ættarsetningum

Attarsetningum is an Icelandic term referring to a set or sequence of family names or genealogical designations used to identify individuals within family lineages. The word is derived from "ætt" meaning "family" or "lineage," and "-setningum," a suffix denoting "set" or "arrangement." Historically, attarsetningum played a significant role in Icelandic society, especially before the widespread adoption of fixed surnames, helping to trace familial connections and social status.

In traditional Icelandic naming practices, individuals often bore patronymic or matronymic surnames based on their father's or mother's given name, such as "Jónsson" meaning "son of Jón." However, attarsetningum provided a broader framework for establishing hierarchical family relationships and were sometimes used in legal documents, genealogical records, and storytelling to emphasize lineage and heritage.

While the modern Icelandic naming system largely relies on patronymic and matronymic names, the concept of attarsetningum remains relevant in genealogical research and cultural studies. It reflects the historical importance placed on family origins and transmission of names across generations. In contemporary contexts, however, the use of attarsetningum has diminished, replaced by more standardized naming conventions, but they continue to be a subject of interest in the study of Icelandic history and familial identity.