Surname Sween - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'S'
Sween: What does the surname Sween mean?
The last name Sween is of Scottish and Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic personal name Suibhne. The name Suibhne is believed to mean 'pleasant' or 'well-disposed'. Another interpretation suggests that it is derived from the ancient Irish word “suihbhne”, meaning a 'wanderer' or 'wayfarer'. In certain regions of Scotland and Ireland, Sween is associated with historical chieftains and old noble families. The Clan MacSween (also known as Clan Sweeney) is one of the most notable families with this surname, rooted in the Scottish Highlands. Therefore, individuals with the surname Sween may have historical lineage tracing back to these clans. Their family crest typically bears the symbol of a pelican, an emblem signifying devotion and kindness. The variations of Sween include MacSween, MacQueen, Sweeney, Swyne, and others depending on the geographical location.
Order DNA origin analysisSween: Where does the name Sween come from?
The surname Sween originated from Scotland, specifically from the region known as Argyll. It is derived from "Suibhne", an Old Gaelic personal name. In English, it translates to "pleasant" or "well-going". The first record of this surname dates back to the 12th century and belongs to one Suibhne, ancestor of the MacSween clan.
The historical stronghold of the MacSweens was Castle Sween on Loch Sween, in Knapdale, Scotland. However, after the fall of the Lords of the Isles in the 15th century, many of the MacSweens migrated to Northern Ireland.
Today, the surname Sween (including variations such as MacSween, McSween, or Swene) is not particularly common anywhere in the world, but it can still be found in countries with a substantial Scottish diaspora. These countries include the United States, Canada, Australia, and also the UK (primarily Scotland and Northern Ireland). However, in terms of absolute concentration, it is likely most common in Scotland still, particularly in Argyll and Bute where its history is rooted.
Variations of the surname Sween
The surname Sween is of Scottish origin, originating from the historic region of Argyll, where the first recorded Sween family lived in Castle Sween.
There are several variants and different spellings of the surname Sween. Some of these include: MacSween, MacQueen, MacSweeny, MacSwyne, MacSwein, MacSwan and others. These variants largely consist of prefixes such as "Mac" indicating "son of," often followed by slight changes in the spelling of 'Sween’.
Sween could also be an Anglicized version of the Gaelic name 'Suibhne', which means 'pleasant' or 'well-going'. The name 'Suibhne' was often Anglicized as 'Sweeney' as well, which is another variant of the surname.
The surnames McQueen, McSween, McSwain and their variants could also be of the same origin as the surname Sween, since in Gaelic the names Mac Shuibhne and Mac Cuinn could be anglicized to either one.
Please note that due to the nature of the evolution of surnames, many different surnames could potentially share an origin with Sween, particularly in the Scottish region where different local dialects and foreign influences played a role in the creation of surnames.
Famous people with the name Sween
- The surname "Sween" is not common among famous personalities. However, there are a few individuals who have made notable contributions in their respective fields.
- Malcolm Sween: A Contender 25 actor.
- Dawn Sween: Noted for her work especially in the movie named "Raw Footage."
- Terry Sween: Noted for his roles in the films "The Replacements" and "Flipper."
- Katie Sween: An actress renowned for her roles in several series like "The L Word" and "NCIS". Additionally, a historical figure, Óspakr-Hákon, nicknamed Sveinn or Swegen is also a notable figure associated with the name who was a Norse king in Dublin during the Viking Age. These are all the notable people with the last name Sween based on available public information.