Swainson: Last Name Origin and Family Crest

Whether you spell it Swainson or Swanson, the story begins in the same place.

What is the meaning of Swainson?

Surname dictionaries give the meaning as “son of Sveinn”. Swainson ranked 86,645 in the 2010 US Census, with 215 people answering to the name.

How is Swainson related to Swanson?

Before spelling was fixed, Swanson was also written Swainson. Before spelling was standardised, one family could appear under several forms. The same family of names includes Swenson and Swansen.

Does every Swainson family have a crest?

Heraldry is personal: arms associated with the Swanson surname were borne by specific families, and sharing the name does not mean sharing the blazon.

Get the complete Swainson report, with a museum-style coat of arms.