Torkelsdatter

Torkelsdatter is a common Scandinavian patronymic surname, meaning "daughter of Torkel". Torkel itself is a given name derived from Old Norse, composed of the elements "Þorkell" or "Þórketill", which means "Thor's kettle" or "Thor's helmet". This type of surname, indicating the father's given name, was traditionally used in Norway and Sweden. While patronymics are still common in Iceland, in Norway and Sweden, many have evolved into fixed family surnames over time, or have been replaced by surnames derived from place names or occupations. Therefore, Torkelsdatter can be found as a surname in modern Scandinavia, representing a lineage tracing back to an ancestor named Torkel. The prevalence of the name Torkel, and consequently Torkelsdatter, would have varied historically depending on regional popularity of the name. Individuals with the surname Torkelsdatter are most likely to be found in countries with historical Scandinavian populations.