Søren is a common Scandinavian name, often associated with the philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, who is considered the father of existentialism. The name has roots in Old Norse and means "severe" or "stern." It is popular in countries like Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. In modern times, Søren is used as a first name for boys and occasionally for girls. It has variations in other languages, such as Soren in English-speaking countries. The name is often chosen for its strong historical and cultural significance in Scandinavian heritage.