Surname Schward - Meaning and Origin
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Schward: What does the surname Schward mean?
The last name Schward is of German origin and is derived from the German word "Schwartz," which translates to "black." The surname's roots trace back to the medieval period when it was originally used as a nickname for someone with darker hair or complexion.
In some cases, the name may have been given to indicate someone who was a dealer in black cloth or clothes, possibly an occupation that was quite common during medieval times. It may instead suggest the bearer was associated with dark forces and death, as in the context of the Grim Reaper.
Today, versions of the surname are still present in Germany and elsewhere in Europe and are an indication of the bearer's German heritage. It is also common in the United States, mainly among descendants of immigrants from Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.
Overall, the surname Schward sounds important and powerful. People who are of this name should be proud that their name carries such a rich and meaningful history with it.
Order DNA origin analysisSchward: Where does the name Schward come from?
The last name Schward is most commonly found today in the German-speaking countries of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is likely derived from the term "Schweard," meaning "shield" in Old High German. In Germany, Schward is represented in all 16 states, with the highest concentrations in the populous states of Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia. In Austria, Schward is particularly present in the Tyrol region. In Switzerland, the name is scattered widely throughout the country.
In the United States, the last name Schward is recorded in 28 of the 50 states, with the highest concentrations in California, Illinois, and New York. In Canada, it is present mainly in Ontario and Alberta. In the United Kingdom, the last name Schward is present in England and Wales, and is most common in the London region. Outside of Europe, the name is also found in countries such as Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand.
The Schward surname is not especially common anywhere, but it does appear in multiple countries. As a result, we can deduce that the name has spread through multiple religious and ethnic communities during its history. It is likely that the name was adopted by early immigrants and was passed down through generations.
Variations of the surname Schward
Schward is a variation on the German surname Schwab, which is believed to have its origins in the Middle High German word “schwaben” or “swaben” meaning ‘one from the province of Swabia’. This word is also thought to be related to the old German “schwarz” or “schwarzburger” meaning ‘a person of dark colour’. Early records of the surname Schward date back to the 14th century when the noble family of Schwab had their seat in the county of Oettingen in Lower Bavaria.
There are numerous variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for Schward. The most common variants are as follows: Schwab, Schwabb, Schwabe, Schwabbe, Schwäbe, Schwaab, Schwaarz and Schwaerz. The surname is also spelt in many other variations across a variety of different countries and languages. On occasion, it is also found as Schwarz or Schwarzberger. There are also various other surnames which can be considered to be of the same origin as Schward; these include: Schwarte, Schore, Schayer and Schardle. Additionally, the surname is also found in America under alternative spellings such as Schwarzentruber, Schwarztrauber and Schartz Trauber.
Famous people with the name Schward
- Hilary Swank: Oscar-winning American actress
- Arnold Schwarzenegger: Austrian bodybuilder, actor, and politician, former Governor of Californa
- Emil Schwartze: German painter
- Felix Schwartze: German painter
- Carl Ferdinand Schultz: German botanist and agronomist
- Fritz Schwartze: German architect
- Frederick Schwartze: German architect
- Fritz Paul Schwartze: German industrialist
- Theodor Schwartze: German actor
- Heinz Schwartze: German Quartermaster of the Imperial Navy
- Otto Schwartze- German banker
- Otto Schwartze Jr.: German banker and art collector
- Robert Schwartze- German musicologist
- Richard Schwartze: German art historian
- Alfred Schwartze- German-American entomologist
- Friedrich Schwartze: German botanist