Rune is a unisex, though predominantly masculine, given name derived from the

Old Norse Old Norse, also referred to as Old Nordic or Old Scandinavian, was a stage of development of North Germanic languages, North Germanic dialects before their final divergence into separate Nordic languages. Old Norse was spoken by inhabitants ...

word ''rún'', meaning "secret". It is earliest attested in a runestone as runi. It is a common name in

Norway Norway, officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic countries, Nordic country located on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. The remote Arctic island of Jan Mayen and the archipelago of Svalbard also form part of the Kingdom of ...

Sweden Sweden, formally the Kingdom of Sweden, is a Nordic countries, Nordic country located on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. It borders Norway to the west and north, and Finland to the east. At , Sweden is the largest Nordic count ...

, and

Denmark Denmark is a Nordic countries, Nordic country in Northern Europe. It is the metropole and most populous constituent of the Kingdom of Denmark,, . also known as the Danish Realm, a constitutionally unitary state that includes the Autonomous a ...

, and popular in

Belgium Belgium, officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a country in Northwestern Europe. Situated in a coastal lowland region known as the Low Countries, it is bordered by the Netherlands to the north, Germany to the east, Luxembourg to the southeas ...

, where it ranked in top thirty names for baby boys in 2006 and was the tenth most popular name for boys in 2006 in the

Flemish Region The Flemish Region (, ), usually simply referred to as Flanders ( ), is one of the three communities, regions and language areas of Belgium, regions of Belgium—alongside the Wallonia, Walloon Region and the Brussels, Brussels-Capital Region. ...

of Belgium.Behind the Name
/ref> ''Rúni'', a variant of the name, was among the ten most popular names given to baby boys in the

Faroe Islands The Faroe Islands ( ) (alt. the Faroes) are an archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean and an autonomous territory of the Danish Realm, Kingdom of Denmark. Located between Iceland, Norway, and the United Kingdom, the islands have a populat ...

, in 2007. In the United States, Rune is a much less common name; in 2021 there were only 35 baby boys and only 9 baby girls named Rune. Notable people with the name include:

Arts and entertainment

* Rune Johan Andersson (born 1945), Norwegian cartoonist, illustrator and children's writer *

Rune Andréasson Rune Herbert Emanuel Andréasson (11 August 1925 – 15 December 1999) was a Swedish cartoonist and illustrator. Andréasson has created children's comics since 1944, mainly for the Swedish market, but his works have been published in several l ...

(1925–1999), Swedish comics artist * Rune Angell-Jacobsen (born 1947), Norwegian novelist *

Rune Christiansen Rune Christiansen (born 10 April 1963 in Bergen) is a Norwegian poet and novelist. He is a professor of creative writing at Telemark University College. He won the Brage Prize in 2014 and the Gyldendal lifetime award in 2015. Rune Christiansen ...

(born 1963), Norwegian poet and novelist *

Rune Ericson Rune Ericson (29 May 1924 – 4 February 2015) was a Swedish cinematographer. At the 20th Guldbagge Awards he won the Special Achievement award. He worked on more than 60 films and television shows between 1947 and 1991. In 1969, Ericsson ...

(1924–2015), Swedish cinematographer *

Rune Eriksen Rune Eriksen (born 13 January 1975), also known by his stage name Blasphemer, is a Norwegian musician best known as the former guitarist and songwriter of black metal band Mayhem (band), Mayhem. He took his stage name from a Sodom (band), Sodom ...

(born 1975), Norwegian metal musician *

Rune Gustafsson Rune Urban Gustafsson (25 August 1933 – 15 June 2012) was a Swedish jazz guitarist and composer. He performed with Arne Domnérus, Jan Johansson, and Zoot Sims among others. Life and career Rune Gustafsson was born in 1933 in Gothenburg. H ...

(1933–2012), Swedish jazz guitarist *

Rune Halvarsson ''Rune'' Enok Halvarsson (30 July 1911 – 3 August 1969) was a Swedish actor. Halvarsson appeared in over 30 films between 1939 and 1965. When Walt Disney's ''Fun and Fancy Free'' (1947) was dubbed into Swedish Halvarsson gave his voice t ...

(1911–1969), Swedish actor *

Rune Hassner Rune Hassner (13 August 1928 – 19 July 2003) was a Swedish photographer and film director. He directed around fifty documentaries and two feature films, including '' Myglaren,'' and illustrated numbers of books and articles with his photography ...

