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Last Name Johansson

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What is the origin of the last name Johansson?

The surname Johansson is a patronymic surname derived from the given name John. It originates from Scandinavian countries such as Sweden and Denmark, where it was common for children to be named after their fathers or other close relatives. The "-son" suffix indicates that the person is the son of someone named Johan (John in English). This naming convention is a traditional practice in many Nordic countries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Johansson

The meaning and origin of the last name Johansson

The surname Johansson is a patronymic derived from the given name John, common among Scandinavian populations. It originates from Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, where it is often spelled with an "o" (Johansson) or an "a" (Johnsson). The name can be traced back to Old Norse, where 'Jóhann' was the equivalent of the modern English John. This name is believed to have been brought to Scandinavia by Christian missionaries during the Viking Age. The patronymic suffix '-son' or '-sson' indicates that the original bearer of the name was a son of someone named John. Johansson has gained considerable prominence worldwide due to popular figures like Johan Cruyff, Orlando Bloom, and Meryl Streep who share this surname.

Geographical distribution of the last name Johansson

The surname Johansson is predominantly distributed within the Scandinavian region, specifically Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland, where it originates from the Old Norse 'Jóhann' (John) and 'sonr' (son), meaning "John's son." Historically, its popularity in these countries reflects a common practice of patronymic naming systems. In more recent times, the diaspora of Scandinavians has led to an expansion of Johansson in other parts of the world, particularly North America and Australia, among communities with Scandinavian ancestry. Notable figures bearing this surname include Swedish actress Alicia Vikander, American actress Meryl Streep (born Mary Louise Streep, but her family's original name was Johansson), and Finnish ice hockey player Teemu Selänne.

Variants and spellings of the last name Johansson

The surname Johansson has various spelling variations due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. These include Johanson, Johansen, Johansson, Johannsson, Johansdottir (for female descendants), Jonson, Jonsson, Jonasdotter, among others. The name originates from Scandinavian countries, where it is a common patronymic surname derived from the given name John or Johannes. It is particularly prevalent in Sweden and Iceland. In some cases, the 'h' can be dropped (Johansen, Jonsson) as this letter is silent in the Scandinavian languages. Over time, additional variations may arise due to immigration and assimilation into different cultures.

Famous people with the last name Johansson

Scarlett Johansson and Angelica Johansson are two highly renowned figures associated with the last name Johansson. Born in New York City, Scarlett Johansson is an American actress, model, and singer who has gained widespread recognition for her work in Hollywood. She made her film debut at the age of nine and rose to fame after starring in films such as The Horse Whisperer, Lost in Translation, Girl with a Pearl Earring, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Iron Man 2, The Avengers, Captain America: Civil War, and Black Widow.

Angelica Johansson, on the other hand, is a Swedish actress and singer who has established herself as a significant figure in European cinema. She began her career at a young age and is known for her work in films like A Man Called Ove, Min främlingar (My Friends), and the Netflix original series Simple Simon. Despite their different nationalities, both Scarlett and Angelica Johansson have achieved great success in their respective fields, making the Johansson name a notable one in entertainment industries worldwide.

Genealogical research on the last name Johansson

The surname Johansson is predominantly of Swedish origin, derived from the male given name John and the patronymic suffix "son," meaning "son of John." Its female variant, Johansdotter, reflects matronymy, indicating "daughter of John." It's one of the most common surnames in Sweden, with variations such as Jonson, Jonsson, Johanson, and Johannson found across Scandinavia.

The name has a rich historical background. In medieval times, it was often used by clergy members or noblemen. During the 16th and 17th centuries, many Johanssons emigrated from Sweden to other parts of Europe and later North America due to religious persecution and economic hardship. Notable Johanssons include actor Bruce Willis, who's of Swedish descent, and Alexander Jungner Johansson, a prominent 19th-century Swedish botanist.

Today, the surname Johansson is found in numerous countries worldwide, reflecting the extensive migration of Swedish descendants over centuries. Genealogical research on Johansson can be challenging due to its commonality and the lack of distinct regional or tribal variations within Sweden, but it offers a fascinating opportunity to trace one's roots back to Scandinavia's rich history.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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