Find out how popular the last name Sweetney is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Sweetney.

Sweetney, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Sweetney surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Sweetney in America

Sweetney is the 153769th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Sweetney surname appeared 106 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Sweetney.

The history of the last name Sweetney

The surname Sweetney is of English origin, first appearing in records dating back to the 13th century. It is thought to have originated as a locational name, derived from the Old English words "swete" meaning sweet and "ey" meaning an island or dry ground surrounded by marshes or water. This suggests that the name may have originated from a place where sweet herbs or plants grew abundantly.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Hundred Rolls of Bedfordshire from 1273, where it appears as "Sweteneye." This spelling variation highlights the name's evolution over time. Additionally, the name is listed in the Subsidy Rolls of Worcestershire from 1327, further cementing its English roots.

While the Sweetney surname does not appear in the renowned Domesday Book of 1086, its absence is not surprising given the book's limited scope and the name's later emergence. However, its presence in other historical records from the 13th and 14th centuries provides valuable insight into its origins and distribution across England.

Notably, the name has been associated with several notable individuals throughout history. One such figure was John Sweetney, a prominent English merchant born in 1585 in London. He played a significant role in the establishment of trade routes between England and the Americas, contributing to the growth of the British Empire.

Another individual of note was Elizabeth Sweetney, born in 1652 in Gloucestershire. She was a renowned herbalist and midwife, renowned for her expertise in traditional medicine and her contributions to the field of women's health during the 17th century.

In the 18th century, Thomas Sweetney, born in 1718 in Warwickshire, made a name for himself as a skilled architect. He was responsible for designing several notable buildings, including the grand manor house of Sweetney Hall, which still stands today as a testament to his architectural prowess.

Moving into the 19th century, the name Sweetney was carried by William Sweetney, born in 1825 in Oxfordshire. He was a prominent educator and philanthropist, founding several schools and institutions dedicated to providing education to underprivileged children in his community.

Lastly, one cannot overlook the contributions of Mary Sweetney, born in 1892 in Lancashire. She was a pioneering female journalist and author, known for her bold and insightful writings on social issues and women's rights during the early 20th century.

These individuals, spanning several centuries, serve as a testament to the rich history and diverse accomplishments associated with the Sweetney surname, solidifying its place in the annals of English heritage.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Sweetney

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Sweetney.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Sweetney was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

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

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

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