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''[[Sweden|Sweden]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]] [[Names, Personal| | ''[[Sweden|Sweden]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]] [[Sweden Names, Personal|Names, Personal]]'' | ||
Understanding surnames and given names can help you find and identify your ancestors in the records. | Understanding surnames and given names can help you find and identify your ancestors in the records. | ||
== Surnames == | === Surnames === | ||
Before record keeping began, most people had only one name, such as Johan. As the population increased, it became necessary to distinguish between individuals with the same name. The problem was usually solved by adding descriptive information. Johan became Johan the smith, Johan the son of Erik, Johan the short, or Johan from Borås. At first, such "surnames" applied only to one person and not to the whole family. After a few generations, these names were passed from father to children. | Before record keeping began, most people had only one name, such as Johan. As the population increased, it became necessary to distinguish between individuals with the same name. The problem was usually solved by adding descriptive information. Johan became Johan the smith, Johan the son of Erik, Johan the short, or Johan from Borås. At first, such "surnames" applied only to one person and not to the whole family. After a few generations, these names were passed from father to children. | ||
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In 1901 a law required people to adopt permanent surnames to be passed onto successive generations. | In 1901 a law required people to adopt permanent surnames to be passed onto successive generations. | ||
=== | ==== 100 Most Common Surnames in Sweden ==== | ||
{| class="prettytable" border="1" | {| class="prettytable" border="1" | ||
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|} | |} | ||
== | === Given Names === | ||
The earliest known Swedish names appear about 55 A. D. on some 2000 Runic stones scattered around the kingdom. Usually the given names were given to describe a quality or characteristic, or resemble an occurrence or occasion that was desired in the life of the born babe, such as Ragnvald, which means, “He who is mighty with power.” | The earliest known Swedish names appear about 55 A. D. on some 2000 Runic stones scattered around the kingdom. Usually the given names were given to describe a quality or characteristic, or resemble an occurrence or occasion that was desired in the life of the born babe, such as Ragnvald, which means, “He who is mighty with power.” | ||
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<u>Petrus</u>, Peter, Pehr, Per<br><u>Andreas</u>, Anders<br><u>Johannes</u>, Johan, Jön, Jon, Jean, <br><u>Paulus</u>, Paul, Pål, Påhl | <u>Petrus</u>, Peter, Pehr, Per<br><u>Andreas</u>, Anders<br><u>Johannes</u>, Johan, Jön, Jon, Jean, <br><u>Paulus</u>, Paul, Pål, Påhl | ||
=== | ==== Interchangeable First Names ==== | ||
These name variants above are indicative of an important principle about names. In Sweden, it is not uncommon to call a person by an affectionate form of the given name. William, for example, in English-speaking countries is often know as Bill. This can be confusing in research, where for example someone may be called Kjerstin in the birth record, but later is called Stina in another record. Most names also have variant spellings. It really is not much of a problem, once you have learned to recognize these names. Some of the more common names and variants are listed below: | These name variants above are indicative of an important principle about names. In Sweden, it is not uncommon to call a person by an affectionate form of the given name. William, for example, in English-speaking countries is often know as Bill. This can be confusing in research, where for example someone may be called Kjerstin in the birth record, but later is called Stina in another record. Most names also have variant spellings. It really is not much of a problem, once you have learned to recognize these names. Some of the more common names and variants are listed below: | ||
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Some of the more common given names used in Sweden during the last four centuries are listed below: | Some of the more common given names used in Sweden during the last four centuries are listed below: | ||
=== | ==== Male Names ==== | ||
{| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders" width="99%" | {| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders" width="99%" | ||
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<br> | <br> | ||
=== | ==== Female Names ==== | ||
{| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders" width="99%" | {| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders" width="99%" | ||
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'''For Swedish Naming Practices''' [[Swedish naming practices|click here]] | '''For Swedish Naming Practices''' [[Swedish naming practices|click here]] | ||
=== | === Websites === | ||
*http://www.genealogi.se/namneng.htm | *http://www.genealogi.se/namneng.htm | ||