to the family’s individuality and commitment to living life on their terms.
