Surname Swartzwelder - Meaning and Origin
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Swartzwelder: What does the surname Swartzwelder mean?
Swartzwelder is a surname of German origin. It is derived from the German words "schwarz" meaning "black" and "wälder" meaning "forests." Therefore, it can be roughly translated as "black woods" or "black forest." This surname most likely described a person who lived in or near a dark-colored, wooded area. However, like many surnames, the exact origins and meanings can be uncertain as they evolved over centuries and geographical locations. Today, it's recognized more for its association with people who bear the name, like former Simpsons writer John Swartzwelder, than for its literal meaning.
Order DNA origin analysisSwartzwelder: Where does the name Swartzwelder come from?
The Swartzwelder surname is still common today, although its frequency can vary significantly between geographical regions. In the United States, the Swartzwelder surname is most commonly found in the central and mid-Atlantic states, including Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, Maryland, Delaware, and West Virginia. In Pennsylvania, the Swartzwelder surname is particularly common, ranking as the 961st most common surname in the state. In addition, recent data from Ancestry.com reveals that Ohio has the highest number of records containing Swartzwelder surnames, with more than 62,000 individuals recorded across the state.
Outside of the United States, the Swartzwelder surname is also common in parts of Canada and Germany. In Canada, Swartzwelder is the 533rd most common surname according to data from the 2011 Canadian Census. Similarly, in Germany, the Swartzwelder surname ranks 836th in overall frequency.
While the Swartzwelder surname is more common in some areas than others, modern-day individuals with the Swartzwelder surname can be found on all inhabited continents. Additionally, the surname can be found in numerous online genealogical records, providing further insights into the history of individuals with the Swartzwelder surname.
Variations of the surname Swartzwelder
The surname Swartzwelder has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common variant is Schwartzwelder, which is used in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Additionally, the spellings Swartzwiller, Schweitzerwueller, Schwartzweller, Swartzfell, and Swartzel can be found in various parts of the world.
The surname Swartzwelder is derived from the pre-7th-century German language and means “welder of swords”. In the medieval era, the art of sword making and welding was of great importance and sword-makers were in high demand. Thus, it is likely that the first bearers of this name were highly skilled in this craft.
In addition to the variants mentioned above, some related surnames include Schwartzwalder, Sweller, Wyrzwiller, Szwarcwalt, Schwartzer, and Schwartzwalter.
In the United States, the surname is most commonly found in Pennsylvania. The first recorded instance of this name in the US was in the 1790s, when Christian Swartzwiller immigrated from Germany.
Overall, the surname Swartzwelder has made its way all around the world and has taken on many spellings and variants over the centuries. It is a testament to the skill and hard work of medieval sword-makers.
Famous people with the name Swartzwelder
- John Swartzwelder: American television comedy writer and novelist who wrote for the animated television shows The Simpsons and King of the Hill, among others.
- Isaac Edward Swartzwelder: American soldier who fought and was killed in the Second Seminole War.
- Steve Swartzwelder: American novelist and short-story writer best known for his novels about outlaw motorcycle gang, the Brothers of the Crimson Shadow.
- William Franklin Swartzwelder: Politician and banker from Pennsylvania who served as a Republican member in the United States House of Representatives.
- Paul Swartzwelder: Retired professional golfer who played on the PGA and Nationwide Tours.
- Heidi Swartzwelder: American figure skater who represented the United States at the 1968 Winter Olympics.
- Sherman Day Swartzwelder: Publisher and philanthropist who served as president of the Fort Worth Publishing Company and was a large contributor to the founding of TCU's library in Fort Worth, TX.
- Phil Swartzwelder: National League umpire from 1969 to 1977.
- Todd Swartzwelder: Professional hockey player who played for the Dallas Blackhawks in the Central Hockey League.
- Lynda Swartzwelder: Professional figure skater who was the 1973 Junior National Champion.