“Need a meaningful Icelandic last name?”

Many seekers of Icelandic surnames find themselves lost in outdated lists and incorrect translations.

Online searches often yield confusing results about Iceland’s unique naming system, leaving people frustrated and uncertain.

Here’s the unexpected twist: this guide offers authentic Icelandic last names with verified meanings and proper usage.

From traditional endings like -dóttir and -son to family names with deep history, readers will find choices that celebrate Icelandic heritage and naming traditions.

The Role of Last Names in Icelandic Identity

Here are the key points about last names and Icelandic identity:

1. Family Connection System:

Most Icelandic last names tell the story of someone’s parentage, typically using their father’s first name plus -son (for sons) or -dóttir (for daughters).

2. Cultural Preservation:

The naming system helps keep family histories clear and maintains Iceland’s cultural heritage through generations of documented family links.

3. Legal Framework:

Iceland has strict naming laws. The Icelandic Naming Committee oversees which names can be used, helping protect the traditional naming patterns.

4. Different from Family Names:

Unlike fixed family surnames, Icelandic last names can be different even among siblings, based on their father’s first name.

5. Modern Adaptations

Some Icelanders now use their mother’s first name instead of their father’s, adding a modern twist to this old tradition.

6. Identity Documentation

Phone books and official records in Iceland list people by first name, since last names change between generations.

7. International Recognition

When Icelanders travel abroad, their distinctive naming pattern often requires special explanation on forms and documents.

8. Social Impact

The system creates a more informal society where people commonly use first names, even in professional settings.

Top Icelandic Names You Should Know

This collection breaks down the naming patterns, explains their cultural significance, and helps readers find last names that reflect Iceland’s rich traditions.

1. Aðalbjörg

Meaning: Noble protection
Origin: Icelandic
Cultural Significance: Feminine, associated with noble status

2. Aðalsteinsson

Meaning: Son of noble stone
Origin: Icelandic
Cultural Significance: Patronymic, family lineage-based

3. Agnar

Meaning: A warrior, a hero
Origin: Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, warrior heritage

4. Ágústa

Meaning: Majestic, revered
Origin: Latin
Cultural Significance: Feminine, admired for grandeur

5. Ágústsson

Meaning: Son of Ágústa
Origin: Icelandic
Cultural Significance: Patronymic, son of a revered figure

6. Álfrún

Meaning: Elf secret
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Feminine, magical and mystical

7. Ásmundur

Meaning: God’s protector
Origin: Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, divine protection

8. Baldur

Meaning: Prince, hero, god of light
Origin: Norse
Cultural Significance: Mythological, associated with light and heroism

9. Bára

Meaning: Wave, sea
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Feminine, connected to nature and the sea

10. Benedikt

Meaning: Blessed, well-spoken
Origin: Latin
Cultural Significance: Christian, invoking blessings

11. Berglind

Meaning: Shelter of the mountain
Origin: Icelandic
Cultural Significance: Feminine, nature-related, protective

12. Birna

Meaning: Bear
Origin: Norse
Cultural Significance: Feminine, animal-related, symbolizing strength

13. Bjarnason

Meaning: Son of the bear
Origin: Icelandic
Cultural Significance: Patronymic, strength and power lineage

14. Björn

Meaning: Bear
Origin: Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, strength, and courage

15. Börkur

Meaning: Birch tree
Origin: Icelandic
Cultural Significance: Masculine, nature symbolism

16. Dagbjört

Meaning: Daylight, bright
Origin: Norse
Cultural Significance: Feminine, associated with brightness and clarity

17. Dagný

Meaning: New day
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Feminine, symbolic of new beginnings

18. Einar

Meaning: One warrior
Origin: Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, warrior-related

19. Elvar

Meaning: River of elves
Origin: Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, nature and mythical beings

20. Emilía

Meaning: Rival, eager
Origin: Latin
Cultural Significance: Feminine, ambition-driven

21. Erla

Meaning: Noblewoman
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Feminine, associated with nobility

22. Friðrik

Meaning: Peaceful ruler
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, leader and peacekeeper

23. Geir

Meaning: Spear
Origin: Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, warrior-related

24. Geirþrúður

Meaning: Spear strength
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Feminine, strength and warrior power

25. Gísli

Meaning: A ray of light
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, symbolic of light and hope

26. Guðbjörg

Meaning: God’s protection
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Feminine, divine protection

27. Guðlaugs

Meaning: God’s praise
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, associated with divine worship

28. Guðmundur

Meaning: Protection of God
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, godly protection

29. Guðrún

Meaning: God’s secret
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Feminine, mystical and sacred

30. Hallgrímur

Meaning: The helmeted mask
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, protection and war-related

31. Halla

Meaning: The flat rock
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Feminine, nature-related

32. Haraldsson

Meaning: Son of Harald
Origin: Norse
Cultural Significance: Patronymic, royal lineage

33. Hekla

Meaning: Volcano (name of an Icelandic volcano)
Origin: Icelandic
Cultural Significance: Geographical, natural phenomenon

34. Helga

Meaning: Holy, blessed
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Feminine, sacred

