Sweden Solving Common Problems in Swedish Genealogical Research: Difference between revisions

In ancient times, most inhabitants of Sweden had patronymic names, the one exception being nobility, whose names typically extend far back in time. But during the 1600’s and especially the 1700’s it became more and more common to take a family name (that would be passed from one generation to the next). The clergy and well-educated were the first to begin this practice and often took Latinized family names. They were followed by the burghers and finally by common farm people, especially those moving from the country in to town.<br>Prior to the Naming Laws passed in 1901, one could basically go by whatever name he pleased without going through any formal registration or legal process. It is not uncommon in tracing an individual to see the name changing over time. This can be especially difficult to follow when the name is changed in combination with a relocation. Occasionally, both the patronymic and family name are given (for example, Lars Persson Bergman), but this is the exception rather than the rule. The research must often find other substantiating documentation to ensure the identity of the person being traced.<br>During the latter part of the 19th century several changes affected especially the formulation of female names. In some cases, the suffix “-dotter” was replaced by “-son” with all children in a family, both male and female taking the same patronymic as a family name. Then during the beginning of the 20th century, women began taking their husband’s family name in connection with their marriage. So for example, a Wilhelmina Nilsdotter born in 1837 as the daughter of Nils Andersson may by 1860 be known as Wilhelmina Nilsson (same as her brothers) and from 1890 as Wilhelmina Andersson (taking her father’s surname as her own family name). By 1922, she passes away as Wilhelmina Bohman with her husband’s surname as her own.<br>It should be noted that orphans and foster children could change names several times while growing up depending on the various homes and families where they may be placed. But even under other circumstances, a person’s name may change seemingly unexplainably.  

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