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Last Name Johannsson

What is the origin of the last name Johannsson?

The surname Johannsson is a patronymic derived from the given name Johannes, which means "God is gracious" in Greek. It is common among people of Germanic and Scandinavian origin, particularly in Iceland, where it is the fourth most common surname. The -sson or -son ending indicates that it is a patronymic surname, meaning that it was originally given as a surname to the son of someone named Johannes.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Johannsson

The meaning and origin of the last name Johannsson

The surname Johannsson is of Old Norse origin, derived from the given name Johan, which is a Scandinavian variation of the biblical name John. In Icelandic and other Nordic countries, such as Sweden and Denmark, it is common for surnames to have been patronymic, meaning they were based on the father's first name followed by "son." In this case, Johannsson translates to 'son of Johan.' The name was likely brought to these regions during the Viking Age (8th-11th centuries) and has persisted as a common surname since then. Over time, variants such as Johansson, Johansen, Johansson, and Johanneson have emerged due to differences in spelling and pronunciation between Scandinavian languages.

Geographical distribution of the last name Johannsson

The surname Johannsson is predominantly found in Iceland and certain regions of Scandinavia, particularly Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, due to its Old Norse origin. It derives from the personal name Jon or John, which was popular among Scandinavian populations. Over time, immigrants carrying this surname have spread globally, with significant numbers found in North America, particularly in Canada and the United States, as a result of immigration from Iceland and Scandinavia during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Additionally, due to historical Viking raids and settlements, Johannsson can also be found among descendants of Norse settlers in countries such as England, Ireland, and the Faroe Islands.

Variants and spellings of the last name Johannsson

The surname Johannsson has multiple variants and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects. Some common variations include:

1. Johnsson
2. Johansson
3. Jonasson
4. Jonsdottir (for female descendants)
5. Jonson (a less frequent variation, more commonly used as a given name in English-speaking countries)
6. Johansson (a rarer variant with a slightly different emphasis on the "h")
7. Johannson (occasionally found but not typically considered standard)
8. Januson (less common and may be regarded as an error or misinterpretation).

It's essential to note that the correct spelling can vary based on the specific language, region, and historical context in which it is used. For instance, Johansson is more prevalent in English-speaking countries while Jonasson might be more common in Icelandic-speaking regions. The female form of the name usually adds a "dottir" or "dotter" suffix to denote femininity, such as Jonsdottir in Icelandic.

Famous people with the last name Johannsson

Notable individuals sharing the surname Johannsson include:

1. Aðalbjörn Haraldsson Johannsson, an Icelandic former footballer who played as a midfielder for clubs such as Fulham and Charlton Athletic, as well as the Iceland national team.
2. Björk Guðmundsdóttir, born Kristín María Pálsdóttir, is an Icelandic singer-songwriter and record producer who often goes by her married name Björk Guðmundsdóttir Johannsson. Known for her innovative and eclectic musical style, she gained international fame in the 1990s as a leading figure in the post-dubstep scene.
3. Ólafur Arnalds, born Ólafur Hólm-Guðmundsson Johannsson, is an Icelandic multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He gained recognition for his classical music influenced by contemporary electronic music and indie rock.
4. Finnur Jónsson, a Danish-Icelandic philologist and medievalist who made significant contributions to the study of Old Norse literature, Old Icelandic grammar, and Old Norse syntax.
5. Agnes Carlsson, born Agnes Lill Elise Johannson, is a Swedish pop singer, songwriter, and reality television star who rose to fame after winning the third season of Idol in Sweden.
6. Halldór Ásgrímsson Johannesson, an Icelandic politician who served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2009 and as Foreign Minister from 1987 to 1995.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as music, politics, and academia.

Genealogical research on the last name Johannsson

The surname Johannsson originates from Iceland and is a patronymic derived from the given name Johannes, meaning "God is gracious." In Iceland, patronymics were traditionally formed by adding son (son) or dottir (daughter) to the father's personal name. Johannsson specifically indicates that the individual's father was named Johannes. The surname spread across Scandinavia and other regions due to migration patterns, particularly from Iceland to Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and other parts of Europe in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Notable individuals bearing the Johannsson surname include Johan Halvorsen, a Norwegian composer, and Aron Gunnarsson, an Icelandic professional footballer.

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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 : 24 July 2025

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