Swedish Heraldry & Coats of Arms
Swedish heraldry, with its rich tapestry of symbols and designs, offers a fascinating glimpse into the nation’s history, culture, and societal structures. From the majestic national coat of arms to the intricate emblems of provinces and families, these heraldic symbols narrate Sweden’s journey through time.
National Coat of Arms
At the pinnacle of Swedish heraldry stands the national coat of arms, which exists in two primary versions: the Greater and Lesser coats of arms.
• Greater Coat of Arms: This elaborate emblem features a shield divided into four quarters by a golden cross with outbent arms. The first and fourth quarters display three open crowns of gold on a blue background, symbolizing the “Three Crowns of Sweden.” The second and third quarters depict a lion crowned with an open crown, superimposed over three diagonal silver streams on a blue field. At the center lies an inescutcheon combining the dynastic arms of the House of Vasa and the House of Bernadotte. The shield is crowned and surrounded by the insignia of the Order of the Seraphim, supported by two lions and encircled by a royal mantle.
• Lesser Coat of Arms: Simpler in design, this version showcases a blue shield with three golden crowns arranged two above one, topped with a royal crown. It is primarily used by the government and various state authorities.
Provincial and Municipal Heraldry
Beyond the national symbols, Sweden’s provinces and municipalities boast their own unique coats of arms, reflecting regional identities and histories. For instance, the province of Gotland features a silver ram bearing a cross-staff and banner, set against a blue field—a design rooted in medieval seals. Similarly, Uppland’s arms display a golden royal orb on a red background, symbolizing authority and tradition.
Family Coats of Arms and Surnames
In Sweden, family coats of arms were traditionally associated with the nobility. However, with time, burgher arms became common among the middle class, especially during the 17th and 18th centuries. These personal heraldic symbols often incorporated elements indicative of the bearer’s profession, virtues, or ancestral stories.
Swedish surnames, particularly patronymic ones, play a significant role in understanding familial lineage and heritage. Below is a list of the 200 most common Swedish surnames, along with their meanings:
1. Andersson – Son of Anders
2. Johansson – Son of Johan
3. Karlsson – Son of Karl
4. Nilsson – Son of Nils
5. Eriksson – Son of Erik
6. Larsson – Son of Lars
7. Olsson – Son of Olof
8. Persson – Son of Per
9. Svensson – Son of Sven
10. Gustafsson – Son of Gustaf
11. Pettersson – Son of Petter
12. Jonsson – Son of Jon
13. Jansson – Son of Jan
14. Hansson – Son of Hans
15. Bengtsson – Son of Bengt
16. Jönsson – Son of Jöns
17. Lindberg – Combination of “lind” (lime tree) and “berg” (mountain)
18. Jakobsson – Son of Jakob
19. Magnusson – Son of Magnus
20. Olofsson – Son of Olof
21. Lindström – Combination of “lind” (lime tree) and “ström” (stream)
22. Lindgren – Combination of “lind” (lime tree) and “gren” (branch)
23. Axelsson – Son of Axel
24. Bergström – Combination of “berg” (mountain) and “ström” (stream)
25. Lundberg – Combination of “lund” (grove) and “berg” (mountain)
26. Lundgren – Combination of “lund” (grove) and “gren” (branch)
27. Lundqvist – Combination of “lund” (grove) and “qvist” (twig)
28. Mattsson – Son of Mats
29. Berglund – Combination of “berg” (mountain) and “lund” (grove)
30. Fredriksson – Son of Fredrik
31. Sandberg – Combination of “sand” and “berg” (mountain)
32. Henriksson – Son of Henrik
33. Forsberg – Combination of “fors” (rapid) and “berg” (mountain)