35. Helgason

Meaning: Son of Helga
Origin: Icelandic
Cultural Significance: Patronymic, son of a blessed figure

36. Hjörleif

Meaning: Sword’s inheritance
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, warrior heritage

37. Hlíf

Meaning: Protection
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Feminine, protective

38. Ívar

Meaning: Bow warrior
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, warrior-related

39. Ingibjörg

Meaning: God’s help
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Feminine, divine support

40. Ingvar

Meaning: God’s warrior
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, godly strength

41. Júlíus

Meaning: Youthful, downy
Origin: Latin
Cultural Significance: Masculine, youthful

42. Jófríður

Meaning: Fair, beautiful peace
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Feminine, peaceful beauty

43. Jón

Meaning: God is gracious
Origin: Hebrew
Cultural Significance: Masculine, Christian

44. Jónsdóttir

Meaning: Daughter of Jón
Origin: Icelandic
Cultural Significance: Patronymic, daughter of Jón

45. Kristbjörg

Meaning: Christ’s protection
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Feminine, Christian

46. Kristján

Meaning: Christian
Origin: Greek
Cultural Significance: Christian, follower of Christ

47. Lára

Meaning: Laurel
Origin: Latin
Cultural Significance: Feminine, nature-related

48. Laufey

Meaning: Tree of life
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Mythological, life-related

49. Lísa

Meaning: God’s promise
Origin: Hebrew
Cultural Significance: Feminine, divine

50. Magnús

Meaning: Great, mighty
Origin: Latin
Cultural Significance: Masculine, strength51. Magnússon

Meaning: Son of Magnús
Origin: Icelandic
Cultural Significance: Patronymic, son of a mighty figure

52. Már

Meaning: Sea, famous
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, nature and fame-related

53. Margrét

Meaning: Pearl
Origin: Greek
Cultural Significance: Feminine, precious and rare

54. Móði

Meaning: Courage
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, bravery-related

55. Nanna

Meaning: Grace
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Feminine, beauty and kindness

56. Ólafur

Meaning: Ancestral relic, heirloom
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, heritage-related

57. Ólafsson

Meaning: Son of Ólafur
Origin: Icelandic
Cultural Significance: Patronymic, son of a revered figure

58. Pétur

Meaning: Rock, stone
Origin: Greek
Cultural Significance: Christian, stability-related

59. Ríkeysdóttir

Meaning: Daughter of the king’s kingdom
Origin: Icelandic
Cultural Significance: Feminine, royal heritage

60. Rúnar

Meaning: Secret lore
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, wisdom and mystery

61. Sævar

Meaning: Ocean warrior
Origin: Icelandic
Cultural Significance: Masculine, sea and battle-related

62. Sigríður

Meaning: Victory, beautiful
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Feminine, victory and grace

63. Sigurðsson

Meaning: Son of Sigurður
Origin: Icelandic
Cultural Significance: Patronymic, son of a victorious warrior

64. Snorri

Meaning: Raiding
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, warrior heritage

65. Snæbjörn

Meaning: Snow bear
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, animal and winter symbolism

66. Svanhildur

Meaning: Swan battle
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Feminine, beauty and strength

67. Steinþór

Meaning: Stone Thor
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, powerful godly reference

68. Sturla

Meaning: A storm
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, powerful force of nature

69. Tómas

Meaning: Twin
Origin: Aramaic
Cultural Significance: Christian, symbolic of duality

70. Tómasdóttir

Meaning: Daughter of Tómas
Origin: Icelandic
Cultural Significance: Patronymic, daughter of a twin

71. Vigdis

Meaning: Battle goddess
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Feminine, strength and divine protection

72. Valdimar

Meaning: Ruler of power
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, leadership and strength

73. Valgeirsson

Meaning: Son of the ruler spear
Origin: Icelandic
Cultural Significance: Patronymic, son of a powerful figure

74. Vigfús

Meaning: Battle ready
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, military readiness

75. Vilborg

Meaning: Will, strength
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Feminine, determination and power

76. Vilhelm

Meaning: Will, helmet
Origin: Germanic
Cultural Significance: Masculine, leadership and protection

77. Ylva

Meaning: She-wolf
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Feminine, wild and powerful

78. Ósk

Meaning: Desire, wish
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Feminine, longing and aspiration

79. Íris

Meaning: Rainbow, goddess of the rainbow
Origin: Greek
Cultural Significance: Feminine, beauty and divine connection

80. Ulfar

Meaning: Wolf army
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, strength and loyalty

81. Ursula

Meaning: Little she-bear
Origin: Latin
Cultural Significance: Feminine, nurturing and protective

82. Aldís

Meaning: Old goddess
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Feminine, divinity and wisdom

83. Snædís

Meaning: Snow goddess
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Feminine, nature and divine power

84. Gunnlaug

Meaning: Battle, renown
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, warrior and fame

85. Árni

Meaning: Eagle
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, strength and freedom

86. Vega

Meaning: Star
Origin: Latin
Cultural Significance: Feminine, celestial and radiant

87. Ari

Meaning: Eagle
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, strong and independent

