Rune Symbols ᚠ: All 24 Elder Futhark Runes, Names and Meanings

What are runes?

Runes were used for writing by Germanic peoples in northern Europe, with the oldest known inscriptions dating from around the 2nd century CE. The earliest full alphabet is called the Elder Futhark, named after its first six letters: ᚠ f, ᚢ u, ᚦ th, ᚨ a, ᚱ r, ᚲ k. It has 24 runes.

Later, during the Viking Age, Scandinavians used a shorter alphabet of 16 runes called the Younger Futhark. Runes were carved on stones, weapons, jewellery and wood, which is why they have straight lines and few curves: straight cuts are easier to carve.

All 24 rune symbols with name, sound and meaning

The names below are the commonly used modern reconstructions. The "meaning" column is the word each rune was named after, as scholars understand it. Spellings vary between books (raidho or raido, kaunan or kenaz).

The runes are often grouped in three sets of eight, called aetts. The first aett begins with fehu, the second with hagalaz and the third with tiwaz.

Fehu symbol ᚠ: meaning and modern beliefs

The fehu symbol ᚠ is the first rune and stands for the sound "f". Its name meant cattle, and since cattle were a measure of wealth in old farming societies, fehu is linked with wealth and property.

Today, some people treat the fehu rune symbol as a lucky sign for money. You may see ideas like the "fehu symbol for money", "fehu symbol benefits", writing a green fehu symbol (green being linked with money), or the combination "fehu raidho uruz symbol" (ᚠᚱᚢ) for wealth, movement and strength. These are modern spiritual beliefs. There is no evidence that drawing a rune brings money, so treat it as a personal or cultural practice, not a promise. Hard work and good planning matter far more.

Gebo, uruz and the love rune symbol

• Gebo symbol ᚷ: it looks like an X and its name meant gift. In modern readings the gebo rune symbol stands for giving, partnership and balance between two people. Because of this, many people call it a love rune symbol, along with ᚹ wunjo (joy).
• Uruz symbol ᚢ: named after the aurochs, a large wild ox that is now extinct. It is linked with strength, health and energy in modern interpretations.
• Algiz ᛉ: often read today as a sign of protection.
• Sowilo ᛊ: the sun rune, linked with success and light.

Note that gebo ᚷ is not the same as the letter X, and the runes ᛁ (isaz) and ᛚ (laguz) should not be swapped with I and l. Copy from the grid so you get the real rune characters.

Vikings symbol: runes and other Norse designs

When people search for a vikings symbol, they often find runes alongside designs like the Vegvisir (a compass-like star) and the Valknut (three linked triangles). Runes are genuine Viking Age writing. The Vegvisir, however, comes from much later Icelandic manuscripts, so it is not a true Viking symbol even though it is popular in modern Norse-style art.

A few runes, such as othala ᛟ, have been misused by hate groups in modern times, so be thoughtful about context when using them in designs. In history and in everyday Nordic use, they are simply letters.

How to type rune symbols

Runes have no Windows Alt code and no Mac Option key shortcut. You can:

1. Copy and paste from the grid on this page. This is the easiest way.
2. Word: type the code and press Alt+X. 16A0 gives ᚠ, 16B7 gives ᚷ, 16A2 gives ᚢ.
3. Mac: Control+Command+Space, then search "runic".
4. HTML: ᚠ shows ᚠ.

Runic letters need a font that supports them. Most modern phones and computers show them, but some apps may show boxes. Runes look striking in game names; see Free Fire symbols, the Greek letters page for another old alphabet, and the cool symbols hub for more.