Iceland culture

The Story Behind “-dóttir” and “-son” Surnames If you’ve ever met an Icelander, you might’ve noticed something funny, everyone seems to have a last name ending in ‑son or ‑dóttir. Maybe you’ve even wondered, “Wait… are they all related?” It is a small island, after all! But here’s the twist: Icelanders don’t use family surnames […]

With smoldering volcanoes, steaming hot springs, and emerald green valleys dotting its landscapes, you might be wondering, “Why is Iceland called Iceland?” The tale of how Iceland got its name goes back thousands of years, to the time of the first Norse settlers. Read on to discover Iceland’s naming history, the legendary figure of Hrafna […]