Meaning and Etymology
The surname Johansson is a Swedish patronymic name meaning “son of Johan”. Swedish naming tradition formed surnames by adding the genitive suffix –son to a father’s given name. The name is therefore a direct translation of the phrase “Johan’s son” and has been a common surname in Sweden for many centuries. The name’s meaning and formation type are documented by the name‑dictionary Behind the Name.
Historical Evidence
Current publicly available sources do not provide a verifiable earliest recorded instance of the surname. Historical Swedish parish records from the 17th and 18th centuries contain many individuals named Johansson, but no single earliest entry has been identified in the data set used for this profile. Researchers should consult the Swedish National Archives (Riksarkivet) or the Church Book Index for specific early occurrences.
Spelling Variants
In contemporary Swedish usage the spelling Johansson is standard. Variants such as Johansson or Johansson‑son appear rarely and are not supported by authoritative sources. No documented historical variants of the spelling are listed in the available reference.
Distribution and Frequency
Statistical data on the surname’s distribution are not included in this profile. The surname is recognized as the second most common surname in Sweden, but precise population counts and regional frequencies are beyond the scope of the cited source.
How to Research This Surname
Because Johansson is a Swedish patronymic name, genealogical research typically begins in Sweden. Key resources include:
- Swedish Church Book Index (Kyrkbokindex) for births, marriages, and deaths from the 16th to 20th centuries.
- The Swedish National Archives (Riksarkivet) for census records, military rolls, and land registers.
- Immigration and emigration registers, especially for the 19th‑century wave of Swedish emigrants to North America.
Searching for the surname in these sources requires awareness of possible spelling changes over time, but the core form Johansson is overwhelmingly consistent.
Common Misconceptions
Some users assume that surnames ending in –son are of English origin. In reality, the patronymic –son suffix is widespread across Scandinavian languages, and Johansson is distinctly Swedish. The surname should not be conflated with similarly spelled English surnames such as Johnson, which have a separate etymology.
Source Notes and Review Status
The information in this profile is based solely on the Behind the Name entry for Johansson. No additional primary source records were consulted during the creation of this article. Editorial review status: Pending.