Surname Schwaan - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'S'
Schwaan: What does the surname Schwaan mean?
The last name Schwaan is an occupational surname that originated from Germany. It is derived from the Old German word "schwein" which means pig, and first appeared in records as early as 1350. This surname referred to a person who was either a pig breeder, farmer, butcher, or meat seller. There are several variations of this last name, such as Schwahn, Schwahnn, Schwan, Schmidt, and Schumann.
The surname Schwaan is also found among German migrants in other countries, such as the United States, where the name is typically spelled Schwan. The use of this surname in America dates back to the early 1800s. It was among the top 500 most common surnames in 1930.
The exact origins and meaning of the name Schwaan are unknown. However, it is likely that the surname was derived from the German word “schwein” and was used to distinguish people whose occupations involved pigs. It is also possible that the surname was adopted by people living in a region where pigs were a staple of the local economy.
Regardless of its origins, Schwaan is a unique-sounding name with German roots. The people bearing the name are likely part of a larger group of German-descendants that have a long, rich history. They are part of a fascinating culture shaped by language, tradition, and culture that gives meaning to the surname.
Order DNA origin analysisSchwaan: Where does the name Schwaan come from?
The last name Schwaan is most common in Germany, but it can also be found in other countries in Europe. In Germany, it is primarily found in the northern part of the country, particularly in the states of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Hamburg, and Lower Saxony. In those areas, many people with the surname Schwaan still live today. Beyond borders, Schwaan is a comparatively rare surname, but it is also found in countries such as the United States, Canada, England, Australia, and New Zealand.
In the United States, the highest concentrations of the Schwaan surname are found in the states of Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. In Canada, Quebec is the province with the highest number of people with the last name Schwaan, and there are also many individuals with the name living in Ontario. Across the Atlantic, countries such as England and Wales have seen an increase in the number of individuals with the surname. People with this name are also found in other countries in Europe, such as Sweden and Norway.
The last name Schwaan is a variation of the German surname Schwann, which literally means ‘swan’. The name is likely derived from the Old German word ‘swan’, and it was a popular name for people who were associated with the water.
In summation, the last name Schwaan can be found mainly in Germany and other European countries, as well as in the United States, Canada, and other countries around the world. The surname is likely derived from the Old German word for ‘swan’, denoting its association with the water.
Variations of the surname Schwaan
Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Schwaan are Schwann, Schwahn, Schwan, Shaan, Schawean, and Schwartz. All of these variations have their roots in the German language and originate from the Middle High German term “swan”, which evolved into “Schwann” during the 16th century.
In Germany, Schwaan is most commonly found among the Mennonite population who primarily immigrated to Canada, the United States, and South America in the late 18th century. During this time, some of the Mennonites began spelling their names differently, such as Schwahn, Shaan, or Schawean, leading to the variations seen today. The term “Schwartz” is also found in Germany, but this spelling first arose from Jewish communities in the 18th century and is often considered a separate surname.
Although Schwaan can be found across Europe and the Americas, the surname is still most concentrated in Germany and the countries to which the Mennonites emigrated. In both 2017 and 2019, Germany was home to the highest number of people with the surname, followed closely by Canada in both years. For most of these countries, Schwaan is at least several centuries old, though it remains a relatively uncommon name all over the world.
Famous people with the name Schwaan
- Evgenia Schwaan: She is a German journalist and sports reporter for ARD Sports and TV Movie magazine.
- Arnd Schwaan: He is a German footballer who plays center forward for Holstein Kiel in the German Bundesliga 2.
- Gottfried Schwaan: He was a German theologian, historian, and literary critic.
- Ernst Schwaan: A German sailor who competed in the 1900 Summer Olympics.
- Friedard Schwaan: He was a German goldsmith and jewelry designer known for his Art Nouveau period jewelry.
- Hayo Schwaan: A German artist who was a member of German Expressionist art collective Die Brücke.
- Rolf Schwaan: He was a German-born Australian actor and director active in the 1950s and 1960s.
- Hans Schwaan: A German fighter ace who served in the Imperial German army in World War I.
- Charlotte Schwaan: She is a German former swimmer who competed in the 1952 Summer Olympics.
- Picton Schwaan: He is a British photographer best known for his documentary photography of the 1960s.