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

Swedish last names, also known as surnames, are an integral part of Swedish culture and history. These names often reflect the country's rich linguistic heritage, providing insights into ancestral origins, occupations, and even personal characteristics. This comprehensive list explores some of the most common Swedish last names, delving into their fascinating meanings and historical significance.
1. **Andersson:** Son of Anders, a common Swedish given name meaning "man of humanity" or "defender of mankind."
2. **Johansson:** Son of Johan, a popular Swedish given name derived from the Hebrew name "Yochanan," meaning "God is gracious."
3. **Karlsson:** Son of Karl, a Swedish given name meaning "free man" or "strong man."
4. **Nilsson:** Son of Nils, a Swedish name of uncertain origin, possibly meaning "champion" or "victory."
5. **Persson:** Son of Per, a Swedish form of the name Peter, meaning "rock" or "stone."
6. **Eriksson:** Son of Erik, a Swedish name meaning "ever ruler" or "eternal ruler."
7. **Olsson:** Son of Olof, a Swedish name meaning "ancestor" or "patriarch."
8. **Svensson:** Son of Sven, a Swedish name meaning "young boy" or "youth."
9. **Larsson:** Son of Lars, a Swedish name meaning "glory" or "fame."
10. **Pettersson:** Son of Petter, a Swedish form of the name Peter, meaning "rock" or "stone."
11. **Jönsson:** Son of Jöns, a Swedish name meaning "God is gracious."
12. **Gustafsson:** Son of Gustaf, a Swedish name meaning "helper of God."
13. **Lindgren:** One who lives by a linden tree, a popular tree in Sweden.
14. **Bergman:** A resident of a mountain or hill.
15. **Lundgren:** One who lives by a grove or copse of trees.
16. **Nygren:** One who lives in a new place or a new field.
17. **Hansson:** Son of Hans, a Swedish form of the name John, meaning "God is gracious."
18. **Danielsson:** Son of Daniel, a biblical name meaning "God is my judge."
19. **Magnusson:** Son of Magnus, a Swedish name meaning "great" or "powerful."
20. **Alfredsson:** Son of Alfred, a name of Germanic origin meaning "wise counsel."
21. **Åberg:** One who lives by a ridge or a high place.
22. **Stenberg:** One who lives by a stony mountain.
23. **Jonsson:** Son of Jon, a Swedish form of the name John, meaning "God is gracious."
24. **Bengtsson:** Son of Bengt, a Swedish name meaning "holy" or "sacred."
25. **Holmberg:** One who lives by a hollow mountain.
26. **Johannesson:** Son of Johannes, a Swedish form of the name John, meaning "God is gracious."
27. **Ström:** One who lives by a stream or current.
28. **Björk:** One who lives near a birch tree.
29. **Eklund:** One who lives by an oak tree.
30. **Sköld:** One who is a shield, a symbol of protection.
31. **Englund:** One who lives in a meadow or a field.
32. **Nordgren:** One who lives in a northerly direction.
33. **Svensson:** Son of Sven, a Swedish name meaning "young boy" or "youth."
34. **Samuelsson:** Son of Samuel, a biblical name meaning "God has heard."
35. **Martinsson:** Son of Martin, a Latin name meaning "warlike" or "belonging to Mars."
36. **Henriksson:** Son of Henrik, a German name meaning "ruler of the house."
37. **Lind:** One who lives by a linden tree.
38. **Johansson:** Son of Johan, a popular Swedish given name derived from the Hebrew name "Yochanan," meaning "God is gracious."
39. **Jakobsson:** Son of Jakob, a Swedish form of the name Jacob, meaning "supplanter" or "heel-holder."
40. **Mattsson:** Son of Matt, a Swedish form of the name Matthew, meaning "gift of God."
41. **Olsen:** Son of Ole, a Scandinavian name meaning "ancestor" or "patriarch."
42. **Lund:** One who lives by a grove or copse of trees.
43. **Berg:** One who lives by a mountain or hill.
44. **Nyberg:** One who lives in a new place or a new mountain.
45. **Nilsson:** Son of Nils, a Swedish name of uncertain origin, possibly meaning "champion" or "victory."
46. **Andersson:** Son of Anders, a common Swedish given name meaning "man of humanity" or "defender of mankind."
47. **Carlsson:** Son of Carl, a Swedish name meaning "free man" or "strong man."
48. **Eriksson:** Son of Erik, a Swedish name meaning "ever ruler" or "eternal ruler."
49. **Persson:** Son of Per, a Swedish form of the name Peter, meaning "rock" or "stone."
50. **Svensson:** Son of Sven, a Swedish name meaning "young boy" or "youth."