Discover people named Karin Gustafsson

The last name Gustafsson is of Swedish origin, derived from the given name Gustaf, which itself is rooted in the Old Norse name Gustafr, meaning "staff of the Goths." This surname typically indicates "son of Gustaf," reflecting the patronymic naming tradition common in Scandinavian cultures, where surnames were often formed by adding "son" or "dottir" (daughter) to the father's name. The name Gustaf has historical significance in Sweden, associated with several kings, which may have conferred a sense of nobility or leadership to those who bore the surname. Variations of Gustafsson can be found in other Scandinavian countries, such as Gustafson in Norway and Gustafsson in Finland, where the spelling may differ slightly but retains the same meaning. The surname is prevalent in Sweden and among Swedish descendants worldwide, particularly in the United States, where many Swedish immigrants settled in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Overall, Gustafsson reflects a rich cultural heritage tied to familial lineage and historical significance in the Nordic region.