SWANNIE
Swannie
The surname Swannie is of Scottish origin, derived from the Old Norse name "Sven," which means "young warrior" or "young man." The name Swannie is a patronymic surname, indicating a person's descent from someone named Sven or Swain.
Origins:
The Swannie surname is predominantly found in Scotland, particularly in the counties of Fife and Angus. Variants of the name include Swaney, Swain, and Sween.
History:
The exact origins of the Swannie surname are unclear, but it is believed to have been brought to Scotland by Scandinavian settlers during the Viking Age. Over time, the name evolved into Swannie as it was anglicised and adopted by Scottish families.
Notable Individuals:
- John Swannie (1848-1922): A Scottish architect known for his work in designing several prominent buildings in Edinburgh.
- Mary Swannie (b. 1975): A British author and historian specialising in Scottish folklore and mythology.
References:
- Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1991). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
- George, A. (2003). Scottish Clans and Surnames. HarperCollins.
- Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.
There are approximately 100 people named Swannie in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Swannie.