Surname Swartwout - Meaning and Origin

Swartwout: What does the surname Swartwout mean?

Swartwout is a Dutch surname that has its origin in the Netherlands. The name is derived from the words 'Swart' meaning 'black' and 'Wout' meaning 'forest'. Therefore, the literal meaning of the surname Swartwout is 'black forest'. The name could have been used to denote a person dwelling near a dark, dense forest or possibly used as a topographic name for an inhabitant of such an area. However, the exact interpretation of the surname may vary based on different family lines. It is a fairly uncommon surname and has been anglicized in different forms, such as Swartout, Swartwood, and Swarthout, among others. As surnames often served as indicators of a person's geographical origin, occupation, or distinguishing feature, Swartwout might also reflect certain historical or familial significance. Like many surnames, the spelling and pronunciation may have evolved over time due to migration and cultural changes. It is important to note that these interpretations are largely speculative as the precise meaning of old surnames can be challenging to definitively trace.

Swartwout: Where does the name Swartwout come from?

The Swartwout surname is most commonly found in the United States, especially in the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and Upper Midwest. It is rarely found in other parts of the world like Europe or Asia.

Swartwout is a Dutch language surname, derived from the Dutch words "swart" and "wout". The name may have originated from an individual with dark hair and dark complexion. The surname could also potentially come from an individual who was born near a grove of trees.

The largest concentration of people with the last name Swartwout can be found in the State of New York, where the name originated in the colonial era. Across the United States, Swartwouts are also common in the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Cities where the population is higher than average include New York City, Princeton (New Jersey), and Princeton (Minnesota).

Additionally, the surname is not uncommon throughout the Netherlands, particularly in the provinces of Friesland, Groningen, and Utrecht. It is also found in Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany, but usually amongst smaller populations.

In the United States, it is estimated that over 1,400 people carry the name Swartwout. This is a relatively small number considering the population of the country, and most individuals will rarely encounter someone with the same last name. Therefore, Swartwout is not a surname that is likely to be seen every day.

Variations of the surname Swartwout

The surname Swartwout is one of the oldest surnames of Dutch origin with many spelling variations including Swartwoud, Swartwoudt, Swartwoutte, Swartwood, Swartwoodt, Swartwoodte, Swartwoood, and Swartwoudt. It is thought to have derived from the Middle Dutch word “swart” which translates to black, and “wout” which translates to wood. This suggests that the original bearer of this surname likely lived near one of the many “black forests” which existed in Holland during the Middle Ages.

Swartwout can also be found spelled Swartwoode, Swartwode, Swartwoote, Swartwoudte, and Swartwoutt. It is also a common variation in some countries to find the spelling “Zwartwout” or “Zwaartwout”. In some instances, the surname may have been given to a person of a darker complexion, however, in most cases it is linked to living near a forest and may have nothing to do with skin color.

The surname Swartwout has also been found in other countries in various forms. In Germany and Austria, it is known as Schwarzbach. In Switzerland and France, it is spelled “Schwarzwald.” In Italy it is known as “Scurostaggio,” “Scurostagio,” or “Scurastaggio” and in Spain and Portugal, it is known as “Escurostagio.” In South Africa, Swartwout also appears with variations “Schwarzender” and “Schwartzande.”

Famous people with the name Swartwout

• Matthew Swartwout: American Revolutionary War soldier and politician who served in the New York State Legislature.
• Samuel Swartwout: early American politician and entrepreneur who moved to New York and became U.S. Marshall of the District of New York.
• Ann Swartzwout: former American prison reformer and prison chaplain, originally from Massachusetts.
• Mary NW Swartwout: early American newspaper publisher and businesswoman, published a newspaper, the New York Packet.
• Wiliam Swartwout: early American politician and soldier, served in the United States House of Representatives from 1807 to 1813.
• Peter Swartwout: American Revolutionary War soldier from New York who fought in the Battle of White Plains.
• Thomas Swartwout: early American politician and Democratic-Republican congressman representing New York from 1811 to 1815.
• Myer Swartwout: early American politician and U.S. Representative from New York.
• Jean Swartwout: 19th century political cartoonist and newspaper editor known for his cartoons in the text of the famous Puck magazine.
• Deric Swartwout: modern American film and television director for shows such as "Law & Order: Criminal Intent."

Other surnames

Swartwood