Discover people named Kerstin Carlsdotter

The last name Carlsdotter is of Swedish origin, derived from the patronymic naming tradition common in Scandinavia, where surnames were often formed by combining the father's name with the suffix "-dotter," meaning "daughter of." This indicates that Carlsdotter originally referred to the daughter of a man named Carl, which itself is derived from the Old Norse name "Karl," meaning "free man" or "man." The name is primarily found in Sweden and reflects the historical practice of naming children after their fathers, a system that was prevalent in the region until the 19th century. Variations of the name can include Carlsson or Karlsson, which denote "son of Carl," showcasing the gendered nature of Swedish surnames. While Carlsdotter is less common today, it remains a significant representation of Swedish heritage and the cultural importance of lineage in naming conventions.