Rune is a gender-neutral name of Scandinavian origin, derived from Old Norse 'rún' meaning 'secret' or 'whisper'. It is often associated with the runes, ancient Germanic letters used for writing and divination. The name Rune gained popularity in the late 20th century, particularly among parents seeking unique and meaningful names for their children. It has since become a popular choice across several countries, including Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and even beyond Scandinavia. Despite its ancient origins, Rune remains a modern and distinctive name, suitable for both boys and girls.
The name Rune experienced a significant increase in popularity between 2001 and 2022, with births peaking at 65 in 2022, the highest count since records began.