Óttarsson

Óttarsson is a common Icelandic patronymic surname, meaning "son of Óttar". Óttar is an Old Norse given name derived from the elements "óðr" (meaning "fury" or "rage") and "arr" (meaning "warrior"). As a patronymic, it indicates descent from an ancestor named Óttar. Many Icelandic families share this surname due to the prevalence of the given name Óttar throughout Icelandic history.

Notable individuals with the surname Óttarsson include Einar Óttarsson, an Icelandic actor and comedian, and Jón Óttarsson, a prominent Icelandic businessman. The surname is a testament to the historical naming conventions still practiced in Iceland, where surnames are typically formed by appending "-son" (for sons) or "-dóttir" (for daughters) to the father's given name. This practice ensures that surnames can change with each generation, unlike many fixed hereditary surnames found in other cultures. The cultural significance of patronymics like Óttarsson remains a defining characteristic of Icelandic identity.