Swan Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Swan come from? What does the surname Swan mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Swan and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Swan Origin: What does the last name Swan mean?
The surname Swan is of English origin, with records dating back to the early 15th century in England. It has remained closely associated with England throughout history. The name "Swan" may have derived from the bird of the same name, symbolizing grace, beauty, and purity. As an occupational surname, it could have been given to someone who worked as a swan keeper or had characteristics associated with the swan.
YourRoots data shows that the Swan surname spread to the United States in the 16th century, indicating a shift in its geographical prevalence. By the 17th century, the volume of Swan family records grew significantly in the United States, surpassing that of the United Kingdom. Today, the Swan surname remains prominent in the United States and other countries, reflecting its global distribution and enduring presence in various regions and cultures.
Swan Last Name History: Where did the last name Swan come from?
Origin of Swan Surname: Where does the last name Swan originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Swan first appeared in records from England (United Kingdom) around the early 15th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “Swan” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Swan: What does the Swan surname history look like in the early days?
The “Swan” surname remained closely associated with England from the 15th century. In the 16th century, YourRoots data shows an increase in the volume of Swan family records in the United States, indicating a shift in the surname's geographical prevalence.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Swan surname today?
By the 17th century, the volume of records with the Swan surname grew significantly in the United States, surpassing that of the United Kingdom. This trend continued into the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. The “Swan” surname remains prominent in the United States today. However, keep in mind that the data may contain Swan families from other countries as well, reflecting the surname's global distribution.
Explore Swan last name heritage and Swan surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Swan Surame?
Serinda Swan
Serinda Swan (July 11, 1984 - ) is a Canadian actress known for her roles in popular TV series like "Coroner," "Smallville," and "Inhumans." She has also appeared in movies like "Tron: Legacy" and "The Break-Up Artist." Swan is recognized for her diverse acting skills and has garnered a strong fan following. Apart from her acting career, she is involved in various charities and is a Founding Ambassador for Friends to Mankind. With a successful career in both television and film, Serinda Swan continues to captivate audiences with her talent and charm.
Bella Swan
Isabella Marie "Bella" Cullen (née Swan) (September 13, 1987 - ) is the main character in the Twilight book series by Stephenie Meyer. She falls in love with vampire Edward Cullen, leading to a series of adventures, including marriage and a human-vampire hybrid daughter. Bella is portrayed by Kristen Stewart in The Twilight Saga film series. The character is known for her love triangle with Edward and werewolf Jacob Black, as well as her transformation into a vampire to be with Edward forever.
Teal Swan
Teal Swan (June 16, 1984 - ) is an American spiritual influencer and author known for her controversial teachings on mental health and self-help. She has been the subject of documentaries and podcasts, discussing topics like suicide and trauma processing. Swan's unique approach to healing has garnered both praise and criticism from experts and followers alike.
Emma Swan
Emma Swan (October 22, 1983 - ) is a fictional character and the protagonist of ABC's television series Once Upon a Time. She is portrayed by Jennifer Morrison in the series, which follows her journey as the long-lost daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming. Emma learns of her destiny as the Savior and works to break the Evil Queen's curse in the town of Storybrooke, Maine. Morrison's portrayal of Emma has received praise for its feminist twist on fairy tales and strong female lead. The character's evolution includes a dark version based on mythology and the etymology of 'Swan,' adding depth to her storyline.
Jonathan Swan
Jonathan V. Swan (born 7 Aug 1985) is an Australian and American political reporter for The New York Times. He gained fame for his Emmy Award-winning 2020 interview with former U.S. president Donald Trump. Swan, the son of renowned physician Norman Swan, began his career in Australia before moving to the U.S. and making a name for himself in political journalism. Known for his incisive questioning and fact-checking, Swan's work has earned him recognition and accolades in the media industry. In 2024, he became an American citizen and continues to be a prominent figure in political reporting.
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