Õnnepalu

Õnnepalu is an Estonian surname. It is a relatively common surname in Estonia. The word "õnnepalu" itself translates to "happiness forest" or "forest of happiness" in Estonian. This name might have originated from a place name or been given to an ancestor based on their perceived connection to nature or a desire for a happy life. Like many surnames, its origins can be traced back to a specific geographical location or a descriptive characteristic of an early bearer.

There have been notable individuals with the surname Õnnepalu. One prominent figure is Jaan Kross, an Estonian writer, who, prior to the Soviet occupation, used the pseudonym "Jaanus Õnnepalu" for some of his works. This pseudonym choice might have reflected a desire for a more hopeful or idyllic persona. Another significant individual is Toomas Vint, a well-known Estonian artist, who also used the pseudonym "Jaanus Õnnepalu" in certain contexts. The repeated use of this pseudonym by artists suggests it carried a certain cultural resonance or symbolic meaning. The surname itself, with its positive connotation, could have been appealing.