Surname Swindel - Meaning and Origin

Swindel: What does the surname Swindel mean?

The last name Swindel is of English origin. It is believed to have derived from the Old English term "swin-dell," which was used to denote a piece of land that was cleared for cultivation by burning. So, it could suggest that the original bearers of this surname could have been farmers or land-clearers. It's important to note that surnames were often linked to a person’s occupation, the location they lived in, or their father’s name to differentiate between individuals with the same first name during the time surnames began to be used. However, the exact meaning and origin may vary, as surnames have different roots and histories based on geographic origin and evolution over time. It is also possible that the name could have been changed or anglicized over the years. Also, thought to be associated with the Northern English territory, the name Swindel is relatively rare. Hence, the origins might be obscure which leaves room for various interpretations.

Swindel: Where does the name Swindel come from?

The last name Swindel is not particularly common today, though it is found around the world in various countries. It is most heavily represented in United States, where it is most likely of German or Dutch origin.

In the US, the Swindel surname is concentrated in Pennsylvania, with some scattered occurrences elsewhere in the Northeast and Midwest. According to the US Census, there were an estimated 1,438 Swindels living in the United States as of 2019.

Outside the US, use of the Swindel name is more scattered. A handful of entries can be found in the United Kingdom, though most are likely American immigrants or expatriates. There are also sporadic entries throughout Europe, with the greatest concentration being in Germany, most likely descended from German immigrants to the US.

In the last name's home countries of the Netherlands and Germany, Swindel remains quite rare. In Germany, the name can be found albeit in much smaller numbers. The Netherlands has the smallest known population of Swindels, with only one located family recorded as of present.

Overall, the Swindel last name remains relatively uncommon today, though it does have some global distribution.

Variations of the surname Swindel

The surname Swindel has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These are Swindall, Swindell, Swindle, Swindler, Swindeler, Swinderl, Swindeler, Swindal, Swingdell, and Swingdle.

Swindell is derived from the Old English words 'swin' and 'dell' meaning 'mound or place full of swine'. Swindall could also come from the combination of the words 'swin' and 'dell', meaning 'a sweated or peculiarly shaped mound'.

Swindle is a derivative of the Middle English word 'swindle', which probably means 'to escape by a swindle or trick'. Swindler is derived from the word 'swindle', as well.

Swindeler could derive from the Middle English word 'swinderen', which translates to 'to cheat' or 'to overestimate'. The root of the name Swinderl likely comes from its predecessor 'Swindahler', which may have evolved from the Old German word 'swindan' or 'to wind'.

Swindeler is also thought to have evolved from this 'Swindahler', while Swindal is believed to have been shortened from the combination 'Swindahler'.

Swingdell and Swingdle may have both come from the Middle English word 'swingan', meaning 'to yield or recline'.

While there are many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Swindel, its exact origin is unknown.

Famous people with the name Swindel

• Abigail Swindel (American playwright and theatre artist)
• Bethany Swindel (American composer, theatre artist, and voice actress)
• Christopher Swindel (American film director and producer)
• David Swindel (American radio and TV host)
• Jacob Swindel (American actor)
• James Swindel (American political advisor)
• Jeff Swindel (American reality television star)
• Jonathan Swindel (British actor)
• Karen Swindel (American writer and poet)
• Marcia Swindel (American author)
• Martin Swindel (American actor and director)
• Rachel Swindel (American entrepreneur and author)
• Robert Swindel (American journalist)
• Ryan Swindel (American business executive)
• Scott Swindel (American music producer and musician)
• Stephen Swindel (American lawyer)
• Steven Swindel (British film producer)
• Tom Swindel (American writer and television producer)

Other surnames

SwindallSwindellSwindleSwindoll