Swedish surnames often reflect the country's history and culture. Traditionally, many surnames were patronymic, meaning they were derived from the father's first name. For example, a son of a man named Johan might have the surname Johansson, while a daughter would be Johansdotter. This practice was common until the late 19th century. In modern times, Swedish surnames can also indicate geographical origins or occupations. Names like Lindström (meaning "lime stream") or Bergström (meaning "mountain stream") highlight natural features, while names like Smed (meaning "smith") refer to trades. Today, many Swedes carry surnames that reflect both heritage and personal identity.