Discover people named Olof Hansdotter

The last name Hansdotter has Scandinavian origins, particularly from Sweden, where it is derived from the patronymic naming tradition, meaning "daughter of Hans." The name Hans itself is a diminutive of Johannes, which means "God is gracious" in Hebrew. Historically, surnames in this region often indicated lineage, with "dotter" denoting female descent, thus signifying that the bearer is the daughter of someone named Hans. This naming convention was prevalent in Sweden until the 19th century, when fixed surnames became more common. Variations of the name can be found in different cultures, such as Hansdottir in Icelandic contexts, where the suffix reflects the same meaning but is adapted to the Icelandic language structure. While the name is less common outside of Scandinavia, it may appear in various forms in regions with historical ties to Swedish immigration. Overall, Hansdotter encapsulates a rich cultural heritage tied to familial lineage and the significance of names in Scandinavian society.