Surname Swonger - Meaning and Origin
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Swonger: What does the surname Swonger mean?
Swonger is a surname of German origin, originating from the region of North Rhine-Westphalia, which is the largest federal state in western Germany. The name was first recorded in the early Middle Ages. The name Swonger may have derived from the Middle High German word "swingære," which translates to "swinger, swindler or cheat" in English. This suggests that the original bearer of the name could have been someone known for those characteristics. However, it's also possible that it was given in an occupational context to someone who swung some particular tool or weapon, or had a habitual body movement resembling a swing. It's important to remember that surnames were often given based on a person's characteristics, profession, or even based on their place of residence, so the exact meaning may vary. Like many surnames, the precise origin and meaning of Swonger can be hard to pinpoint without extensive genealogical research. Thus, while the above explanation provides a possible interpretation, it does not claim definitive authenticity.
Order DNA origin analysisSwonger: Where does the name Swonger come from?
The last name Swonger is not a very common name today, but it does have a presence in the United States, particularly in the Midwest. According to the 2020 US Census data, the highest concentrations of Swongers are in Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin. In Indiana, there are over 200 Swongers, with the highest concentrations in the cities of Indianapolis and South Bend. In Ohio, there are almost 300 Swongers living in the cities of Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati and in the surrounding suburbs. In Michigan, Swonger households can be found mainly in the cities of Detroit and Grand Rapids, as well as in Kalamazoo and Lansing. Wisconsin also has a notable percentage of Swongers, mostly from cities such as Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay.
The last name Swonger can also be found in other countries around the world. In the United Kingdom, there are fewer Swongers, but they can be found mainly in England and Scotland. In Australia, the last name also appears to have some presence, with the highest concentration being in the southern cities of Melbourne and Sydney.
Overall, the last name Swonger is not as common as other last names, but it does have an unmistakable presence in the United States and other countries around the world.
Variations of the surname Swonger
Swonger is an uncommon but historically significant surname of German origin. It is derived from an Old German term, "swangern," which means "to swing, sway, or fluctuate." The earliest known record of the name is found in a 1282 document in Silesia, a region in modern-day Czech Republic and Poland.
Over time, the spelling of Swonger has undergone subtle changes. Swonger, Schwenker, and Schwanker are the modern variants of this surname, as well as the various regionalized forms such as Suhnker, Schonger, Swengrer, and Svenker.
Swonger can also take on a variety of additional spellings in different contexts. In some cases, the name has been adapted to fit a specific cultural or linguistic environment, and thus modified variations of the name exist to accommodate these contexts. Swanger, Swangerh, Swaniger, Schwengler, and Svengler are all further alternative spellings of Swonger.
Given its Germanic origin, the Swonger name is to be found primarily among families with German ancestry. Indeed, a large concentration of the Swonger surname can be found in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and other parts of German-speaking Europe. Additionally, the name can appear in its non-German variations in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and elsewhere across the world, as many Swonger descendants have migrated to these countries in search of better opportunities.
Overall, Swonger is an uncommon surname, but its various iterations all stem from the same source, tracing its roots back to its German linguistic origins.
Famous people with the name Swonger
- Troy Swonger: professional basketball player and coach
- Jamie Swonger: professional ice hockey player
- Doug Swonger: professional motocross racer
- Sarah Swonger: professional rhythmic gymnast
- Jeff Swonger: singer and songwriter
- David Swonger: professional ice hockey player
- Brooke Swonger: professional musician
- Tom Swonger: professional golfer
- Jack Swonger: professional race car driver
- Michelle Swonger: professional bodybuilder
- Sarah Swonger: celebrity makeup artist
- Krysten Swonger: professional photographer
- Tony Swonger: professional artist
- Justin Swonger: professional artist and illustrator
- Wade Swonger: professional rock climber
- Katrin Swonger: high fashion model
- Christopher Swonger: professional golf instructor
- Laura Swonger: professional cheerleader
- Keith Swonger: professional surfer
- Christina Swonger: professional hockey player