SWINSTEAD
Swinstead
Swinstead is an English surname with origins dating back to the medieval period. The name is locational, deriving from the village of Swinstead in Lincolnshire, in the eastern part of England.
History
The surname Swinstead is thought to have been derived from the Old English words swīn, meaning "swine" or "pig", and stede, meaning "place". The village of Swinstead itself likely got its name from its association with pig farming in the past.
The earliest recordings of the surname Swinstead date back to the 13th century in Lincolnshire, where the family held estates and wielded influence in the local community. Over time, the surname spread to other parts of England as members of the family migrated to different regions for various reasons such as work or marriage.
Notable Individuals
- Thomas Swinstead (1805–1872): A renowned agriculturalist and landowner in Lincolnshire, known for his innovative farming techniques that greatly improved crop yields in the region.
- Margaret Swinstead (1922–2005): A respected educator and historian who specialised in researching the history of the Swinstead family and their contributions to the local community.
Legacy
The surname Swinstead represents a longstanding connection to the village of Swinstead and its agricultural heritage. Today, individuals bearing this surname can be found throughout the United Kingdom and in other parts of the world, carrying forward the legacy of their ancestors and contributing to various fields and professions.
There are approximately 40 people named Swinstead in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around one in a million people in Britain are named Swinstead.