“For example, “Andreasson” first became “Andersson” and then later “Anderson””
- Are you sure? Andersson has since long been way more common than Andreasson over here.
On the other hand, some Swedish immigrants to America might well’ve been named Andreasson and then had their offspring ended up as good Andersons.
“My greatgrandmother came in 1861, age 8. To Chisago.
My great grandfather came in 1870, age 25.”
- Chisago? It truly is an honor talking to you over the Internet.
For many reasons.
I'm a 41 European. But that doesn't mean I'm unaware what a great nation Scandinavians and other Europeans took part in building across the partly promising, partly frightful and eternally dividing Atlantic Ocean a long time ago.
Let's speak “today”.
America should not be viewed as yet another colony of Europe.
Sooner and more rightfully, America ought to be considered as the most promising project of Humanity ever - however, it's a fragile one..
The Middle East peace processes have failed big time. China is all oppression and Russia is presently destroying itself by cheap alcohol.
The EU could compete with America.
But, even better, together we could rule over stupidity like that coming from Iran and North Korea etc.
However, I fear there exist far to little of common believes between Americans and European for this to happen.
But, perhaps, this could be altered?
Personally, as a European, I'll always lend an ear to how Americans view World matters.
- I don't love the US to 100%, but to 99% I find America very convincing!
A great deal of love from cold Scandinavia!
“- Are you sure? Andersson has since long been way more common than Andreasson over here.”
100% verified. A few years ago I was in contact with cousins in Sweden, who independently verified genealogical reseach that I obtained from family members, here.
“Anders” is nordic (north Germanic) and “Andreas” is common in Germany, Switzerland, etc. It is closer to Latin, as well. (In Italian, it is “Andrea”). All of course for the English “Andrew.”
I think some in Scandinavia were or tried to be identified with continental Europe, through Latin, for the sake of status, etc.
For example, Latinized names were/are found among university professors, religious figures, etc.
Perhaps you know more about this?
My greatgrandfather’s family was from near Karlstadt, and to the west just slightly into Norway.
My greatgrandmother’s family was from Hovmantorp, and nearby. Eg. the very people that Moberg researched and wrote about.
My greatgrandmother was half-sister to the real female which inspired Moberg’s “Kristina” character.
My uncle, US Army career officer, renaissance man, Mormon, studied, as did his son when on his mission in Sweden.
Together they got the records from the Lutheran church, before those records were microfilmed by the Mormon church.
Then decades later, I got the data verified by a cousin in Granna, Sweden-retired Pharmacist, genealogy hobbyist.
My uncle recommended Moberg’s books and movies, which are fascinating.
My grandfather was a Swedish cowboy from Wyoming, on his own from his teen years, who married a 20 year old Mormon gal, when he was 40 and she was 20.
He was raised speaking Swedish at home, learning English at school. His parents sent him to Baptist school, which was in English, whereas Lutheran school was in Norwegian.