SWAN
Swan
Origin
Swan is a surname of English origin, derived from the old English word "swan," which means a graceful swimming bird. The surname is thought to have originated as a nickname for someone who bore a resemblance to a swan or displayed characteristics associated with the bird, such as elegance and beauty.
Distribution
The surname Swan is most commonly found in England, particularly in regions with historical connections to water bodies where swans were prevalent. Over time, the surname has spread to other English-speaking regions, including Scotland, Ireland, Australia and the United States.
Notable Bearers
- Joseph Swan (1828–1914): An English physicist and chemist known for his invention of the incandescent light bulb.
- Jessica Swan (b. 1985): A British actress and television presenter, known for her roles in various popular TV series.
- Tessa Swan (b. 1970): An English author and novelist, famous for her works in the mystery and thriller genres.
Coat of Arms
The Swan family coat of arms typically features a swan depicted with wings outstretched, symbolising beauty, grace and loyalty. The colours and elements incorporated into the coat of arms may vary depending on the specific branch of the Swan family.
Variants
Variants of the surname Swan include Swann, Swain, and Swayne. These variations may have arisen due to phonetic changes or regional dialects over the centuries.
There are approximately 12,074 people named Swan in the UK. That makes it the 753rd most common surname in Britain. Around 185 in a million people in Britain are named Swan.
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- William
Female
- Caroline
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Jacqueline
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Sawn
- Suwan
- Swa
- Swaan
- Swahn
- Swai
- Swain
- Swaine
- Swaines
- Swainey
- Swains
- Swam
- Swana
- Swanck
- Swane
- Swaner
- Swaney
- Swani
- Swanie
- Swank
- Swanke
- Swann
- Swannay
- Swanne
- Swanney
- Swannie
- Swanny
- Swans
- Swany
- Swanzy
- Sway
- Swayn
- Swayne
- Sweaney
- Sweany
- Sweenay
- Sweene
- Sweeney
- Sweenie
- Sweeny
- Swenay
- Swene
- Sweney
- Swenie
- Swennes
- Swennie
- Swenny
- Sweny
- Swiney
- Swiny
- Szwan
- Zwaan
- Zwain
- Zwan
- Zwane
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.