Discover people named Martha Jansdotter

The last name Jansdotter, of Scandinavian origin, particularly from Sweden, translates to "daughter of Jan," with "Jan" being a variant of the name Johannes, meaning "God is gracious." This patronymic surname reflects the historical practice in Nordic countries of forming surnames based on the father's first name, indicating lineage and familial connections. The name is primarily associated with regions in Sweden, where such naming conventions were prevalent from the late Middle Ages onward. Variations of Jansdotter can include Jansdottir, which is more common in Iceland, and other forms like Jansson or Janssonsson, which denote "son of Jan." The use of "dotter" signifies a female lineage, distinguishing it from male counterparts, and highlights the cultural significance of family heritage in Scandinavian societies. While the name may not be widely spread outside of these regions, it remains a testament to the historical naming customs that emphasize ancestry and familial ties.