nafn

Nafn is the Icelandic noun meaning "name" and is used to refer to the label by which a person, place, or thing is identified. It is a basic term in language, law, and culture, appearing in dictionaries, official documents, and everyday conversation.

Etymology and cognates: Nafn derives from Old Icelandic nafn and is part of a family of Germanic words for "name." It is closely related to English name, German Name, Danish navn, and Norwegian/Swedish equivalents, reflecting shared roots in the Proto-Germanic language.

Grammar and usage: The base form is nafn; the definite singular is nafnið, and the plural is nöfn. In Icelandic, names function as proper nouns and can appear in various compound forms; the term covers personal names, place names, and other labels. In onomastic study, nafns are analyzed for origin, meaning, and social role.

Cultural context: In Iceland, naming practices typically rely on given names and patronymic or matronymic surnames rather than fixed family names. The selection and spelling of given names are often subject to regulatory guidelines to preserve language compatibility and cultural tradition.