Etymology

From Old Norse Mǫrðr, from mǫrðr ‎(“marten”) (modern Icelandic mörður), from Proto-Germanic *marþuz. It remained in use as a personal name in Iceland until at least the 13th century, but then acquired negative connotations due to the treacherous conduct of Mǫrðr Valgarðsson (born circa 969) related in the Njáls saga, whereafter it fell into disuse. It was revived in the 20th century. The first bearer after revival was born in 1902, but bore it as a second name. The second bearer, and the first to bear it as a first (and only) given name, is parliamentarian Mörður Árnason, born in 1953.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈmœrðʏr/

  Rhymes: -œrðʏr

  Homophones: mörður