Pálsdóttir

Pálsdóttir is a common Icelandic patronymic surname, meaning "daughter of Páll". Páll is the Icelandic form of the given name Paul. Surnames in Iceland are traditionally patronymic, meaning a child's surname is derived from the father's first name, with the suffix "-son" for sons and "-dóttir" for daughters. This practice continues to be widespread in Iceland, although the government has allowed the use of registered surnames since 1996.

The surname Pálsdóttir would indicate that the bearer's father was named Páll. For example, if a person named Sigríður had a father named Páll, her surname would be Pálsdóttir. Conversely, her brother would have the surname Pálsson. This system ensures a direct link to the paternal lineage. While many Icelanders still adhere to this tradition, there is a growing number who adopt family surnames, often inherited from mothers or grandparents, or choose a new surname altogether.

Given the prevalence of the given name Páll in Iceland, Pálsdóttir is a relatively frequent surname. Individuals with this surname can be found throughout Iceland and in the Icelandic diaspora. The meaning of the surname is straightforward and directly reflects the Icelandic naming convention.