Þorkelsdóttir

Þorkelsdóttir is an Icelandic patronymic surname. In Iceland, patronymic surnames are formed by taking the father's given name and adding the suffix "-son" for sons or "-dóttir" for daughters. Therefore, Þorkelsdóttir literally means "daughter of Þorkell." This naming convention is a common practice in Iceland and is distinct from hereditary surnames found in many other cultures. Individuals bearing this surname indicate that their father's given name was Þorkell. This system has been in place for centuries and continues to be the standard for most Icelanders. While the practice is widespread, some Icelandic families do have hereditary surnames, often due to historical reasons or specific legislation. However, the vast majority of Icelanders have patronymic or matronymic names. When encountering the surname Þorkelsdóttir, one can assume the person's father was named Þorkell. This practice ensures a clear connection to the father's lineage for each generation.