Naming Traditions in Iceland: First Names, Patronymics, and the Naming Committee
If you’ve spent some time in Iceland, you may have already noticed that Icelanders use names a little differently than in most other countries. From skipping formal titles to having no family surnames, the Icelandic approach to naming is unique and deeply connected to language and culture.
Let’s take a closer look at how names work in Iceland.
Always First Names First Always
In Iceland, everyone is addressed by their first name, no matter their age, job, or status. Whether you’re talking to your professor, your doctor, or even the president, first names are the norm. There are no “Mr.” or “Ms.” in everyday use, and using someone’s first name is considered respectful and appropriate.
This creates a more informal and equal atmosphere, where titles and hierarchy are less important in social interactions. You’ll quickly get used to calling people like your landlord or dentist by their first name and they’ll do the same with you.
No Family Surnames, Just Patronymics
Most Icelanders don’t have family surnames passed down through generations. Instead, they use patronymics, which means their last name is based on their father’s first name, with the suffix -son (son) or -dóttir (daughter).
For example:
• If Jón has a son named Árni, the son’s full name is Árni Jónsson.
• If Jón has a daughter named Sigríður, she is Sigríður Jónsdóttir.
Some people choose to use matronymics instead, especially if they have a closer relationship with their mother or prefer that form. If the mother’s name is Ásdís, then the names could be Anna Ásdísardóttir or Bjarni Ásdísarson.
Each generation may have different “last names,” since the names depend on the parent’s first name, not a fixed family name.
The Icelandic Naming Committee Yes, It’s Real!
Because of Iceland’s commitment to preserving its language and naming traditions, a special body exists to approve all new names: the Icelandic Naming Committee (Mannanafnanefnd).
If parents want to give their child a name that’s not already on the official list of accepted names, they must apply for approval. The committee reviews new names based on several criteria:
• The name must follow Icelandic grammar rules
• It must contain only letters from the Icelandic alphabet (no c, q, w, or z)
• It should not cause the bearer embarrassment or be too foreign-sounding
Names such as Harriet or Ludwig have been rejected in the past for not fitting these standards. The rules are strict, but they reflect a desire to keep Icelandic language and culture strong, especially in such a small population.
What This Means for You as a Learner or Visitor
This system may feel unusual at first, especially if you’re used to using family names and formal titles. But in Iceland, people will quickly learn your first name and likely not ask about your last name at all. It’s normal and expected to speak to everyone using just their first name, even in professional settings.
You might also be asked about your parents names if you stay in Iceland for a long time, as this is how Icelanders would create a patronymic for you. Try it for fun: if your name is Maria and your father is Erik, you would be Maria Eriksdóttir in the Icelandic style.
Understanding Icelandic naming traditions gives you more than a few helpful language tips it opens a window into how Icelanders see identity, equality, and their connection to history. You’ll likely hear fewer surnames, but far more stories behind names, and that’s part of what makes Iceland such an interesting place to live and learn.
Have you encountered a name in Iceland that surprised you? Or tried creating your own Icelandic-style name? Share in the comments!
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Íris Líf, OLS Community Manager - Icelandic
If you’ve spent some time in Iceland, you may have already noticed that Icelanders use names a little differently than in most other countries. From skipping formal titles to having no family surnames, the Icelandic approach to naming is unique and deeply connected to language and culture.
Let’s take a closer look at how names work in Iceland.
Always First Names First Always
In Iceland, everyone is addressed by their first name, no matter their age, job, or status. Whether you’re talking to your professor, your doctor, or even the president, first names are the norm. There are no “Mr.” or “Ms.” in everyday use, and using someone’s first name is considered respectful and appropriate.
This creates a more informal and equal atmosphere, where titles and hierarchy are less important in social interactions. You’ll quickly get used to calling people like your landlord or dentist by their first name and they’ll do the same with you.
No Family Surnames, Just Patronymics
Most Icelanders don’t have family surnames passed down through generations. Instead, they use patronymics, which means their last name is based on their father’s first name, with the suffix -son (son) or -dóttir (daughter).
For example:
• If Jón has a son named Árni, the son’s full name is Árni Jónsson.
• If Jón has a daughter named Sigríður, she is Sigríður Jónsdóttir.
Some people choose to use matronymics instead, especially if they have a closer relationship with their mother or prefer that form. If the mother’s name is Ásdís, then the names could be Anna Ásdísardóttir or Bjarni Ásdísarson.
Each generation may have different “last names,” since the names depend on the parent’s first name, not a fixed family name.
The Icelandic Naming Committee Yes, It’s Real!
Because of Iceland’s commitment to preserving its language and naming traditions, a special body exists to approve all new names: the Icelandic Naming Committee (Mannanafnanefnd).
If parents want to give their child a name that’s not already on the official list of accepted names, they must apply for approval. The committee reviews new names based on several criteria:
• The name must follow Icelandic grammar rules
• It must contain only letters from the Icelandic alphabet (no c, q, w, or z)
• It should not cause the bearer embarrassment or be too foreign-sounding
Names such as Harriet or Ludwig have been rejected in the past for not fitting these standards. The rules are strict, but they reflect a desire to keep Icelandic language and culture strong, especially in such a small population.
What This Means for You as a Learner or Visitor
This system may feel unusual at first, especially if you’re used to using family names and formal titles. But in Iceland, people will quickly learn your first name and likely not ask about your last name at all. It’s normal and expected to speak to everyone using just their first name, even in professional settings.
You might also be asked about your parents names if you stay in Iceland for a long time, as this is how Icelanders would create a patronymic for you. Try it for fun: if your name is Maria and your father is Erik, you would be Maria Eriksdóttir in the Icelandic style.
Understanding Icelandic naming traditions gives you more than a few helpful language tips it opens a window into how Icelanders see identity, equality, and their connection to history. You’ll likely hear fewer surnames, but far more stories behind names, and that’s part of what makes Iceland such an interesting place to live and learn.
Have you encountered a name in Iceland that surprised you? Or tried creating your own Icelandic-style name? Share in the comments!
--
Íris Líf, OLS Community Manager - Icelandic