Origin & Meaning of the Swanson Surname
What does the last name Swanson mean?
The surname Swanson carries the meaning "Son of Swan." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 76,897 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Swanson ranks as the #424 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Swanson come from?
The Swanson surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Swanson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Swanson trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Swanson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Swan |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #424 |
| US Count (2010) | 76,897 |
| Per 100K People | 26.07 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Swanson
According to the US Census, the Swanson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 76,897 Americans with the Swanson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 90.41% |
| Black | 4.8% |
| Hispanic | 2.1% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.7% |
| Native American | 0.46% |
| Two or More Races | 1.53% |
Popularity of Swanson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Swanson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Swanson surname increased by 358 between 2000 and 2010.
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- ✓ The Swanson coat of arms & heraldry
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Similar Surnames to Swanson
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Swanson.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Swanson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Swanson
Top Surnames Starting with S
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter S, ranked by population.
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