Óformleg örnefni í Reykjavík

Abstract

The topic of this paper is informal place names in Reykjavík. The difference between formal and informal names is discussed and pointed out that places as well as people can have nicknames. Informal place names in 19th and 20th century Reykjavik is examined and comparison made with older times. The informal place names are divided into 7 categories and each is described. Problems with sources and preservation of names are dealt with and a note made about informal place names having a tendency to disappear without a trace.