(1928–2003), Swedish photographer and film director *

Rune T. Kidde Rune Torstein Kidde (27 September 1957 – 21 October 2013) was a Danish writer, storyteller, musician and artist. He was the son of illustrator and painter Thormod Kidde (19 July 1925 – 19 February 1996) and ceramist Ragnhild Kidde (6 March ...

(1957–2013), Danish writer and musician *

Rune Klakegg Rune Klakegg (born 19 April 1955 in Skien, Norway) is a Norwegian jazz pianist and composer, the older brother of guitarist Bjørn Klakegg, and known from a number of recordings and jazz bands including Oslo 13, Cutting Edge, Fuzzy Logic, Ou ...

(born 1955), Norwegian jazz pianist and composer * Rune Klan (born 1976), Danish comedian and magician *

Rune Reilly Kölsch Rune Reilly Kölsch (born 9 February 1977), simply known as Kölsch, is a Danish electronic dance musician and DJ from Copenhagen. He has worked with artists such as Coldplay, Imogen Heap, London Grammar, Tiga (musician), Tiga, Sasha and Michae ...

(born 1977), Danish techno musician *

Rune Kristoffersen Rune Kristoffersen (born 22 September 1957) is a Norwegian musician, best known for being the founder and bassist of the new wave band Fra Lippo Lippi. Background Rune Kristoffersen grew up in Nesodden and was founder member of Norwegian pop ...

(born 1957), Norwegian musician * Rune Larsen (born 1948), Norwegian singer * Rune Lindblad (1923–1991), Swedish composer *

Rune Lindstrøm Rune Peder Lindstrøm (born 2 March 1963) was the original drummer for the Norwegian rock-band deLillos (1984–1985).deLillos
in

Rune Lindström (screenwriter) (1916–1973), Swedish screenwriter and actor *

Rune Rebellion Turbonegro (Turboneger in Norway) is a Norwegian rock band, active from 1989 to 1998 and from 2002 to the present. The band combines glam rock, punk rock, and hard rock into a self-described "deathpunk" musical style. History Early years (198 ...

(born 1965), Norwegian rock guitarist * Rune Rebne (born 1961), Norwegian composer *

Rune Rudberg Rune Rudberg (born 23 August 1961) is a Norwegian singer originating from Trøgstad in Østfold singing dansband music. He has a hectic live music career with more than 5000 concerts in Norway. He is best known for his song "Ut mot havet" in 1988. ...

(born 1961), Norwegian singer *

Rune Temte Rune Temte (born 29 September 1965) is a Norwegian actor best known for his roles in ''The Last Kingdom'' and '' Eddie the Eagle''. He portrayed Bron-Char in the Marvel Studios superhero film '' Captain Marvel'' in 2019. Early life and sporting ...

(born 1965), Norwegian actor * Rune Waldekranz (1911–2003), Swedish film producer *

Rune Westberg Rune Westberg is a Danish born songwriter, record producer, mixer and multi instrumentalist living and working in Los Angeles. He has written and produced for artists including Adam Lambert, Colbie Caillat, Daughtry, Sabrina Carpenter, Prince ...

(born 1974), Danish songwriter and producer

Politics

* Rune Berglund (born 1939), Swedish politician * Rune Fredh (1945–2006), Norwegian politician *

Rune Gerhardsen Rune Gerhardsen (13 June 1946 – 4 September 2021) was a Norwegian politician, representing the Norwegian Labour Party, and sports leader at Norwegian Skating Association representing Aktiv SK. Biography Gerhardsen was a son of Werna and ...

(1946–2021), Norwegian politician * Rune Gustavsson (1920–2002), Swedish politician *

Rune B. Johansson Rune B. Johansson (1915–1982) was a Swedish politician who was a member of the Social Democratic Party. He served as minister of the interior (1957–1962) and minister of industry (1971–1976). Biography Johansson was born in Växjö in 19 ...

(1915–1982), Swedish politician * Rune E. Kristiansen (born 1948), Norwegian politician * Rune Lund (born 1976), Danish politician * Rune Resaland (born 1956), Norwegian diplomat * Rune Selj (born 1952), Norwegian politician *

Rune J. Skjælaaen Rune J. Skjælaaen (born 23 January 1954 in Bergen) is a Norwegian politician for the Centre Party (SP). He was elected to the Norwegian Parliament from Hordaland in 2001. Parliamentary Committee duties *2005 - 2009 member of the Standing Com ...

