Lindgren
A Swedish surname meaning “linden tree branch” or “linden branch,” built from nature words common in Scandinavian family names.
The #4,834 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 42,294 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Lindgren is a Swedish surname formed from lind, meaning “linden” or “lime tree,” and gren, meaning “branch.” Taken literally, it suggests “linden branch” and fits the pattern of Swedish surnames built from attractive natural elements rather than from a single occupation or place. As with many Swedish family names, the exact original motivation may have been ornamental or descriptive rather than genealogical.
History
The name belongs to the large class of Swedish surnames that became common in the 18th and 19th centuries, especially among soldiers, craftsmen, and townspeople who adopted or were assigned fixed family names. It spread beyond Sweden through emigration, especially to North America, where it remains distinctly Swedish in feel. A well-known bearer was the Swedish-American writer and woodcarver Olof Krans? Actually notable: Astrid Lindgren is the famous Swedish author, though her surname is best known through her literary fame rather than any special etymological significance.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
Astrid Lindgren, author of Pippi Longstocking, made the surname internationally familiar far beyond its Scandinavian roots.
Notable people named Lindgren
- Astrid Lindgren (1907–2002)
Sourced from Wikidata; linked to their Wikipedia page.