Faroese Surnames

Primary Patronyms

As in the other Nordic countries, the use of primary patronyms (and sometimes matronyms) instead of surnames was common on the Faroe Islands until hereditary surnames became mandatory in Denmark in 1828.

To create a Faroese primary patronym, the suffix -son (= 'son') or -dóttir (= 'daughter') is added to the genitive form of the father's name. You will find the genitive forms of Faroese names in the grammar tables on the respective name pages.

Examples

Name	Genitive	Son's patronym	Daughter's patronym
Sigurd	Sigurdar	Sigurdarson	Sigurdardóttir
Jákup	Jákups	Jákupsson	Jákupsdóttir
Jógvan	Jógvans	Jógvansson	Jógvansdóttir
Arnfinnur	Arnfins	Arnfinsson	Arnfinsdóttir

Danish Influence

The Faroe Islands have been a part of Norway, Denmark-Norway and Denmark since the Middle Ages and were therefore strongly influenced by Danish naming patterns (see Danish Surnames). This Danish influence is the reason why the most common surnames on the Faroe Islands are Danish secondary patronyms.

Farm Names

Some Faroese took a farm name instead or additionally to the (Danish) patronymic name.

See also

• Old Norse Surnames
• Danish Surnames
• Finnish Surnames
• Icelandic Surnames
• Norwegian Surnames
• Sami Surnames
• Swedish Surnames