Find out how popular the first name Swayze has been for the last 35 years (from 1989 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Swayze by gender

Based on the last 35 years of data, Swayze is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 79% of people named Swayze being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 83 female babies and 20 male babies born with the name Swayze.

The history of the first name Swayze

The name Swayze has its origins in the Old English language, deriving from the word "swæse," which means "companion" or "comrade." It was initially used as a descriptive term or nickname for someone who was known for their loyal and dependable nature.

During the Middle Ages, the name Swayze began to emerge as a given name, particularly in the regions of what is now southern England and parts of Wales. It was often associated with individuals from rural or agricultural communities, where the concept of camaraderie and mutual support was highly valued.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Swayze can be found in the Domesday Book, a survey of landowners and properties commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The name appears as "Swæse," referring to a landowner or tenant in the county of Somerset.

Throughout the medieval period, the name Swayze was relatively uncommon but maintained a consistent presence within certain regional pockets. Notable individuals bearing this name include Sir Swayze de Montfort, a knight who fought alongside Simon de Montfort during the Second Barons' War in the 13th century.

As the centuries progressed, the name Swayze continued to be used, albeit in a limited capacity. In the 17th century, records show a Swayze family residing in the county of Dorset, where they were involved in agricultural pursuits.

One of the most famous individuals with the first name Swayze was Patrick Swayze (1952-2009), an American actor and dancer widely acclaimed for his performances in films such as "Dirty Dancing" and "Ghost." His portrayal of rugged yet sensitive characters helped to popularize the name in modern times.

Other notable individuals with the first name Swayze include:

1. Swayze Loughren (1895-1976), an American football player and coach.
2. Swayze Walden (1919-2003), an American baseball player who played for the Chicago White Sox.
3. Swayze Caldwell (1933-2014), an American author and historian known for his works on the American West.
4. Swayze Blackburn (born 1972), a Canadian professional wrestler and actor.
5. Swayze Renshaw (born 1980), an Australian professional tennis player.

While the name Swayze has remained relatively uncommon throughout history, it has endured as a unique and distinctive moniker, carrying with it the connotations of loyalty, camaraderie, and a connection to the rural roots of its Old English origins.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Swayze was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Swayze, please contact us.

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