Surname Swearingin - Meaning and Origin

Swearingin: What does the surname Swearingin mean?

The last name Swearingin is an anglicized version of the German surname Schwering, which is derived from the Old High German word “sweri” meaning “protector or guardian.” This suggests that Swearingin was an occupational name for a guard or someone who protected a settlement, town, or estate.

Over time, the surname was adopted by immigrants from Germany who came to America in the 1700s and 1800s, and the original spelling had gotten changed to Swearingin over time.

It also seems likely that there could have been some regional variation in the meaning of the surname. In the 1600s and 1700s, in some areas of Germany, the word “sweri” was also used as an adjective meaning “inflexible” or “stern.” So in some cases, the surname Swearingin could have also been a nickname for someone who was known for having an unyielding and inflexible attitude or demeanor.

Such nicknames were often given to describe a distinct personality trait of the original bearer, and it is possible that some Swearingins were granted the surname for that purpose.

It is also possible that the surname Swearingin is derived from an Old English word “swering” meaning “juror-oath” which suggests that the surname was once worn by someone who has taken an oath as a juror.

No matter the origin, the surname Swearingin is an interesting name that has provided generations of families with an understanding of their place of origin and family history.

Swearingin: Where does the name Swearingin come from?

The surname Swearingin is a relatively rare one; given its uncommon spelling and spelling variations like Swearinger and Swearingen, it is not too widely distributed throughout the world. However, North America is home to some of the highest concentrations of this surname.

In the United States, the Swearingin surname is most heavily concentrated in the eastern and central states. According to the 2019 US Census, the top states with the most people who share this name are Texas, Tennessee, Kansas, and Oklahoma. In the United Kingdom, it is most common in Lancashire, specifically within the large metropolitan area of Greater Manchester.

In addition to North America, records indicate that the Swearingin name can also be found in South Africa and other parts of Africa, particularly Alexandria, Egypt. This information could indicate that the Swearingin surname has connections to the English-American diaspora in the African continent.

In terms of the modern-day prevalance of this surname, the numbers are still small. An analysis of census data for 2020 estimated that the worldwide population of people with the surname Swearingin is around 5,000 people. As the Swearingin surname is so rare, your chances of meeting someone with the same last name are incredibly slim.

Variations of the surname Swearingin

The most common variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Swearingin are Swearingen, Swearington, Swerin, Swaringen, Suren, Sureton, Swearingham, Swering, Swaringham, and Sureham. The surname can be found in records going as far back as the 12th century. The name is likely derived from the Old English terms 'swerian' meaning ‘to promise’ and ‘ing’ which was a name for a particular family. This makes the literal translation of the surname to be ‘Promising family’ or ‘the kin of the promisor’.

Although the surname is pronounced differently, Spearingen is also a version of the same name and is adopted by many families. In some areas of the United States, such as the Midwest and Texas, the Swearingen family name is often pronounced as Swearin. The spelling variants have also been used in some other countries, including Scotland, Switzerland, Belgium, and Sweden.

Although the name is less common, there are also several other variant spellings such as Swearingane, Swearingant, Swearingerin, Swerrigan, and Surrigan. The surname has had periods of decreased popularity over the years, but in recent times, it has gained a resurgence in both the United States and in some other countries.

The majority of individuals with the Swearingin last name are of English and German descent. While the name is common amongst English-speaking countries, it is less common in French, Spanish, and Italian speaking countries. As the Anglo-Saxon countries became settled, the surname spread from England and, due to the continuous influx of immigrants, it is now prominent in most European countries.

Famous people with the name Swearingin

• Karrie Swearingin: American actor.
• Bob Swearingin: former cornerback for the NFL's Miami Dolphins.
• Bob Swearingin Jr.: former NFL player for the Indianapolis Colts.
• Jim Swearingin: former defensive lineman for the College of William & Mary Tribe.
• Mark Swearingin: American politician who served in the Georgia House of Representatives.
• Kandace Swearingin: American record producer and songwriter.
• Clint Swearingin: former professional basketball player and coach for the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers.
• Ronald Ray Swearingin: former member of the Texas House of Representatives.
• Bill Swearingin: former executive at Delphi Automotive and president of Intelec.
• Russell Swearingin: American artist, musician and poet.

Other surnames

Swearingen