Discover people named Elna Jonasdotter

The last name Jonasdotter is of Swedish origin, derived from the given name Jonas, which is the Scandinavian form of the Hebrew name Jonah, meaning "dove." The suffix "dotter" translates to "daughter" in Swedish, indicating a patronymic naming convention that was common in Scandinavia, where children were often identified by their father's name. This surname likely emerged in Sweden and other Nordic countries, reflecting a historical practice where women were designated by their father's first name, thus signifying lineage. Variations of the name can be found in different cultures, such as Jonasson or Jonsson, which denote "son of Jonas," while the female equivalent, Jonasdotter, emphasizes the female lineage. The name is emblematic of the social structure of the time, where family ties and heritage were significant, and it remains a testament to the cultural practices of naming in Sweden.