Jonasson

Jonasson is a Swedish patronymic surname meaning "son of Jonas 2", derived from the given name Jonas, which itself is the Greek form of Jonah, a name of Hebrew origin meaning "dove". Patronymic surnames are common in Scandinavian naming traditions, where -son (or -sson) indicates descent.

The name Jonas originates from the biblical prophet Jonah, who, according to the Old Testament Book of Jonah, was swallowed by a large fish after disobeying God's command to preach in Nineveh. The story of Jonah was popular in the Middle Ages, leading to the use of the Hellenized form Jonas in various European languages.

While Jonasson is primarily Swedish, the Icelandic variant Jónasson (with an accent over the 'o') is also found. Notable bearers of the surname include Swedish writer Jonas Jonasson (born 1961), author of the bestselling novel The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared; Sven Jonasson (1909–1984), a Swedish professional football player; and Mats Jonasson (born 1945), a Swedish glass designer. In Canada, individuals of Icelandic descent may carry the surname Jonasson, such as Sigtryggur Jonasson (1852–1942), a leader of the Canadian-Icelandic community and politician in Manitoba.

Related forms in other Scandinavian languages include Danish Jonasen and Hungarian Jónás, though the latter is a given name rather than a surname.

Notable Bearers

• Einar Jonasson (1887–1935), Canadian politician from Manitoba
• Frank Jonasson (1878–1942), American silent-film actor
• Jonas Jonasson (born 1961), Swedish writer
• Mats Jonasson (born 1945), Swedish glass designer
• Niclas Jonasson (born 1976), Swedish orienteering champion
• Sigtryggur Jonasson (1852–1942), Canadian politician and community leader
• Sven Jonasson (1909–1984), Swedish footballer
• Thomas H. Jonasson (born 1988), Swedish motorcycle racer

The surname remains most concentrated in Sweden and among diaspora communities in Iceland and North America.