The majority of the people in this country do not have traditional surnames. They have their own unique principles for naming a child.
A name is an essential part of a person. It is not only used for identification but also indicates a person’s lineage and origin. However, not every country in the world has surnames. Iceland, Tibet, and Java Island typically do not assign surnames to individuals. Among these, Iceland stands out as all citizens follow a specific “formula” for naming.
Icelanders do not have traditional surnames. (Illustrative image).
Icelanders do not have traditional surnames. When a child is born, they are named based on their gender and the name of their father. For example, a son will take his father’s name with the suffix “sson”, while a daughter will take her father’s name with the suffix “dóttir”. For instance, if the father’s name is Johann and his daughter is named Hafdis, her full name would be Hafdis Johanndóttir. Meanwhile, if the son’s name is Thor, his full name would be Thor Johannsson.
Since there are no surnames, women in Iceland also do not change their last names upon marriage. If you watch Iceland’s men’s football matches, you’ll find it interesting that every player’s name ends with “son”.
Additionally, citizens of the <em“Land of Ice” do not use titles such as Mr., Mrs., Miss, or Dr. in communication.
Speaking of the history of Iceland, we must go back to the year 874. At that time, a Norwegian captain named Ingólfur Arnarson arrived on this island located within the Arctic Circle to settle. In the centuries that followed, Norwegians and Celts also migrated to this area. Therefore, most Icelanders have origins from Norway and Denmark.
Iceland is located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and is also adjacent to the Arctic Circle, resulting in a landscape filled with volcanoes and hot springs despite its cold weather. The name Iceland somewhat reflects the notable characteristics of its climate. Internationally, it is referred to as the “Land of Ice” or “Land of Fire and Ice.”
Icelanders are known for being very healthy and excelling in sports. As a nation culturally linked to Nordic countries, they are also very open to the LGBT community. Mentioning Iceland brings to mind the famous Viking culture, of which the people are very proud and reverent.
