Surname Swank - Meaning and Origin
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My Insightful Journey Into Ancestry: Discovering the Swank Surname with iGENEA DNA Test
Delving into my ancestry with iGENEA's DNA test granted me surprising insights into the origin of my surname, Swank. Also, it enabled me to connect globally with others bearing the same surname, thus creating an enriching experience of shared history and bond.
D. Swank
read moreSwank: What does the surname Swank mean?
The surname Swank is notably recognized as an English and German surname. It is believed to have originated from the Middle High German word 'swanken', which means 'to sway' or 'to wander'. Thus, it may have denoted a person who was known for wandering or traveling. In certain cultures, particularly medieval England, the surname 'Swank' often referred to those who were tall and lanky, as 'swank' also means 'show off' or 'swagger', indicating that the person walks or moves in a confident manner. Thus, this surname might have been derived from a nickname for a person with such characteristics. As with many last names that derived from such attributes or occupations, it is hard to pinpoint one absolute meaning, as the origin and significance can vary based on geographical location and historical context. Famous personalities with this last name include the American actress Hilary Swank.
Order DNA origin analysisSwank: Where does the name Swank come from?
The last name Swank is most commonly found in the United States, specifically in the Midwestern and Southern regions. It is also found in Canada, and in some parts of Europe, though to a much lesser degree.
Swank is an English surname which is derived from the Anglo-Saxon words “swanc” or “swenk” which mean “fierce” or “bold”. It is thought that those who bore this name had a brave character and were seen as reliable and loyal.
Today, the last name is most common in states such as Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. There are also significant numbers of Americans with this last name living in New York, California, and Florida. Outside of the United States, the name is most commonly found in Canada.
While the Swank name enjoys widespread frequency throughout the United States, it is not considered a particularly popular surname. The United States Census Bureau estimates that there are fewer than 7,000 individuals with the surname Swank living in the US today.
It has become increasingly popular in recent years, however, being used as a first name for characters in television shows. This has likely helped to increase recognition of the name, making it more well known than it once was.
Variations of the surname Swank
The surname Swank has Germanic, Dutch, English, and Swiss-German origins. It can be spelled Swank, Swonk, Schwank, Schwonk, Swench, Schwench, Swenk, Schwenk, Swankie, Schwankie, Schwanki and Swanke.
Swank is a relatively rare name and is most commonly found in southeastern Pennsylvania, western Maryland, and western New Jersey, primarily due to related family having migrated to this area from Germany in the mid-1800s. The surname is also found in low numbers in the states of Ohio, Iowa, Colorado, Minnesota, and Michigan.
In Germany, the surname is recorded as being found in Bavaria and the Rhineland Palatine (Rheinpfalz) prior to the beginning of the nineteenth century. In Dutch, the surname is recorded as Van Swank or Van Swaan.
Swank is also the variant spelling of the Swiss-German name Schwank, derived from the German word 'schwank' meaning 'varying' or changing. It was used as an occupational name for someone who changed, made alterations to, or swapped things around.
In England, the variation Swankie may have been derived from the Old English word 'swac' (weak or idle) and it could have been a nickname for someone who was lazy or weak.
The popularity of the surname has meant that many people have taken Swank as a given name or as a variant spelling of their surname such as Swenk, Schwenk, Schwench, or Schwonk. Similarly, many have used the "ie" or "i" spelling at the end of the surname such as Swankie, Schwankie, Schwanki, or Swanke.
In conclusion, the variations and spellings of the surname Swank are many and varied due to its origins in different countries, from different languages, and from different occupational roles.
Famous people with the name Swank
- Hilary Swank: Hilary is an Academy Award-winning actress best known for her roles in such films as Boys Don't Cry, Freedom Writers, and Million Dollar Baby.
- Chad Swank: Chad is an American actor who is mostly known for his involvement in the independent film industry. He was featured most notably in the movie Beasts of the Southern Wild.
- Peter Swank: Peter is an American entrepreneur and venture capitalist. He has also been a board member for start-up companies such as Breather and Zola.
- Chuck Swank: Chuck was an American professional wrestler who achieved fame in the National Wrestling Alliance during the 1950s and 1960s. He was known for his signature move, the Swank Buster.
- Stassen Swank: Stassen is a British actor, writer, and spoken word artist. He has starred in such films as The Riot Club and Les Misérables.
- Chet Swank: Chet was an American record producer who worked on multiple albums with the folk rock band, the Monkees, from 1994-1997.
- Lise Swank: Lise is a French reality television personality who starred on the French version of the hit show Big Brother.
- Stephen Swank: Stephen is an American basketball player who is mainly known as an NBA referee.
- Ciara Swank: Ciara is an American rapper and singer-songwriter best known for her singles "Way Up" and "Loud Boom".