Surname Johansdotter - Meaning and Origin
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Johansdotter: What does the surname Johansdotter mean?
The last name Johansdotter is a patronymic form of the name Johan, which is the Swedish form of the name John. This type of last name is common in Northern and Eastern European countries, particularly in Scandinavia. The “dotter” suffix is used to denote a “daughter of”; meaning that the Johansdotter family is the “daughter” of a John. This type of name can also involve another suffix such as “sson” to denote a “son of”.
Traditionally, patronymic surnames were used to help differentiate between individuals in the same geographical area. This was especially important in Scandinavia when national registries and records were virtually non-existent. Over time, this type of name has become incorporated into the culture and three-generational family names have become commonplace. In terms of genealogy, these identifications can be extremely helpful in helping to trace one's family history.
Today, the surname Johansdotter could still be found in many Scandinavian countries like Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. In Sweden, the name is especially common, with the estimated 453,668 individuals reporting the last name as of 2007. It remains one of the most common Swedish surnames even today.
Order DNA origin analysisJohansdotter: Where does the name Johansdotter come from?
The last name Johansdotter is most commonly found in Northern and Eastern Europe, particularly in areas with populations that have been predominantly Scandinavian for centuries. In Sweden, it is the 26th most common surname. It is also much more common in Finland, where it is the 22nd most popular name.
The name Johansdotter is found in large numbers living in Iceland and Norway, as well as in areas of the United Kingdom such as Scotland and England. It is also very popular in countries of the former Soviet Union, such as Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Belarus.
The last name is also found in many countries in North America. One of the earliest known holders of the name Johansdotter was an immigrant from Sweden who made his way to Canada during the mid-1700s. Over the years, the name has spread throughout Canada and into the United States, especially in cities with heavily Scandinavian-populated areas, such as Minneapolis, St. Paul, Omaha, and Denver.
In other places around the world, the name can be found in parts of South America, Africa, and Australia. In these places, it is often the result of immigrants and descendants of Swedish, Finnish, and Icelandic people.
The name Johansdotter is a great reminder of the deep interconnectedness of the Scandinavian and Nordic countries, as well as the far-reaching travels of the people who lived in them centuries ago.
Variations of the surname Johansdotter
Johansdotter is a patronymic surname derived from the male given name “Johan”. This surname originates in Scandinavia and is commonly found in Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Variations of the name include Johansson, Johannsdotter, Johansdatter, Jonsdotter, Jonsson, Jonasson, and Jonassdotter.
Johansson is the most common variant of Johansdotter. This spelling is used by both male and female descendants of Johan and signifies “son of Johan”. Women would often be distinguished by the addition of a “datter” or “dotter” at the end of Johansson to make Johansdatter, signifying “daughter of Johan”.
Jonsson is another variation of the name and signifies “son of Jon”. This spelling suggests a possible deviation from the original name based on popular alternatives to the name Johan in the past. Similarly, Jonasson and Jonassdatter both signify “son of Jonas” and “daughter of Jonas” respectively and both indicate a possible variation of the original name of Johan.
Variations of the original name of Johansdotter can provide interesting insight into the origins of a surname. They provide clues about the culture, society, and immigration patterns the family may have experienced while developing the surname.
Famous people with the name Johansdotter
- Anita Johansdotter: Swedish former javelin thrower and winner of the bronze medal during the 1992 IAAF World Cup.
- Rebecca Johansdotter: Swedish former professional sailor and five-time world champion in the 470 class.
- Agneta Johansdotter: Swedish former field hockey player who competed in the Women's Field Hockey at the 1984 Summer Olympics.
- Lisa Johansdotter: Swedish retired professional tennis player who won 2 ITF titles and a doubles title.
- Anna Johansdotter: Swedish professional golfer who competed on the LPGA Tour.
- Emma Johansdotter: Swedish former cross-country skier, specializing in classical style, who was active between 1991 and 1997.
- Alice Johansdotter: Swedish former alpine skier who has competed since 1998 and represented Sweden at the 2008 Winter Olympics.
- Pia Johansdotter: Swedish retired curler and four-time world champion in the women's category.
- Karin Johansdotter: Swedish international footballer who plays for Linköpings FC of the Damallsvenskan league.
- Ida Johansdotter: Swedish former badminton player who participated in the 2011 IBF World Championships.