Surname Van Swering - Meaning and Origin
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Van Swering: What does the surname Van Swering mean?
The last name Van Swering is a Dutch topographic surname, originating from the region of North Holland in the Netherlands. The name is derived from the Dutch words Swering, meaning 'the place surrounded by water' and Van, meaning 'from or of'. The name likely referred to someone who lived near a body of water, such as a river or lake. This type of name was common during the Middle Ages in the Netherlands, when individuals would identify themselves as coming 'from a specific place'.
The Van Swering name was first mentioned in the Dutch records in 1450, when Willem Willemse Van Swering was the captain of a Dutch ship. From 1630 to 1639, Cornelius Cornelisse Van Swering was the mayor of Gouda in the province of South Holland. His descendants moved to the United States and the name is still found among many immigrants.
Interestingly, Van Swering is used as a family crest. The crest includes a shield depicting a rampant griffin on its top, an anchor beneath it, a cross on the right and a sheaf of wheat on the left. This illustrates the Van Swering's association with the sea, faith and charity.
Today, the Van Swering name is associated with many branches of the family, who have spread out across the world. It is a reminder of a lengthy history of steadfast courage, which may have originated from the firm resolve of those living around the sea.
Order DNA origin analysisVan Swering: Where does the name Van Swering come from?
The last name Van Swering is primarily found in the Netherlands and surrounding countries. Records-search genealogical services suggest that the name is most common in the provinces of North Holland and South Holland within the Netherlands. These records also suggest that the name originates in the Netherlands, with some branches spreading into other countries such as Belgium and the United States.
The origin of the Van Swering surname has been debated for over a century with no definitive answer in sight. Some theories propose that the name evolves from the Dutch words 'van zwering' which translates to 'of the barrier' in English. However, other theories suggest that the Van Swering surname has roots in a medieval family called 'Swering' that settled in the Netherlands during the 12th century.
Today, the name is associated with an estimated 4,000 people worldwide. Although it may not be the most common surname, it is still widely known in the Netherlands, Belgium, the United States, and Australia. The name is still used within families that trace their bloodlines back to the original Van Swering family from the 12th century.
Variations of the surname Van Swering
Variants and spellings of the surname Van Sweringen are as follow: Van Sweringen, Van Sweringe, Van Sweringhen, Van Sweringh, Van Sweringer, Van Swering, Van Sweringan, Van Sweringin, Van Sweringyn, Van Sweringeur, Van Sweringhout, Van Sweringdor, Van Sweringanner, Van Sweringham, Van Sweringerle, Van Sweringlant, Van Sweringhamm, Van Sweringendorp, Van Sweringhuis, Van Sweringboer.
Surnames of the same origin include but are not limited to: Swering, Sweringen, Sweringe, Sweringer, Sweringh, Sweringin, Sweringeur, Sweringhout, Sweringdor, Sweringanner, Sweringham, Sweringerle, Sweringlant, Sweringhamm, Sweringendorp, Sweringhuis, and Sweringboer.
The Dutch name ‘Van Swering’ is derived from the Old Dutch words ‘swer’ meaning ‘mire’ or ‘swamp,’ or ‘swarin’ meaning ‘path.’ This surname is of habitation origin, referring to people who lived in an area noted by this reference, suggesting that in the distant past their family lived near a swamp or a path.
The Van Swering surname was popularized by the distinguished Dutch writer and historian Jacob van Sweringen (1568-1640), who wrote works such as ‘The Reformation in the Netherlands’ (1612) and ‘The History of Holland’ (1617-1623). This name is still found in the Netherlands and in Suriname, where it was brought by Dutch colonizers during the 16th century.
Famous people with the name Van Swering
- Wouter van Sweringen: Dutch-born American financier who, with his brother Oris, controlled the New York Central Railroad in the early 1900s.
- Chantal van Sweringen: Dutch born South African sculptor whose bold works have been exhibited internationally.
- Willem van Sweringen: Dutch columnist and writer, known for his books about Dutch social and economic history.
- Auke van Sweringen: Dutch architect who designed churches and other buildings throughout Netherlands and Belgium.
- Jef van Sweringen: Dutch illustrator and graphic designer, best known for his modern poster designs.
- Minc van Sweringen: Dutch woodcut artist whose prints appeared in many major Dutch newspapers and magazines.
- Sally van Sweringen: American actress who appeared in films such as "The Magnificient Ambersons" and "The Yearling."
- Lucas van Sweringen: Belgian music producer and audio engineer, known for his work with Belgian and Dutch hiphop artists.
- Cornelia van Sweringen: Dutch singer-songwriter whose eclectic style combines jazz, soul, and folk.
- Johan van Sweringen: Dutch poet who was known for his meditative, abstract works.