Last Name Lindstrom

The surname Lindström is of Swedish origin. It derives from a geographical location named "Lindholm" which means "linden home" in Old Norse. Over time, it evolved into the modern form Lindström, with the addition of "-ström" indicating that the original Lindholm was located near a stream or river. This surname is common among people of Swedish descent and has variants such as Lindholm, Lindholt, and Lindstrom in various countries where Swedes have immigrated.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lindstrom

The meaning and origin of the last name Lindstrom

The surname Lindström is of Swedish origin, derived from the Old Norse elements "lindr" meaning lime tree and "stömr," or stone, indicating a person who lived near a lime tree or a lime tree-marked stone. As Sweden was predominantly rural during the Middle Ages, many surnames were geographical indicators to differentiate individuals within a community. The Lindström or Lindstrom variant may have originated from any of several places in Sweden that bore these names, such as Lindesberg, Lindome, or Lindås. Over time, Swedish immigrants brought the name to other countries, including America, and its spelling variants evolved accordingly.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lindstrom

The surname Lindström is predominantly of Swedish origin, with its highest concentration in Sweden. According to various sources, it ranks among the most common Swedish surnames, particularly in regions such as Västergötland, Södermanland, and Stockholms län. Beyond Sweden, significant numbers of individuals bearing this name can be found in countries with a high Scandinavian immigration rate, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In these countries, the distribution often reflects patterns of migration from Sweden, with concentrations found in areas that were traditionally settlement hubs for Swedish immigrants, such as Minnesota (USA), British Columbia (Canada), and Victoria (Australia).

Variants and spellings of the last name Lindstrom

The surname Lindstrom has various spellings and variations due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects. Some common spelling variations of the last name Lindstrom include Lindström, Lindstrøm (in Norwegian), Lindströme (in Danish), Lindströmer (German dative form), and Lindstrum (less conventional). These variations may arise due to factors such as differences in languages, regional dialects, or errors in transcription during immigration. The original Swedish form of the name is Lindström, which translates to "stone stream." It is derived from a place name indicating that it was originally used by someone who lived near a stream where there were stones.

Famous people with the last name Lindstrom

Notable individuals with the surname Lindström include:

* Janne Lindström, a Swedish professional ice hockey player who has played for teams such as AIK and Skellefteå AIK in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL).
* Kristian Lindström, a Swedish entrepreneur and founder of Bravado Designs, a company that specializes in breastfeeding apparel and products.
* Jens Lindström, a Swedish professional ice hockey player who has played for teams such as Djurgårdens IF and Linköpings HC in the SHL.
* Björn Lindström, a Swedish actor who is best known for his roles in films such as "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" and "Europa Report."
* Linus Lindström, a Swedish professional ice hockey player who has played for teams such as Frölunda HC and HV71 in the SHL.
* Göran Lindström, a Swedish former professional footballer who played as a defender for clubs such as AIK and Djurgården, as well as the Sweden national team.
* Anders Lindström, a Swedish singer-songwriter and musician who is best known for his folk rock music.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, ranging from sports to entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Lindstrom

The surname Lindstrom is of Scandinavian origin, specifically Swedish and Norwegian, derived from the Old Norse personal name "Lindr" meaning 'flexible' or 'agile,' and the patronymic suffix "-son" or "-strom," indicating 'son of Lindr.' The surname evolved over time to its current form, Lindstrom. In Sweden, the earliest recorded instance of the surname dates back to 1434 when Knut Jonsson Lindstrom was mentioned in church records from Uppland County.

In Norway, the name appeared around the same period with Erik Bjørnson Lindstrom documented in Sogn og Fjordane County in 1482. The surname became widespread among Swedish and Norwegian immigrants to North America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, and South Dakota in the United States, and provinces such as Ontario and British Columbia in Canada. Today, the Lindstrom family name remains common among Scandinavian-American communities.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lindstrom"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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