Olofsson

Olofsson is a Swedish patronymic surname meaning "son of Olof". Olof is the Swedish form of Olaf, which derives from the Old Norse name Áleifr, composed of the elements anu "ancestor" and leif "inheritance, legacy" – thus meaning "ancestor's descendant". The name Olaf was borne by five kings of Norway, including Saint Olaf (Olaf II), who played a key role in the Christianization of Norway.

Notable Bearers

Notable individuals with the surname Olofsson include Anna Carin Olofsson (born 1973), a Swedish biathlete who won Olympic and World Championship medals; Clark Olofsson (1947–2025), a notorious Swedish criminal who inspired the term "Stockholm syndrome"; Fredrik Olofsson (born 1996) and Gustav Olofsson (born 1994), both professional ice hockey players; and Maud Olofsson (born 1955), a Centre Party politician who served as Minister for Enterprise and Energy. In Swedish mythology, Ingjald Olofsson was a legendary king of Värmland.

Variants and Distribution

The surname Olsson, a common contraction of Olofsson, is more widespread today. The Swedish feminine form Olofsdotter ("daughter of Olof") also exists. Cognates in other Scandinavian languages include Danish Olesen and Norwegian Olsen, as well as the anglicized form Olson.

• Meaning: son of Olof
• Origin: Swedish, from Old Norse
• Type: Patronymic surname
• Usage: Mostly Sweden, but also found in emigrant communities