What are Icelandic names?

A simple family tree showing the Icelandic patronymic naming system Icelandic names are names used by people from Iceland. Icelandic surnames are different from most other naming systems in the modern Western world by being patronymic or occasionally matronymic: they indicate the father (or mother) of the child and not the historic family lineage.

What naming system does Iceland use?

Iceland uses a unique naming system, rarely used in other countries. As well as this, Icelanders are only allowed to be called names that have been approved by an official body, called the Icelandic Naming Committee. They'll happily reject any names that aren't deemed to be Icelandic enough. If you're already feeling a bit confused - don't worry.

What is Iceland known for?

The country's cultural heritage includes traditional Icelandic cuisine, Icelandic literature, and medieval sagas. Iceland has the smallest population of any NATO member and is the only one with no standing army, with a lightly armed coast guard.

Why do Icelandic names start with Krist?

The original settlers came from Scandinavia, and therefore their names became common throughout Iceland. As Christianity grew in Iceland, new names arrived too. If you see a name beginning with Krist-, then it has roots in Christianity. How do you pronounce Icelandic Names?