September 11, 2008
If You Were Icelandic: Pt. 1
You would use a system of patronymic naming, taking the father’s first name as your last name.
Let’s say my name is Bryndís Atladóttir, and I marry Jón Stefánsson.
Our daughter, Goðrún, will be named Goðrún Jónsdottir and our son, Heiða Jónsson.
Literally, son and daughter of Jón.
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7 Responses to “If You Were Icelandic: Pt. 1”
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This is very interesting, Amanda Mae.
Do you have any information on Icelandic farts? Or, better yet, on Icelanders’ views of the Danish approach to farting? We’re doing a study.
The Icelandic conduct all official farts in three languages. Swedish, English, and Icelandic. The citizens then vote on wether to accept these farts or to draft new farts. Most people choose to conduct farting in whichever language is spoken by the majority of listeners. These subtle courtesies endear the Icelandic people to all.
They have remained mysteriously silent on the subject of Danish farting. Both technique variations and stylistic differences came under intense public scrutiny in the memorable Brussel sprout surplus of ‘18, but first hand accounts have become scarce given the advancing age of many survivors. What little information remains is hardly worthy of study, but instead consists mainly of: ‘Bjorn Oskarsson emitteth smells most wretched and refuseth to acknowledge, instead blaming Vibeka Gherkins, a visiting student from Denmark.’ This particular case was never settled and given that both parties now committed to earth and God, the chances of establishing fault are slim to none.
What happens if you don’t know who the father is? Take the grandfather’s first name?
That is a poignant story. You should contact “It’s an Icelandic Life”. They would devote an entire show to the story. You could feature it on your own show!
in that case chris, and in many other situations, it is perfectly acceptable to use the matronymic naming system, taking the mother’s first name as your last. it’s just less common.
I appreciate this information, Amanda Mae. I will be sure to cite you in the study.