When did people in northern Europe start using last names and how were they chosen?

Answer 1

Norwegians started using last names during the Viking age and it was important to carry on the fathers first name--hence, John's son---Johnson would be his last name. Trades were also a popular way of coming up with last names and it was common to do the same type of work all in one family--i.e. Brewster for people who brew beer or Metzger is a common last name in Germany and it means a butcher. This is not the answer to end all answers but its what I know about names in Northern Europe. One reason last names also became more commonly used was because of the church and church records of baptism and having a "Christian" name--not just a one name name, so the family could be recorded in the church. Okay, now this is the end of my answer!! But there is so much more info and ideas on this topic and I think its interesting. Good luck finding out more on this topic.

Answer 2

I don't know when it started, but many times the last names were the trade the person worked in: Smith (blacksmith), Baker, Tanner, Cook, Cooper, etc. Names like Johnson came from being "John's son." Often town names were used as well.

Answer 3

Did not know that they did not use a last name.

Answer 4

Icelanders still don't use last names.