Óláfsson

Óláfsson is a patronymic surname of Old Norse origin, meaning "son of Óláfr." Óláfr itself is a common given name derived from the Old Norse elements óð (meaning "heritage," "possession," or "wealth") and leifr (meaning "heir," "descendant," or "survivor"). This surname is particularly prevalent in Iceland and the Faroe Islands, reflecting the historical Norse settlement of these regions. It can also be found, though less commonly, in other Scandinavian countries and among people of Scandinavian descent worldwide. Variations in spelling may exist due to historical transcription practices and linguistic evolution, such as Olafsson or Olufsen. The surname signifies a lineage tracing back to an ancestor named Óláfr, a name borne by several prominent historical figures, most notably King Óláfr II of Norway, also known as Saint Óláfr. The distribution and usage of the Óláfsson surname are largely tied to the cultural and linguistic heritage of the North Germanic peoples.