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Last Name Iversen

What is the origin of the last name Iversen?

The surname Iversen is of Scandinavian origin. It is derived from the given name Ivan, which is a variant of John in various Northern European languages, including Old Norse (Ióannes), Danish and Norwegian (Jan/Johan), Swedish (John). In Scandinavia, the tradition of taking a patronymic surname based on the father's first name became common during the Middle Ages. Thus, Iversen would be a patronymic form meaning "son of Ivan" or "son of John". This surname is particularly common in Denmark and Norway.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Iversen

The meaning and origin of the last name Iversen

The surname Iversen is of Scandinavian origin, specifically Norwegian and Danish. It is derived from the given name Ivan or Johannes, which were popular among Norse Christians. The name Ivan originated from the Hebrew name Yohanan (John), meaning "God is gracious." In Scandinavia, it was Latinized as Iohannes, Old Norse as Jóhann, and in Middle English as John. Over time, the patronymic surname Iversen emerged, indicating 'son of Ivan' or 'son of John'. The migration of Scandinavians to other parts of Europe, particularly during the Viking Age, contributed to the spread of this surname. Today, Iversen is a common surname in Norway and Denmark, as well as among Scandinavian diaspora communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Iversen

The surname Iversen is predominantly of Scandinavian origin and is most commonly found in Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Iceland due to its Viking and Norse roots. In Norway, it's especially prevalent in the counties of Vestfold, Akershus, and Viken, reflecting historical settlement patterns. It also appears in substantial numbers in Denmark, particularly in the Jutland region. In Sweden, Iversen is primarily found in the southern part of the country, with concentrations in the urban areas around Stockholm and Gothenburg. Furthermore, the name has spread to other parts of the world due to Scandinavian immigration, notably in North America, where descendants of Norwegian and Danish immigrants can be found. In the United States, for example, Iversen is most common in states with a high Nordic population such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota.

Variants and spellings of the last name Iversen

The surname Iversen has several variations and spellings, some of which include:

1. Iverson - This is the most common variation of the name, especially in North America.
2. Iverssen - A variant found primarily in Scandinavian countries, particularly Norway.
3. Iverseen - An uncommon variant that may arise due to spelling errors or alterations over time.
4. Iversonn - Another rare variation of the name.
5. Iverssen-Jensen - A compound surname where Iversen is the patronymic and Jensen is a common Danish surname, often used in Denmark and by Scandinavian immigrants.
6. Ivessen - A variant spelling that may arise due to phonetic variations or misinterpretations of the name over time.
7. Yveson - This could be an anglicized version of Iversen, but it is less common.
8. Yverson - Another possible anglicized form of the name, also less common.

Famous people with the last name Iversen

Notable individuals with the surname Iversen include:

1. Knut Iverson (1895-1979), a Norwegian mathematician known for his work on formal grammars and combinatorial logic, which laid the foundation for computer programming languages.
2. Lars Iversen (born 1949), a Danish actor who has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including "The Killing" and "Borgen."
3. Tore Iverson (1908-1996), an American psychologist who made significant contributions to the study of vision and perception. He developed the Iverson-Helmholtz law, which explains the relationship between the size and shape of objects in visual perception.
4. Thomas Iversen (born 1972), a Danish football goalkeeper who played for several clubs in Denmark and Norway, as well as the Danish national team. He was part of the Danish squad that won the UEFA European Championship in 1992.
5. Trond Iversen (born 1943), a Norwegian classical pianist who has performed extensively around the world and recorded numerous albums. He is known for his interpretations of works by Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert.

Genealogical research on the last name Iversen

The surname Iversen originates from Scandinavia, specifically Norway and Denmark, where it is a patronymic derived from the given name Ivan or Johannes. The name has been common among populations of Norse descent due to its Scandinavian roots. In Norway, it is found predominantly in the western and central regions, particularly in cities like Bergen, Stavanger, and Oslo. In Denmark, it is common throughout the country but more prevalent in the eastern and southern parts. The name also spread to Iceland and other Scandinavian settlements around the North Atlantic, such as Greenland and Faroe Islands. Notable figures with the surname Iversen include Norwegian politician Johan Sverdrup Iversen and Danish footballer Daniel Agger Iversen.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 27 July 2025

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