Swift Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Swift come from? What does the surname Swift mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Swift and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Swift Origin: What does the last name Swift mean?
The surname Swift is of English origin, dating back to the early 15th century in the United Kingdom. The name likely originated as a descriptive or nickname for someone who was quick, agile, or nimble. Over time, the Swift surname became more widespread, particularly in the United States during the 17th century, indicating a shift and expansion of its presence. Today, the Swift surname remains prominent not only in the United States but also in various countries worldwide.
Swift Last Name History: Where did the last name Swift come from?
Origin of Swift Surname: Where does the last name Swift originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Swift first appeared in records from the United Kingdom around the early 15th century. Keep in mind that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “Swift” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Swift: What does the Swift surname history look like in the early days?
The “Swift” surname remained closely associated with the United Kingdom from the 15th through the 16th century. The frequency of Swift family records began to increase notably in the United States in the 17th century, indicating a shift and expansion of the surname's presence.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Swift surname today?
By the 17th century, the volume of records with the Swift surname grew significantly in the United States, surpassing the United Kingdom. This trend continued into the 18th and 19th centuries. The “Swift” surname remains prominent in the United States and other regions worldwide. While specific country data beyond the United States and the United Kingdom is not provided in this summary, it's safe to assume that the Swift surname can likely be found in various countries across the globe.
Explore Swift last name heritage and Swift surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Swift Surame?
Taylor Swift
Taylor Alison Swift (December 13, 1989 - Present) is an American singer-songwriter known for her autobiographical songwriting, cultural impact, and record-breaking music career. Swift has released numerous hit albums and singles, transitioning from country to pop music with chart-topping success. She is also a successful actress and philanthropist, with a massive global fanbase known as Swifties. With multiple Grammy Awards and numerous accolades, Swift continues to dominate the music industry and inspire fans worldwide.
Jeremy Swift
Jeremy Paul Swift (June 27, 1960 - present) is an English actor known for his versatile roles in theatre, television, and film. He has appeared in popular productions such as "Downton Abbey," "Mary Poppins Returns," and "Ted Lasso," for which he received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination. Swift's talent has been showcased in a variety of genres, from historical dramas to family adventures, captivating audiences with his performances. His dedication to the craft of acting and his ability to bring characters to life have solidified his reputation as a respected actor in the entertainment industry.
Jonathan Swift
Jonathan Swift (30 Nov 1667 – 19 Oct 1745) was an Anglo-Irish writer, essayist, and satirist best known for works like Gulliver's Travels (1726) and A Modest Proposal (1729). His witty and ironic style of writing earned him the title of the greatest satirist of the 18th century. Born in Dublin, Swift's literary connections and early education shaped his career. As a master of satire, he used pseudonyms like Lemuel Gulliver and Isaac Bickerstaff to publish his works. Swift's legacy as a prominent figure in English literature continues to influence modern satire and writing styles.
Austin Swift
Austin Kingsley Swift (March 11, 1992 - ) is an American producer, businessman, and former actor known for his roles in films like Live by Night and I.T. He is the younger brother of singer-songwriter Taylor Swift and has appeared in or produced several of her music videos. With a background in film from the University of Notre Dame, Swift has also worked on various TV shows and movies like Embeds and Braking for Whales. He has been in a relationship with model Sydney Ness since 2022.
Clive Swift
Clive Walter Swift (9 Feb 1936 – 1 Feb 2019) was an English actor known for his role as Richard Bucket in the BBC sitcom Keeping Up Appearances. He also appeared in Doctor Who and the film Excalibur. Swift was a talented songwriter and stage actor with the Royal Shakespeare Company. He was married to novelist Margaret Drabble and had three children, including garden designer Joe Swift. His wide-ranging career in film, television, and theater left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
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