Fredriksen is a Norwegian patronymic surname meaning "son of Fredrik". It is a common surname in Norway, reflecting the Scandinavian tradition of forming family names by adding -sen (son) to a father's given name. Etymology The surname Fredriksen traces back to the masculine given name Fredrik, the Swedish and Norwegian form of Frederick. Frederick itself derives from an Old Germanic name composed of the elements fridu "peace" and rih "ruler, king", giving the meaning "peaceful ruler". The name has been borne by numerous kings and emperors throughout Europe, including rulers of the Holy Roman Empire, Germany, Austria, Scandinavia, and Prussia. The Norman conquest brought Frederick to England in the 11th century, but it fell out of use before being reintroduced by the German House of Hanover in the 18th century. Geographic Distribution and Variants Fredriksen is primarily found in Norway, while other Scandinavian countries have cognate forms: Frederiksen in Danish, Fredriksson in Swedish, and Friedrich or Fried in German. The patronymic ending -sen in Danish and Norwegian corresponds to Swedish -son, all meaning "son" in their respective languages. Notable Bearers Notable individuals with the surname Fredriksen include: John Fredriksen (born 1944), a Norwegian-born shipping tycoon and oil tanker magnate; Jan-Henrik Fredriksen (1956–2020), Norwegian politician; Paula Fredriksen (born 1951), an American scholar of early Christianity and Judaism; Mark Fredriksen (1936–2011), a French political figure who led a far-right movement; Jon André Fredriksen (born 1982) and Trond Fredriksen (born 1977), both Norwegian footballers; Oskar Fredriksen (cross-country skier), Norwegian cross-country skier; and Oskar Fredriksen (speed skater) (1872–1920), Norwegian speed skater. Other bearers include politicians Aslaug Fredriksen and Kitty Petrine Fredriksen, pop singer Lars A. Fredriksen, French painter Sigurd Fredriksen, and Norwegian Playmate Britt Fredriksen. Meaning: "son of Fredrik" Origin: Norwegian patronymic Root Name: Fredrik → Frederick (peaceful ruler) Usage: Largely limited to Norway Related Surnames: Frederiksen (Danish), Fredriksson (Swedish), Friedrich (German)