Discover people named Gerda Johnsson

The last name Johnsson is of Scandinavian origin, particularly prevalent in Sweden and other Nordic countries. It is a patronymic surname derived from the given name "John," which itself comes from the Hebrew name "Yohanan," meaning "God is gracious." The suffix "-sson" translates to "son of," indicating lineage; thus, Johnsson essentially means "son of John." This naming convention was common in medieval Scandinavia, where surnames often reflected the father's first name, linking individuals to their paternal heritage. Variations of the surname can be found across different regions, including Johnson in English-speaking countries, Jonsson in Iceland, and Jonsson in Finland, each reflecting local linguistic adaptations. The surname has historical roots in agrarian societies, where family lineage was crucial for inheritance and social structure, and it remains a common surname in modern times, often associated with individuals in various professions, from agriculture to academia.