Discover people named Anne Eriksdatter

The last name Eriksdatter is of Scandinavian origin, specifically rooted in Norway and Denmark, where it historically denoted a patronymic surname meaning "daughter of Erik." The name Erik itself is derived from the Old Norse name Eiríkr, which combines the elements "ei" (ever) and "ríkr" (ruler or king), thus translating to "eternal ruler." This surname reflects the common practice in Norse culture of using patronymics, where children were named after their fathers, indicating lineage and familial connections. Variations of Eriksdatter can be found in different regions, such as Eriksen or Eriksson, which are patronymic forms for sons of Erik, while in Iceland, the equivalent would be Eiríksdóttir, following the Icelandic naming convention. The use of such surnames highlights the importance of ancestry and heritage in Scandinavian societies, where family lineage played a significant role in social identity.