Surname Schwein - Meaning and Origin
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Schwein: What does the surname Schwein mean?
The last name Schwein is of German origin, deriving from the Middle High German "swîn," which translates to "pig" or "hog." As a result, the meaning of the surname Schwein is "pig farmer" or "swineherd."
In a historical context, Schwein would have likely been a nickname given to a pig farmer or someone who was associated with the raising of swine. This could have been an occupation of the original bearer of the Viking, Franks, or Bavarian people in Germany.
The surname Schwein is still seen today in many parts of Germany and Austria, as well as in North America, where it was brought by the many German immigrants who arrived during the 19th century.
In modern times, the name may be seen as referring to a person with an affinity for pigs, or even as a term of endearment. Some believe that Schwein may originate from the ancient Germanic love for the animal, as pork was a popular meat at the time. Others suggest that is may also be a humorous nod to a person who is clumsy, or prone to making mistakes.
No matter what meaning one chooses to assign to the last name Schwein, there is no doubt that it is a name steeped in history, and still carries much significance and intrigue in modern times.
Order DNA origin analysisSchwein: Where does the name Schwein come from?
The last name Schwein is most commonly found in parts of Germany where it is thought to have Germanic origins. It is less common outside of Germany but can be found in Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, and parts of Scandinavia. It is also found in countries such as South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, likely due to German immigrants to the region, and also occasionally in the United States.
The surname can also be spelled Scewin, Scewene, Schwin, Schwien, Schwine or Schwiene. Schwein is an occupational surname, meaning “swineherd” and it can also be linked with the Old German word “swine” (schwein) itself.
In Germany, statistics show that the name is most commonly found in the following states: Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg, Niedersachsen, Lower Saxony, and Berlin. The numbers of people with the last name Schwein in other countries is much lower but it bears mentioning that due to the internet and advances in communication, it’s likely that more members of this surname are spread throughout the world than anyone would guess.
Variations of the surname Schwein
The surname Schwein is an German surname derived from the Middle High German word "swin" meaning of pig. The surname has various spellings and variants, from the original surname Schwein to the more modern forms of Swain and Swine.
In Germany, the variants include Schwein, Schwaen, Schwan, Schwin, Schwien, Schweyn, Schwine, and also Sweyn and Saen. In Austria and regions of Czech Republic, the variants include Schwein, Schwin, Schwien, Svin, and Svien. In Switzerland, the variants include Schwein, Schwand, Schwaan, Swin, and Svine. The Swedish version of the surname is Sväin.
In the United States, the variants include Swain, Swine, Schwein, Swan, Swaner, Swein, and Swin. In the United Kingdom, the variants include Swain, Swine, Schwine, Swein, Swin, Schwaan, and Schwyn. In the Netherlands, the variants include Schwaan, Schwien, Schwijn, Svien, Svijn, and Svyn
In England during the Middle Ages, the name Schwein was primarily found in the County Cornwall and Lancashire, however, the surname has slowly spread throughout other English regions. The name also appears in Irish records, printed in a variety of spelling derivations.
Despite where in the world it is found, the name Schwein has historically been associated with the pig, and this associations has likely lead to the transformation of the surname into various variants throughout the centuries.
Famous people with the name Schwein
- Jake Schwein: professional soccer player who plays for FC Augsburg, a Bundesliga team.
- Al Schwein: former NFL linebacker who played for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Indianapolis Colts.
- Lorraine Schwein: AKA Lorraine Mann, a painter and sculptor who has exhibited internationally.
- Elijah Schwein: An actor known for appearing in films such as ‘The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus’ and ‘What We Do In The Shadows’.
- Robert Schwein: An American sculptor and painter who has been active in New York since 1971.
- Robert Schwein Jr.: philanthropist and founder of the Robert and Lorraine Schwein Foundation.
- Roy Schwein: Singer and frontman for the rock band Heatseekers.
- Jake Schwein: A professional wrestler who competed in All Elite Wrestling.
- Cliff Schwein: A former journalist who was the senior editor for the Sunday edition of the Kansas City Star newspaper.
- Christian Schwein: An American World War II veteran and recipient of a Purple Heart.