Discover people named Elna Erlandsdotter

The last name Erlandsdotter is of Swedish origin, derived from the patronymic naming tradition common in Scandinavia, where surnames are formed by combining the father's name with the suffix "-dotter," meaning "daughter of." In this case, "Erland" is a given name that has roots in Old Norse, likely derived from "Erlendr," which means "foreigner" or "stranger." The name Erlandsdotter would have originally indicated a female descendant of someone named Erland, reflecting the familial lineage and social structure of the time. This surname is primarily found in Sweden and is indicative of the historical practice of naming children after their parents, which was prevalent in the region until the 19th century. Variations of the name may include Erlandsson or Erlandsson for males, as well as different spellings or adaptations in other Scandinavian countries, but the core meaning remains tied to the lineage of Erland. The use of such surnames highlights the importance of ancestry and familial connections in Swedish culture.