(born 1954), Norwegian politician

Sports

* Rune Åhlund (1930–2019), Swedish long-distance runner *

Rune Almén Rune Almén (born 20 October 1952 in Trollhättan, Västra Götaland County) is a former Swedish track and field athlete who competed in the high jump. Almén became the Swedish junior champion in high jump three years in a row between 1970 and ...

(born 1952), Swedish high jumper * Rune Andersson (rower) (1930–2006), Swedish rower *

Rune Andersson (sport shooter) Rune Andersson (28 April 1919 – 27 August 1992) was a Swedish sports shooter. He competed in the trap event at the 1960 Summer Olympics The 1960 Summer Olympics (), officially known as the Games of the XVII Olympiad () and commonly kn ...

(1919–1992), Swedish sports shooter * Rune Berger (born 1978), Norwegian footballer *

Rune Bratseth Rune Bratseth (born 19 March 1961) is a Norwegian former professional footballer who played as a libero. Nicknamed '' Elk'' due to his stature, he is best known for his spell with Werder Bremen, also having appeared in the 1994 World Cup with ...

(born 1961), Norwegian footballer * Rune Dahl (born 1955), Norwegian rower * Rune Dahmke (born 1993), German handball player *

Rune Dalsjø Rune Dalsjø (born March 8, 1975) is a Norwegian rally driver. He made his rally debut in 1996 and has since then enjoyed success in the Norwegian Championship. The cars he has rallied include Opel Ascona, Volvo 240, Mitsubishi Lancer Gr. N, Sub ...

(born 1975), Norwegian rally driver * Rune Djurhuus (born 1970), Norwegian chess player * Rune Emanuelsson (1923–1993), Swedish footballer * Rune Erland (born 1968), Norwegian handball player *

Rune Ertsås Rune Ertsås (born 24 May 1987) is a retired Norway, Norwegian footballer who last played as a Forward (association football), forward for Steinkjer FK, Steinkjer. He has previously played in Tippeligaen for Molde FK, Molde and Sandefjord Fotbal ...

(born 1987), Norwegian footballer * Rune Flodman (1926–2014), Swedish sport shooter * Rune Frantsen (born 1991), Danish footballer *

Rune Glifberg Rune Glifberg (born 7 October 1974), nicknamed "The Danish Destroyer", is a Danish professional Skateboarding, skateboarder. He is one of three skaters to have competed at every X Games. He has a total of 12 X Games medals. At 46, he became the o ...

(born 1974), Danish professional skateboarder * Rune Gulliksen (born 1963), Norwegian ice hockey player *

Rune Gustafsson (athlete) Rune Gustafsson (1 December 1919 – 25 June 2011) was a Swedish middle-distance runner who broke the 1000 m world record in Borås in 1946. He lowered the previous record by Rudolf Harbig by 0.1 s to 2:21.4 min. The same year he also won th ...

(1919–2011), Swedish middle-distance runner *

Rune Hagen Rune Hagen (born 20 July 1975) is a Norwegian former footballer who played as a left midfielder. He had 3 appearances for the Norwegian U-23 national team in 1998. Playing career Norway Hagen's career started with Jevnaker in 1992, as 17-year-o ...

(born 1975), Norwegian footballer *

Rune Hammarström Rune Hammarström (November 16, 1920 – May 3, 1999) was a Swedish speed skater who competed in the 1948 Winter Olympics The 1948 Winter Olympics, officially known as the V Olympic Winter Games (; ; ; ) and commonly known as St. Moritz 19 ...

(1920–1999), Swedish speed skater * Rune Hastrup (born 1991), Danish footballer * Rune Hauge (born 1954), Norwegian football agent * Rune Haugseng, Norwegian handball player * Rune Hermans (born 1999), Belgian female gymnast * Rune Herregodts (born 1998), Belgian racing cyclist *

Rune Holta Rune Holta (born 29 August 1973 in Stavanger, Norway) is a speedway rider. He grew up in Randaberg, Norway, but has been a Polish citizen since 2002. Career In 1994, Holta finished runner-up to Mikael Karlsson in the final of the 1994 Spee ...

