In Iceland, surnames are typically derived from the first name of a parent, following a patronymic or matronymic system. For example, if a father's name is Jón, his son might have the surname Jónsson (meaning "son of Jón"), while his daughter would have the surname Jónsdóttir (meaning "daughter of Jón"). This system reflects Iceland's unique cultural heritage and emphasis on family lineage. Unlike many other countries, Iceland does not use fixed family surnames. Instead, individuals often have surnames that change with each generation, making it common for siblings to have different last names. This practice highlights the importance of personal identity over family lineage in Icelandic society.