Karlsson Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Karlsson come from? What does the surname Karlsson mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Karlsson and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Karlsson Origin: What does the last name Karlsson mean?
The surname Karlsson is of Scandinavian origin, specifically Swedish, and is a patronymic surname meaning "son of Karl" or "Karl's son." It is one of the most common surnames in Sweden, with alternative spellings like Carlsson, Karlson, Carlson, Carlzon, and Qarlsson. The parallel Danish-Norwegian forms are Karlsen and Carlsen. According to YourRoots data, the Karlsson surname first appeared in records from Sweden around the early 15th century, indicating its longstanding presence in the country.
YourRoots data further reveals that the Karlsson surname remained closely linked to Sweden throughout history, with a significant increase in family records from the 15th to the 18th century. By the 19th century, the surname had expanded in volume within Sweden, remaining strongly associated with the country. Unfortunately, specific information about the global spread of the Karlsson surname in the 20th century is unavailable. Nevertheless, the data suggests that the surname Karlsson is primarily concentrated in Sweden, reflecting its deep roots in the region.
Karlsson Last Name History: Where did the last name Karlsson come from?
Origin of Karlsson Surname: Where does the last name Karlsson originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Karlsson first appears in records from Sweden around the early 15th century. This reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “Karlsson” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Karlsson: What does the Karlsson surname history look like in the early days?
The “Karlsson” surname remained closely linked to Sweden, where it first appeared in the 15th century. From the 15th through the 18th century, the volume of Karlsson family records significantly increased in Sweden, indicating a steady growth. However, our data does not provide a clear picture of its spread to other countries during this period.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Karlsson surname today?
By the 19th century, the volume of records with the Karlsson surname greatly expanded in Sweden. The “Karlsson” surname remains strongly associated with Sweden, as reflected in the 20th-century records. Unfortunately, our data does not provide information about the presence of the Karlsson surname in other countries during the 20th century. The data suggests that the surname Karlsson is primarily concentrated in Sweden.
Explore Karlsson last name heritage and Karlsson surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Karlsson Surame?
Erik Karlsson
Erik Sven Gunnar Karlsson (May 31, 1990 - present) is a Swedish professional ice hockey defenseman known for his impressive career in the NHL. Karlsson has played for teams like the Ottawa Senators and the San Jose Sharks, but currently suits up for the Pittsburgh Penguins. He is a three-time winner of the James Norris Memorial Trophy, highlighting his skill as one of the league's best defensemen. Karlsson's journey from his debut with Frölunda HC to his success on the international stage showcases his talent and dedication to the sport.
William Karlsson
Lars William Karlsson (born Jan 8, 1993), known as "Wild Bill," is a Swedish professional ice hockey forward for the Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL. Karlsson has set records for the franchise, becoming their all-time leader in goals and scoring an NHL-high 43 goals in his first season with Vegas. He has been a key player in the team's success, helping them reach the Stanley Cup Finals in their inaugural season. Karlsson's skill on the ice and dedication to the sport have made him a fan favorite and a valuable asset to the Golden Knights.
Jonas Karlsson
Sven Bert Jonas Karlsson (born 11 Mar 1971) is a Swedish actor and author known for his Guldbagge Award-winning performance in the movie Details and his surreal writing style in novels like The Room and The Circus. Karlsson has appeared in various films and TV shows, including Black Mirror and the Beck series. He has also authored several books, such as Det andra målet and Fakturan. With a knack for portraying strange characters and Kafkaesque themes, Karlsson continues to captivate audiences with his unique blend of acting and storytelling.
Thomas Karlsson
Thomas Karlsson (born 1972) is a Swedish occult and esoteric writer known for founding Dragon Rouge, a Left-Hand Path initiatory organization. He holds a PhD in the History of Religions from Stockholm University and has authored books on occult, philosophy, and paranormal topics. Karlsson's influences range from Sumerian mythology to modern philosophers like Nietzsche and Heidegger. His work explores astral projections, alchemy, tantra, and the qlippoth. Through Dragon Rouge, he delves into magical writers such as Carlos Castaneda and Julius Evola. Karlsson's unique perspective on mysticism and magic has made him a notable figure in the world of esotericism.
Robert Karlsson
Robert Karlsson (born Sep 3, 1969) is a Swedish professional golfer known for his successful career on the European Tour and the PGA Tour. He won the Order of Merit in 2008 and has secured numerous victories throughout his career. Karlsson has represented Sweden in prestigious golf events like the Ryder Cup and the World Cup, showcasing his talent on an international stage. As he transitions to the PGA Tour Champions, Karlsson continues to make a mark in the world of golf with his skill and dedication to the sport.
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