Vilhjálmsdóttir

Vilhjálmsdóttir is a common Icelandic patronymic surname. In Iceland, surnames are often derived from the father's given name. Therefore, Vilhjálmsdóttir literally translates to "daughter of Vilhjálmur." This means that any woman with this surname has a father named Vilhjálmur. Icelandic naming conventions also dictate that the male equivalent would be Vilhjálmsson, meaning "son of Vilhjálmur." This patronymic system is a traditional practice in Iceland and has been in place for centuries, though some Icelanders have begun adopting unique surnames in recent years.

The prevalence of Vilhjálmsdóttir is tied to the popularity of the given name Vilhjálmur, which is an Icelandic form of William. As such, many unrelated individuals may share this surname. When researching individuals with this surname, it is important to consider the patronymic nature and potentially seek out the father's given name for further disambiguation. While not unique to Iceland, the strict adherence to the patronymic system for the majority of the population makes it a defining characteristic of Icelandic surnames. The practice offers a clear genealogical link within families.