Surname Swallwell - Meaning and Origin

Swallwell: What does the surname Swallwell mean?

The last name Swallwell is believed to be of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the word “swalewell”, which originated from two Middle English terms - “swalwe” and “wella”. Both words were popular throughout the medieval period and mean “spring” and “stream” respectively. This suggests that the name was originally used to describe somebody who lived near a small stream or spring of water.

The earliest recorded use of the last name Swallwell was in 1226, in the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls which recorded William de Swalewell. As a locational name, Swallwell can be found in several locations throughout England. It is most commonly found in Yorkshire, where it is believed to have been derived and can also be found in the counties of Lancashire, Derbyshire, and Westmorland.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, Swallwell appeared in records with various spellings, with forms including Swallwell, Swalwell, Swalwel, and Swawel. In many cases, the spelling variations are understandably attributed to the tricky task of transcribing names from Middle English into modern spelling.

Today, Swallwell is a relatively rare surname, with the highest density of population still found in Yorkshire. The last name is likely to literally mean “someone who lived by a spring or stream”, which reflects the rural, agricultural history of England.

Swallwell: Where does the name Swallwell come from?

The last name Swallwell is historically associated with North East England, and particularly the Cleveland and Durham areas. Today, it is most common in England, specifically in the North East of the country.

The surname appears to derive from the place-name Swainley Hill near Stockport in Cheshire, itself originating from Old English elements meaning 'area frequented by swine'. It is also likely derived from the personal name Swain, which was a common nickname given to peasants in the Middle Ages.

The 1881 England and Wales Census recorded Swallwell as the 719th most popular surname, found mainly in Durham, Cleveland and Northumberland, with some occurrences in Lancashire and Yorkshire.

According to 2019 data from Forebears, the highest concentrations of individuals with the last name Swallwell today remain in the same part of the country. Figures show that the surname is most plentiful in England, where it is the 10,138th most common. In the county of Durham it is the 1,603rd most common.

The name is also present in the United States, but is much rarer in comparison - standing as the 23,730th most common American surname, with its highest concentration in Maryland.

Variations of the surname Swallwell

The surname Swallwell has a number of spellings and variants, including:

• Swalwell

• Swallell

• Swallowell

• Swallowel

• Swalweil

• Swalwel

• Swelwell

• Swellwell

• Swelwel

• Swolwell

• Swollwell

• Swolwel

• Swaalwel

• Swaalwell

These spelling variations can be attributed to the dialects used in pronouncing the surname. In addition, some surnames were changed over time to fit the language and culture of the area where a family moved.

Variations of the surname Swallwell have also been linked to other surnames, such as Swallow (from England), Swalwell (from Germany), Swalweller (from Austria), Swalweller (from Hungary), Swalwe (from Poland), Swalwelly (from Russia), and Swalwely (from Ukraine).

The surname Swallwell can also be linked to several places, including:

• Swalwell, a village in Tyne and Wear, England.

• Swalle, the Netherlands.

• Swallowfield, a village in Berkshire, England.

• Swalwell Castle, a ruined castle in Tyne and Wear, England.

• Swallwell, an area in Gateshead, England.

• Swolle, a village in Friesland, Netherlands.

•Swalawell, an area in Northumberland, England.

The Swallwell surname is believed to have originated in the late fourteenth century, when England was transitioning from the feudal system to the freehold system. The name is believed to be derived from the Old English words “swale” meaning “marshy ground” and “weall” meaning “wall”. With the combination of these ancient words, the name became "Swallwell", referring to an area located in a marshy area and surrounded by walls.

Famous people with the name Swallwell

• Eric Swalwell: former U.S. Representative from California
• Abigail Swalwell: Australian actress
• Gordon Swallwell: Canadian politician
• Cathy Swalwell: National Historic Preservation Scientist
• John Swallwell: English composer
• Frances Swallwell: English botanist
• Abel Swallwell: British trance producer
• Jen Swallwell: actor from England
• Saleana Swallwell: Australian female rugby league footballer
• Luke Swallwell: Trotwood-Madison High School football player

Other surnames

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