From Norse mythology, Loki is the name of the trickster god.
Loki is one of the most complex and fascinating figures in Norse mythology — a shape-shifting trickster deity of ambiguous allegiance whose name's etymology remains genuinely contested among scholars. Some link it to the Old Norse word "logi" (flame) or "loka" (to close, to end), while others connect it to roots meaning "knot" or "tangle," fitting for a god whose schemes ensnare gods and mortals alike. In the Eddas — the great medieval Icelandic texts that preserve Norse myth — Loki is simultaneously the gods' most valuable ally and their most dangerous enemy, an agent of chaos who ultimately triggers Ragnarök, the end of the world.
For centuries, Loki's name was associated almost exclusively with this mythological figure, making it an unusual choice for a child. That changed dramatically with Marvel Comics' interpretation of Loki as the charismatic, silver-tongued villain-turned-antihero of the *Thor* franchise and the *Avengers* films, played with magnetic complexity by Tom Hiddleston. The character's enormous popularity — particularly his ambiguity and redemptive arc — transformed Loki from a name associated with danger into one associated with wit, intelligence, and unconventional charm.
The Disney+ series *Loki* (2021) further cemented its pop culture presence. The name has surged in use across the English-speaking world since the early 2010s, appealing to parents drawn to mythology, Norse heritage, or simply its bold, two-syllable punch.