(born 1973), Norwegian speedway rider * Rune Høydahl (born 1969), Norwegian mountain biker * Rune Jansson (1932–2018), Swedish wrestler *

Rune Jarstein Rune Almenning Jarstein (born 29 September 1984) is a Norwegian professional association football, footballer who plays as a goalkeeper (association football), goalkeeper for IF Herkules, Herkules. Club career Early career Jarstein was born in ...

(born 1984), Norwegian footballer * Rune Jogert (born 1977), Norwegian racing cyclist *

Rune Johansson Rune Arnold Georg Johansson (23 August 1920 – 30 December 1998) was a Swedish ice hockey player, best known for representing Hammarby IF. He played 103 international games for Sweden and won the 1953 World Championships, as well as competing i ...

(1920–1998), Swedish sportsperson * Rune Johnsson (born 1933), Swedish wrestler *

Rune Kristiansen Rune Kristiansen (born 30 July 1964) is a Norwegian freestyle skier. He represented the club Christiania Freestyleklubb. He won a gold medal in ballet at the FIS Freestyle World Ski Championships 1995, and had a total of 54 world cup victories t ...

(born 1964), Norwegian freestyle skier * Rune Lange (born 1977), Norwegian footballer * Rune Larsson (disambiguation), multiple people *

Rune Lindström (alpine skier) Nils Rune Lindström (born 26 May 1944 in Sollefteå) is a Swedish former alpine skier who competed in the 1964 and 1968 Winter Olympics The 1968 Winter Olympics, officially known as the X Olympic Winter Games (), were a winter multi-sport eve ...

(born 1944), Swedish former alpine skier *

Rune Lorentsen Rune Lorentsen (born 8 October 1961 in Tromsø) is a Norwegian wheelchair curler. He won a silver medal at the 2018 Winter Paralympics. Life He started wheelchair curling in 2004. He was the skip when Norway won the gold at the World Champio ...

(born 1961), Norwegian wheelchair curler *

Rune Ohm Rune Ohm (born 10 June 1980) is a Danish former handball player who played as a right back. He won bronze medals at the 2006 European Championship. Career He started playing handball in Greve after which he went to Ajax Heroes and then to He ...

(born 1980), Danish handball player * Rune Olijnyk (born 1968), Norwegian ski jumper * Rune Ottesen (born 1954), Norwegian footballer * Rune Pedersen (disambiguation), multiple people *

Rune Skarsfjord Rune Skarsfjord (born 23 May 1970) is a Norwegian football coach and former player. He worked as head coach for FK Haugesund and as an assistant coach for Rosenborg BK. He was promoted to head coach of SK Brann in 2010 after Steinar Nilsen wa ...

(born 1970), Norwegian football coach * Rune Skjærvold (born 1974), Norwegian handball player * Rune Sola (born 1985), Norwegian speedway rider *

Rune Stordal Rune Stordal (born 8 April 1979 in Bergen) is a Norwegian speed skater Speed skating is a competitive form of ice skating in which the competitors racing, race each other in travelling a certain distance on Ice skate, skates. Types of sp ...

(born 1979), Norwegian speed skater * Rune Ulsing (born 1984), Danish badminton player *

Rune Ulvestad Rune Ulvestad (born 28 March 1957) is a Norwegian football coach and former player. He played as a forward for Molde from 1978 to 1986. After his active career, Ulvestad has been coaching Herd. He is the father of the footballers Pål Erik, Fr ...

(born 1957), Norwegian footballer

Other

Rune Elmqvist Rune Elmqvist (1 December 1906 – 15 December 1996) was a Swedish physician turned engineer who developed the first implantable pacemaker in 1958, working under the direction of Åke Senning, senior physician and cardiac surgeon at the Karolinsk ...

(1906–1996), Swedish inventor * Rune Gjeldnes (born 1971), Norwegian adventurer * Rune Ottosen (born 1950), Norwegian academic * Rune Skarstein (born 1940), Norwegian radical economist *

Rune Slagstad Rune Slagstad (born 22 February 1945) is a Norwegian historian, philosopher, legal theorist, professor and journal editor. In addition to professional work, he has since the late 1960s contributed actively to public debate on a variety of issues ...

(born 1945), Norwegian historian

References

{{given name Scandinavian masculine given names Danish masculine given names Norwegian masculine given names Masculine given names Swedish masculine given names