[1] A person could technically belong to several clans, but usually the identification of an individual came with ancestry of most prestige.
Therefore, through mostly the exception to the rule, a clan could have matrilineal name if the descent of the ancestral mother was considered more important than the father.
[2] The heavy dependence on family and kindred in early Scandinavian history was the foundation of the importance clan.
The Thing served as a moderating force which could prevent blood feuds between the clans due to the importance of kinship.
As central government gradually was established in Scandinavia, the ætt lost its relevance for commoners.