ättlingar

ättlingar is the plural form of ättling, a Swedish term used to refer to people who descend from a common ancestor. It is commonly used in genealogical contexts to describe descendants across generations, rather than merely one’s immediate offspring. The root ätt means lineage or family line, and the suffix -lingar marks the plural. The concept is distinct from avkommor (offspring) and släkt (kin) in nuance: avkommor emphasizes direct offspring, while släkt denotes kin in a broader sense; ättlingar emphasizes the continuity of a lineage through time.

In historical contexts, particularly when discussing noble houses, ätt can denote a family or house, such as Vasa-ätten. In such cases, ättlingar are the living descendants of that house and may carry or preserve the family name or legacy, depending on tradition and records. In modern usage, ättlingar is a neutral, inclusive term for anyone who traces their ancestry to a person or lineage, and it is commonly found in genealogical records, family histories, and discussions of heritage.

See also related terms such as släkt (kin), förfäder (ancestors), and genealogiska träd (genealogical trees).