Swain Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Swain come from? What does the surname Swain mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Swain and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Swan, Swaine, Swainson, Swayne
Surname Swain Origin: What does the last name Swain mean?
The surname Swain has its origins in England and is derived from the Old Norse personal name Sveinn, meaning a youth or young man, and later a young male attendant or servant. Variations in spelling include Swaine, Swainne, and Swayne. The word "swain" also refers to a rustic lover or boyfriend, as seen in Shakespeare's works. Nautical terms like boatswain and coxswain are also linked to this word. The American Old West outlaw John Wesley Hardin used Swain as an alias.
According to YourRoots data, the Swain surname first appeared in records from England in the early 12th century. It remained closely associated with the United Kingdom until the 15th century, after which it began spreading to the United States and other countries. By the 16th century, the volume of Swain surname records increased in the United States, surpassing the UK by the 17th century. Today, the Swain surname remains prominent in the US and has a global presence, indicating its widespread adoption and enduring legacy across different regions and cultures.
Swain Last Name History: Where did the last name Swain come from?
Origin of Swain Surname: Where does the last name Swain originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Swain first appeared in records from England, United Kingdom, around the early 12th century. Please remember that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact "Swain" spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Swain: What does the Swain surname history look like in the early days?
The "Swain" surname remained closely associated with the United Kingdom from the 12th through the 15th century. YourRoots data shows an increase in Swain family records in the United States in the 16th century, indicating the early spreading of the surname outside its country of origin.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Swain surname today?
As per YourRoots records, by the 16th century, the volume of Swain surname records began to grow in the United States. By the early 17th century, it had surpassed the United Kingdom, a trend that continued into the 18th and 19th centuries. The "Swain" surname remains prominent in the United States and has a presence in several other countries worldwide. While specific data for more countries is not available in the provided information, the trend suggests a global spread of the Swain surname.
Explore Swain last name heritage and Swain surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Swain Surame?
Dominique Swain
Dominique Dominique Swain (born Aug 12, 1980) is an American actress known for her roles in the adaptation of Lolita and Face/Off. With a career spanning from the late 1990s to present, she has appeared in various independent films, thrillers, and horror genres, showcasing her talent and versatility.
Louisa Swain
Louisa Ann Swain (née Gardner; 1801 - Jan 25, 1880) was the first woman to vote in a U.S. general election post-women's suffrage repeal in New Jersey. She cast her ballot on Sep 6, 1870, in Laramie, Wyoming. Swain's legacy lives on through the Louisa Swain Foundation and a federal office building named in her honor.
All images displayed on this page are sourced from Wikipedia or Wikimedia Commons.We use these images under their respective Creative Commons or public domain licenses. Wherever applicable, author attributions and license information are provided. If you believe an image is used incorrectly or outside its license terms, please contact us so that we can review and correct the issue.