Ætti

ætti is a historical term found in Old Norse and Icelandic that refers to a person’s lineage, ancestry, or family. It denotes the genealogical line that connects individuals to a clan or noble house and is closely tied to concepts of kinship, inheritance, and social status. In medieval texts, the ætt or æti of a ruler or noble family established claims to authority, land, and prestige. The plural ættir (also spelled ættar in some sources) denotes multiple lineages or families and is commonly used in discussions of dynasties and kin networks.

Etymology and usage in sources: The word originates in Old Norse and is related to similar terms across Scandinavian languages that express lineage and birthright. In saga literature and legal annals, ætti or ættir is used to portray a family’s continuity, alliances through marriage, and the transmission of status. The form ætti appears in some historical spellings and transliterations, while the standard modern Icelandic form is usually ætt.

Modern context: In contemporary Icelandic, the concept persists in genealogical discourse, though the common everyday term for “ancestry” is typically ætt. The idea remains central to studies of genealogy, medieval history, and the organization of noble lines in Norse and Scandinavian history. Related topics include kinship, noble houses, and dynastic succession.

See also: genealogy, kinship, noble houses, Norse history.