Hågensdatter

Hågensdatter is a surname of Norse origin, commonly found in Norway. The name is patronymic, meaning it is derived from a father's given name. In this case, "Hågen" is the given name, and "datter" is the Old Norse word for "daughter." Therefore, Hågensdatter literally translates to "daughter of Hågen." This naming convention was prevalent in Scandinavia for centuries, indicating lineage through the male line.

While the surname itself is straightforward in its meaning, tracing the specific historical lineage of individuals bearing the name Hågensdatter can be complex. Like many historical surnames, its usage and prevalence have varied over time and across different regions of Norway. Records may exist in church registers, census data, and land ownership documents, but the availability and accessibility of these can differ. The name Hågensdatter signifies a connection to a male ancestor named Hågen and reflects a traditional Norwegian family structure. The practice of using patronymic surnames gradually transitioned to fixed hereditary surnames in Norway, but patronymic forms like Hågensdatter persisted in some areas for a considerable period.