The poetic names for Freyr and Freyja are explained through their Vanir lineage, their possessions, Freyr's connection to harvest and Freyja's to love and battle.
Hvernig skal kenna Frey? Svá at kalla hann son Njarðar, bróður Freyju, eiganda Skiðblaðnis ok Gullinbursta ok Bloðughófa, giptingaguð, Vana guð, matargjafana og Álfadrottin. Hann er friðr ok góðr ok friðsæll ok líkr er hverjum þeim er elskast við friðinn.
How shall one name Freyr? By calling him son of Njörðr, brother of Freyja, owner of Skíðblaðnir and Gullinbursti and Blóðughófi, god of marriage, god of the Vanir, giver of harvests, and lord of the elves. He is peaceful and good and gentle and resembles all those who love peace.
Hvernig skal kenna Freyju? Svá at kalla hana dóttur Njarðar, systur Freys, eiganda Sessrúmnis ok Brísingamens, Vana dís, gráts-Asynja, kerling Óðr, móðir Hnoss ok Gersemi, systkinabarn Njarðar, gyðja blóts, Vanadís. Hún er kvenna frægust.
How shall one name Freyja? By calling her daughter of Njörðr, sister of Freyr, owner of Sessrúmnir and Brísingamen, dís of the Vanir, Ásynja of weeping, wife of Óðr, mother of Hnoss and Gersemi, kinswoman of Njörðr, goddess of sacrifice, Vanadís. She is the most renowned of all women.