Danish Last Names: A Guide to Common Surnames and Their Meanings

Danish last names, also known as Danish surnames, are a fascinating reflection of the country's history and culture. These names often have deep roots in the Scandinavian language and traditions, providing a glimpse into the lives and origins of those who bear them. Exploring the meanings behind Danish surnames can be a rewarding journey, uncovering stories of ancestors, professions, and even geographical locations. This comprehensive list of Danish last names offers insights into the rich tapestry of Danish heritage.
1. **Andersen:** Son of Anders, a common Danish first name.
2. **Christensen:** Son of Christ, a popular Christian name.
3. **Hansen:** Son of Hans, another frequent Danish first name.
4. **Jørgensen:** Son of Jørgen, a name derived from the Greek "Georgios".
5. **Nielsen:** Son of Niels, a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God is gracious".
6. **Petersen:** Son of Peter, a biblical name.
7. **Jensen:** Son of Jens, a Danish variant of the name John.
8. **Larsen:** Son of Lars, a name meaning "famous warrior".
9. **Sørensen:** Son of Søren, a Danish form of the name "Severin".
10. **Madsen:** Son of Mads, a name meaning "gift of God".
11. **Pedersen:** Son of Peder, a Danish form of the name Peter.
12. **Olsen:** Son of Ole, a name meaning "descendant of Olaf".
13. **Knudsen:** Son of Knud, a name meaning "brave knot".
14. **Rasmussen:** Son of Rasmus, a name meaning "strong advice".
15. **Thorsen:** Son of Thor, the Norse god of thunder.
16. **Kristensen:** Son of Krist, a shortened form of the name Christian.
17. **Johansen:** Son of Johan, a Danish form of the name John.
18. **Berg:** Mountain, a common place name in Denmark.
19. **Holm:** Island, indicating an ancestral home near an island.
20. **Jensen:** Son of Jens, a common Danish first name.
21. **Nielsen:** Son of Niels, a popular Danish first name.
22. **Pedersen:** Son of Peder, a common Danish first name.
23. **Hansen:** Son of Hans, a common Danish first name.
24. **Andersen:** Son of Anders, a common Danish first name.
25. **Kristensen:** Son of Krist, a shortened form of the name Christian.
26. **Jørgensen:** Son of Jørgen, a common Danish first name.
27. **Larsen:** Son of Lars, a common Danish first name.
28. **Sørensen:** Son of Søren, a common Danish first name.
29. **Madsen:** Son of Mads, a common Danish first name.
30. **Knudsen:** Son of Knud, a common Danish first name.
31. **Rasmussen:** Son of Rasmus, a common Danish first name.
32. **Thorsen:** Son of Thor, the Norse god of thunder.
33. **Olsen:** Son of Ole, a common Danish first name.
34. **Schmidt:** Smith, indicating an ancestral profession.
35. **Petersen:** Son of Peter, a common Danish first name.
36. **Christiansen:** Son of Christian, a popular Christian name.
37. **Eriksen:** Son of Erik, a name meaning "ruler".
38. **Jakobsen:** Son of Jakob, a Danish form of the name Jacob.
39. **Poulsen:** Son of Poul, a Danish form of the name Paul.
40. **Møller:** Miller, indicating an ancestral profession.
41. **Thomsen:** Son of Thomas, a biblical name.
42. **Lauridsen:** Son of Laurids, a name meaning "renowned warrior".
43. **Kjeldsen:** Son of Kjelds, a name meaning "well-spring".
44. **Jakobsen:** Son of Jakob, a Danish form of the name Jacob.
45. **Poulsen:** Son of Poul, a Danish form of the name Paul.
46. **Møller:** Miller, indicating an ancestral profession.
47. **Thomsen:** Son of Thomas, a biblical name.
48. **Lauridsen:** Son of Laurids, a name meaning "renowned warrior".
49. **Kjeldsen:** Son of Kjelds, a name meaning "well-spring".
50. **Frederiksen:** Son of Frederik, a Danish form of the name Frederick.