Ivar

Ivar comes from the Old Norse name Ívarr. Its elements are commonly connected with yew or a bow and a warrior, giving the interpretation “bow warrior.” The yew association reflects the material used for bows, rather than making the whole name simply another word for a tree.

The name has a long Scandinavian history and is associated with the historical figure known as Ivar the Boneless. It also appears in Willa Cather's O Pioneers!, giving it a separate literary connection. Ivor and Iver are close forms to compare. Pronunciation differs between languages, particularly the first vowel, so the family's preferred form deserves attention alongside the spelling.