Scandinavian languages, also known as North Germanic languages, form one of three branches of the Germanic language family. This language group is sometimes referred as the Nordic languages, and also used as a term referring specifically to the mutually intelligible languages of the three Scandinavian countries: Norway, the Netherlands and Sweden. Approximately 20 million people in the Nordic nations claim a Scandinavian language as their primary tongue. From about 200 AD, the North Germanic language branch became more and more distinguishable from the other Germanic groups, although the Scandinavian languages maintain many similar phonological characteristics to other Germanic languages. Baby Name Network is an excellent resource for starting your search for a Scandinavian, Nordic or Germanic baby name and name meanings.