Jonsson

Jonsson is a Nordic surname meaning “son of Jon,” with Jon derived from the given name John. It occurs in several Scandinavian countries, most commonly in Sweden where the spelling Jonsson is widespread, and in Iceland where the form Jónsson is written with an accent and typically functions as a patronymic rather than a fixed family name.

In Iceland, Jónsson historically indicates the father’s given name rather than a hereditary lineage, so it can change from generation to generation. In Sweden, by contrast, Jonsson is usually a hereditary surname passed down through families. Variants of the name include Johansson and Jansson in Sweden, and Jonasson in some regions. In Icelandic usage, the feminine form Jónsdóttir is used for daughters of Jón.

Geographically, the surname has spread beyond the Nordic region through migration and diaspora, and is now found in countries with Swedish or Icelandic heritage such as the United States and Canada. In contemporary contexts, Jonsson appears in diverse fields, including sports, academia, culture, and public life across the Nordic world and among expatriate communities.

Notable individuals bearing the surname Jonsson appear in various sectors, particularly in sports, literature, and science, reflecting its broad Nordic roots. The name is a common entry in genealogical and demographic references on Nordic naming practices and surname distributions.