Is there a common name in Iceland?

The lack of a common family name among most families in Iceland also means it’s very difficult to trace your lineage unless you have a good family tree maintained by your ancestors. Most of the time, Icelandic people prefer to forget about surnames entirely, referring to their loved ones and friends by their first names only.

What if my name is not deemed Icelandic?

If parents want to chose a name not on the list they can apply to the Icelandic Naming Committee, who can reject any names not deemed Icelandic enough! If the committee rejects your given name, you are simply registered as stulka, which means “girl” or strákur, which means “boy” on your passport and official papers.

Can a name be changed in Iceland?

In Iceland, a person’s legal name is determined at birth, and it cannot be changed without the approval of the Icelandic Naming Committee. How do parents choose which name to use for their children’s surnames?

What happens to Icelandic last names on marriage?

So if you’re wondering what happens to Icelandic last names on marriage, you can be reassured that they don’t change and that women keep the same name that they were born with.