Surname Sword - Meaning and Origin
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Sword: What does the surname Sword mean?
The last name Sword is of English origin and is thought to have derived from either the Old English word Sweord or the Old French word esword. In both cases, it would have been used to denote a person who made or owned swords – literally meanings word for sword.
The name itself likely dates back to medieval England when it was a more common practice for people to name their children after professions or trades. It is thought to have begun amongst the upper classes but gradually filtered its way into all levels of society.
The idea behind the name being that it is a symbol of strength and power. It was seen as a source of protection, providing the bearer with the ability to defend themselves and others. This can be seen in certain coats of arms using the sword as a focal point, symbolizing a knight’s willingness to protect their kin.
The modern notion of the last name Sword could also apply to a person who is brave and courageous, willing to stand up for what they believe in and defend those in need. It has also become a common pattern to see the last name Sword used by individuals in the military, upholding the values and protect their country.
Overall, the last name Sword carries strong connotations of strength, courage and loyalty, and could be associated with someone who is valiant and brave.
Order DNA origin analysisSword: Where does the name Sword come from?
The surname SWORD is a common English surname in many countries around the world. It is most commonly found in countries with strong links to the United Kingdom, such as Canada, Australia, and the United States. In the United Kingdom itself, Sword is most common in Northern England, particularly in the counties of Cheshire and Lancashire, with over 1,400 individuals sharing the name recorded in the 1881 census in these two counties alone.
As of the 2000 United States Census, approximately 1,147 individuals share the surname Sword across the country. California has the most number of individuals with the surname Sword, with 200 recorded in the 2000 Census. Texas and Wisconsin have the next highest concentrations of individuals with this surname, with 131 and 101, respectively.
In Australia, the surname Sword first arrived with settlers from the UK during the 1800s. The most common concentrations of Sword are found in South Australia and Victoria, with over 250 individuals sharing the name.
In Canada, the majority (over 600 individuals) of Sword surname holders were recorded living in Ontario in 2006, with Alberta and Nova Scotia coming in second and third for the highest concentrations.
The true origin of the Sword surname is unknown, although common theories among family historians claim the name to be an occupational name; most likely referring to a blacksmith or a sword maker.
Variations of the surname Sword
The surname Sword is thought to have originated from English, Scottish, and Irish ancestry. It has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.
In England, the surname Sword derives from the Old English word “sord”, meaning swimming. It is believed the name Sword was first used to refer to someone who was living near a body of water. Variants of the surname Sword include Sauord, Sauorda, Sauarde, Sauerd, and Soward.
In Scotland, the surname Sword derives from the Old Gaelic word “sabhidh”, which translates to “shield”. Variants of the surname Sword include Swort, Sauhard, and Suard.
In Ireland, the surname Sword has multiple origins. One origin is derived from the Old Gaelic word “sabhail”, which means “yew tree”. Another origin is derived from the Old Irish word “sord”, which has the same meaning as it does in England. The most common spelling variants of the surname Sword in Ireland are Saberd, Souerd, Sabhail, and Sord.
The surname Sword has expanded and developed throughout history. Variants of the surname Sword are found in many parts of the United Kingdom and Ireland, as well as a few other countries. Some variations of the surname Sword used outside of these areas include Bord, Seord, Seird, and Seward.
Famous people with the name Sword
- David Sword: a former Australian rules footballer who played in the VFL/AFL for St Kilda, Melbourne and Sydney during the 1980s and 1990s.
- Brad Sword: a former defensive back in the National Football League (NFL) who played for the New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings and Kansas City Chiefs from 1983 to 1990.
- Rory Sword: a professional Scottish football player who currently plays for Scottish Championship side Dunfermline Athletic.
- James Sword: an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He played college football at the University of Delaware after transferring from a junior college
- Chad Sword: a former professional hockey player who spent three seasons with the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets.
- Ruben Sword: a former professional cyclist from New Zealand. He competed in the 1989 UCI Road World Championships.
- Rhys Sword: a former professional tennis player. He is currently a coach at the Michael Hill Tennis Academy.
- Tom Sword: a former Major League Baseball player who pitched four seasons in the majors, primarily with the San Diego Padres.
- Jimmy Sword: a professional bass angler and the winner of the 2007 Bassmaster Classic.
- Colin Sword: a British television director whose credits include Coronation Street, Brookside and EastEnders.