What’s in a name? In Iceland, a name, or nafn, tells a story. It reflects not only one’s family lineage, but also a deep Icelandic cultural commitment to preserving language and tradition. Unlike the common global practice of inheriting fixed family names, Iceland follows a patronymic (and occasionally matronymic) naming system. Instead of passing down a family name unchanged, a child’s last name is formed from the first name of a parent, followed by a gendered suffix: -son for sons and -dóttir for daughters. Even if you’re unfamiliar with Icelandic naming conventions, you’ve likely encountered them in pop culture. Iconic singer Björk’s full name is actually Björk Guðmundsdóttir, and the hit series Severance features breakout star Ólafur Darri Ólafsson.
Iceland’s distinctive naming system leads to some fascinating differences that may catch outsiders off guard. For example, siblings can have different last names: Gunnar’s son becomes Erik Gunnarsson (son of Gunnar), while his daughter is Anna Gunnarsdóttir (daughter of Gunnar). The tradition also makes space for women to pass down their names. Parents can choose to use either the mother’s or father’s first name—matronymics are becoming increasingly common—and some families even create hyphenated versions. These practices mirror Iceland’s broader commitment to gender equality. In fact, Iceland has ranked as the world’s most gender-equal country for 16 consecutive years.
First names in Iceland must also meet specific cultural and linguistic criteria. To preserve the integrity of the Icelandic language, the Mannanafnanefnd (Icelandic Name Committee) must approve all given names. If a proposed name doesn’t conform to Icelandic grammatical rules—such as the ability to decline in all cases (meaning it can be modified to fit Icelandic grammar in different sentence structures)—the committee will reject it. This cultural cornerstone is so important that, until 1991, even foreigners seeking citizenship had to adopt an Icelandic name.
While Iceland’s naming system may seem restrictive at first glance, it actually highlights individuality over hierarchy. Without inherited family surnames, names reflect close family ties rather than ancestral lineage or social status. A quick tip for expats: many Icelanders share last names due to the patronymic system, but that doesn’t mean they’re related—or married! Always check before making assumptions based on surnames.
Fortunately, you’ll find that first-name use is the norm, even in formal settings. Titles like “Mr.” or “Ms.” can feel overly formal in Icelandic culture. As Severance actor Ólafur Darri Ólafsson joked on the show’s official podcast, Iceland is so egalitarian that you might bump into Björk at the grocery store—and yes, you’d call her Björk.
Want to see how it all fits together? Check out the infographic below for a visual guide to Icelandic naming conventions!
