Wednesday 20 April 2011

Patrynomic Names

Did you know that a somewhat ancient tradition that still is more or less current is the thing with Swedish people's surnames? Many centuries ago, the general custom was that a person had a personal name like Jon (Johan in Swedish) or Charles (Karl in Swedish) his daughter could be called Mary (Maria in Swedish) or Anne (Anna in Swedish and then her surname would be Johnsson (different spellings), or Karlsdaughter/Carlsdaughter after the father.

If they had sons they could be called Eric (Erik in Swedish) surname Johnsson (Swedish for Johansson) and then his sons would be called Ericsson (sons of Eric's.)

Today marks the third day of Easter Week; Holy Wednesday.


© Taste of Kimchi, Elle

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