88. Rósa

Meaning: Rose
Origin: Latin
Cultural Significance: Feminine, beauty and love

89. Hákon

Meaning: High son
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, royal and noble lineage

90. Ragnhildur

Meaning: Counsel of the gods
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Feminine, wisdom and divine guidance

91. Birkir

Meaning: Birch tree
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, nature-related

92. Böðvar

Meaning: Battle warrior
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, strength and combat

93. Eydís

Meaning: Goddess of good fortune
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Feminine, fortune and luck

94. Freyja

Meaning: Lady, goddess of love
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Mythological, love and beauty

95. Hákon

Meaning: High-born
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, royal descent

96. Ingmar

Meaning: Famous, god’s son
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, divine heritage

97. Jóna

Meaning: Dove
Origin: Hebrew
Cultural Significance: Feminine, peace and gentleness

98. Líndís

Meaning: Linden tree goddess
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Feminine, nature and spirituality

99. Magnús

Meaning: Great, mighty
Origin: Latin
Cultural Significance: Masculine, power and greatness

100. Oddbjörn

Meaning: Pointed bear
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, strength and protection

101. Salvör

Meaning: Safe, protected
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Feminine, safety and peace

102. Svana

Meaning: Swan
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Feminine, beauty and grace

103. Thorlákur

Meaning: Thor’s well
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, strength and divinity

104. Yrsa

Meaning: She-bear
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Feminine, wild strength

105. Vigfús

Meaning: Battle ready
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, readiness and strength

106. Ólöf

Meaning: Ancestor’s relic
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Feminine, ancestral heritage

107. Snæbjörn

Meaning: Snow bear
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, winter and animal-related

108. Arnbjörn

Meaning: Eagle bear
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, power and courage

109. Freyr

Meaning: God of fertility
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Mythological, fertility and prosperity

110. Ásbjörn

Meaning: God’s bear
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, divine strength

111. Hjörtur

Meaning: Deer
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, nature and grace

112. Viggo

Meaning: Battle
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, warrior and combat

113. Nótt

Meaning: Night
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Mythological, symbolizing darkness

114. Ólafur

Meaning: Ancestral relic, heirloom
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, heritage and legacy

115. Snædís

Meaning: Snow goddess
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Feminine, winter and divinity

116. Ásbjörn

Meaning: God’s bear
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, divine power

117. Fríða

Meaning: Peace, calm
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Feminine, peace and tranquility

118. Hákon

Meaning: High son
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, royal lineage

119. Sigrún

Meaning: Victory rune
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Feminine, victory and strength

120. Heiðr

Meaning: Clear, bright
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Feminine, clarity and brightness

121. Brynjólfur

Meaning: Armor’s wolf
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, protection and strength

122. Þórhildur

Meaning: Thor’s battle
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Feminine, strength and power

123. Ármann

Meaning: Man of the mountain
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, nature and strength

124. Elín

Meaning: Torch, bright
Origin: Greek
Cultural Significance: Feminine, light and guidance

125. Laufey

Meaning: Tree of life
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Mythological, nature and vitality

126. Sveinn

Meaning: Young man
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, youth and vitality

127. Sigvaldi

Meaning: Battle ruler
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, leadership and war

128. Arnór

Meaning: Eagle warrior
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, strength and courage

129. Víðarr

Meaning: Wide ruler
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Mythological, ruler and divine strength

130. Nanna

Meaning: Grace
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Feminine, beauty and elegance

131. Kolbeinn

Meaning: Dark warrior
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, strength and mystery

132. Thóra

Meaning: Thunder goddess
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Feminine, divine power and nature

133. Vigfús

Meaning: Battle ready
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, readiness for war

134. Árdís

Meaning: Goddess of the spring
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Feminine, renewal and growth

135. Örn

Meaning: Eagle
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, strength and freedom

136. Ríkeyr

Meaning: King’s heir
Origin: Icelandic
Cultural Significance: Masculine, royal heritage

137. Ragnar

Meaning: Warrior’s counsel
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, leadership in battle

138. Vigdis

Meaning: Battle goddess
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Feminine, war and victory

139. Skúli

Meaning: School
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, wisdom and education

140. Óttarr

Meaning: God of terror
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Masculine, strength and fear

141. Jóna

Meaning: Dove
Origin: Hebrew
Cultural Significance: Feminine, peace and gentleness

142. Ástríður

Meaning: Divine strength
Origin: Old Norse
Cultural Significance: Feminine, strength and divinity

Final Thoughts 

Iceland’s naming customs shine light on how personal identity and cultural heritage blend together.

Through this traditional system, each name carries forward not just family connections but also centuries of cultural wisdom.

For those curious about Icelandic names, understanding these patterns opens a window into a society that values both tradition and personal ties.

The system shows how names can maintain family bonds while adapting to modern times.

Whether keeping records, dealing with international paperwork, or simply introducing oneself, Icelandic last names remind us that identity can be both deeply personal and wonderfully communal.

Have thoughts about these distinctive naming traditions? Share your experience with Icelandic names in the comments below – your insights might help others understand this unique system better.