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

Swell, 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 Swell surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Swell in America

Swell is the 138741st most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Swell surname appeared 111 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Swell.

The history of the last name Swell

The surname Swell appears to have its origins in England, specifically tracing back to the Anglo-Saxon period. This name likely emerged between the 11th and 13th centuries, a time when many English surnames were being formed. The areas associated with the name Swell are primarily in counties such as Gloucestershire and Somerset.

The name Swell is believed to be derived from the Old English word "swelgan" or "swillan," which means to swell or engulf. The word itself indicates a possible topographical origin, referring to someone who lived by a swollen river or a particular feature in the landscape known as "swelle."

One of the earliest historical references to the surname can be found in ancient manuscripts dating to the 12th century. An early recorded instance of the name is in the Domesday Book of 1086, where landholders with similar phonetic spellings, such as Swilla and Swelle, can be identified, hinting at the evolution of the surname over time.

In addition to land records, the name Swell appeared in various ecclesiastical documents, parish registers, and wills across England. One notable individual was Sir John Swell, born around 1300 and died in 1375, who held lands in Gloucestershire and served as a local knight. His recorded activities contributed significantly to our understanding of the surname's prevalence during the medieval period.

The name also appeared in place names, such as the village of Lower Swell, located in Gloucestershire, which provides a clear geographical link to the surname. Another historical figure, Thomas Swell, born in 1450 and deceased by 1510, was a prominent landowner in the same area. His will, preserved in the National Archives, outlines extensive properties inherited by subsequent generations.

Further, in the 17th century, records show a Dr. Edward Swell, born in 1602 and died in 1678, who was a distinguished physician in London. His contributions to medical literature and service during the Great Plague of London in 1665 are well-documented.

By the 18th century, the surname had crossed the Atlantic, with individuals like William Swell, born in 1725 and deceased in 1784, who was among the early settlers in the American colonies. His descendants played a role in the burgeoning society of the New World.

Lastly, during the 19th century, Sarah Swell, born in 1843 and died in 1897, became known for her social work and contributions to educational reforms in Victorian England. Her legacy underscores the continuing prominence and adaptation of the surname across different eras and regions.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Swell

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

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 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Swell 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 Swell was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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