Swanson is a surname of Scottish origin, derived from the Old Norse words "svanni" meaning "swan" and "hús" meaning "house." It was originally given to someone who lived in a house with a swan emblem on it or near a place where swans were commonly seen.
The Swanson family can trace its lineage back to the ancient Scottish clans, with records dating back to the 12th century. The name has been associated with several notable figures throughout history, including James Swanson, who served as a colonel in the American Revolution, and Mary Swanson, a prominent suffragette in the late 19th century.
Today, Swanson is still predominantly found in Scotland and its diaspora communities around the world. While it was originally a surname, it has become increasingly popular as a given name for boys in recent years. Despite its Scottish origins, Swanson does not have an associated meaning or symbolism beyond its literal translation of "swan house." However, like many names with animal-based origins, it is often associated with qualities such as grace, beauty, and strength.
In popular culture, the surname Swanson has been made famous by several notable figures. Perhaps most famously, it was the last name of Lee Harvey Oswald, the alleged assassin of U.S. President John F. Kennedy. Additionally, the TV series "Arrested Development" features a character named Lucille Austero, whose maiden name is revealed to be Swanson.
Overall, while Swanson may not have the same level of recognition as some other surnames-turned-first-names, it possesses a rich history and unique origins that make it an appealing choice for parents looking for a distinctive and meaningful name for their child.
The name Swanson has been a relatively uncommon but steady presence in the United States over the past century. According to the statistics provided, there have been at least five births with the name Swanson every decade since the 1910s, with the exception of the 1970s and 1980s where no data is available.
The highest number of births for the name Swanson in a single year was recorded in 1925, with ten babies being born that year. This peak could be attributed to various factors such as trends in naming practices or specific cultural influences at that time.
Interestingly, there were also periods where the name appeared more frequently than others. For instance, between 1916 and 1926, there was an average of six births per year with the name Swanson. This trend decreased slightly after the 1930s but picked up again in the 1960s.
In total, over the course of these years, there were 121 babies named Swanson born in the United States. While this number may not be extraordinarily high compared to other names, it does indicate a consistent presence and recognition of the name Swanson across generations.
It's important to note that these statistics only provide a glimpse into the popularity of the name Swanson over time but do not account for factors such as immigration patterns or regional preferences which could also impact these numbers. Nevertheless, they offer an interesting insight into how the name has evolved and maintained its presence in the United States over the years.
In conclusion, while the name Swanson may not be one of the most popular choices among parents in the United States, it has demonstrated a steady and consistent usage throughout the past century. This trend suggests that there is still a significant group of people who find value and appeal in this particular name choice.