Last Name Haaland

The surname Haaland (Håland, Hålander, Hålén, etc.) has Norwegian origins and is derived from the Old Norse word "hlaupstaðr" which means "sloping yard" or "hill farm." It's believed that people with this name were originally inhabitants of such a place. The spelling and pronunciation may vary depending on regional dialects and migrations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Haaland

The meaning and origin of the last name Haaland

The surname Haaland is of Norwegian origin, derived from various place names in Norway, particularly those ending in "-ål" or "-oll," which denote farmsteads or settlements. The name's specific meaning can vary depending on the original location, often related to a physical feature or topography. For instance, "Haaland" could be derived from the words "haalr" (stony or rocky place) and "haug" (mound or hill). Over time, this Norwegian surname has been adopted by various families emigrating from Norway, notably to North America, such as the Haaland family of professional soccer players Erling Braut Haaland and his father Alf-Inge Haaland. The name is now found globally among Norwegian descendants and migrants.

Geographical distribution of the last name Haaland

The surname Haaland is predominantly distributed in Norway, particularly in the northern county of Finnmark and neighboring Troms. It is also found in other parts of Norway but in significantly lower frequencies compared to its stronghold regions. The name has Norwegian origins, with "haal" meaning "hill" or "headland," reflecting its Scandinavian roots. A notable individual bearing the Haaland surname is Erling Haaland, a professional footballer currently playing for Borussia Dortmund and the Norway national team. Small populations of Haalands can also be found in countries with Norwegian immigrant communities, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The geographical spread outside of Norway remains relatively minor compared to its prevalence within the Scandinavian nation.

Variants and spellings of the last name Haaland

The surname Haaland has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription from one language to another or regional dialects. Some common variants include Håland, Haalund, Haaland, Hahland, Haalandt, and Haalant. The Norwegian version of the name typically includes an "o" with an umlaut over it (ø), which can be transliterated as "o" in English. In addition to these variations, there may also be regional or personal differences in pronunciation. For example, in Northern Norway, where the name originates, it might be pronounced as "Haa-land," while elsewhere it could be "Ha-al-and." It's important to note that spellings and pronunciations can vary widely among individuals with the same last name, reflecting its diverse historical usage.

Famous people with the last name Haaland

Erling Braut Haaland and Julian Haaland are among the most prominent individuals bearing the surname Haaland. Erling, born in 2000, is a Norwegian professional footballer who has garnered international acclaim for his prolific goal-scoring abilities. As of 2021, he plays as a striker for Borussia Dortmund and the Norway national team. Julian Haaland, his older brother, is also a footballer and currently plays for Molde FK in Norway. While they have followed similar career paths, their distinct skills on the field have made them stand out in the sporting world. Another notable Haaland is Alf-Inge Haaland, Erling's father, who was a Norwegian professional footballer and midfielder. Alf-Inge played for clubs such as Manchester City and Leeds United during his career that spanned from 1987 to 2004. The Haalands have left an indelible mark on football, with their talents entertaining fans worldwide.

Genealogical research on the last name Haaland

The Haaland surname originates from Norway and is one of the most common family names in that country. It is derived from the Old Norse personal name Hallr (meaning rock) or Halr (meaning protector), with the addition of the suffix -land, meaning "land ruled by." The earliest recorded Haaland was Hallandr Olavsson, who lived in Rogaland, Norway during the 13th century. Many Haalands settled in Western Norway during the Middle Ages, particularly in the counties of Møre og Romsdal and Sogn og Fjordane. Some Haalands migrated to Iceland and the Faroe Islands during the Middle Ages as well. In more recent history, Haaland families emigrated from Norway to North America and other parts of Europe in search of better opportunities. Notable individuals with this surname include Justine Haaland, an actress and model; Jonas Sveinsson Haaland, a 19th-century Norwegian politician; and Erling Haaland, a contemporary professional soccer player.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Haaland"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 13 June 2025

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