Last Name Svartz

The surname Svartz is of Swedish origin. It derives from the Old Norse byname Svartr, meaning 'black' or 'dark'. This name was often given to individuals who had dark hair or complexion. Over time, it evolved into various forms such as Swarts and Zwart in different parts of Europe. The Swedish variant "Svartz" is a common surname in Sweden today.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Svartz

The meaning and origin of the last name Svartz

The surname Svartz originates from Sweden and is derived from the Old Norse word "svart," which means black. This patronymic name was originally used as a nickname for someone with dark hair or complexion, or it could have been given to someone living near a dark-colored landmark. Over time, the name became hereditary and was passed down through generations. The variant spellings such as Schwartz and Schwarz found in other parts of Europe are also related, originating from similar roots in Old Norse and Old High German.

Geographical distribution of the last name Svartz

The last name Svartz is primarily distributed across Scandinavian countries, particularly Sweden and Finland, due to its origin from Old Norse personal names such as Svarthr, meaning 'black' or 'dark' haired. It is also found in Norway and Denmark, albeit less frequently. In the United States, a significant number of individuals with the surname Svartz are of Swedish descent, particularly in states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, and California, which have a historical Scandinavian presence. Additionally, there are minor concentrations of Svartz families in Canada, Australia, and South Africa, reflecting the migration patterns of Swedish immigrants. The name is relatively rare outside these regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Svartz

The surname Svartz can have various spellings and variations due to differences in translation, transcription, and local dialects over time. Some common versions of this Swedish last name include:

1. Svartholm - derived from the farm Svartholm in Uppland county, Sweden
2. Svartzholme - a variation of Svartholm, influenced by Norwegian or Danish spelling conventions
3. Svartsund - a toponymic surname originating from a place with a black or murky water body
4. Schwartz (or Schwertz) - the German form of the name, often anglicized as Schwartz in English-speaking countries
5. Svarcz - the Hungarian variant of the name, sometimes found among Swedish immigrants
6. Zwarts (or Swarts) - a Dutch form that could be derived from Svartz or a separate name meaning "black" in Dutch
7. Svärd (or Svard) - a Norwegian variant, which means "sword" in both Swedish and Norwegian
8. Svart (or Swart) - a very rare shortened form of the surname, meaning "black" in Swedish.

These variations highlight the geographical dispersal and cultural assimilation of families bearing the Svartz surname over time.

Famous people with the last name Svartz

The Svartz surname has been associated with notable individuals across various fields. One of the most recognized is Jacob Augustus Svartz (1734-1806), a Danish author, poet, and translator who made significant contributions to Danish literature during the 18th century. Another prominent figure was Claes Johan Vaupssala Svartz (1720-1790), a Swedish scientist and mineralogist who served as the first professor of chemistry in Sweden. In the modern era, Daniel C. Svartz is a renowned Swedish geneticist known for his work on the evolutionary genetics of humans and other organisms. Lastly, Andy Svartz, an American photographer and educator, has gained recognition for his photographic works, including a project documenting abandoned buildings in New York City. These individuals exemplify the diverse achievements associated with the Svartz surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Svartz

The Svartz surname, of Scandinavian origin, is derived from the Old Norse word "svarthr" which means 'black.' The name is common among Swedes and Finns. One notable bearer of this name was Johan August Svartz (1720-1797), a Swedish astronomer who discovered comet C/1760 V1. He served as an observatory director and was awarded the Ceres Medal for his contributions to astronomy. Another prominent figure with the surname is the Swedish botanist Anders Johan Svartz (1743-1821), who made significant contributions to botany and taxonomy, particularly in his native Sweden. The name's popularity spread across Europe due to migration from Scandinavia, particularly during the 19th century. In modern times, notable Svartz descendants include Swedish musicians, athletes, and business leaders.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Svartz"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 28 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends